ABSTRACT
In Queensland, Australia the nature and impact of the experiences of former children in care was revealed to the public following a State Government Inquiry. Significant media attention followed release of the Forde Report (1999) and a number of groups and individuals submitted formal responses requesting action to redress the problems created. One of these responses titled Healing or Horror (2000) was submitted by ex-residents who claimed that survivors need ‘to be empowered in order to experience and create more fulfilling lives’. Two of the specific requests made by ex-residents at this time were:
a programs that promote creative expression b the opportunity to learn new living skills to replace learned survival skills.
