We all have a breaking point. Unfortunately at this time of year many of us are pushed beyond ours. Traumatised children have behaviours associated with the abuse they have suffered, and with no support we try our best to heal their fractured minds and indeed sometimes their little bodies. But who cares for the carers? The short answer = no one. Society feeds a thought process that families are forever, that we grow and meet our prince or princess and live happily ever after. The reality is that this scenario is becoming fictional and the exception rather than the rule. What do you think would happen if every kinship carer in Australia said enough is enough and placed their carelings into the foster system? The politicians and the public are safe in the knowledge that this would never happen, because we have taken these children on - after they have been removed by child protection, to give them the best opportunity at having a normal productive life and we have invested our whole heart in making this happen. But what if we all stood up one day and said 'thats it, I'm done' Statistical data is well documented as being 3 to 4 times under the actual figures for children in out of home care. The most recent statistics from AIHW (2017a) show that, as of 30 June 2016, there were 46,500 Australian children living in out-of-home care, with 46% living in relative/kin care arrangements. So conservatively (& I fear it is much higher) that could equate to 139,500 children and nearly half living with relatives/kin. Without support, without assistance of any kind. If we were to hand these children over, how do you see that impacting on the future of this country? You can say that this is not your problem, and maybe at present it isn't directly affecting you, but the day will come that it will. It is up to each and every one of us to provide for Australia's most vulnerable citizens, our children. Please reach out to those who are struggling, a kind word or offer of support can make the difference between survival or suicide. If we as carers break, the impacts will affect you! The public, our society, and our future. If you are not looking for a solution, then you 'are' part of our problem xx