Commissioner for Children and Young People Tasmania Leanne McLean launched the book on views and experiences of Tasmanian young people in out-of-home care entitled OK, so a nest is a home at the Huonville Library on Monday, August 29.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People Tasmania Leanne McLean launched OK, so a nest is a home - Views and experiences of Tasmanian children and young people in out-of-home care at the Huonville Library on Monday, August 29, joined by Minister for Community Services and Development Nic Street as well as carers and child safety advocates in the local area. 

Ms McLean said an important part of her role as Commissioner is to promote and empower the participation of children and young people in the making of decisions and the expressing of opinions on matters that may affect their lives. 

This includes children living in out-of-home care in Tasmania which includes foster care, kinship care and residential care in Tasmania. 

“Every night, about 1100 Tasmanian children and young people are in out-of-home care,” Ms McLean explained. 

“That is about one in every 100 or one per cent of children and young people in communities across the State. 

“In 2021-22, as part of my Out-of-Home Care Monitoring Program, it was my great pleasure to undertake a series of creative consultations and discussions with children and young people with a care experience to explore the theme of ‘Being Loved and Safe’.