26 February 2015 | General Interest
The Senate Inquiry into Out of Home Care is still receiving submissions, and SNAICC is urging community supporters and sector affiliates to make sure their perspectives on this critical issue are properly considered.
In July 2014 the Senate referred the out-of-home care inquiry to the Community Affairs References Committee, which was asked to report on ten terms of reference. The committee was due to report in February; however, in December the Senate granted an extension to the committee, setting a new time of reporting in May 2015.
SNAICC provided its submission to the committee in November 2014, detailing five key priorities it believes should underpin new ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
The number of children in out-of-home care continues to rise, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children severely overrepresented in these figures. It is clear that significant changes are needed to tackle this very important issue. The Senate must hear from as many people and organisations as possible on this very important issue.