11/09/2026
To all those experiencing the child protection system - this week, we’re sending hope, strength, and ideas your way (it’s “Child Protection Week”).
Throughout this week, we've shared pieces of a poem written by Leanne Claussen - words of encouragement from one parent to another.
We know the child protection journey can feel incredibly hard, isolating, and overwhelming.
We hope these words reminded you:
🌟You are heard
🌟You are seen
🌟You are stronger than you think
🌟And you are not alone
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Today we are sharing Leanne Claussen's full poem - I Was You
"I was you
I was the person who answered the door and saw child safety standing there,
I was the person who trembled with fear, my life experiences completely laid bare.
I was the person who fought not to cry when my child begged me to take them home,
I was the person who for weeks and weeks only had contact on the phone.
I was the person who fought the battle but didn't win,
I was the person who was mercilessly separated from my kin.
I was the person who fell down again and again,
I was the person whose heart was broken and took years to mend...
Then something happened, something I didn't expect,
I fell down like normal, but I kept standing tall, finally feeling some self respect.
This shocked me and them,
All of a sudden the playing field changed again.
I had strength, I had courage, I didn't cry,
I stopped responding to them the same way - and proved that I could try.…
To be a good mum, to learn from my mistakes,
I'm learning to cope, even though my heart still aches.
I'm doing my best, for them and for me,
As I learn about the system, I'm learning about the Family Inclusion Network and going to my first parent tea.
I start off slow, I felt I didn't have a voice,
But all of a sudden I found I had a choice.
I sat and cried with other parents from FIN,
They held our hands, listened to us and then I started to fit in.
I leaned on others and they leaned on me,
I spoke out, I grew in confidence, I became a busy bee.
I changed my relationship with my worker, which was very hard,
She started to see me in a new light,
She let down her guard.
She started treating me like a mum,
This lead to changes, the biggest one was yet to come.…
I branched out and started helping others,
Lots of people came to me, grandparents, dads and mothers.
Helping them changed me,
I felt like I could give back and I could finally see.
The way forward, the way out,
My case was almost over and no amount.
Of wishing, hoping or dreaming of the end,
Could compare to all the twists and turns, corners and bends.
That we all went through to be finally free,
My kids are all now adults you see.
I made it! We made it! My case is done!
One day you will be able to say the same,
Your face will be as bright as the sun.
So, you see, I was you,
I understand what you are going through.
I know how hard this is, I understand your pain,
But know that one day this will be over and you will be a family again.
So take a breath, go one day at a time,
You've got this my friend, and now I've finished my rhyme.
Good luck from me to you,
One day this will all be over and this I can promise is true." (Parent, Leanne Claussen).
[11/9/2026 - Part 5 of 5: All posts can be found on our page Family Inclusion Network South-East Queensland]
