CREATE Foundation’s Worker Training Program transforms how professionals understand and support children and young people in care.
Facilitated by CREATE staff and Young Consultants - young people with lived experience of care - this interactive training brings real voices and experiences into the room. Participants gain practical tools and fresh perspectives to strengthen their relationships with young people, improve communication, and build more responsive and trauma-informed practice.
The best way to understand what works for children and young people in care is to hear directly from them. CREATE’s Worker Training bridges the gap between the sector and the young people it serves, ensuring decisions and practice are grounded in lived experience.
By involving young people as co-trainers, CREATE fosters a powerful exchange of perspectives that challenges assumptions, deepens empathy, and inspires action.
“If you want to know what is best for the child, ASK them. If a decision needs to be made, INCLUDE them.” - Young Consultant
CREATE’s Worker Training is designed to be interactive, reflective, and practical. Participants explore:
What it’s really like to grow up in care - and how workers can help young people feel safe, seen, and supported.
The qualities that matter most, as identified by young people themselves - from reliability and empathy to follow-through and respect.
How to elevate children and young people’s perspectives in decision-making, communication, and case planning.
A defining feature of the program is the direct involvement of CREATE’s Young Consultants, who share their own insights and advice:
Reflections on what makes a good worker.
Personal stories that illustrate the impact of practice - positive and negative.
Motivation for becoming advocates and facilitators.
Key messages they want professionals to remember.
“We’re not just our case file notes, we’re more. We’re human. We’re kids.”- Young person
This exchange builds empathy and self-awareness, reminding workers that the strongest practice starts with connection and respect.
The training doesn’t stop at awareness - it helps participants turn insights into action.
Workers leave with clear, practical steps to:
Integrate young people’s feedback into their day-to-day practice.
Communicate in a strengths-based, person-centred way.
Build trust, consistency, and collaboration with young people in care.
“The best resi staff are those that engage with us and don’t focus on the house being a workplace setting.” - Young person
By the end of the training, participants will:
Amplify Voices
Recognise and value the insights of children and young people
Understand What Makes a Good Worker
Identify actions that build trust and safety
Improve Communication
Use language and behaviours that empower
Apply Learnings to Practice
Translate insights into real change
CREATE’s Worker Training Program is an opportunity to build a more responsive, compassionate, and effective child protection and care workforce.
When workers hear directly from young people, they don’t just gain new knowledge - they gain perspective, empathy, and purpose. Together, we can build a system where every child feels heard, respected, and supported to thrive.
“Keep regular contact. Involve me in decisions that impact me. Listen to what I have to say.” - Young Person
To discuss hosting a session or tailoring the training for your team.
