Recently members of Anglicare’s Youth Reference Group (YRG) were invited to participate in a panel at the Child Inclusive Practice Forum 2025. Run by Family & Relationship Services Australia (FRSA), the forum brought together mediators, social workers, psychologists, and counsellors that work in child and family services and Family Dispute Resolution (mediation).

Considering the forum’s theme of Putting Children at the Centre, it was fitting that the voices of young people were central to the event, and members of Anglicare’s YRG received positive feedback from the audience of professionals for their ability to articulate the youth perspective and their willingness to share their personal experiences.

Anglicare’s YRG consists of young people, aged 12-25, who access our services and provide valuable insight into our programs, and the issues that impact young people today. Working with Jackie Brady, Executive Director FRSA and moderator Zakia Patel, Regional Managing Director Multicultural Hub, YRG members spoke at the forum about their own involvement with social services and the justice and health systems.

“They spoke with a powerful voice and their message was incredibly impactful”, said Anglicare Youth Worker Kayla Wowk, who helped coordinate the YRG’s participation at the event. “They shared opinions of policies and practices that work well, those in need of improvement and the barriers they’ve faced in feeling heard by services/adults.

The panel’s aim was to gain greater understanding of the experience of young people accessing services, to better understand their needs and emotions, and to drive critical improvements within the sector.

For the YRG members, it was a valuable experience that reinforced the importance and value of having their voices heard and being advocates for change.

To learn more about our YRG and our other Youth Services visit our Youth and Family Services page.

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