Released 27/07/2017
The ACT Government has partnered with Indigenous organisation Curijo to lead a Family Group Conferencing pilot in Canberra aimed at supporting at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to stay together.
Minister for Disability, Children and Youth, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said the ACT Government is committed to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care.
“The aim of Family Group Conferencing is to establish whether an extended family group is able to make and implement plans that will keep children safe and out of the statutory care system. These meetings can be an alternative to going to court.
“Family Group Conferencing has been widely adopted by child protection authorities in a range of countries and other jurisdictions,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care is something that should concern all Canberrans. That is why I recently announced an independent review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people known to the child protection system.
“At the same time, we will continue to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and experts to implement evidenced-based changes to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Curijo, a Canberra-based Aboriginal operated organisation, will lead the pilot. Curijo has extensive experience in Family Group Conference facilitation and currently conducts Family Group Conferences in NSW. Curijo has more than 20 years’ experience working in child protection systems in the ACT and NSW.
“We are very pleased to bring the Family Group Conferencing model to the ACT, as we know it is a model that works for many families in other jurisdictions,” said Belinda Kendall, CEO of Curijo.
“Family Group Conferencing enables families to take responsibility for their situation while providing children and young people the opportunity to be heard.
“Our key focus for the pilot is to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people out of Children’s Court processes and engage their families, empowering them to make decisions for the safety and well-being of their children and young people.”
The pilot will be conducted over a 12-month period and will be supported by an advisory committee. Feedback will be sought from participating families to ensure the pilot fosters self-determination and meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases