Press & Advocacy
Stories that raise awareness. Advocacy that drives change.
Stories that raise awareness. Advocacy that drives change.
A Better Life for Foster Kids Press & Advocacy
This page brings together the coverage we’ve received and the advocacy we continue to lead. Because when we shine a light on the gaps, others are more likely to step in and help bridge them.
Our Advocacy
We don’t just respond to the cracks in the system, we actively work to change them.
A Better Life For Foster Kids regularly engages with policymakers, government departments, and child protection agencies to advocate for:
- Improved access to mental health services for children in care.
- Greater stability and permanency for children in long-term placements
- Increased support, funding, and recognition for foster and kinship carers
- Transparency, accountability, and trauma-informed practice across the system
Our advocacy is driven by what we hear on the ground, from carers, caseworkers, and the children themselves. We use our voice to reflect theirs, ensuring they are seen, heard, and respected at every level.
Addressed the challenges in accessing mental health services for children in care.
Mental Health Access Survey (2021): We conducted a survey to identify barriers faced by carers and children in accessing mental health services. The findings highlighted significant gaps and informed our advocacy strategies.
Letter to Victorian MPS:
2021: Addressed the challenges in accessing mental health services for children in care. Download The Letters Here
2020: Highlighted concerns about the lack of permanency for children and the need for greater accountability within child safety departments
In the Media
We’re proud to have been featured across national and regional media, helping to shine a light on the challenges and the incredible resilience within Victoria’s out-of-home care system.
Below, you’ll find some of the places where our story has been shared.
Be sure to explore each one, you might find we’ve been featured more than once!
Gippsland Times highlights the charity's decade-long commitment to supporting children in care.
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Gippsland Kids Support ABLFFK in Their PJs
Community members participate in PJ Day to raise awareness and funds.
Read morePJ Day to Support Children in Out-of-Home Care
An initiative to help children in care across Gippsland.
Read moreFoster Care Gala
An event celebrating and supporting foster care initiatives.
Read moreA Step in the Right Direction
Gippsland Times discusses progress in supporting foster children.
Read more
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Children in Care Left Out of Decision-Making
ABC News covers a study on case worker overload affecting children in care.Passion to Support Vulnerable Kids in Out-of-Home Care
Gippsland Times features efforts to assist children in care.
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Gippsland Times highlights holiday initiatives for children in care.Read more
Knitting for a Better Life
Community members contribute handmade items for children in care.Read more
Former Foster Child Works to Make Life Better for Kids in Care
ABC News profiles Heather Baird's journey and the founding of ABLFFK. Read more
After graduating from Federation Training, Heather Baird launches A Better Life For Foster Kids to support children entering out-of-home care across Victoria.
Read more
Join the Village
The Foster Care Crisis in Victoria: It’s Time for Change
Heather from A Better Life for Foster Kids speaks from the heart about the urgent need to reform Victoria’s foster care system. With too many children falling through the cracks and carers feeling unsupported and unheard, it’s time to take action.
This powerful message is a call for change, to give foster children and their carers the voice, respect, and support they deserve.
Annual Reports
Want to See the Impact You’ve Made?
View our Annual Reports to explore the stories, milestones, and impact made possible by our generous community of supporters, volunteers, and carers.
