The Andrews Labor Government is helping build stronger futures for Aboriginal children by ensuring more remain connected with their community and country while in care.
Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan attended the Aboriginal Children’s Forum in Echuca today, announcing $13.6 million over two years to further boost the Labor Government’s efforts to transition more Aboriginal children to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
As part of the funding, $7.6 million will go towards helping more than 170 Aboriginal families, who will share in 200 hours of support to encourage reunification where possible.
A strong sense of identity and belonging is critical to Aboriginal children and young people’s wellbeing. By placing more children with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, we’re ensuring Aboriginal children and young people in care have a better opportunity to reach their full potential.
That’s why the Labor Government is also investing $4.8 million over two years to transfer the case management of a further 200 Aboriginal children from non-Aboriginal organisations and child protection to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The latest data shows our efforts are working, with almost 50 per cent of Aboriginal children in care now managed by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation – a 250 per cent improvement compared with two years ago.
Victoria leads the way when it comes to placing more Aboriginal children with kin or an Aboriginal carer, at 78.9 per cent compared with the national rate of 65.2 per cent.
These new investments build on the Government’s $53.5 investment as part of Wungurilwil Gapgapduir: Aboriginal Children in Families Agreement – the first ever tripartite agreement between the Aboriginal community, child and family services sector and the Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan
“We’re taking action to make sure more Aboriginal children and young people can remain connected with their community and country while in care.”
“Victoria’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations do a terrific job caring for vulnerable young Aboriginal people who need their help – and we’re backing these groups, so they can do what they do best.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020