Higher Aspirations, Brighter Futures: Overview of the National Residential Child Care Initiative

There are some very real challenges facing residential child care if we are to meet the needs of some the most vulnerable children and young people in our communities – needs which the Initiative confirmed have become increasingly complex and demanding, often due to severe neglect, abuse and trauma in their earlier life. The Initiative has demonstrated that in key areas we know what needs to be done but have found if harder to make sure it happens. Stakeholders involved in the Initiative firmly believe, however, that with the commitment from all those with responsibility for the well-being of children and young people, we can bring about a more positive, valued and strategic role for residential child care. We have to be able to meet the immediate and long-term needs of children and young people who are placed in our care in order to ensure their best possible life chances.