AbSec and Community Services MoU

AbSec and Community Services sign MoU

On 17 March 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between us and the NSW Department of Human Services, Community Services (formally known as Department of Community Services) was signed in an historic ceremony at Parliament House.

The MoU is warmly embraced by AbSec staff and board as it recognises the shared commitment between AbSec and government regarding Aboriginal child protection matters. The MoU recognises the partnership required to ensure that a culturally appropriate and effective response to protecting Aboriginal children at risk of harm is provided across both the government and non-government sectors, with the help of extended family members and the community.

The overall aim is to reduce the significantly high over-representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system, especially when other means of family and community intervention might be more appropriate.

The MoU also establishes the respective roles and responsibilities of the parties in two very important Keep Them Safe actions - the development of an Aboriginal child specialist advice and support model of consultation, and the establishment of four new

Intensive Family Based Services in the non-government sector.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Community Services by Chief Executive, Annette Gallard and for AbSec by Bill Pritchard, CEO. Linda Burney, minister for Community Services, was also present at the historic signing. AbSec Chairperson Dana Clarke responded saying this is an auspicious day not only for AbSec and Community Services but more significantly for our children.

Click to read in full,signed Memorandum of Understanding