The Pacific team held one on one interviews with Pacific youth that have had recent lived experiences of being in State care. These interviews were conducted with the support of Affirming Works.

Participants shared:

• Young people should be removed from homes immediately when they report abuse. It is important they are in a safe and supportive environment;
• Social workers and other agencies such as the police or community groups need to regularly check in on children during their placements to make sure that they are being well looked after. It also encourages young people to know that there is someone that they can turn to for help when they need it;
• There should be consequences for caregivers and workers that do not provide adequate support or look after young people in their care;
• Young people need ongoing support once they leave care and the support must be accessible and reasonable to the young person’s specific needs;
• A system that cares for young people must have kindness, respect, transparency, honesty and trust.