My name’s Chey-Anne and I grew up in the foster care system with my twin sister, Tori moving through sixteen homes and eight schools before finding stability. I’m 26 now and work as both a Correctional Officer and a Detention Services Officer, two roles that challenge me but also remind me how far I’ve come.
On stigma and assumptions
There’s a lot of judgement around being in care. People assume you’re “trouble” or “broken” before they even know your story. I remember being labelled as “difficult” when I was really just hurt and trying to be understood.
Even as an adult, the stigma doesn’t completely go away. When people find out you grew up in care, you sometimes hear comments like, “Better hide your wallet,” or “Be careful, she might steal it.” I’ve never stolen anything in my life, but those words stick. They’re a reminder of how deep those stereotypes run and how unfairly they follow you.
"...words stick. They're a reminder of how deep those stereotypes run."
Breaking cycles
I’m passionate about breaking cycles, raising awareness around mental health and helping young people realise that where you come from doesn’t decide where you end up.
"I stopped listening to what people said I was and became who I wanted to be."
I wasn’t that angry girl with no future who would turn out like my mum. I was someone building her own path.
How Chey-Anne overcame stigma
I overcame the stigma of growing up in care by owning my story. For years I tried to hide it, but when I stopped being ashamed and started sharing it, the stigma lost its power. I used the negativity as motivation to do everything I was told I couldn’t do.
What needs to change
"Three things I'd change about the care system are better emotional support, trauma education for carers, and a focus on homes not just beds."
By better emotional support, I mean not just until someone turns 18 but until they’re genuinely stable. Access to therapy and check-ins shouldn’t only happen after a crisis or when a young person becomes a “victim of crime.” It should be part of their ongoing care.
Trauma education for carers is essential. Carers need real training on how to support kids with PTSD, anger, anxiety, or attachment issues. Too many children get labelled “difficult” when they’re actually scared and struggling to regulate their emotions. Carers should be taught to understand the ‘why’ behind behaviours, not just the rules to control them.
The system spends so much time finding “a bed” for a child, but not a home. Healing takes more than a roof it takes emotional safety, care, and being seen.
"Kids need carers who listen, not just ones who meet the minimum standards."
What's next for Chey-Anne
I’m 26 and married now and in five years I see myself owning a home, having children, and building a house filled with love and hopefully, a little bit of money too.
But more than anything, I want stability, peace, and to keep showing others that healing is possible.
Thank you, Chey-Anne for sharing how you #SnapThatStigma
Do you have a story to share? Email marketing@create.org.au to join our #SnapThatStigma campaign.
