Call for Abstracts

Abstract Submissions have now closed.

On behalf of the Organising Committee you are invited to submit an abstract for presentation at the 6th SNAICC National Conference. SNAICC is seeking presentations from interested communities, organisations and individuals on the following key themes:

Out of Home Care
This theme explores holistic and preventative approaches to child protection and out of home care that can address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the child protection system. In particular approaches that provide self-determination and are attuned and responsive to the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

Community
Creating community engagement and collaboration is essential to delivering good outcomes for children and families. This theme focuses on identifying the importance of the role of community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and its importance to cultural identity and wellbeing.

Early Childhood
This theme explores education and care services that are designed, managed and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled services, and/or early learning and support programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It will focus on services and programs that meet the holistic needs of communities, families and children.

Family Support
Ensuring there are culturally appropriate support services that appropriately meet the needs of and strengthen families. This theme concentrates on services that empower and provide capacity building for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities to lead approaches to caring for our children and families.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following selection criteria will apply:

1. The presentation must relate directly to Conference Objectives and fit within one of the key Conference themes.
2. Preference will be given to presentations that are:
   1. Presented or co-presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community members
   2. From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and in particular, SNAICC members.
   3. Evidence or outcome based (what is working)
   4. Presenting something new (e.g. New research, new practices, progressive ideas, new application of culture).
   5. Are in collaboration with other agencies or young people.

PRESENTATION TYPES

1. Short formal paper presentations (20 minutes maximum with 10 minute question and answer time). These will be grouped with related topics in a chaired session, with 2 – 3 papers per 90-minute timeslot. Papers may alternatively be selected to be presented as part of a facilitated discussion circle.
2. Interactive sessions (up to 90 minutes). These sessions may include workshops, discussion circles, stories or, case studies. They are more informal sessions and should include a participatory activity and interactive facilitation style. Presentations may be of varying lengths from 10 minutes (for example part of a panel) to 90 minutes. Shorter sessions may be grouped with related topics in a chaired session of 90 minutes. A short formal paper may be included but is not required. Expressions on interest from facilitators, topics for discussion and yarning circles are also sought for those that are interested.
3. Poster Displays – on display for the full duration of conference. Presenters will need to be available at their display to answer questions during a specific interactive session that will be scheduled in the conference program. This form of presentation is most suitable where you can present visually, for example – resources or reporting on research outcomes. The details of table and wall space available will be confirmed later.
4. Multimedia – we are interested in submissions of digital stories and short movies made by, with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. A selection of these will be screened as part of the conference.
5. Other – any other cultural or craft presentations that may be practical or hands-on.

SUBMISSION PROCESS & IMPORTANT DETAILS

Abstracts must be submitted online as Microsoft Word documents only (.doc version is preferred, however .docx is acceptable), using a specific format – an abstract template is available online and must be used for all abstracts submitted.

If you are unable to complete the abstract submission electronically please contact the Conference Secretariat on 03 9863 7606 to discuss other options.

1. Please submit your abstract by 6 March 2015
2. Once you have submitted your abstract online, you will receive an email containing your personal access key. This access key can be used to enter the ‘Speaker Zone’ where you can view or make changes to your submitted abstract.
3. All submitted forms will be considered by the conference organisers and assessed according to the selection criteria.
4. We may negotiate with you to adapt the original format of your presentation.
5. Presenters will need to meet their own conference registration fees and travel costs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations are eligible to apply for travel subsidy according to where they are travelling from. Details will be on the registration form.
6. Receipt of abstract submissions will be acknowledged by email. Proposers will be notified of acceptance by April 2015.