We are always better together than we are apart
The Children in Care Collective is an interagency think-tank with a national footprint formed in 2016 to share experience, discuss best practice, learn from researchers, policy experts and practitioners in out-of-home care and advocate for change.
Members of the Collective are out-of-home care service providers, academic centres and academic experts in the areas of child abuse and neglect, child protection, out-of-home care, and children’s rights and best interests. Together they provide a unique combination of practitioner and academic wisdom and experience.
The Collective uses evidence-based practice, practitioner knowledge, research and the expert knowledge of children and young people themselves to address difficult systemic issues for children and young people with complex needs living in out-of-home care.
Latest News and Announcements
The Children in Care Collective is winding up
The Children in Care Collective, established in 2017 as an interagency think-tank, is winding up after eight years of advocacy and collaboration. Bringing together service providers and academics, the Collective has worked to strengthen the out-of-home care system through forums, research, submissions, and resources.
Its work has influenced practice, supported carers, and created a valued space for collaboration across the sector. The Collective thanks all who contributed to its vision of improving outcomes for children and young people in care. The website will remain active until April 2026.
Recruiting respite carers
Understanding the critical need to support foster carers, the Collective has developed a template to assist in the specific recruitment of respite carers in New South Wales. It explains respite care and who can be a carer as well as legal requirements and clearances.
It is designed for use by any out-of-home care agency, who can add its own logo and contact information to the section called Local Contact.
Acknowledgement
The Children in Care Collective acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this country, and honours their connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to them, their cultures and customs, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
The Collective
is made up of the following dedicated organisations
Each logo is linked to the home site of that organisation. Please follow the link to find out more about a particular organisation.
