Special inquiry into children and young people in alternative care arrangements

The Advocate has established a special inquiry into children and young people placed into alternative care arrangements (ACAs). This includes the use of hotels, motels and other settings for placements. A key focus of the inquiry will be speaking directly with children and young people to hear about their experiences in ACAs – both those currently in ACAs and those with prior experiences. There continues to be reports of ongoing systemic issues in regard to the use of ACAs in NSW. As a result, the Advocate feels it necessary to conduct this inquiry. If you have experienced being placed into an alternative care arrangement, or know of someone who has, you can make a submission here to share your story. Terms of Reference are now available for other interested stakeholders here.

 Voice to Parliament Referendum resources

On Saturday 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a Referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia. We have developed a series of resources to help you stay informed and answer some questions you may have in the lead up to the Referendum. You can access our resources here. 

 2023 Children’s Week: 21-29 October 2023

To support the Advocate’s role in NSW Children’s Week, ACYP will be hosting a series of engaging initiatives. In 2023, the national theme of Children's Week relates to Article 31 of the UNCRC - all children have the right to relax, play and take part in activities they enjoy. To commemorate the week, we are preparing for some fun in Western Sydney, Strawberry Hills and Wagga Wagga in late October to celebrate this year's theme. We have also opened entries into our Board Game competition for children aged 18 years and younger, who have been tasked with creating a board game. You can find out more here.

 Nominations now open for the 2024 One to Watch Showcase

The Ones to Watch Showcase recognises girls and young women aged 7 to 15, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/or kindness to help and support those around them. The program will showcase up to 10 girls who will be recognised and profiled as part of the 2024 Women of the Year Awards campaign and ceremony as the next generation of rising stars. You can nominate someone you know here. Nominations close 24 October 2024. 

 Cost of Living Report

From April – August 2023, ACYP consulted with over 220 young people aged 16 – 24 years living in Greater Sydney and regional NSW on their experiences of the cost of living pressures. Our findings will be collated in the coming months as part of our final report, It should be easier to just exist: How children and young people are impacted by and responding to the rising cost of living in NSW. To read the interim report released in July, click here.

Meeting newly arrived young people

In September, Zoë and ACYP's Participation team met with some inspiring newly arrived young people at Settlement Services International Youth Symposium about their aspirations and hopes for the future in NSW. The team also met with young people participating in Fusion’s Futsal State Championships 2023 and Street Industries’ Friday Night Football. We look forward to participating in the South West Connect Wellbeing Success Summit and celebrating Children’s Week in October.  More to come on this in the next edition!

 Vaping Report 

Our Vaping report, Vaping can affect your whole life, not just your lungs: young people’s perspectives on vaping in 2023, will be published in October. With vaping use on the rise, particularly for young people aged under 24 years, ACYP sought to better understand young people’s perceptions of vaping and what would help them to quit. We spoke with over 260 young people across 25 focus groups in nine schools in Greater Sydney and regional NSW. Keep a look out for the report. 

Meet our team

Over the coming months we will be sharing profiles of our team. Here are two of the faces you will see around our office or out on the road!

In my role with ACYP's Participation team, I have the privilege of speaking directly with children and young people across NSW on the issues and topics that matter the most to them. My focus is to raise the voices of children and young people in NSW so their thoughts and concerns are always heard in an impactful way.

I am a proud Barkindji man, from western NSW living on Dharug country with my young family. 

I joined ACYP in 2022 as a Youth Specialist - Service Support. Prior to this role, I was working at PCYC. At ACYP, I get the opportunity to speak with children and young people affected by the recent floods, and support them by linking them with services, and building capacity within their communities.

I am a proud Kamilaroi man, from Western Sydney, living on Cammeraygal country with the lads.

Thank you for your continued support. If you would like to know more about anything in this newsletter or have any questions, please get in touch by emailing us at acyp@acyp.nsw.gov.au.

Zoë Robinson
Advocate for Children and Young People