Hopes and aspirations for children in care

My hope for the children is security. And I mean, all kinds of security, physical and otherwise. And also education, which will allow them and give them the possibility to stand on their own feet. And not be dependent on anyone. To have the support that they need for them to become strong, independent young people. So they can contribute to their society, and feel good about it. My biggest hope is for each child to have a family, for each child to be loved, so that they can receive for whatever the other children are receiving that are in homes. So my hope is to see a smile, and love, and care for every child.

That the children in alternative care would not be in alternative care. And that they would be able to grow up with their families, and that they would be able to know their siblings, and their grandparents, and everyone else in the community. The quality of care that they receive when they need to be in alternative care gives them all the security, safety, and support they need to grow and develop, and move on into independent lives as adults. My hope is really that solutions are found for the individual child, which fits his or her different circumstances. And the care reform process, which is ongoing, does find that mark. So that children, who were able to leave care, do leave.

And those who need other forms of arrangement, it’s found. Well my principal wish is that they can live with their original family and that all of their rights are respected. That all the boys and girls that live in alternative care can return to their original family, and if that’s not possible then that they have the opportunity to live with an alternative family. My biggest hope for children in alternative care, is that any child that can go back to their family, will do, and will get the right support to do that. And that those that can’t, will be in a place where they’re treated as an individual, that they’re valued, and that they experience love.

For those who can return to their families, to be with them. And for those who we could do anything possible for them to go back, but it’s impossible, just to give them a really good quality care. And for all of them, I think, that the best thing is to have a very happy childhood like I did.