Submissions and Research
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.
AbSec Position Papers & Submissions
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.
AbSec Submission Papers
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.