About the Roadmap
Why we need a Roadmap
Across Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely than non-Indigenous children to be involved in the child protection system. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in Western Australia (WA) have called for a fundamental reorientation of the child protection system by:
- replacing removal with healing and support for families
- prioritising reunification
- enabling self-determination
- strengthening families
- ensuring an Aboriginal-led response
- addressing structural racism
- acknowledging the past as we move forward
- delegating decision-making and authority to ACCOs
- strengthening communities
- knowing and supporting the wellbeing of each child.
Aims of the Roadmap
The Roadmap aims to address the underlying factors causing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, as well as increasing the role of Aboriginal families, communities and organisations in decision-making about child protection.
The Western Australian Government recognises that the number of Aboriginal children entering care, in care, and the amount of time they remain in care is unacceptable and we can only address this by working together on a combined response.
Process to develop the Roadmap
Aboriginal Expert Advisory Group
SNAICC has convened an Expert Advisory Group of Aboriginal community leaders to provide leadership, oversight and guidance in developing the WA Roadmap. The advisory group and SNAICC meet on a regular basis and are overseeing the early stages of the consultation process and will advise on how formal governance structures should be established. SNAICC will be working with the advisory group to develop Aboriginal-led processes that will ensure that Aboriginal communities are involved in shared decision-making for the Roadmap.
SNAICC’s role
SNAICC is the national non-government peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We work for the fulfilment of the rights of our children, in particular to ensure their safety, development and well-being. SNAICC is working with community leaders, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and the Department of Communities, to facilitate the design of the Roadmap with Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
Timeline
Background & discussion papers – October 2022
Regional Aboriginal community forums – October 2022 & November 2022
Central state-wide design forum – March 2023
Draft Roadmap & Action plan – April-May 2023
Final Roadmap & Action plan – July 2023
Background Paper and Discussion Paper
How to participate
Aboriginal community forums
We will be co-hosting community forums with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in regional locations throughout WA, including the following regions:
- Geraldton
- Carnarvon
- Karratha
- Roebourne
- Port Hedland
- Newman
- Katanning
- Kalgoorlie
Community forums are being held for Aboriginal communities to come together and provide input into the development of the Roadmap. Forums will provide an opportunity for SNAICC to share more information and answer questions from community members.
– Register for a community forum –
If you have troubles with registering for the community forums through the link above, please send an email to indy.attenborough@snaicc.org.au with your name, organisation, and the location you would like to attend: Perth, Bunburry, Katanning
Written or verbal feedback
If you would prefer you can provide feedback to SNAICC directly. Get in touch with us using the details below:
Email: submissions@snaicc.org.au
Postal address:
SNAICC Policy and Research Unit
27 Budd Street, Collingwood, VIC, 3066
Phone: (03) 9419 1921
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