To make sure children and young people with a care experience are connected, empowered, and able to shape the systems that affect their lives.
CREATEis the national peak body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience.
We’re independent of government and service providers, and everything we do is centred on the lived experiences of children and young people. That’s why we’re trusted by over 30,000 members across Australia.
Around 1 in 3 of our members are First Nations young people (and in the Northern Territory, it’s 9 in 10). We have offices in every state and territory, so no matter where kids are growing up in care, we’re close by.
Not all kids get to grow up with their family. Right now, more than 45,000 children and young people live in out-of-home care in Australia.
Care might mean living with relatives, foster carers, or in a group home with workers. For many, it also means moving around a lot, losing touch with siblings and friends, and not always feeling safe or listened to.
Through events so children and young people in care can meet others in similar situations, reducing isolation and making them feel less alone
Through programs like Youth Advisory Groups and Speak Up training that help young people find their voice
Alongside young people, bringing their voices to the people who make decisions, so policies and systems get better and safer for kids in care
Kids in care deserve to feel safe, heard, and valued - just like every other young person.
The impacts can be lifelong - from homelessness to justice system involvement. That’s why CREATE exists. We show up, create space for connection, and make sure children and young people with care experience have power in shaping the systems that affect them.
“CREATE saved my life.”
“It made me feel less alone.”
“I felt safe, heard, and supported.
“CREATE helps young people know their rights in care.”
CREATE’s way of working is child-focused, trauma-informed, and focused on building relationships.
For some young people, we’re the only adults who show up for them, consistently, throughout their care journey and beyond.
Young people are at the heart of everything we do. CREATE exists because their voices, ideas, and experiences show us what needs to change - and how to make it happen.
We’re led by young people every step of the way. Their lived experience shapes our programs, advocacy, and the future direction of our work. CREATE is here to make sure young people’s voices are heard by the people who make decisions, and that those voices drive real change in the care system.
Add link to CREATE’s Commitment to the Wellbeing and Safety of Young People
CREATE acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters across Australia. We recognise their enduring connection to Country, culture, and community.
We know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are strong, proud, and resilient - yet they continue to be over-represented in care. CREATE stands as an ally, committed to walking alongside First Nations children, young people, families, and communities to support their right to self-determination, truth-telling, and justice.
We are dedicated to listening deeply, learning continuously, and ensuring our programs, advocacy, and culture are culturally safe, respectful, and informed by First Nations voices and leadership.
You can’t talk about CREATE without mentioning Gus - our fun-loving purple gorilla!
Gus was introduced at CREATE’s first National Conference in Canberra back in 2013, and our clubCREATE members instantly fell in love. Since then, he’s been part of the CREATE family - showing up at events, in magazines, and on social media to bring smiles, energy, and a whole lot of purple fun wherever he goes.
Gus reminds us that while the work we do is serious, it’s also about connection, joy, and celebrating the amazing strength of young people in care.
We’re not caseworkers or carers. We don’t provide individual advocacy or make decisions about a child’s care. Our role is systemic advocacy - we work with young people to push for change in the bigger picture.
While CREATEcan’t step in for individual issues, there are people and organisations in each state and territory who can help if a child or young person has a concern about their care, needs someone to listen, or wants advice about their rights.
You can contact your local Commissioner or Guardian for Children and Young People - they’re independent, there to protect children’s rights, and can help make sure your voice is heard.
