From the Guardian and Training Centre Visitor – my five year term will finish in July

After nearly five years, the end of my term as Guardian for Children and Young People, and Training Centre Visitor, is fast approaching. In July, I will be finishing up one of the hardest – but best – jobs I’ve ever had. 

I have decided to ‘down step’ and look for a less intensive role, with a bit more time to focus on my own family.

It is never a good time to finish up a job like this; I still have lots of unfinished business and I will miss the many special people I have worked with. But I believe it’s now the right time for me to move aside for a new person to take on, and wrangle, the dual roles of Guardian and Training Centre Visitor.  Welcome new funding for the office brings the opportunity to reinstate some community visiting to residential care and to embark on new projects.

It has been a real privilege to work for  and with  children and young people in care and in detention. They are some of the most vulnerable children and young people in South Australia. They have also turned out to be some of the most remarkable human beings I’ve ever met. 

Most of them have faced one of the most devastating experiences any of us could imagine – being separated – as a child from their own family. Added to that is the possibility that their experience of care may not have been stable or positive or even safe.  Despite this, they survive, grow up and work out who they are. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ and they are all gloriously individual, I have often witnessed their strength, compassion and loyalty (especially for siblings and other children and young people in care). I admire their courage and determination to use their voices to make a difference for others.

It has also been my privilege to meet a wide range of dedicated adults – in government and non-government, paid and volunteer roles – in this demanding but rewarding area of community need. 

As a community we are learning more and more about how early experiences in life affect personalities, behaviours and the way a person sees the world and relationships. Loving, nurturing, predictable care demonstrates that the world is a safe place and people are, by and large, good. Fear, threat, neglect or chronic unpredictability teaches different lessons and can even permanently affect the way young brains develop. Reactions that might promote survival, in the short-term, can hamper trust and lead to behaviours, beyond the conscious control of the person, that interfere with learning and relationships. 

Children in care, and in detention, have endured challenges that most of us – and our own children – will never have to face. They deserve our compassion and respect.

Bearing this in mind, as Guardian and Training Centre Visitor I have been guided by two principles: 

  • No child ever asked or deserved to end up in a situation where they can’t live with their birth family.


By refusing ever to attribute blame or fault to those who are least responsible, we can remain focused on the things that really need to change.

  • Children and young people in care and detention have the right to the same things we would expect and demand for our own children: to be loved and cared for, kept safe, and have the opportunity to find their own unique strengths and talents.


This must be the standard that drives us. Why should any other child deserve less?

I still have two months to go before I finally finish, but the position will be advertised very soon. I would strongly encourage any interested person to consider applying for this challenging but very rewarding position  to champion the rights of children and young people in care and detention. (But be warned! They will steal your heart.)

Penny Wright

10 Responses

  1. Hi Penny
    A job well done and with great passion and commitment. You’re a fierce advocate for children and young people.
    Thanks

    1. Dear Penny,
      You have made a difference in the lives of many young people and families. You have shown them a path to future happiness and success. I am full of admiration for what you do. Congratulations on what you have achieved.
      Judy Bowden

  2. All the best Penny,
    Your contributions have and will continue to have such a positive impact for many children and young people.
    Enjoy your step down.

  3. Thank you for all you do for us kids you have been amazing and I hope your next chapter in life is just as amazing as this chapter

    1. Thanks so much, Stephanie. It has been a pleasure to work with such amazing kids.

  4. A break well deserved Penny, its been a pleasure to work with you and wish you all the best for the future.

  5. Thank you Penny for advocating for children and young people and developing the office and practices from the ground up, all the best for your next role.

  6. Dear Penny
    A very heartwarming read. Thank you for all you gave. Thank you for sowing love and hope in little hearts, educating young minds, and helping every child find their sunshine. You will be remembered.
    Kind regards
    Terry

  7. Dear Penny
    What a beautiful tribute to your clients and colleagues who have been so incredibly lucky to have had you working in this important and impactful role.
    Every best wish for your new endeavours!

  8. I no that you are leaving and I wish you well in your next journey.
    But there still high risks of children been in castration 99 percentage of are in the system trying to get the information are children the system is never going to change for the Aboriginal people future.

(c) 2021 Guardian for Children and Young People. Terms & Privacy Policy.

We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal People as the traditional owners
and custodians of the land we live and work on, their living culture and their unique role in the life of South Australia.