Our Mission

We’re a grassroots network of advocates, carers, and community members dedicated to improving how children and families experience care across Australia. We believe that every voice matters, and that meaningful reform starts with listening

Our mission is to amplify the voices of families, carers, and young people with lived experience deal with The Department of Child Protection, to drive understanding, transparency, and positive change.

Our Backstory

Children First Australia was founded by a mum navigating her way through dealing with The Department of Child Protection. She saw firsthand the need for better communication, support, and understanding between families and services. What started as a small group of parents sharing experiences has grown into a national community advocating for safer, more compassionate approaches by The Department of Child Protection.

What We Stand For

Transparency — families deserve to understand and participate in decisions that affect them.

Lived Experience Leadership — those most affected should guide change.

Accountability — systems work best when they listen and learn.

Collaboration — positive change happens when families, workers, and communities work together.

Respect — every story deserves to be heard with dignity.

What We Do

We create safe spaces for people to share their stories, highlight systemic challenges, and connect with others who understand. We publish articles, run surveys, and share insights that help families navigate their way through dealing with The Department of Child Protection with a goal to push for better safety practices and family supports.

Our focus is on solutions, turning lived experience into better outcomes for children.