Child protection teams from the Department of Children and Families have been busy spreading Christmas cheer to children in care across the Northern Territory this festive season.
Santa's official helpers have hosted Christmas parties for children, kinship and foster carers, and families, handing out gifts and bringing joy to the children and families in our care.
For Central Australia Santa (aka Dave Miller, a dedicated Aboriginal Community Worker), the opportunity to don the red suit and see the children's faces light up with smiles was a highlight.
Teams across the Territory hosted events with dedicated child protection staff taking on the role of Santa or his elves, handing out gifts, sharing Christmas cheer and taking the kids on tours of brightly decorated offices and facilities.
"Having the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our foster and kinship carers for their commitment and hand out gifts to all the kids at these events was really special, said Dave."
In the Northern Territory, foster and kinship carers play an important role in the lives of children and young people while they are in care.
Children may come into care for a range of reasons and when Department of Children and Families Child Protection teams need to place a child in care, they work closely with the children, carers and families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child.
For Child Protection Manager in Central Australia Adeyinka Hussain, being a child protection worker is more than just a job.
"It's about being part of something bigger. Working with children and families to help keep them safe, strong and connected is really rewarding - I couldn't imagine a better job, Adeyinka said.
"Having the opportunity to share in the joy, laughter and happiness of our kids in care and their carers and families at these Christmas parties each year makes me so happy.
The role of foster and kinship carers cannot be underestimated. In a recent social media post on the department's Facebook page, Young Consultants with CREATE Foundation Alicia Seccin, Timothy Noakes, and Tyrone Reynolds shared their personal experiences in the care system to help shape a brighter future for children and young people in care.
In the heartfelt video, Alicia, Timothy, and Tyrone share what makes a great carer, how carers impacted their lives growing up and a heartfelt message for anyone in care who might feel alone or disconnected - especially at this time of the year.
To watch their story, see: Video | Facebook here
If you'd like to be a foster or kinship carer, visit: here
For a career in Child Protection, visit: choosechildprotection.nt.gov.au here
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer, Department of Children and Families Emma White
"Thank you to everyone who joined in the celebrations with our teams, and a huge thank you to Santa and his elves for taking time out of their busy schedule to spread Christmas magic and ensure every child felt the joy of the season."
"To our foster and kinship carers across the Territory, who provide unwavering care every day, and are helping children in care grow and thrive in loving environments - we couldn't do the work we do in child protection without them.
"We also want to thank Alicia, Timothy, and Tyrone for sharing their personal journeys with us. Their courage and advocacy are a testament to the vital role foster carers play in transforming the lives of children and young people.
"Our dedicated Child Protection, Circuit Breaker and frontline teams will be working through the Christmas and New Year period, ensuring our kids in care - and children and families right across the Territory - have access to the support and services they need to thrive."
