Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination in child protection

Abstract

"The participation and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the decisions that impact the care and protection of their children has long been recognised as critical to improving outcomes. As the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia's child protection systems continues to soar, it has never been more important to take account of international and local evidence that indicates self-determination is essential to making decisions in the best interests of Indigenous children.<br/ ><br/ >The participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in decisions promotes continuity of children's cultural identity, as well as continuity of family and community relationships that are essential to children's health and wellbeing. However, very limited processes to support genuine self-determination in child protection have emerged in Australia. <br/ ><br/ >This webinar explored promising initiatives that support the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and agencies in child protection matters. These include emerging models of Aboriginal guardianship for Aboriginal children in Victoria, family participation in Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled family wellbeing services, and new models of Aboriginal-led governance for service system oversight at state and regional levels.<br/ ><br/ >This webinar is relevant to all practitioners, service providers and policy makers involved in child protection systems and related services."