Young people with care experience across the Northern Territory are raising their voices and challenging stigma this World Care Day, helping to break down barriers and build stronger futures.
Today, the Department of Children and Families joins communities across Australia and around the world to mark World Care Day, the world's largest celebration of children and young people who are in, or have been in, foster, kinship or residential care.
Deputy CEO Regional Services Karen Broadfoot said World Care Day is an opportunity to recognise young people's strength and leadership while continuing to strengthen the systems that support them.
"World Care Day is about celebrating the strength, resilience and potential of children and young people with care experience," Ms Broadfoot said.
"I want every young person in care to know they are seen, valued and supported. Breaking barriers means listening to young people and backing them with practical support, safe and stable homes, and real opportunities for their future."
With more than 20 years of experience in child protection services across urban and remote communities, Ms Broadfoot said strong local partnerships are essential to improving outcomes for children and families.
Across Australia, young people with care experience are sharing their stories to help #SnapThatStigma and challenge misconceptions about growing up in care.
In the Northern Territory, young people recently came together with local rap artist Riley P through the CREATE Foundation to write and record an original song, I Won't Give Up here. The song shares a powerful message of resilience, determination and chasing dreams despite challenges.
CREATE Foundation NT State Program and Engagement Coordinator Tenneil Ross said World Care Day challenges outdated narratives.
"Young people in care are resilient, they are advocates and leaders and they deserve to be seen for their potential, not defined by misconceptions or stigmas," Ms Ross said.
The song was developed through a workshop that built on earlier youth-led projects and created a safe space for young people to express themselves and influence change.
"Every young person with a care experience is the expert in their own life. When we listen and act on what they tell us, we're upholding their right to have a say in decisions that affect them and recognising their lived experience as real expertise."
"Breaking barriers starts with respect, recognising young people with a care experience as decision-makers in their own lives. It means giving them a genuine seat at the table, not as a gesture, but as leaders whose voices shape the decisions that affect them. When we value their lived expertise and stand beside them, they don't just participate, they lead and have autonomy over their journey," Ms Ross said.
Ms Broadfoot said supporting carers is one of the most practical ways to break down barriers for children in care.
"Supporting foster and kinship carers improves placement stability and helps create the safe and nurturing environments children need to thrive," she said.
The Department of Children and Families work closely with the Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT and seven Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to recruit, assess and support carers across the Territory.
In 2025, the Department undertook foster and kinship consultation and engagement to identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen relationships and increase the number of foster and kinship carers.
"We are investing in child protection and strengthening support for foster and kinship carers because every child deserves to thrive," Ms Broadfoot said.
In 2025-26, the Northern Territory Government is investing $20.9 million in child protection services and $138.6 million in out-of-home care to ensure children who cannot live safely at home receive the support they need.
The Northern Territory Government also supports CREATE Foundation, investing $2.6 million over five years to provide advocacy, connection and leadership opportunities for children and young people with care experience across the Territory.
World Care Day encourages the community to challenge stigma, celebrate young people's achievements and consider how they can contribute to breaking barriers.
