Our Role in Child and Family Wellbeing

A core area of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children’s work is transforming child and family safety and wellbeing systems so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families across Australia are supported by culturally safe, accessible and effective services at every stage of life.

Child and family wellbeing is fundamental for children’s safety, development and lifelong outcomes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations play an important role in achieving the best possible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Evidence consistently shows the benefits of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child-rearing practices, the effectiveness of culturally led solutions and the protective role of cultural identity, connection and belonging in the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

SNAICC actively engages in legislative reform and policy development, producing research and policy advice while collaborating with governments, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector and communities to design, implement and monitor evidence-based reforms. Our work is grounded on the central role of family, community, culture and Country, and we advocate for culturally safe child and family welfare systems that are community-led and self-determined. We prioritise prevention, early intervention and family-led decision-making, working to create environments in which children are safe, nurtured and supported to thrive.

Our holistic approach to child and family wellbeing recognises the interconnected nature of children’s lives and brings together safety, health, mental health, culture, housing and environment, education, empowerment and economic wellbeing, including access to culturally safe maternal and prenatal care. A key strategic priority is strengthening shared decision-making and partnerships with governments to progress national policy commitments such as Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.

Through our work in Child and Family Wellbeing, SNAICC contributes to systems change that strengthens families, upholds the rights of children and young people and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up safe, strong in culture and supported by self-determined communities.