Cairns foster care: Initiative Rights, Voices, Stories project lets James Unwin speak about past

A young Cairns man now out of the foster system has spoken on how the lack of support left him homeless.

A 21-YEAR-OLD now out of the foster system has reflected on how the lack of support left him homeless but has found ways to help others.

Queensland Family and Child Commission has created a youth-led initiative Rights, Voices, Stories project which identifies what is missing in the system.

James Unwin from Cairns said he went into the system at the age of three and didn’t have much of a childhood.

“Technically there was no support at all. I had to do everything myself,” he said.

“The only time support was ever there was when the carer would argue for me but she would only get so far.”

James Unwin, a man who was previously in foster care has told the story of how he had no support and was left on the street. He now is trying to help others. Picture: Brian Cassey

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Mr Unwin said when he got to the age of 18 he was left homeless with no help.

“I was literally told I was less of a priority because I was older but I had only just come to terms I was older,” he said.

“Being told when I was 18 I was less of a priority was very gut wrenching. Doing this report made me feel I was contributing to those future generations.”

Mr Unwin said it was good people in care get supported until 21 but it was a huge issue for him.

“You basically get deported out of the system, no one gives you pamphlets or any advice, any packages,” he said.

“After two years I finally went homeless because I couldn’t support myself properly anymore. I didn’t know who to connect with and who to go to.”
Mr Unwin said he hoped his work helps others.

“I want to see future generations having a say in their future. That’s something that’s not really outlined when they suddenly go into care.

“That was one of the reasons I failed so much to adapt than most kids in care cause I didn’t feel I could have a say in my future. They would delegate with higher up.

Queensland Children's Commissioner Natalie Lewis. Picture David Clark

“I thought that maybe my experience would hold some sort of worth.

“We were looking at what was lacking in the system and how we could change that.

“I really hope that people understand this was a long process and a long fight to get young peoples voices in this report.”

QFCC Commissioner Natalie Lewis said ten other young people helped find areas which needed work.

“Things that matter most to a child or young person in care centre around their identity, stability, health and wellbeing, safety and love, and equity and fairness, which sadly, not all young people in care enjoy,” she said.

“Practical things they told us matter include having access to identifying documents – their birth certificate, photos of themselves and their family taken throughout their lives; attending the same school throughout their term of care; and access to driving lessons and obtaining a licence.”

Ms Lewis said they will look at ways to work with the government to implement change.

Originally published as Cairns foster care: Initiative Rights, Voices, Stories project lets James Unwin speak about past