Released 12/09/2017
Yesterday I further demonstrated the ACT Government’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in our community by signing the Family Matters statement of commitment.
Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children is Australia’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture.
Family Matters aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 2040.
Family Matters is an initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and is supported by a Strategic Alliance of over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, leading academics and prominent educational institutions.
I have signed the Family Matters statement of commitment as Canberra hosts the seventh National SNAICC conference, bringing together experts from around Australia and the globe with one common purpose - raising happy, healthy and confident children in our communities.
We need new approaches to ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up safe and happy in strong families and connected to culture.
The six core principles of the Family Matters commitment are:
- Applying a child focussed approach
- Ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations participate in and have control over decisions that affect their children
- Protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s right to live in culture
- Pursuing evidence based responses
- Supporting, healing and strengthening families
- Challenging systemic racism and inequities
For more information on Family Matters go to http://www.familymatters.org.au/join-us/
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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