snaicc news Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care

www.snaicc.asn.au MAY 2012

Celebrating 25 years of National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day See pages 22 and 24

NT peak body begins journey down new path The new peak body for Aboriginal and NT; play a role in finding solutions This family Torres Strait Islander children, youth to the tragically high suicide rate of history has and families in the NT is ready to take Aboriginal children, particularly girls, fuelled Josie’s on the enormous challenges ahead. in remote communities; and work to pursuit of equality ensure that Aboriginal children placed and social justice The peak body, Stronger Aboriginal in out-of-home care maintain a link to for Aboriginal Families Together — or SAF,T their family, community and culture. people at the (pronounced safety) — has become local, national and international fully incorporated, moved into its own Darwin-born Josie Crawshaw (pictured) levels including serving as ATSIC premises in Darwin and is transitioning is a Gurindji woman and a member Commissioner for the Top End, as chair from its auspiced arrangement with of a large extended local family with and founding member of the Top End Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT. sporting, business and political links. Aboriginal Coalition, and working on Josie’s mother, the late Nawala (Daisy) SAF,T’s inaugural CEO Josie Crawshaw the development of the UN’s Declaration Ruddick, was taken from her family at said the peak body’s management board on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Limbunyah Station, 750kms south-west had identified a number of priorities. of Darwin, to the Kahlin Compound Read Josie’s report on SAF,T: Some of these will be to re-establish along with hundreds of other children Pages 14 and 15 Aboriginal child care agencies in the now known as the Stolen Generations. The national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families responsible for designing, developing establishment of the new Child and and delivering services to their own Family centres across Australia, and peoples, while being open to anyone some practical measures SNAICC would in the wider community; partnerships like to see introduced to improve with non-Indigenous NGO where the advocacy of children and family issues latter offer support and expertise as and the delivery of services. requested and the movement of services Over the next three months, a major from the ‘mainstream’ to Aboriginal focus for SNAICC will be finalising our and Torres Strait Islander community funding for the next funding period (we operational management; the proper f r a n k l y expect for three years), and producing implementation of the Aboriginal Child resources for National Aboriginal and Placement Principle; and continuing to s p e a k i n g Islander Children’s Day, which this inform, educate and demand that the year will celebrate its 25th anniversary. rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Hello everyone and welcome to the Preliminary work has also begun on Islander children, families and peoples second edition of SNAICC News for the 2013 SNAICC National Conference, are upheld. 2012. one of the highlights of a year in which SNAICC has hit the ground running These are not issues of ‘welfare’ policy SNAICC will celebrate its 30th year of this year, and has been extremely busy or ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operation. issues’ — they are the most fundamental across all the broad areas of its work, The most exciting work over the next concerns of belonging to a civil society producing resources, developing policy month or so, however, will be SNAICC’s for all citizens. papers and delivering training. appearance at the United Nations While working across each of these SNAICC National Executive member Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues areas we have started planning the Reuben Ardler and I discussed some of in New York and before the Committee directions, workloads and budgets for these concerns in a series of meetings on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. with Australian Government ministers the next two to five years, guided by a We have been to training with the and advisers, Opposition shadow number of active sub-committees and Indigenous Persons Organisation ministers and Greens senators on a by the National Executive. who lead the Australian contingent recent trip to Canberra. Clearly, the ‘big’ issues remain: and expect to work specifically at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander We raised the impact of Government representing SNAICC’s views in regard communities being resourced and made policy on the ground, including the to developments in Australia, as well as working hard to build the international network needed to more effectively In this issue... lobby governments around the world Stronger Futures legislation widely opposed Pages 3 and 5 to do more to recognise and uphold the rights of Indigenous children. NSW Ombudsman calls for new ways to tackle disadvantage 4 Major funding boost for NT communities 5 I look forward to reporting on develop- ments in the next issue of SNAICC News. Draft human rights plan in need of major overhaul 6 Meanwhile, I wish you all the best. Government to establish National Children’s Commissioner 7 SNAICC hosts child protection meeting 8Frank Hytten, SNAICC CEO [email protected] Australia’s record on children’s rights under review at UN 8 Victoria’s vulnerable children let down by system 9 36.7% and rising — the rate of our children in Queensland’s child protection system 10 I need you to make SNAICC a stronger peak body for us New peak body for Indigenous Australians with disability 11 children by becoming a member. Call Sandy Barber on (03) 9489 8099 today! Opening the doors on partnerships 12–13 SAF,T: NT peak body begins journey on new path 14–15 Profile of Lulla’s Children and Family Centre 16–17 SA Aboriginal Children’s Services meet in Port Lincoln 18–19 A place for families to heal in Adelaide 20 A glimpse of life at Eagle Butte, South Dakota 21

Warning: Aboriginal and Celebrating 25 years of National Aboriginal and Islander Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) people should be aware 22 that this publication may “Through Young Black Eyes” train-the-trainer workshops 23 contain images of people who may have since passed Deadly NAICD ­2012 poster hits the streets... 24 away.

2 snaicc news May 2012 SNAICC one of many voices against Stronger Futures legislation

SNAICC has joined a wide section of the community in expressing serious doubts about the Stronger Futures package of bills for Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory that, if passed, will extend the Australian Government’s intervention for 10 years. In a submission to the Senate Commu- nity Affairs Legislation Committee, SNAICC recommended that the legislation be completely redeveloped in accordance with international human courtesy of Concerned Australians Photo rights laws to which Australia is bound. Against an extension of the intervention: Dhanggal Gurruwiwi from Yirrkala, George Gaymarani Pascoe (Milingimbi), Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM (Utopia), Betty Pike, a Nyoonga woman from SW SNAICC argued the proposed bills do not Australia, Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM (Nauiyu), Djapirri Mununggirritj (Yirrkala), Rev Dr. provide a coordinated response to the Djiniyini Gondarra OAM (Galiwin’ku) and Harry Jakamarra Nelson (Yuendumu). factors that were cited as the rationale The package of bills and the for the 2007 Northern Territory “SNAICC is adamant that consultation process have attracted a lot Emergency Response (NTER). These were solutions imposed on of media coverage and strong opposition serious and complex issues around child communities that continue to from various sections of the community. protection, and underlying problems undermine their autonomy and of alcoholism, violence, poverty and strengths, and are in breach Elders and representatives from a generational trauma. of their fundamental human number of NT communities — including rights, will not succeed.” Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, Miriam Rose SNAICC contended that, as with the Ungunmerr-Baumann and ­­Rev Dr. initial and amended response of the Djiniyini Gondarra — have repeatedly NTER, the proposed Stronger Futures This would ensure compliance with international legal obligations, and that expressed their anger and strong package is a far cry from the holistic, opposition to the legislation. integrated measures recommended the proposed response tackles the in the 2007 Children are Sacred report core issues around child protection, At a media conference in Melbourne on which instigated the Australian rather than the symptoms, and supports 4 November 2011, they released a state- Government’s intervention. empowering strategies that build on ment which said in part: “We will not community strengths. support extension of the intervention While SNAICC believes the Government Some of the key human rights principles legislation. We did not ask for it. In has tried to respond to a number of fact we call for a genuine apology from core concerns with the NTER, the that SNAICC considered are not fully reflected in the Stronger Futures bills the Federal Government for the hurt, fundamental flaws remain largely embarrassment, shame and stigma, unchanged in the proposed legislation. are the right to self-determination and the right for communities to give their and for the illegal removal of the Racial “SNAICC is adamant that solutions free, prior and informed consent to Discrimination Act.” imposed on communities that continue measures that may affect them. Addressing the Senate committee in to undermine their autonomy and SNAICC argued the proposed approach March, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait strengths, and are in breach of their Islander Social Justice Commissioner fundamental human rights, will imposes responsibility without ensuring the presence of basic resources, such as Mick Gooda said the cultural not succeed,” SNAICC wrote in its competency of governments and the submission. integrated children and family support services or adequate housing and governance and capacity of Aboriginal SNAICC strongly maintains that infrastructure, without which the issues communities had to be improved if the legislation redressing endemic issues of of positive child rearing, schooling and new measures were to succeed. disadvantage in Aboriginal and Torres health cannot be addressed. He strongly criticised the inadequacy Strait Islander communities must be SNAICC called for a genuine partnership of the consultation process, saying the consistent with and also advance core six-week timeline was too short, some human rights articulated in the 2007 approach and the development of Indigenous community-based systems were held in inappropriate venues and United Nations Declaration on the Rights interpreters were not always available. of Indigenous Peoples, endorsed by for the prevention of, and intervention Australia in 2009. against, child abuse and neglect. Continued on page 5

snaicc news May 2012 3 A bold new approach is needed in NSW to address disadvantage: Ombudsman

A special report by the NSW some efforts have been made to ‘align’ Bruce Barbour Ombudsman highlights the need for state and Federal government initiatives governments to work with Aboriginal aimed at improving outcomes for leaders in developing a new ‘roadmap’ Aboriginal people, to date the changes Enhancing the capability of the to strengthen the social and economic needed to achieve truly integrated Aboriginal services sector is an futures of Aboriginal communities in planning, funding and delivery of these essential component of delivering the state. initiatives has not taken place.” services that are tailored to the specific needs of Aboriginal The report focuses on “the importance Titled Addressing indigenous communities. disadvantage: the need to do things of taking bold approaches to the priority differently, the report was released in areas of education, building economic —integrating a number of services October 2011 and documents progress capacity, and protecting vulnerable and actively engaging with Aboriginal made in NSW communities since 2006 children in Aboriginal communities.” students and their families — to improve to overcome disadvantage, reduce the It asserts that the ultimate goal of outcomes. incidence of child sexual abuse and government should be to “empower The school has seen a rise in attendance increase family and community safety (I)ndigenous people and communities and wellbeing. across all areas, with a dramatic increase …so that they can progressively take in the attendance rates for secondary In his report the Ombudsman, Bruce meaningful control of their futures.” students. Barbour, notes that in the decade since Aboriginal self-determination COAG recognised the need for a new The report suggests the NSW Office A major focus is on Aboriginal approach to Aboriginal disadvantage, of Education should consider supporting leadership and self-determination, there has been no substantial change young people to attend boarding and strong community governance. and many Aboriginal communities still schools, as well as creating a school The report argues governments have face chronic problems. “Past approaches education trust fund based on the a critical role in facilitating self- to remedying (I)ndigenous disadvantage model in Cape York. determination, a fundamental human have clearly failed, and new approaches right under the UN Declaration on the However, the Ombudsman emphasises are needed for the future,” he writes. Rights of Indigenous Peoples. that “ideally, a quality education will The Ombudsman suggests a number of be able to be provided to these young He says the formulation of a cohesive factors have contributed to past failures people in their communities” and approach to identifying and delivering of Aboriginal policy. These include Aboriginal children living in rural and on the goals of Aboriginal people chronic staffing shortages in high-need remote areas should have a range of “requires an ongoing and robust locations, a disjointed and poorly- education options. dialogue between government and targeted approach by government Aboriginal community leaders.” In terms of the care and protection of agencies, the rollout of ‘piecemeal’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives combined with weak account- “For meaningful dialogue to occur, children, he says Aboriginal community ability structures, and the lack of robust government must establish formal involvement in decision-making should community governance and meaningful mechanisms to engage with Aboriginal be increased, including formalising Aboriginal community participation. people, and for this engagement to the role of respected local Aboriginal be embedded in a much stronger He writes Aboriginal communities have community leaders in decision-making accountability framework.” become frustrated with the multitude related to vulnerable children and their of ‘off the shelf’ programs and services, The report includes a case study of families. combined with inadequate consideration Menindee Central School to illustrate The report stresses the importance of of how service delivery can be integrated how integrating community services intervening earlier to address the ‘on the ground’. and responding to community needs underlying causes of juvenile offending through genuine community Enhancing the capability of the such as disadvantage, suggesting the participation can produce real and Aboriginal services sector, he asserts, key components needed are increased measurable outcomes. is an essential component of delivering capacity of service providers, and services that are tailored to the specific The Menindee school caters for about interventions that are targeted, needs of Aboriginal communities. 120 children from kindergarten to Year integrated and effective. 12, 70 per cent of whom are Aboriginal, The report observes that “although The report can be accessed at: and has taken an innovative approach www.ombo.nsw.gov.au 4 snaicc news May 2012 University of Technology, Sydney. Widespread It argues the intervention remains racially discriminatory and continues opposition to breach Australia’s human rights obligations. to Stronger The report claimed the “flawed” consultation process had excluded Futures bills Indigenous people from the design of the consultations, ignored previous Continued from page 3 Mick Gooda criticisms of intervention measures, Mr Gooda emphasised the importance accordance with the new Parliamentary failed to consider community-led of consultation with and engagement Scrutiny (Human Rights) Act which initiatives and aspirations and covered of Aboriginal communities prior to the came into effect in January this year. too many themes, which made in-depth implementation of measures in order to discussions impossible. The Senate committee received 454 develop long-tem solutions. submissions, most of which were critical Malcolm Fraser was one of 27 prominent The National Congress of Australia’s of the legislation and opposed its Australians to write an open letter First Peoples said the testimony continuation. expressing their anger over plans to provided to the Senate committee had extend the intervention and high- A report on the legislation was launched affirmed its concerns on the new laws lighting “unsavoury elements” of the on 8 March by former PM Malcolm to continue the intervention in the NT. proposed legislation. Fraser. Titled Listening but not Hearing Congress co-chair Les Malezer said the — A response to the NTER Stronger Futures The letter can be read on the website of bills had not been subject to parlia- Consultations June to August 2011, Concerned Australians, which has run an mentary scrutiny on their compatibility the report was released by Jumbunna active campaign against the legislation. with human rights obligations, in Indigenous House of Learning at the Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has continually defended Major funding boost for communities the Government’s consultations with communities in the NT. In late March and April 2012, Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin announced major funding over 10 years for Aboriginal communities in the “Between the end of June and mid- Northern Territory as part of the Government’s Stronger Futures package. August 2011, wide-ranging consultations were held with Aboriginal people and The funding will boost education, primary health care, remote policing and the other Territorians on new approaches safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families in communities, as well as and new ideas for the future beyond the improve municipal services in homelands and outstations. Northern Territory Emergency Response. Over the next decade the Australian Government will invest: “This built on conversations and • $583 million to enable the retainment of 200 teaching positions in remote consultations the Australian Govern- NT schools and ensure that all remote teachers have the skills to provide ment has been conducting over the past specialist teaching in intensive numeracy and literacy four years,” Minister Macklin wrote in a Stronger Futures policy statement. • $719m to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in the territory, including through new alcohol and drug treatment services “In the consultations, people made it clear that they do want changes. They • $619m to strengthen remote policing, community night patrols and legal want to work with government to make assistance services —­ including the continued employment of 60 full-time these changes.” NT police officers and the operations of Substance Abuse Intelligence Desks (SAID) and Dog Operations Unit to reduce substance misuse in communities The Senate Community Affairs Legis- lation Committee tabled its report on the • $443m to help support children and families by continuing to fund play- legislation in Parliament on 14 March. groups, home and parenting support services, youth workers and safe houses The committee noted “with serious • $221m for basic essential and municipal services for the 9,000 Aboriginal concern the degree of confusion, and people who live on outstations and homelands in the NT. frustration expressed in relation to the SNAICC is among several bodies, including the National Congress of Australia’s Stronger Futures consultations.” First Peoples, to welcome the funding for NT communities but express The report makes 11 recommendations, continuing opposition to the Stronger Futures legislation. including that the Government use the SNAICC agrees with Congress that the extra services and infrastructure will framework provided by the Australian bring stability and allow communities and organisations to develop long- Human Rights Commission and the term plans. However, the effectiveness of programs and services under the expertise of Land Councils when funding will rest on meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal communities and conducting further consultation in organisations in the NT . relation to Stronger Futures.

snaicc news May 2012 5 Draft human rights plan in need of major overhaul

SNAICC has warned the Australian Government that its Draft National Human Rights Action Plan ignores the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care and will not substantially advance human rights in its current form. “SNAICC is seriously concerned that the draft plan’s section on the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is silent on the protection of our children, who are 10 times more likely “If left unchanged, Australia will miss a great to be placed in out-of-home than other children,” SNAICC Chairperson Dawn opportunity to advance basic human rights for all Wallam said. Australians. And it will continue to draw criticism “We urgently need a human rights-based from bodies such as the United Nations.” approach to reduce the alarmingly high number of Aboriginal and Torres ­— Dawn Wallam, SNAICC Chairperson Strait Islander children being removed from their families and to increase the She said SNAICC considered it highly SNAICC’s recommendations include: inappropriate that the draft human chances of children in child protection • developing a national strategy as rights plan referred to the Stronger remaining connected with their families a matter of urgency for the full Futures legislation as a demonstration of and culture.” implementation of the Aboriginal consultation and as a sustainable long- and Torres Strait Islander Child Ms Wallam said SNAICC applauded the term approach. Government’s intention to create a Placement Principle, consistent comprehensive roadmap for sustainable “In its submission, SNAICC has again with recommendations from the UN change in the lives of Aboriginal and called for a strategy in the NT that Committee on the Rights of the Child responds to the Little Children are Sacred Torres Strait Islander people. But the • creating a National Children’s report and that is in accordance with draft plan lacked specific targets, new Commissioner, with a Deputy international human rights laws to initiatives and a process for monitoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander which Australia is bound,” she said. progress. Children’s Commissioner “A meaningful human rights plan would “Without targets and new measures the • developing a National Partnership reflect these laws, as well as promote plan lacks commitment and will be no Agreement in relation to progressing the empowerment of Aboriginal and more than decorative,” she said. the Closing the Gap plan for Torres Strait Islander people to lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “If left unchanged, Australia will miss and drive measures to close the gap on children and their families in the a great opportunity to advance basic disadvantage. human rights for all Australians. And context of the National Framework for it will continue to draw criticism from “The lack of genuine engagement is the the Protection of Australia’s Children bodies such as the United Nations. very point made by the latest report on 2009-2020, and the NT intervention, from Jumbunna • ensuring the full engagement of “SNAICC asserts that, in the absence of a Indigenous House of Learning at the Aboriginal of and Torres Strait national Human Rights Act, Australia’s University of Technology Sydney, and Islander people in addressing legal and institutional protection of which led Malcolm Fraser to describe the severe shortage of adequate human rights is inadequate, particularly the process as ‘old fashioned white housing, particularly in remote areas, for individuals and communities that are paternalism at its very worst’.” marginalised or disadvantaged.” as the foundation for improving In its submission on the draft plan, the protection, wellbeing and Ms Wallam said this lack of protection SNAICC made 87 recommendations with development of our children. was starkly illustrated by the Australian practical measures that would provide To read SNAICC’s submission on the Government’s proposed Stronger Futures better protection and promote the rights draft human rights plan, go to: legislation for Aboriginal communities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander www.snaicc.asn.policy-advocacy in the Northern Territory, “which people, and in particular a number of directly and indirectly discriminates measures that address the protection against our people.” and development of our children.

6 snaicc news May 2012 Government to establish National Children’s Commissioner by end of 2012

The Australian Government has “SNAICC asserts a national deputy announced it will create a National commissioner is needed to oversee Children’s Commissioner within this important role — experiences the Australian Human Rights with state children’s commissioners will represent the views of children Commission. highlights a need for a specific mandate and young people, particularly those Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said for our children and young people. most vulnerable, at the national level,” Minister Macklin said. that the new commissioner will focus “In the area of child protection, the on promoting the rights, wellbeing and deputy commissioner could well be the Minister for Community Services Julie development of children and young much-needed circuit-breaker to address Collins said children and young people people in Australia. the alarming overrepresentation need a national advocate to ensure “For the first time, Australia will have of Aboriginal and Torres Islander their rights are reflected in national a dedicated advocate focussed on the children in child protection systems policies and programs. across Australia. It is a crisis that is human rights of children and young “The national commissioner will not threatening to become a calamity if people at the national level,” Minister duplicate but complement the work urgent action is not taken.” Roxon said. of states and territories, particularly “The Children’s Commissioner will Ms Wallam said that if it was not the work of other commissioners and ensure the voices of children and young possible to create a separate deputy guardians,” Minister Collins said. commissioner position, SNAICC would people are heard in the development of The children’s commissioner will take a be keen to work with the Government Commonwealth policies and programs.” broad advocacy role to promote public to ensure the children’s commissioner awareness of issues affecting children, SNAICC has welcomed the Australian had a clear mandate, specific functions conduct research and education Government’s decision but has urged and adequate resources to engage on programs, consult directly with children it to also create a national Deputy the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres and representative organisations Children’s Commissioner to address the Strait Islander children. serious issues facing Aboriginal and as well as monitor Commonwealth Torres Strait Islander children. The Minister for Families, Community legislation, policies and programs that Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny relate to children’s rights, wellbeing “We congratulate the Government on Macklin said establishing the children’s and development. its announcement. This is a hugely commissioner was key action under the The Government will call for expressions positive step forward to protect and Government’s National Framework for of interest for the position shortly. promote the human rights of children Protecting Australia’s Children 2009- Legislation for the commissioner will be and young people in Australia, 2020. including Aboriginal and Torres Strait introduced later this year and the new Islander children,” SNAICC Chairperson “We want every child to grow up safe, commissioner is expected to take office Dawn Wallam said. happy and well. The new commissioner by the end of 2012. “SNAICC urges the Government “SNAICC urges the Government to go one crucial step further and create a national Deputy Children’s to go one crucial step further Commissioner with a specific focus on and create a national Deputy our children and young people — the Children’s Commissioner with most vulnerable and disadvantaged a specific focus on our children Australians. and young people — the most vulnerable and disadvantaged “Our children continue to experience Australians.” systemic discrimination and — Dawn Wallam disadvantage in health, education and housing. While considerable amounts “We want every child to grow up of resources are being invested in safe, happy and well. The new responding to this disadvantage, such Commissioner will represent as Closing the Gap, attention is required the views of children and young to ensure these initiatives address the people, particularly those most underlying causes and that they are vulnerable, at the national tackled in a manner that achieves level.” results. — Jenny Macklin

snaicc news May 2012 7 SNAICC hosts child protection meeting

PHOTO: (From left) Sarah Rogers (SNAICC), Bill Pritchard (AbSec), Natalie Lewis (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres In early April, SNAICC hosted a initiatives and create a Strait Islander Child Protection Peak), Frank Hytten (SNAICC), meeting of agencies in partnership a congruent strategy Sam Page (Family Relationship Services Australia), Rani Kumar (Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies — with the Aboriginal and Torres to provide better ACWA), Lisa Hillan (Healing Foundation), Simon Schrapel Strait Islander Healing Foundation outcomes for our (UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide) and Andrew McCallum (ACWA). to discuss how to address the children. alarming overrepresentation of The meeting agreed a fundamentally the backing of government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait different approach was needed to community, non-government Islander children in the child change the way in which services for organisations and the public to protection system. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support initiatives that are designed The aim of this initial meeting was children, young people and families are and determined by the communities in to discuss the current initiatives, designed, implemented, delivered and which they operate, are community- policies and practices in child funded. controlled and governed, with policy protection across Australia and and funding mechanisms that are A campaign will be developed seeking identify how to build on these coherent and supportive.

Australia’s record This includes the right of children to for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enjoy their culture, the right to the children and youth. on children’s rights highest standard of health, the right SNAICC will also be lobbying committee to an adequate standard of living for members in Geneva in June to help under review the child’s physical, mental, spiritual advance the dialogue with the Australia is coming up for review and social development, and the right Australian Government on critical areas before the United Nations Committee to education, including where possible that require improved strategies and on the Rights of the Child in June through Indigenous educational insti- support. These include the persistent 2012. The committee monitors States’ tutions and facilities. It also requires removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait implementation of their obligations additional resources and measures to Islander children from their homes and under an international human rights support those groups who are most at culture, the gross overrepresentation of treaty, the UN Convention on the risk of violations of their rights. children in the juvenile justice system, Rights of the Child 1989, to which The Government has submitted a report achieving strong early childhood out- Australia became a party in 1991. to the UN committee on the progress it comes through community-controlled The convention requires that Australia has made in protecting, respecting and services, and the punitive Government take all appropriate measures, including enabling enjoyment of the rights under approach that undermines community through, laws, policies, institutions, the convention. However, to ensure empowerment through the Northern resource allocation and the provision a balanced perspective SNAICC has Territory Stronger Futures. of services, to ensure that all children, contributed to a NGO report to inform For more information: www2.ohchr.org/ including all Aboriginal and Torres the committee of some of the realities english/bodies/crc/crcs60.htm Strait Islander children, enjoy a whole on the ground and the persistent gaps range of fundamental human rights. in human rights protection and support www.childrights.org.au/ 8 snaicc news May 2012 Victoria’s child protection system letting down our vulnerable children

SNAICC has urged the Victorian “The inquiry’s report Premier Ted Baillieu to implement paints a grim picture of the recommendations arising out of continuing poor outcomes the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable for Aboriginal children, who Children Inquiry. have unacceptably high rates of contact with the child “The inquiry’s report has found that protection system and, if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander placed in care, a precarious children are being badly let down Muriel Bamblett chance of remaining by an ineffective child protection connected with their families system in Victoria. Our children and only half of carers of Aboriginal and culture.” children have support to ensure that families deserve much better,” SNAICC — Dawn Wallam Chairperson Dawn Wallam said. the children stay in contact with family and culture; and only 59 per cent of “The five recommendations relating children are placed in out-of-home care specifically to vulnerable Aboriginal and full independent powers: that is, the in accordance with the Aboriginal Child capacity to investigate, recommend, Torres Strait Islander children have the Placement Principle. potential to make a real difference in intervene, advocate and report publicly reducing the number of children at risk “If implemented, the 10-year plan would on how the system is working. and in ensuring a connection to family, provide a sustainable funding model, “We hope that the Victorian Govern- community and culture for children who transfer existing out-of-home care ment’s intention to create this new role are placed into care. placements statewide from mainstream will provide further impetus for the agencies to ACCOs, and provide Australian Government to do the same.” “SNAICC is particularly encouraged incentive for innovative partnerships by the principle underpinning the between ACCOs and mainstream The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care recommendations, which is to place agencies. Agency (VACCA) says real and immediate more control in the hands of Aboriginal action is needed to address major and Torres Strait Islander Victorians in “Crucially, the plan would build the issues that contribute to the over- finding solutions. capacity of Aboriginal community- representation of Aboriginal children in controlled organisations, including protective care in Victoria. “Greater self-determination for our training for staff, to deliver effective people is a fundamental human right and culturally appropriate services to VACCA CEO and SNAICC National and is at the core of addressing the our children and families.” Executive member, Muriel Bamblett, many complex and intergenerational who was on the inquiry reference group, factors of disadvantage that are placing The SNAICC Chairperson also welcomed believes recommendations from the our children at risk,” Ms Wallam said. another key recommendation: the inquiry are an essential step towards establishment of a state Commissioner A major recommendation from the meeting the needs of vulnerable or Deputy Commissioner focused on Aboriginal children. report is transferring guardianship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal children removed from their children’s issues. VACCA said a whole-of-government families to Aboriginal community- response, as highlighted in the report, controlled organisations (ACCOs) under According to a report in The Age was essential to make progress in a comprehensive 10-year plan. newspaper, the Victorian Government is improving outcomes for vulnerable seriously considering the creation of an “The inquiry’s report paints a grim Aboriginal children across key areas Aboriginal Children’s Commissioner as including health and education. picture of continuing poor outcomes part of its response to the inquiry. for Aboriginal children, who have However, VACCA was disappointed unacceptably high rates of contact “If the Age article is accurate, this is that a number of issues it raised in its with the child protection system and, an encouraging start — both in terms submission to the inquiry were not if placed in care, a precarious chance of of the new position and in the urgency covered in the report. These included remaining connected with their families Government is showing to implement reform of the Children’s Court, and culture,” Ms Wallam said. the report’s recommendations,” Ms extending cultural competency training Wallam said. “The report notes that Aboriginal to government departments and the children are 11 times more likely to be in “For the new commissioner to need for Education Support Workers to out-of-home care than other children; effectively protect and promote the engage with children in out-of-home rights of our children, they will need care. snaicc news May 2012 9 The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak body (QATSICPP) says the gap in child protection outcomes for the state’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continues to widen at an alarming rate. In its September 2011 report, Losing Ground, the peak body reports 2,969 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were in protective care in June What is 2010 — or 36.7 per cent of all children in care in Queensland. “If it continues at this rate, Aboriginal 36.7% and Torres Strait Islander children will make up half of the child protection population as early as 2015,” the report notes. and QATSICPP found adherence to the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle continues to plummet, with only 53.8 per cent of children in Queensland being placed with family or community rising? in accordance with the principle. The corresponding figure in 2007 was 61.2 per cent. Losing Ground also observes that family contact of children in care is at a very The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait low level. It cites figures in the Child Islander children in Queensland’s Guardian Report (2007-08) which found only 20 per cent of cases indicated the child protection system child had regular contact with their mother and six per cent with their father. supports this, our state legislation spells out that it should not occur…and yet Elizabeth Adams, Chairperson of it does and the rate of deterioration is QATSICPP, says the child placement accelerating virtually unchecked. 1,337 principle was a community initiative children and their families are paying a formulated by the newly-formed terrible price for this failure. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child care agencies in the 1970s, as “a “The whole community will continue to protection against the continuation of pay this for years to come.” Chair ofCEO QATSICPP, of AFFS, ElizabethSharron Williams Adams the devastation caused to the Stolen The report highlights the enormous Generations and the whole community.” human and financial costs — to children, land which is a significant spiritual and “Long before the (National) Apology, their families and communities and the emotional factor for Aboriginal and it was an acknowledgment that wider society — that will impact on the Torres Strait Islander people as well serious harm can be caused to children generations to come: as a significant political issue in the resulting loss of land rights. by separation from their families, “Costs to the individual have been communities and culture,” Ms Adams clearly demonstrated in the Bringing “Costs to the Aboriginal and Torres observes in Losing Ground. them Home report and includes major Strait Islander community are in the “Sadly, the most recent departmental physical, emotional, psychological, ongoing heartache of the disintegration data (March 2011) indicates that over mental health, spiritual and cultural of the family unit, the loss of cherished 1,337Aboriginal and Torres Strait trauma and loss. children and the loss of future leaders and community members. Islander children are currently growing “This will not only impact on the up without their family, community and individual but their family and “Costs to the wider Queensland culture. community for generations to come. population include the ongoing costs of “Our community’s lived experience Lost contact with family and community delivering social services to individuals tells us this is not acceptable, research also represents loss of connection to suffering the impact of social

10 snaicc news May 2012 “At the current rate of increase, by 2015 one in National peak body to two children in the Queensland child protection bridge the disability gap system will be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.” A national peak body representing — Losing Ground report, Sept 2011 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities was launched in Sydney on dislocation. This is a widespread impact 30 March. across many sectors eg health, criminal The First Peoples Disability Network justice, mental health, substance abuse. (FPDN) will represent the 37 per Damian Griffis In the child protection sector it also cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait includes the impact on future families Islander people in Australia who are He said Indigenous people with and the likelihood of multigenerational living with a disability and also their disabilities were “reluctant to to problems.” families and carers. take on a further negative label — particularly if they already experience Losing Ground tracks progress — or more FPDN Executive Officer Damian Griffis discrimination based on their accurately the acute lack of progress — said the new peak body would have a Aboriginality.” since 2007, when QATSICPP published a number of important roles. report on the child placement principle Mr Griffis said the focus on Abori- “FPDN will advocate robustly for the together with a set of recommendations. ginal and Torres Strait Islander people promotion and protection of human with disability had been from a health It also looks at the major barriers and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspective. While primary health care myths relating to the non-adherence of Islanders with disabilities to ensure is essential, it had come at the cost the child placement principle — despite their equal participation within their of recognising the social aspects of the principle having been embedded in own communities and the wider Indigenous disability. Queensland law for over a decade. Australian community,” Mr Griffis Some of the myths include the ideas said. “This has meant that discrimination against Aboriginal people with a that the principle can place children “We will provide advice to disability remains firmly entrenched,” at further risk of harm; there is a small government on issues that affect the Mr Griffis said. pool of suitable carers; and Aboriginal lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait and Torres Strait Islander services are Islander people with disabilities. We “The general wellbeing of Aboriginal already funded sufficiently to provide will educate both the government people with disability has not child protection services. and non-government sectors about improved in any meaningful way. the lived experience of Indigenous QATSICPP does not make any new “It is time to bridge the disability gap Australians with disabilities. recommendations in Losing Ground. in Australia.” “We are also developing a 10-point “Rather we ask that the recommen- Founding member of the FPDN, plan for the implementation of the dations of the original report as well as Aunty Gayle Rankine, said: “This is (Australian Government’s) National the unimplemented recommendations an historic occasion, we now have a Disability Insurance Scheme for of the many significant reports there strong voice at a national level for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have been, be reconsidered and people with a disability.” implemented.” with disabilities to ensure this policy meets the unique needs of Mr Griffis said the peak body would To read the report and for more Indigenous Australians.” use a federation-type model for its information on QATSICPP, go to: membership structure. The founding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander www.qatsiccp.com.au members are networks of Aboriginal people with disabilities are among and Torres Strait Islander people with l Ms Natalie Lewis has been appointed the most disadvantaged Australians, disability from NSW, Queensland, the new CEO of QATSICPP, following the yet the vast majority remain at the South Australia and Victoria. departure of Dianne Harvey. periphery of the disability service Ms Lewis joined the peak body in sector. One of the FPDN priorities will be to support the development of networks February 2012, having previously Mr Griffis said among the range of of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worked in youth justice-related issues reasons for this marginalisation was people with disabilities in jurisdictions with the Queensland department of the fact that the vast majority of where they do not currently exist. communities for 10 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ms Lewis also spent eight years working people with disabilities do not For more information contact Mr on diversionary programs in Orange identify as a person with disability. Griffis: [email protected] County, California. snaicc news May 2012 11 Opening doors through partnerships

Dalaigur Aboriginal Pre-school, Kempsey

SNAICC has published a new Gippsland and East Gippsland Dalaigur Aboriginal Pre-school research report entitled Opening Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC) and Dalaigur Aboriginal Pre-school in Doors through Partnerships that Uniting Care Gippsland (UCG) Kempsey, New South Wales, is growing seeks to uncover the principles and In Bairnsdale, in the East Gippsland and strengthening their service through practices that support genuine and region of Victoria, GEGAC works closely a dedicated approach to developing respectful partnerships between with UCG in the development and partnerships that add value to their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delivery of early years services. A key service. organisations, mainstream agencies practice that has made the partnership They engage in a wide range of and government in child and family successful has been the employment of partnerships for the development and service provision. a shared staff member who works fluidly implementation of programs and staff between both organisations in the role The case study based research draws training, including with the Australian of Indigenous Early Years Coordinator. on the experience of Aboriginal and Literacy and Numeracy Foundation Torres Strait Islander organisations and The shared staff member has been (ALNF), NAPCAN, Kids Matter, Gunawirra mainstream partners working together highly effective in building early years foundation, and the local early inter- in service sectors including early service capacity for GEGAC as well as vention service and primary school. childhood education and care, family integrating knowledge about culture For Dalaigur, an openness to different violence, child protection, out-of-home and ways of working with Aboriginal ways of implementing a program that care, and family support. families at UCG. are culturally appropriate for their The partnerships have contributed to This cross-learning filters through at children and families is a bottom mutual capacity building, including the staff level and improves everyone’s line requirement for engaging in increasing the cultural competence of practice with Aboriginal families. The partnerships. mainstream agencies and governance shared staff member has become an While Dalaigur strongly values the and service capacity of Aboriginal and effective advocate for families with both contribution of partnerships to service Torres Strait Islander organisations. organisations to ensure that services are delivery they will only work with delivered that respond to their needs. The research report identifies promising organisations that are trusting and practices that reflect these principles Kim McAlister, Director of Early Years accepting of the different ways of and provides useful ideas for all Practice at UCG, says: “We use the words working in an Aboriginal service, and organisations engaging in partnerships ‘walk alongside’ and we choose to walk come with an open mind to develop for service delivery to Aboriginal and alongside whenever and wherever we programs together. Torres Strait Islander children and can to support their capacity to do what A teacher at Dalaigur Pre-School, families. Some of the partnerships they need to do…the ideal for us at the Roslyn ‘Lotti’ Moseley, says: “It has to and practices that are demonstrating end of the day is that the whole program go both ways. We’ve got to accept that success in implementing these area moves to GEGAC when they’re ready all children will be mainstreamed, it’s principles are described on these pages. for that.” a mainstream life and we need to give

12 snaicc news May 2012 Principles for genuine partnerships 2013 SNAICC The case studies undertaken by SNAICC have revealed a number of important principles that are underpinning genuine partnerships. These are: National • Commitment to developing long-term sustainable relationships based on Conference trust. • Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge, history, lived experience and connection to community and country. SNAICC’s next national conference • Commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait will be held from 3 to 6 June 2013 Islander peoples. in Cairns. One for the diary! • Aim to improve long-term wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres The conference will build on the Strait Islander children, families and communities. success of SNAICC’s 2010 National Conference in Alice Springs: Ampe • Shared responsibility and accountability for shared objectives and Anwernekenheke ­— For our Children. activities. SNAICC’s event is the only national • Valuing process elements as integral to support and enable partnership. conference focusing on Aboriginal • A commitment to redressing structures, relationships and outcomes that and Torres Strait Islander children. are unequal and/or discriminatory. An expert advisory group of • Openness to working differently with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal leaders and experts from peoples, recognising that the mainstream approaches are frequently not around the country will help to make the most appropriate or effective. next year’s conference a milestone event for our sector. As last time, our next conference will these tools to these children so that enabled effective partnership was invite all those working with they can go into a non-Indigenous the secondment of an experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context and take on the world, but they Family Violence program manager from children to share and celebrate, grow still keep their culture inside.” Berry Street to VACCA. This provided our knowledge, challenge others and an opportunity to develop systems, foster leadership. Victorian Aboriginal Child Care reporting mechanisms and referral Agency (VACCA) and Berry Street processes that were complementary And the culture and successes of Victoria and for Berry Street to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VACCA and Berry Street are working understanding around how they could communities from the local area also closely together to provide the fit in with the way VACCA needed to do will be showcased again. business. Indigenous Case Management If you want to be kept up to date component of the Integrated Family The supportive role of the Victorian about the 2013 conference, or Violence Services, Women and Children, Department of Human Services (DHS) express interest in participating, in the North-West Metropolitan Region has been recognised as a key factor, email our conference consultant of Melbourne. enabling the partners to develop Sharyn Low: sharyn@sharynlow. The partnership pursues the goal that innovative approaches. com.au with the subject line ‘SNAICC Conference expression of interest’, more Aboriginal women will receive “They (DHS) are very clear about and include in the body of the email: services from an Aboriginal organi- working in a very fluid partnership, not sation, and that if they choose to work a hierarchical structure where they’re • your name with the mainstream agency they will saying: we’re the funder, you’ll deliver,” • organisation you are affiliated receive a more culturally-competent says Kerry Crawford, Executive Manager with (if applicable) service. of Early Intervention and Family • state/territory Services at VACCA. Significant differences in the • email address understanding of and approach to “Instead, they’re saying: here’s a bit of • telephone number. family violence have been a challenge space, let’s see what we can do because in the partnership. However, this needs to be successful.” There will be plenty of opportunities Berry Street have demonstrated a to be involved. A call for abstracts commitment to developing different For more detailed information about will open in the middle of 2012, and ways of working with Aboriginal the practices that are supporting registrations will open early in 2013. people, learning from the VACCA genuine and respectful relationships in approach. these and other partnerships, visit the For more information, contact Poppy SNAICC website: www.snaicc.asn.au Bervanakis at SNAICC on A significant practice that has (03) 9489 8099.

snaicc news May 2012 13 By Josie Crawshaw, CEO, Stronger Aboriginal Families Together (SAF,T)

SAF,T will have a big role to play in helping to develop the sector in the Northern Territory and in supporting those individuals and Aboriginal organisations already working with children and families through advocacy, research and high-level lobbying of government. The peak body is here for the long haul Walking together on a new path and the key to our sustainability will be through consultation and engagement underpinned by good governance and In January this year we hosted a and training to non-Aboriginal carers strong leadership — and there are no meeting in Darwin of our Panel of and agencies, recruitment, training short cuts to achieving this. Experts comprised of local, national and support of Aboriginal foster carers, and international child protection as well as advocacy and referrals for Although we have operated for just nine experts — including SNAICC CEO Frank Aboriginal families caught up in the months we are on schedule in building a Hytten. They made a series of high-level child protection system. brand new organisation from the ground recommendations to assist in guiding In the longer term, one of the funda- up with solid foundations and a clear and informing SAF, T’s development mental tools underpinning our own purpose. that were referred to the board for its effective and sustainable response to meeting in mid-April. We are forging ahead in realising assisting vulnerable children and a future in which our peoples are The panel echoed the views expressed families will be the capacity to gather, empowered to determine their own by Professor Muriel Bamblett on our store, access and analyse information. destinies; the rights of our children, recent visit to the Victorian Aboriginal Without that, the capacity of our young people and families are Child Care Agency: the NT is so unique organisation to effectively respond to protected; our cultural identities and in terms of the massive challenges the needs of children and families at achievements are respected; and the presented in this sector that in order to risk will be compromised. Ideally, as the vulnerable have access to effective, promote tangible, longer term change, lead Aboriginal agency in this sector, culturally-appropriate services provided our model for service delivery must be SAF,T should be afforded the same by Aboriginal community-controlled equally unique to address the challenge. information retrieval powers as the NT organisations. Children’s Commissioner. The task ahead Effective governance SAF,T has been tasked with re- We hope that our ability to access One of SAF,T’s strengths is that our establishing Aboriginal Child Care information will be improved through 13-member management board is made Agencies or ACCAs in the NT. In response reforms to the Care and Protection of up of Aboriginal community leaders to that mandate, and as recommended Children Act (CPCA) — Information drawn from across the territory. The by our board and supported by the Sharing, which will come into effect in board met in September and December expert panel, SAF,T is currently May. We are also working collaboratively 2011 to consider our constitution, developing a service delivery arm which with the Aboriginal Peak Organisations governance, priorities and “brand”. we will auspice and support during its to ensure that broader reforms to the formative period. CPCA under way support not only In February 2012 we became fully the ongoing development of the peak incorporated in our own right. We have Rather than adopt the narrower term of but the establishment of effective and our own premises and are transitioning ACCAs, however, we prefer Aboriginal sustainable services to Aboriginal from our auspiced arrangement with the Children Youth and Families Support children, youth and families in the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT Services, or ACYFSS. territory. (AMSANT) to complete autonomy. It is expected that our ACYFSS will Despite a great deal of time, effort and We are thankful for AMSANT’s support include parenting and family support expense being invested into the design to date — particularly during the first programs such as family preservation and implementation of a more effective six months of our operation before and counselling support services and and coordinated service response, in funds were released to our fledgling family reunification services; placement reality very little has changed, further organisation by our funding body. and cultural support for children in out- highlighting the need for us to forge With those hurdles behind us, we are of-home care; support and assistance for a new path and to develop a different focused on better meeting the needs of kinship carers and family way place- approach. Aboriginal children, youth and families ments, cross-cultural awareness advice in the NT.

14 snaicc news May 2012 SAF,T board members (from far Children in out-of-home care left): Traceylee Forester (no longer on board), Chairperson Our children are removed and their Margaret Furber, Stephanie families subjected to bureaucratic Berrida, Lisa Mumbin, Helen income management if their children Williams, Sophia Garrkali Gurruwiwi and Norman George. do not attend school, yet anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of Below: young brothers from the children in out-of-home care who do Palmerston community near Darwin. not attend school is equally poor if not worse. Aboriginal children in the NT make up more than 80 per cent of out-of-home care placements. Walking together on a new path Two thirds of our Aboriginal children in out-of-home care are placed with non- Aboriginal carers, and only a third of Youth and families them have Cultural Care Plans. SAF,T is not just the peak body for This means the majority of them have Aboriginal children but for youth little or no links to culture, community, and families as well. I sit on the country or family. In fact, we know that Child Death Review Committee and fewer than half of the children in care in our organisation recently made a the Northern Territory even have a care submission to the Parliamentary plan that is compliant with the CPCA, Select Committee into Youth let alone a Cultural Care Plan. Suicide. This is one of the most tragic and pressing issues affecting Right now, hundreds of Aboriginal Aboriginal youth in the NT with children are effectively lost in the spiralling numbers of girls and system without identity, without family young women adding to the bleak and without a voice. statistics. Numerous Aboriginal people from across I share the concerns of the NT the NT have expressed their fears to me Children’s Commissioner that that we are witnessing another “Stolen Aboriginal children as young as Generation”. “Stolen” may be an 11 are committing suicide at an emotionally-charged term but I believe unprecedented rate in communities their fears are well-founded. where family violence is rife. Families are the core of an Aboriginal Recently the Melbourne Age and child’s cultural care. Tracing a family of Six years ago when the Howard other national media referred to the Aboriginal children in out-of-home care Government launched the emergency territory as the “youth suicide capital of is crucial but often complex and time intervention in the Northern Territory the western world”. Our daughters and consuming. Currently there is no to combat child abuse and neglect, the granddaughters now account for 40 per government or non-government number of girls committing suicide was cent of all suicides of children under the agency in the NT that is resourced to significantly lower. age of 17, which is unheard of, and consistently and adequately undertake coincides with increased substance The NTER has drawn national attention this work. abuse and a sharp rise in the number of to the level of poverty and deprivation There is a clear need to ensure that Aboriginal women admitted to hospital in some of our remote Aboriginal significant resources are invested to as a result of a violent assault. communities, but despite $2 billion address the number of children without and a name change, can our children, The fact that our women are being care plans and Cultural Care Plans. We youth and families really look forward to hospitalised for serious injury from must have bipartisan support to ensure “Stronger Futures”? domestic violence at 80 times the rate the maintenance of family links occurs of others is heartbreaking. Research I often hear references to the fact that in every placement of an Aboriginal indicates that exposure to violence Aboriginal people have the “most” and child or young person in out-of-home greatly increases the risk of a person the “least” of everything. We have the care for six months or longer. taking their own life and emphasises most problems related to community The structure of the child protection the need for government to focus on and domestic violence, substance system and how it works is a mystery culturally-appropriate preventative abuse, poverty and disadvantage; we to many Aboriginal parents and support services and healing programs have the least access to good nutrition, families, particularly in remote regions. to address inter-generational trauma. health, education, job opportunities and housing. Continued on page 20

snaicc news May 2012 15 Community

Miranda Borlini hub From humble beginnings over 30 years ago, Lulla’s Children and Family Centre has evolved into a central hub for Aboriginal families at Shepparton, in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. “Our community recognised the significant disadvantage facing our children because of their lack of attendance in early years programs,” said Lulla’s Chairperson and SNAICC Deputy Chairperson Geraldine Atkinson to explain the creation of the original Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Centre (MACS) in 1981. “Beginning with me behind the wheel of a blue Toyota that had to be pummelled with a hammer to make it start, we drove around the community Lulla’s much more than a child care centre and brought the children and carers into the Lidje MACS,” Geraldine said. “The amalgamated service has worked Miranda said the centre’s 14 staff — From day one, the intention was to in one sense with having that zero all but two of whom are Aboriginal provide a holistic service — including to six years in one centre. So the —and board members know the issues long day and occasional care, communication with all of us, so from that local parents face and are able to playgroups, cultural and community birth to six and then transferring that respond to problems in a sensitive and education programs, and a bus service on to school. So we’ve found that’s culturally appropriate way. been really important here and worked for children and carers — that was Knowing the issues affordable and could meet the needs of really well,” Miranda said. “When I first started, we had a problem Aboriginal children and families The kindergarten is licensed for 25 with some parents not paying fees. So Merger benefits the community places — some filled by non-Aboriginal sitting down and just talking through In 2009, Lidje MACS and Batdja children if vacancies arise — and the all of that money management stuff, Preschool — set up in 1993 to support day care centre for 46 places. Lulla’s that fees are important and you have to Aboriginal children to make the is run by an eight-member board, pay them, but it’s important that the transition to primary school — merged including local Elders and members of children attend more than paying the and moved into new premises to create previous Lidje and Batdja boards. fees,” Miranda said. Lulla’s Children and Family Centre, Both Miranda and Geraldine stressed “A lot of the staff here are related to a named after Geraldine’s mother. that MACS services such as Lulla’s lot of the community. With new staff we The centre offers roomy, bright spaces go way beyond merely taking care of have made sure that they understand for pre-school, toddlers, babies and children so that parents can meet their that not only are you looking after the three-to-six year olds and a playground other commitments during the day. kids but you have that involvement with the families. designed on the stories of the local “MACS provide a link for Aboriginal Yorta Yorta and Bangarang nations. and Torres Strait Islander kids between “So we know things about the families, Lulla’s Director, Miranda Borlini, said home, community life and school, with the community obviously outside the management boards of Batdja and and are very distinct from mainstream here. That’s very important, knowing Lidje had seen the need to amalgamate services,” Geraldine said. the families, to build trust between us.” and the benefits it would confer on “The child, family, culture and commu- Miranda said there had been a focus on children, families and the community. nity are all central in the MACS model.” getting parents involved at Lulla’s and

16 snaicc news May 2012 Main photo: story time for the children at Lulla’s centre; (main photo this page) enjoying some free time; (top photos) young Jarris is all concentration, Khya and Ellie; Lulla’s Chairperson, Geraldine Atkinson.

teaching children to be proud and principles and practices of the Early celebrate their Aboriginal and Torres Years Learning Framework (EYLF) for Strait Islander heritage and giving them over a year. The framework is part of the a strong, resilient base for later life. Australian Government’s commitment to “ensure delivery of nationally consistent “We do a lot of work on cultural identity, and quality early childhood education Lulla’s much more than a child care centre it’s very important because some across sectors and jurisdictions.” children might not learn lots of stuff at “A lot of the staff here are related home so if we can give it to them here,” Miranda said the EYLF changes had to a lot of the community. With new Miranda said. been positive, with the framework being flexible enough not to affect the work staff we have made sure that they “It’s displayed, there’s activities leading on cultural identity and traditional understand that not only are you up to and after NAIDOC Week — it’s not nurturing practices. She said staff were looking after the kids but you have a one-off, it’s celebrated every day here. gradually adjusting to the framework that involvement with the families.” But also learning about other cultures and enjoying new practices such as the ­— Miranda Borlini too. use of learning stories and intentional “So we celebrate everyone’s culture, but supporting them at home to look after teaching, which encourages children every day there’s something here for the their children’s developmental needs. to have more input in choosing their kids to do with their cultural identity learning activities. Parents can access maternal health, and their families — for example, family A new staff member with experience in dental and family support services at trees and family photos of everyone. the framework has introduced portfolios the centre, which is also used as a place Recently we talked about how different which demonstrate and document to gather socially and help out. we all are but how we’re all the same. children’s learning achievements. “Families can come here whenever they And the kids were like ‘wow we’re all want, use the computers, anything Koori but we’ve all got different “I explained to the other room leaders they want. It’s a family centre, that’s coloured hands’. So just things like that. that it’s really where I want us to go — individual portfolios for the kids,” what we wanted it to be. On Fridays A local Elder visits the centre, telling Miranda said. with playgroup, making lunch, cutting stories and speaking in her traditional fruit, cooking meals, stuff like that. So language, and the children also learn “And also explaining to our families that’s been really important too, having Yorta Yorta and Bangarang words. too. With our parenting program, we’ll somewhere for them to come and relax Some children are members of the have a session here and talk about it. and use the facilities.” Damanmu Bangarang Traditional Dance Because we’re doing the Dr Sparling Cultural identity Group, performing at public events in (Abecedarian Games)…we want to be Shepparton and Melbourne. implementing that in the program. We Critically, another feature that sets want our parents to understand that MACS apart from mainstream services Early Years Learning Framework we’re educating the children, we’re not is the fostering of cultural identity, Lulla’s has been implementing the babysitting them.” snaicc news May 2012 17 SA children’s services meet in Port Lincoln

By Sharolyn Talbot, and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to ARMSU IPSUSA Coordinator support people working in Budget Based Funded children’s services to The Aboriginal Resource and gain qualifications. Management Support Unit — better known as ARMSU —­ is the support Complete Personnel won the contract to deliver the training component in arm for the Indigenous Professional parents making chicken, pumpkin and South Australia, where 24 BBF services, Support Unit and Resource Centre in spinach risotto, to take home to share mainly creches, are eligible for support. South Australia. It provides support with their families. and advice for Aboriginal Children’s The South Australian services are very Other topics discussed at the Aboriginal Services, including the loaning of excited about this project and looking services meeting included updates resources. forward to getting started. about SNAICC initiatives and the AGM. Aboriginal Children’s Services under We also enjoyed a presentation about It was also a time for discussion around ARMSU funding support in SA get the children’s garden at Wynbring Jida new developments for ARMSU with together three times a year for two days, MACS, Whyalla, linking the activities in resource development launching the twice in Adelaide and once in a country the garden to the Early Years Learning Enews and discussing future centre. Framework. The garden has been given professional development needs in These meetings are hosted by ARMSU a Bungarla name, Perru Mai, meaning Aboriginal children’s services (child and are a great time for yarning, small children’s vegetable/food. care, OSHC and crèches). Vegetables grown in the garden were professional development, sharing New resources “deadly ideas” and supporting each incorporated into the centre’s menu. The ARMSU Resource Centre presents a other. Children were involved with art regular collection of new resources for Workforce development project activities in and about the garden. The children and staff. This supports the In March 2012 we met in Port Lincoln preschool children had a large cut-out inclusion and wellbeing of Aboriginal on the Eyre Peninsula. Our guest of a tree on the wall, and this grew and Torres Strait Islander children and speaker on the first day was Anthony with time. Children would do painting families in child care and education. Edgecumbe from Complete Personnel on leaves, which tied into cultural This allows growth of knowledge and with an update on the Early Childhood perspectives. There was ongoing respect from all children and staff Workforce Development project. extensive discussion about how foods towards Aboriginal people and their come from gardens, collecting foods culture. This project is part of the ‘National from supermarket, introducing new Quality Standard’, and funded by the foods for children. Some foods were The new resources in the centre Department of Education, Employment used for a family cooking night with were presented and displayed at the

18 snaicc news May 2012 PHOTO: Stephen Walker from Kaurna Plains MACS Child Care Centre and Mavis Miller from Minya Bunhii Children’s Centre. PHOTO page 18: Staff from Aboriginal Children’s Services in South Australia.

cultural relevance and whether children first visited Port Lincoln Aboriginal and staff will enjoy using them. Community Council Gidja Club OSHC (which caters for up to 60 children). At this meeting ARMSU also had a The Director, Amber Clarke, told the special display in honour of the fourth history of the club and how the OSHC anniversary of The National Apology was started, outlined the program to the Stolen Generations. On display and talked about the challenges and were books and DVDs about the Stolen successes. Generations that we have in our collection. Also on display were some of The art gallery on site, Kuju Aboriginal the new books that we have been able Arts, is Aboriginal-owned and operated. to purchase with a $500 grant — many It showcases local Aboriginal art from thanks to The Healing Foundation. Port Lincoln and the Wangka Wilurrara region. The OSHC links in with the It is difficult to look at some of these gallery through their programming with resources as they bring up many sad children. What a fantastic connection! and painful stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Last stop for the day was at the Port Lincoln Children’s Centre where the Nevertheless people at the meeting Director, Joanne Smith, discussed were interested to see them and agreed the centre’s pre-school and child care Aboriginal Services meeting. It was that it was really important that they programs. We were all excited by the a great opportunity to let staff know had been created, so that all Australians extensive outdoor area which includes a what’s available and during this session could gain an understanding of the large children’s activity area, a vegetable staff shared their own ideas from their policies, personal stories and legacies garden, a reconciliation garden and centres and communities. of the Stolen Generations. a road safety school area. Joanne At this meeting we had a look at a range The morning of the second day was answered many questions about her of new books, including Shake a Leg spent discussion risk management and outdoor space and resources especially by Boori Monty Pryor (suits ages six to how to conduct a risk assessment. We about the shade materials and soft fall 12), Growing up our way by SNAICC (for used four typical headings requiring used by the centre. staff) and Ngadjuri: Aboriginal People of staff to create scenarios: opening It was a busy but satisfying two days, the Mid-North Region of South Australia and closing the centre, cooking/food providing those who attended with (for 10-year-olds to adults). We also preparation, running a sausage sizzle ideas, information and inspiration. had a selection of new jigsaw puzzles and going on an excursion. Even though ARMSU’s support to enable Aboriginal featuring bush foods, native birds the topic is serious, staff were very services to come together and have and people living in central Australia creative (sometimes too creative) with a united voice is invaluable. Those and Aboriginal-designed fabrics that inventing situations to be risk assessed attending identify their training needs services can use for their home corners and we hope none of them ever happen. and this forms part of the Agenda for or display areas. The feedback from staff in this session the next meeting. The agenda also indicated that everyone felt much more These resources are loaned out to many has emerging issues affecting Budget comfortable with the idea of doing a South Australian early childhood Based Funded services. The sessions are risk assessment in their service. centres, OSHCs, family day carers and presented in a variety of ways (visual, other organisations that work with Visiting local services verbal, written and presentation) and children. The staff in the Aboriginal A regular event at meetings is to empower them to return to their services services get to have a first look at them visit local services in the area. As the with new knowledge and an ability to be and offer their opinion about their meeting was held in Port Lincoln we able to implement new ideas.

PHOTOS: Children water the herb garden at Whyalla’s Wynbring Jida MACS; and (far right) a display stand featuring new resources available from the Aboriginal Resource and Management Support Unit.

snaicc news May 2012 19 A place for families to heal

An innovative new approach to out- “Mainstream statutory child protection of-home care prevention in South models stipulate the solution to the Australia will provide a space for problem by dictating that the parent do families to heal and grow as a family. certain things: attend a certain number of drug and alcohol appointments, or Aboriginal Family Support Services use court processes to legislate random (AFSS), in partnership with the Sisters drug checks,” Sharron said. of St Joseph, has developed a family centre as a holistic and culturally CEO of AFFS, Sharron Williams “But families need more support, not respectful alternative to mainstream less, to enable them to be able to resume child protection processes. Focusing on trauma recovery in the and maintain the care of their children. context of family and community, The causal problem or problems of The family centre model is a residential the model of the healing centre will children suffering abuse or neglect is program for families who are having allow families to make their own often linked to key life questions like, difficulty caring for their children. decisions about the healing process, ‘Who am I? Who do I belong to? Do I Working in partnership with govern- with intensive family preservation matter?’” ment, non-government and the and restoration services for families corporate sector, the family centre will Rather than taking an inflexible, top- provided by AFSS. accept referrals for families to prevent down approach, the healing centre their children being placed into out- “It is our role to provide what families will allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait of-home care, or for families where need to plan their own recovery so they Islander families to get to the bottom of children have already been removed. have the capacity to be able to provide their issues as a family, and to develop loving and nurturing environments for their own solutions in their own time. AFSS is now seeking funding to begin their children to grow strong,” AFSS building the family centre in January “We are committed to nurturing chief executive and SNAICC National 2013. potential, not dominating; walking Executive member Sharron Williams beside, walking behind and when The centre will located at Largs Bay in said. invited, walking in front; doing better, Adelaide and will provide a safe healing The healing centre will take a longer- not more; being thorough; and environment for up to four families at term approach, accommodating families demonstrating what can be done,” any one time with other smaller homes from between three months and two Sharron said. close by (accessed from Housing SA or years in a “safe and homely” environ- community housing) providing transi- “The provision of a safe, homely and ment. This allows families the time and tional housing from the more intensive healing environment will enable space to heal as a family unit. care environment provided by the families to retain or resume the care of centre. “The intention of the service is to their children, while accessing a range address the underlying issues impacting of wrap-around healing services in a It is expected that families will families’ or parents’ ability to care for family-driven case management model.” transition back to their communities children,” Sharron said. and country gradually to ensure AFSS expects the Healing Centre to open changes in their living and being can The model is based on a “radically its doors by the end of 2014. For more be stabilised so they can return to their different, family-centred and holistic information, please contact Kenise Neill homes feeling stronger and with ways to approach” to mainstream child ([email protected]) manage stress differently. protection service delivery.

To assist us in our work, we have done New NT peak body begins journey extensive research on interstate models Continued from page 15 of Aboriginal community-controlled child It is widely recognised that self- protection and youth and family In isolated, neglected communities determination through Aboriginal wellbeing services for possible overwhelmed with alcohol and drug community control is the most effective application in the NT. I have valued abuse, there is also a lack of bi-cultural way of providing services to our peoples the opportunity to acquire a first-hand capital and knowledge about parenting and delivering sustainable outcomes. appreciation of how other Aboriginal strategies and appropriate care Clearly, growing and delivering a community-controlled organisations are environments for children. sustainable best-practice Aboriginal facing the challenges in the sector. How do we find ways to keep children Community-Controlled (ACC) out-of- This work is still under way but I cannot safe in an unsafe environment rather home care and family support service thank our friends and colleagues across than remove them into the already for the territory is vital — and that is the country enough for their solidarity overwhelmed child protection system? our core business. and support to date. 20 snaicc news May 2012 SNAICC’s training officer Rebekah Francis (pictured) tells of her recent life-changing stay in a remote community in the United States.

Eagle Butte is a Native American Reservation in South Dakota surrounded by plains, prairies and Children take part in the Pow Wow at Eagle Butte. breathtaking scenery; its 1500 residents are descendants of Tatonka, the Buffalo that once roamed freely through these ancient, sacred lands. A glimpse of life at Eagle The phrase, “blink and you’ll miss it” is one way to describe the diminutive size of Eagle Butte (spoken from a city Butte, South Dakota girl like me); with its one “restaurant”, The Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP) who they are, who they aspire to be and wood cabin of a hospital, ten shops, endeavours to curb these alienating and most importantly, their own culture. one gas station, library, culture centre, socially destructive behaviours by The centre operates four central supermarket, pre-school, primary providing programs for children and projects: the “Main” Youth Centre for school, high school and youth centre. young people (aged four to 18) in the children aged four to 12, the Family community and surrounding areas in The isolation of Eagle Butte hits you Services Program, the Winyan Toka Win activities that promote wellbeing, self- when you realise that there is no taxi Garden and the Cokata Wiconi “Teen development and growth, community service or public transport and walking Centre” for kids aged 13 to 18. It has involvement, education and culture. in freezing, snowy, conditions through a full-sized basketball court and gym, howling winds blowing straight to CRYP was founded in 1988 to support library, industrial kitchen, internet cafe, your bones is sadly your only option. children on the Cheyenne River computer lab, art and dance studio and It’s about 50 years behind the rest of Reservation by providing them with a living quarters for up to 16 volunteers. America and I don’t know whether it’s safe environment to attend after school The cultural exchange was a highlight, endearing or a hindrance. and have a healthy meal for the day. as Indigenous Australian culture had Hot water pipes freeze in the cold Being Indigenous myself, the chance to not been experienced in Eagle Butte making showering impossible, heating be fully immersed in another Indigenous before. The opportunity to sit with ceases when it’s needed most (like culture was very important for my Elders, be part of a Traditional Sweat -10C in the morning), the internet is development and choosing to volunteer Lodge, witness a three-day Pow Wow, more temperamental than a sugared-up at CRYP in Eagle Butte for eight weeks get to know traditional local artists, and toddler, mobile phone service drops in was a life-changing decision. in turn, run a self-publishing workshop and out, and there is no home delivery with the younger children, operate an The children spend their afternoons, service of any kind. “Aussie”-themed night, participate in a evenings and Saturdays at CRYP in the multicultural evening, be rewarded with Thankfully, there is no casino on or care of volunteers from all corners of a tear-moving “Shawl Dance” at the end near Eagle Butte; the notion that Native the globe who donate their time, skills, and most importantly, get to know the American Reservations are flooded with expertise and passion. money is a massive misconception. kids is something I will cherish always. Children take part in activities such as The “Rez” is no different to any other Exploring one’s culture though the eyes literacy, sport, health and wellbeing, Indigenous community that has been of another’s is an amazing way to arts and craft, mentoring, gardening, colonised and dominated by those who appreciate the wonders and beauty community events, dance, homework believed their way of life was far more of what you have at home. It lets you groups and midnight basketball; or they superior; it is ravaged with poverty, determine what needs adjusting, be it a simply delight in playing as kids around high unemployment (73 per cent), major overhaul or a minor service. It’s a the world do. teenage pregnancies, alcohol abuse, wake-up call on your life and redirects to homelessness and an exceedingly The children also develop a greater back to where you were originally going. elevated high school dropout rate. knowledge of the world around them, Thank you Eagle Butte. snaicc news May 2012 21 Celebrating 25 years of National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day

This year marks the 25th anniversary “I think National and Islander Children’s Day is something that all services of National Aboriginal and Torres throughout the nation should participate in. It’s very important that all people Strait Islander Children’s Day understand that those children, those Aboriginal children are representing a (NAICD). culture, that is a long, still-living vibrant culture —­ they should be respected as children and as First Peoples of Australia.” NAICD is held on 4 August each year to — Geraldine Atkinson celebrate the importance and value of SNAICC Deputy Chairperson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children within family and community. This year’s theme is Our Children, Our Culture, Our Way. SNAICC will hold a NAICD 25th anniversary coffee table book national launch of children’s day (the venue is yet to be confirmed), with local events planned in communities and organisations across the nation. The event is getting bigger every year — in 2011 SNAICC distributed over 1200 NAICD kits and other resources to help local communities and organisations celebrate the day. In the coming weeks, SNAICC will again be making available a range of material to help communities including an activity book, NAICD 2012 poster (see page 24), balloons, stickers and adhesive tattoos ­— all packed in a bright yellow and red children’s size book bag. There will be a bag especially for children, and another for grown-ups. To mark the special 25th anniversary, SNAICC will also publish a book Thuppi Warra boy, Ezikiel Ware performs a traditional spear fishing featuring a collection of beautiful dance — one of many photos that will feature in the NAICD book. photos sent in from across Australia (see article on right). SNAICC sends a warm thank-you to family and cultural connections are all the families and organisations maintained and nurtured 24 hours a Be part of this special celebration by that contributed photos and day, every day, 365 days a year. The planning and registering your own stories to the Our Children, Our response was terrific. We received NAICD 2012 event. Registration is free Culture, Our Way coffee table over 350 photos and now the big job and fast. Go to www.snaicc.asn.au/ book we are currently producing of compiling as many as we can into children to register online, or download to help celebrate this year’s 25th the book is under way. a registration form and fax it to (03) anniversary of National Aboriginal 9489 8044. Due for release in time for National and Islander Children’s Day. Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Keep your eye on the NAICD 2012 Early in the year, SNAICC invited Day on 4 August, the book showcases section of the SNAICC web site over families and organisations to contri- positive images of Aboriginal and the coming weeks for further details. bute photos and stories that illustrate Torres Strait Islander family life, as There will also be regular updates in our the ways in which Aboriginal well as the work of organisations SNAICC e-Bulletins, on our Facebook and Torres Strait Islander child, across Australia that support them. page and via Twitter.

22 snaicc news May 2012 ‘Through Iconic Song Books available soon Young Black from SNAICC Eyes’ train- A series of books based on famous songs connected with Indigenous the-trainer Australia has been published as a creative way of teaching young workshops readers important lessons in history and the rights of Aboriginal and SNAICC’s Through Young Black Torres Strait Islander people. Eyes Workshop Kit contains a set of resources to assist communities The iconic songs are From Little Things or organisations to run workshops Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly and Kev about family violence, child abuse Carmody, Archie Roach’s Took the and neglect, and develop child-safe Children Away, Shane Howard’s Solid communities. The kit can be adapted Rock and Neil Murray’s My Island Home, to suit local community needs. made famous by Christine Anu. In July 2012, SNAICC will start a project Author Martin Flanagan said the From funded by the Aboriginal and Torres Little Things Big Things Grow song was Strait Islander Healing Foundation to an “Australian anthem of hope” and had run 10 two-day train-the-trainer made many more Australians aware of workshops on how to use the Through the Gurindji people’s battle for equal Young Black Eyes Workshop Kit. rights in the Northern Territory. SNAICC’s workshops will help The Took the Children Away book participants plan workshops in their features the heart-wrenching lyrics own communities using the kit. of Archie Roach about the Stolen SNAICC will decide the location of Generations, and the artwork of his workshops to make sure they are spread late wife and musical collaborator Ruby around Australia as much as possible, Hunter. and priority will be given to workshops The books have been published by One hosted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Day Hill Publishing. The Melbourne- Islander organisations. A selection based firm was established in 2004 to process for workshop hosts will be give “a voice to stories that are signi- announced in around July. ficant within our country and attempt If you are interested in knowing more to try and capture aspects of Australian about this project and keeping up to culture that are threatened and hope- date with developments, this project fully assist in their preservation.” please email Catriona Elek: The books will soon be available [email protected] or call (03) through SNAICC. 9489 8099.

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relevant organisations for current information Subscriptions are paid annually on the concerning their activities. calendar year. Members and affiliate members receive the newsletter as part of their Line art by Nina Kelabora. SNAICC News is the quarterly newsletter of membership. the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Subscribe and contribute to SNAICC News Subscriber forms or credit card subscriber Islander Child Care Inc. Contributions to SNAICC News are welcome. payment online www.snaicc.asn.au or ring Any organisation, government department or © SNAICC 2012. Copyright for images the SNAICC finance department to organise individual may subscribe to SNAICC News and and text published is retained by SNAICC, EFTPOS . receive other information on Aboriginal and unless specified otherwise. Please seek Torres Strait Islander child and family issues. For SNAICC News inquiries contact: permission from SNAICC before reproducing [email protected] information published here. While SNAICC Subscription fees (incl GST & postage) Tel: 03 9489 8099 makes an effort to ensure the information Government $150 PO Box 1445, Fitzroy North published herein is correct at the time Non-government $120 Victoria 3068 of printing, readers should contact the Individuals $35

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out now now out 2012 poster poster 2012