The national peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children has urged Community Services Ministers to take the time to get it right when considering the current draft for the new National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle urged ministers meeting today to discuss the draft framework to develop the best possible plan to reverse the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.
This is one of the first plans to be developed under the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It has the potential to be truly transformative and set the example for what negotiation and working in partnership can achieve,” Ms Liddle said.
“Currently Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 41% of all children in out-of-home care and modelling shows numbers will double by 2030.
“Getting this new plan right can reverse that trend and assist in achieving Closing the Gap Target 12, that aims to reduce over-representation of our children in out-of-home care by 45% by 2031.
“The Federal Government has consistently said they want to do things differently with accountability and transparency, and in true partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.
“A considerable amount of work has gone into developing the new framework and SNAICC is confident that by working together with governments at all levels, a co-designed successor plan will result in a better future for all Australian children.”
– Catherine Liddle, SNAICC CEO
Media release 27 August 2021 – Taking the time to ensure a better future for our kids
