Global Care Leavers’ Community

By Lourdes Cafivela, GCLC member

Photo: GCLC archive

 

The Global Care Leavers’ Community (GCLC) is a transnational network of care-experienced individuals from over 28 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Members come from diverse backgrounds and work in different sectors, including social work, advocacy, academia, policymaking, research, and grassroots activism. Despite our varied locations and professional paths, we are united by our shared experiences of leaving care and our commitment to improving policies, systems, and support structures for care leavers worldwide.

Our Core Activities:

1. Bridging the Gap – We act as a central hub for care leavers, connecting individuals across different regions, backgrounds, and experiences.

2. Tracking & Celebrating Special Days – We keep track of care leavers’ birthdays, achievements, and other significant milestones, ensuring that no one feels forgotten.

3. Recognizing & Celebrating Each Other – We uplift and celebrate care leavers' successes, big or small, to build a culture of encouragement and mutual support.

4. Sharing Opportunities – We actively provide and share information about scholarships, jobs, training, grants, and other opportunities available to care leavers globally.

Additional Ways We Support Care Leavers:

·       Creating Safe Spaces – Offer platforms for care leavers to express themselves, share experiences, and find emotional support.

·       Advocacy & Awareness – Raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by care leavers and advocate for systemic changes that benefit the community.

·       Skill Building & Mentorship – Provide guidance, workshops, and mentorship to help care leavers develop personal and professional skills.

·       Networking & Community Building – Organize events, discussions, and forums where care leavers can build relationships and support each other.

 

One of the most impactful moments for GCLC was the First International Care Leavers Convention (ICLC) in 2020, which brought together 2,300+ delegates from 80+ countries to discuss the lived realities of care leavers worldwide. This led to the formation of GCLC and the creation of a Declaration of Care Leavers’ Rights and Demands, which has since been used in advocacy efforts across different countries.

Another defining moment was the recent FICE International event in Croatia, where four global care leavers from GCLC participated. This gathering highlighted the urgent need for support beyond the five basic needs—we must move beyond survival to living and thriving. Meeting each other in person was an emotional and empowering experience, reinforcing the strength of our global connections and shared mission.

For many of us, GCLC is more than a network—it is a heart-family, a place where we feel heard, valued, and empowered. It is a platform where we move from being passive beneficiaries of care systems to active contributors in shaping policies and programs that affect us. Our collective strength enables us to break the cycle of invisibility and marginalization, ensuring that no care leaver is left behind.

You can find more about GCLC and how to join us at: https://careleaverscommunity.org/