Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a Human Rights lawyer, writer, storyteller, and survivor of the Family Policing System (commonly known as the foster ‘care’ system) in Australia, from which she was forcibly removed at the age of 10. She is a passionate advocate driving national discourse on human rights, children’s rights, and justice for Indigenous peoples. After escaping the child protection system at 18, Vanessa pursued studies in law and social work at the University of New South Wales, motivated by the disproportionate impact of the legal and welfare systems on her community and herself. Her dedication to human rights advocacy earned her the Australian Human Rights Medal, awarded by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Her acceptance speech gained global recognition and highlighted her ongoing work in advancing human rights both nationally and internationally. Vanessa is also a Fulbright Scholar, furthering Australia’s national and international efforts in Indigenous rights and the welfare of children and young people. She has established significant national relationships in the human rights field and is a recognised leader, speaker and commentator in Australia and worldwide. Currently, Vanessa is completing her PhD at the University of Technology, focusing her research on decolonising child protection systems for First Nations peoples. As an author, Vanessa has contributed to various national and international publications. Her debut novel, Long Yarn Short: We Are Still Here, honors the children who never returned home, those yet to come, and those who were never seen. The blockbuster memoir from one of the most powerful voices of a generation. From surviving out-of-home care to becoming a human rights lawyer, Vanessa shares her incredible story in a bid to drive positive change for First Nations youth, addressing domestic, family and sexaul violence, and calls on active change for the whole country. Vanessa’s critical perspective on the criminal justice and family policing / child removal systems and domestic, famly and sexaul vioelnce areas are essential to promoting self-determination and healing for First Nations lives. In 2022, she was appointed as the inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. Vanessa continues to serve her community with a commitment that comes from a foundation of deep love and connection.