our story
the History of
Change for Youth Foundation
Founded in 2016 by Lisa Honeychurch, Change for Youth Foundation was established from a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people living in out-of-home care.
The Foundation’s origins can be traced to Lisa’s longstanding involvement in child welfare, including pro bono legal work undertaken during her career as an employment and litigation lawyer. Lisa undertook pro bono legal work for Act for Kids and served on the Research Committee of the Abused Child Trust, experiences which deepened her interest in child protection, the experiences of children in care and the laws, policies and systems that shape their lives.
A significant pro bono legal matter during her legal career further reinforced this commitment. Lisa successfully represented a young boy and his foster parents in challenging a reunification decision which had resulted in the child being placed at high risk of harm, including pursuing parenting orders through the Family Court. Through this work, she gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by children and families involved in the child protection system.
The experience highlighted the instability many children encounter, the pressures placed on carers, and the profound importance of consistent, trusted adult relationships in helping young people thrive. It also reinforced Lisa’s belief that improving outcomes for vulnerable children requires not only compassionate support, but strong systems, evidence-informed practice and laws that properly protect and support children and young people.
Determined to make a practical difference, and drawing on her experience as a volunteer with Camp Quality, Lisa established what was then known as the Keema Children’s Foundation alongside the Little Stars Kids Camps Program.
The vision was simple but powerful: to create safe, positive experiences where children and young people could build confidence, connection, belonging and trust through relationships with caring adult mentors.
Over the following years, the Foundation grew steadily and developed a strong volunteer and community network. Prior to COVID-19, more than 100 children and young people participated in camps and mentoring experiences each year, supported by more than 130 volunteer mentors. The programs provided opportunities many young people may not otherwise have experienced, including recreation, community participation, positive role modelling and the development of trusted relationships.
The camps became known for their trauma-informed approach and focus on emotional safety, inclusion and connection. Most importantly, they gave children and young people the opportunity to experience something every child deserves — joy, fun and a genuine sense of belonging.
Lisa Honeychurch
Founding Director & Board Chair
From connection to opportunity
Through its work with children and young people, the Foundation observed a recurring challenge. While positive experiences and trusted relationships were critical, many young people in care continued to face significant barriers to educational engagement and achievement.
It became increasingly clear that education was one of the most powerful pathways to long-term stability, opportunity and improved life outcomes.
This insight led to an evolution in the Foundation’s work. Building on the relationships and lessons developed through the camps program, Change for Youth Foundation shifted its primary focus towards supporting educational engagement and achievement for children and young people in out-of-home care.
Through the Empower Youth Program, the Foundation worked alongside young people, carers and schools to support learning, build confidence and create pathways for future success. Young people also continued to participate in positive community experiences, including theatre, sporting events, cultural activities and other community outings designed to broaden horizons, develop social connections and foster a sense of belonging.
From supporting children to changing systems
The Foundation’s experience working directly with children, young people, carers and professionals has continued to shape its understanding of child welfare.
Over time, it became increasingly apparent that while direct support can make a profound difference in the life of an individual child, lasting change also requires attention to the systems in which children and young people live.
The Foundation has therefore continued to develop its interest and expertise in child protection, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, educational outcomes and the laws and systems that affect children and young people.
This represents the next chapter in Change for Youth Foundation’s history.
Building on a decade of practical experience, research, advocacy and direct engagement with children and young people, the Foundation is evolving its work to focus more strongly on advocacy, research and systems reform.
Its purpose remains unchanged: to improve the lives and futures of children and young people.
The Foundation believes that every child deserves to be safe, heard, supported and given the opportunity to thrive. Achieving that requires both practical support for children today and a willingness to challenge and improve the systems that will shape the lives of children tomorrow.
Change for Youth Foundation exists to help drive that change.
