Page 4087 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 22 October 2019
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inquiry response, the Our Booris, Our Way review was set up. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander steering committee with people with professional and lived experience of the child protection system is leading the review and steering its direction. There is still some time to go before the review is completed, but already we are seeing changes happening from its initial recommendations.
We have worked to improve the knowledge and skills of our frontline child protection staff and to shift us towards being culturally proficient. Staff have been trained in cultural load and cultural safety and are supported to make sure they uphold the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child placement principle in their practice each and every day. We have also employed more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Another important step forward is that families and community can now volunteer to have a designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family group conference. These conferences are where important decisions are discussed and plans are made to keep their children safe and stay connected to family and community and culture. Discussions include whether children stay at home, return home or stay with an appropriate kinship carer.
Another new program being trialled is the functional family therapy child welfare program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can volunteer to work with Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation and OzChild. Assistance is provided to improve how families relate, communicate and support each other. Having Gugan Gulwan, a respected and trusted agency, provide this program has helped families get the best for their children.
Last year it became possible for people who use violence or who have committed a sexual assault to volunteer to be part of a facilitated restorative justice dialogue. Community members affected or harmed by the offence can come and be supported by an Indigenous convenor and guidance partner. They have the opportunity to share their experience of what happened, discuss who was harmed by the crime, plus create an agreement for what the responsible person will do to repair the harm they caused. The restorative justice team helps create a safe space for everyone to heal together and for members to connect with community-based services for follow-up support.
The last program we wanted to share is from our three child and family centres, specifically our growing healthy families program. The centres are one-stop shops for families with young children. They have child-friendly decor, supportive staff and a wide variety of government and community activities and programs. These centres have evolved into a welcoming and culturally safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. This has not happened through chance; it has happened because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff have been employed and have co-designed services with the community. Staff have taken the time to listen, build trust and gain respect so that families choose to use the service. This is an important achievement.
Of course, these programs and services do not provide all the solutions; nor do they respond specifically to the recommendations of We don’t shoot our wounded and
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