The McCusker Centre for Citizenship at the Department of Communities is hosting a student from the University of Western Australia (UWA), who is developing a project to empower young people in foster care to voice their feedback and concerns.
UWA student, Helene Moe has contributed 100 hours towards the project through the internship.
Ms Moe (pictured), who is studying Law and Society and Political Science and International Relations at UWA, said she undertook the internship to further explore her passion for social justice.
“Since I was a child, I have always wanted a career where I am able to help people,” she said.
“I am now studying law, hoping to work in human rights, with a particular passion for women’s and children’s rights.”
As a part of her project, Ms Moe met a wide range of staff from Residential Group Homes to ensure her recommendations were meaningful and representative.
“Knowing that my project is being informed by the thoughts and opinions of children and young people in care and that the policy and process changes and outcomes will be child-focused, makes me very proud,” she said.
Director of Standards and Integrity at the Department, Rebecca Francis is supervising Ms Moe’s internship.
“Helene accepted the challenge of the assigned project with enthusiasm and a positive drive which allowed the project to gain a momentum to achieve outcomes ahead of schedule,” Ms Francis said.
“We appreciated Helene’s input, team spirit and professionalism, and feel the internship was a valuable experience for us as well as her,” she said.
