SNAICC has released a report identifying priority reforms that could assist to address some of the most important issues impacting the safety and wellbeing of our children. The report, Pathways to Safety and Wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, was developed in consultation with members of the National Forum for Protecting Australia’s Children to support the current development process for the third three year action plan under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children. The actions it describes are informed by consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services leaders, leading sector organisations and government representatives.
This report recognises that in the context of an ever-increasing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia’s child protection systems, urgent and widespread reform is needed with a strong focus on early intervention and prevention to heal and strengthen our families and communities.
The report presents four pathways for reform, detailing priority actions under each:
- Pathway 1: Supporting families and communities to stay together
- Pathway 2: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation
- Pathway 3: Trauma and healing informed approaches
- Pathway 4: Systems accountability to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities
This report will be particularly useful for policy makers and researchers engaged in developing and implementing service reforms to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. It will also be of interest to organisations and individuals striving striving and advocating for new and better ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.
