Every child and young person in care has experienced instability, adversity or trauma
They are coping with significant issues, while seeking to focus at school, define goals for their future, and stay connected with friends, family and their community.Their outcomes have been achieved with a safe adult by their side – whether it be a teacher they connect with at school, a foster carer, a case manager, or a youth worker – and this World Care Day, we invite you to celebrate their achievements alongside them.
This World Care Day (Friday 21 February), take a moment to reflect on your understanding of children in care, celebrate their stories of resilience, and consider if you can be part of the community that supports every child’s journey.
Journeys told through art
The theme for World Care Day 2025 is Celebrating Every Journey and this year, children and young people in care at MacKillop have shared a part of their journey, through art. Their works of art provide insights into their experiences of care, and we invite you to see each child in care for the amazing and resilient young people they are. View their story below.
Young person aged 7
"I painted my foster family at the beach. In the picture is me and my three sisters, and my foster sister and carer. This is my first summer being a good swimmer at the beach and it is a very happy memory. We have been going to the beach a lot. It brings me joy and I felt happy painting it."
Young person aged 16
"This sketch represents where I'm at at the moment and represents the person who has helped me through the most, my foster carer. I feel happy where I'm at right now and happy my carer has helped me by being there for me. I feel positive about the future."
Young person aged 10
"I love to have fun at the beach and to get shells from the beach – I like seeing the jellyfish. Puzzles are fun and I like colouring and playing Monopoly with staff. I also like to bake with staff and like having fun at the park. My favourite Pokémon is Pikachu."
Young person aged 16
"Snakes: A symbol of transformation, they teach us how vital it is to shed what no longer serves us. Snakes must literally shed or die. As painful as it is, letting go of what restricts us can allow us to survive, grow and thrive. Never let the same snake bite twice."
Children and young people in care share
their story
Determined to make a difference
Sheyteika didn’t receive the stability that would have made a significant difference to her childhood. She had to grow up fast.
However, her tenacity and commitment were driven by a clear goal to become a Police Officer where she could be a strong and positive role model with her community.
World Care Day resources
Young people in care have so many additional barriers to just living an ordinary life and helping them along the way and giving them a chance will benefit all of society. Here’s how you can help:
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- World Care Day is February 21. It’s an international acknowledgement and celebration of children and young people who grow up in foster or residential care – children and young people who are in our schools, in our communities, and thrive with a safe home, love and nurture. This World Care Day, I stand behind them, share their stories, and encourage the community to consider becoming a foster carer, where they can support and celebrate every child’s journey. Find out more at www.MacKillop.org.au/WorldCareDay. #CelebratingEveryJourney #WorldCareDay
- February 21 is World Care Day, an international acknowledgement and celebration of children and young people who grow up in foster or residential care. I stand with the incredible and resilient children and young people in care and invite you to learn more about and celebrate their unique journey. Find out more at www.MacKillop.org.au/WorldCareDay. #CelebratingEveryJourney #WorldCareDay
- Over 45,000 children across Australia grow up in foster care or residential care. These children have one thing in common: they experience significant adversity, but they are resilient, incredible young people, and they deserve our utmost care, respect and nurture. This World Care Day, join me in celebrating every unique journey of children and young people in care. Find out more at www.MacKillop.org.au/WorldCareDay. #CelebratingEveryJourney #WorldCareDay
- The theme for World Care Day 2025 is ‘Celebrating Every Journey’ and this year, children and young people in care at MacKillop Family Services have shared a part of their unique journey, through art. Through their works of art, they share what’s meaningful to them and communicate their care experience so that the wider community see a life in care through a different lens. This World Care Day, join me in celebrating every journey of children and young people in care. View their art and read their stories at www.MacKillop.org.au/WorldCareDay. #CelebratingEveryJourney #WorldCareDay
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Friday 21 February is World Care Day, an international acknowledgement and celebration of children and young people with a care experience. Over 45,000 children across Australia grow up in foster care or residential care. These children have one thing in common: they experience significant adversity, but they are resilient, incredible young people, and they deserve our utmost care, respect and nurture.
MacKillop Family Services, a foster care agency, is supporting World Care Day by celebrating the unique journey of the young people in their care through art, and encouraging the community to support children unable to live at home by becoming a foster carer or simply by helping raise awareness of the need for people who are capable and able to support children and young people in their community.
Our children are our future. Their hopes, dreams and futures will drive the change we see in the world. That’s why we’re supporting MacKillop Family Services and children in our community by getting behind World Care Day. View their works of art and read their stories at www.mackillop.org.au/WorldCareDay.
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Follow MacKillop Family Services and share any content that we share during World Care Day.
Facebook @mackillopfs
Instagram @mackillopfamilyservices
LinkedIn @mackillop-family-services
Download images
Download and share our World Care Day tiles. These can accompany your social media post or newsletter article. To download, click the image, right click, and save image as.
Print and display a flyer
Download, print and share the below information in your office or local business. This can be displayed as a flyer or a poster.
Interested in becoming a foster carer?
If you or someone you know wants to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people in need, you can learn more about becoming a foster carer at our information sessions or you can enquire today.
Children in care
At MacKillop, we are proud of every young person we support and encourage every child to pursue their goals and dreams. This World Care Day, read their stories and celebrate their achievements.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the MacKillop Communication Team at our.story@mackillop.org.au or contact your local MacKillop resprentative.
