Ten (10) of the twenty (20) community controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member organisations were formerly known as the Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies (AICCAS).

The AICCAS were formed across Australia in the 1970s primarily to address the ongoing removal of children from their families and communities. The Child Placement Principle originated out of this movement and was based on a successful model in use in the United States of America with Indian children.
In 1984, the Queensland Government adopted the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle. The importance of the Principle was widely acknowledged in major Inquiries such as RCIADIC(1989) and Bringing Them Home (1995). After extensive consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and particularly AICCAs, it became an integral part of the Child Protection Act 1999.

Emphasis that the best interests of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander child must include consideration of the whole of life well-being.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection services that are approved under the Child Protection Act 1999, (to undertake a statutory advisory role in child protection) are the approved recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations legislatively referred as the Recognised Entity.   

The Recognised Entities

• Provide advice and guidance to the Department of Child Safety on significant decisions, to assist in determining whether the child /ren are in need of protection and how the child or young person’s safety and wellbeing needs can be best met including placement
• Facilitate communication and understanding between Aboriginal children, young people and families and Department of Child Safety.
• Assist in engaging the involvement of the child’s extended family and Aboriginal community members in decision-making and care arrangements
• Provide information and advice on suitable support services for the purposes of referral.

Foster and Kinship (Relative) Care services:  

• The primary functions are to provide a pool of foster and kinship (relative) care providers for when the child’s family is unable to support or ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.