The welfare of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care is to come under greater scrutiny in NSW, with a specially designated position within the Office of the Children's guardian.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new Deputy Children's Guardian for Aboriginal Children and Young People will strengthen oversight and enforcement powers in accrediting care providers.
As well, an Aboriginal Knowledge Circle of community leaders and experts will advise the government on improving outcomes for indigenous children removed from their homes.
Families Minister Gareth Ward says the moves are in response to the Family is Culture report, which examined more than a thousand cases of Aboriginal children and young people entering out of home care.
"Our response to the Family is Culture report will lay a foundation for the way forward as we work hard to keep children with their parents and reduce the number of kids coming into care."
An Aboriginal Outcomes Taskforce is being established in the Department of Communities and Justice to drive improvements in support for Aboriginal families, and interagency coordination.
"A strong focus on seeing more children, improved practice and evidence-based family preservation programs has resulted in a 35 per cent reduction in the number of Aboriginal children entering out-of-home care since 2015-16," Mr Ward said.
"We have made progress since the review period, but we are determined to do more".
Australian Associated Press
