“Protecting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families"

It is paramount that children and young people are physically safe and live in a supportive environment. Ideally, they should be cared for by their immediate family and extended family. The prevention of abuse and neglect by families requires a holistic response to promote the safety and well being of children, young people, families and their communities.

Principles

The following principles underpin the QATSICPP's Limited work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies. 

The Principles are informed by a commitment to maintaining the culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, sharing responsibility for promoting the safety and well being of children and young people, and social justice for all.

The immediate and ongoing safety and the well being of children and young people is paramount in any decisions and actions about their protection and care.

The protection and care of children and young people is best secured within their own families, community and culture.

Parents, families and communities are more able to protect and care for children when they themselves are physically, emotionally and spiritually strong.

Families and communities need to be resourced and strengthened in culturally appropriate ways to better support parents care of their children.

The underlying historical and systemic factors impacting on parents, families and communities must be acknowledged when thinking about the causes of, and responses to, child abuse and neglect.

Where parents are unable to provide safe care of their children, the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle enables appropriate decisions and actions to be taken that secure children's safety and provide appropriate care and support.

Cultural expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities must be understood, acknowledged and reflected in policy, legislation, service delivery and practice frameworks to ensure the safety and well being of children and young people, and strengthen families and communities.