Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/22118
Record ID: 5c0ed83e-1345-41ab-9566-c0a1ee06ca5f
DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.200
Electronic Resources: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajs4.200
Type: Journal Article
Title: Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST Start): Urgent call to action to address crisis in infant removals
Authors: Chamberlain, Catherine
Gray, Paul
Bennet, Debra
Elliott, Alison
Jackomos, Marika
Krakouer, Jacynta
Marriott, Rhonda
O'Dea, Birri
Andrews, Julie
Andrews, Shawana
Atkinson, Caroline
Atkinson, Judy
Bhathal, Alex
Bundle, Gina
Davies, Shanamae
Herrman, Helen
Hunter, Sue-Anne
Jones-Terare, Glenda
Leane, Cathy
Mares, Sarah
McConachy, Jennifer
Mensah, Fiona
Mills, Catherine
Mohammed, Janine
Hetti Mudiyanselage, Lumbini
O'Donnell, Melissa
Orr, Elizabeth
Priest, Naomi
Roe, Yvette
Smith, Kristen
Waldby, Catherine
Milroy, Helen
Langton, Marcia
Year: 2022
Abstract:  Reducing the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care (OOHC) is a key Closing the Gap target committed to by all Australian governments. Current strategies are failing. The “gap” is widening, with the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in OOHC at 30 June 2020 being 11 times that of non-Indigenous children. Approximately, one in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering OOHC each year are younger than one year. These figures represent compounding intergenerational trauma and institutional harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. This article outlines systemic failures to address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents during pregnancy and following birth, causing cumulative harm and trauma to families, communities and cultures. Major reform to child and family notification and service systems, and significant investment to address this crisis, is urgently needed. The Family Matters Building Blocks and five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (Prevention, Participation, Partnerships, Placement and Connection) provide a transformative foundation to address historical, institutional, well-being and socioeconomic drivers of current catastrophic trajectories. The time for action is now.
URI: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/22118
ISSN: 0157-6321
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