The Territory Labor Government today announced the first grant recipients from the $5.4 million funding (over four years) to recruit and support Aboriginal foster and kinship carers and invest in training.
This investment recognises the need for more Aboriginal carers for Aboriginal children because of the importance of connection to language, culture, and identity.
This a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children and is additional to the $120 million annual investment in out-of-home care services.
From that $5.4 million funding pool, $4.2 million is allocated specifically to fund Aboriginal-controlled organisations across the Territory to increase their capacity to identify family or other suitable Aboriginal carers for children, and to provide them with culturally appropriate support.
The three recipients of the $500,000 first round of grant funding are:
Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation. A Service Design grant of up to $200,000 to develop a comprehensive, technically sound and evidence-based service model that enables more Aboriginal children in care to be placed with Aboriginal foster and kinship carers.
Ngurratjuta/ Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation (NPNAC). A Service Delivery Pilot Grant of up to $150,000 to improve the outcomes for Aboriginal children already in care in Central Australia while the service design is being developed.
Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation. A Service Delivery Pilot Grant of up to $150,000 to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children already in care in the Top End while the service design is being developed.
The remaining $1.2 million will be invested to improve training for all foster and kinship carers, and to expand the use of interpreters so that families can participate in making decisions in their first language.
As noted by Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
"Every child deserves a childhood where they are safe and connected with their culture and identity. The Territory Labor Government is investing in the most vulnerable children in the early years to change their pathways in life.
In June this year, 89 per cent of children and young people in care were Aboriginal, with 34 per cent of those people being cared for by an Aboriginal people.
Funded organisations will play a vital role in providing culturally responsive and local approaches to address the need for more Aboriginal carers for Aboriginal children across the Territory.
The childs safety will always be the most important factor in placements. It is also essential that our reformed out-of-home care system empowers and gives a greater decision-making role to Aboriginal people and Aboriginal-controlled organisations.
As noted by CEO of Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, Walter Shaw
"Tangentyere Council has long advocated for community-based reforms that put Aboriginal people at the forefront in strengthening kinship care.
"We look forward to developing an informed model that improves the wellbeing of children and families, ensuring kids stay safe and connected to family and culture.
As noted by CEO of Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Robert Cooper
The Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation is proud to be associated with the NTG in ensuring the provision of culturally appropriate support for Indigenous kids growing up in the Darwin Region.
We see this as a natural progression from our existing work with youth and adults. It is a key component of our vision for Indigenous people of Living Stronger, Living Longer.
