AbSec actively provides advice and information on issues impacting Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities. The following is a selection of our recent papers and submissions.
Submission to NSW child protection inquiry
CASE STUDY REPORT
Hearing the voices of Aboriginal people in child welfare
October 2020
Aboriginal families continue to be disproportionately affected by statutory systems that separate children and young people from their families. While these systems ostensibly operate in the best interests of children, the outcomes achieved following statutory intervention are poor, particularly for Aboriginal children and young people.
AbSec spoke to more than fifty Aboriginal young people, families, Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal carers, practitioners and community members who have had either direct or indirect experiences with the Department of Communities and Justice. This case study report will inform policymakers and the general public about the challenges facing Aboriginal children and their families in the child protection system.
Aboriginal Family Preservation and Restoration Model
Aboriginal Family Preservation and Restoration Model Guidelines
June 2020
Aboriginal children and young people continue to be over-represented across the statutory child protection system in NSW. AbSec, as the Aboriginal child and family peak organisation, has advocated for a new approach across the continuum of support that empowers Aboriginal communities to design, develop and deliver the services and supports that Aboriginal children and families need.
Towards this end, this paper outlines a model framework developed by AbSec in partnership with Aboriginal Community-controlled Organisations (ACCO), Intensive Based Family Services practitioners and Protecting Aboriginal Children Together (PACT) practitioners, as well as drawing on the existing literature about effective family supports, particularly from an Aboriginal perspective, as outlined in AbSec’s Our families, our way: Strengthening Aboriginal families so their children can thrive
Data Processes for Aboriginal Organisations
Data Processes for Aboriginal Organisations: A Discussion Paper
Feb 2020
This paper presents an overview of the collection, use and reporting of service performance data by and for Aboriginal communities to inform the development of a guide for Aboriginal community controlled organisations.
Download the discussion paper.
AbSec Report Card on the Performance of the NSW Government
This document examines a number of recent key data relating to Aboriginal children in the out-of-home sector in NSW. The data highlights the urgent reforms needed for Aboriginal families in the to the NSW child protection system.
Download the report.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Indigenous Data Sovereignty Policy Brief
Dec 2019
This document outlines AbSec’s policy position on Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS). IDS refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to exercise authority over the collection, access, analysis and use of data that pertains to them.
Download the full paper.
Cultural Planning
Cultural Planning Policy Brief
Dec 2019
Cultural planning is an integral part of case planning focused on ensuring Aboriginal children and young people maintain their connection to culture, identity, family, community and Country. This document presents AbSec’s policy position on Cultural Planning.
Download the full paper.
AbSec Position Papers & Submissions
AbSec submission to federal inquiry into open adoption
May 2018
Download the full paper.
Delivering Better Outcomes for Aboriginal Children and Families in NSW
May 2018
This document contains AbSec’s platforms for the upcoming 2019 NSW election, outlining the policies we would like to see parties and leaders commit to.
These include the establishment of an empowered Aboriginal Child and Family Commission; the expansion of a strong and holistic Aboriginal child and family services sector; greater investment in Aboriginal-led support services; and the redevelopment of the child protection system as it applies to Aboriginal children and families, in close consultation with our communities.
Download the full paper.
Shaping a Better Child Protection System – AbSec Submission
November 2017
This paper details AbSec’s response to proposed legislative amendments to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Adoption Act 2000, as outlined in the Department of Family and Community Services’ recent discussion paper.
We put forward some serious concerns regarding these legislative reforms, including a lack of consultation with NSW Aboriginal communities and the absence of a clear strategy for Aboriginal children and young people.
Download the full paper.
Our families, our way: Strengthening Aboriginal families so their children can thrive
February 2017
The continuing overrepresentation of Aboriginal children and young people in the NSW child protection system is proof that the series of reforms and child protection inquiries have not worked for Aboriginal children, young people and families.
The purpose of this paper is to propose a new way of working with Aboriginal people to strengthen, empower and encourage Aboriginal parents and families to provide safe and nurturing environments for their children and young people.
Download the full paper.
Caring for Carers: Recruitment, development and support for carers of Aboriginal children
February 2017
There are currently over 6000 Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care in NSW, cared for by their families, extended families, the broader Aboriginal community, and in some cases, non-Aboriginal foster carers.
The purpose of this paper is to outline a comprehensive carer support model for carers of Aboriginal children and young people across the domains of recruitment, development and support. The goal is to ensure that those doing the important work of growing up our children and young people are provided the necessary training and support to provide culturally embedded therapeutic care.
Download the full paper.
Guardianship orders for Aboriginal children and young people
13 November 2015
The Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec) released its position paper regarding guardianship and other permanent care orders for Aboriginal children and young people.
While acknowledging the importance of stability for Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care, this paper outlines concerns around guardianship orders more broadly, and offers an alternate view to promote better outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people.
Download the full paper.
Strategy Papers
Aboriginal Community Response: Communities for kids (Tier 1)
Achieving a Holistic Aboriginal Child and Family Service System for NSW
Policy Briefs
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
Permanent Care Orders for Aboriginal Children and Young People
Aboriginal Child Placement Principle
AbSec Submission Papers
AbSec submission to federal inquiry into open adoption – May 2018
Aboriginal Targeted Earlier Intervention Strategy – November 2017
Inquiry into support for new parents and babies in NSW – November 2017
Preventing Youth Suicide in New South Wales
Royal Commission Consultation Paper on Out Of Home Care May 2016
AHRC Social Justice and Native Title Report 2015
Regulatory Impact Statement July 2015
Senate Standing Committee Community Affairs OOHC 2014
Royal Commission – Issue Paper 1. August 2014
Royal Commission – Issue paper 4. November 2013
FaCS Child Protection OOHC Reforms discussion paper March 2013
If you would like more information about AbSec and our work, please contact us using the options on our contact page, or call us during business hours on 02 9559 5299.