We are the peak body representing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled child protection and family support services sector in Queensland. Our principal purpose is to promote and advocate for the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families. We create effective partnerships, facilitate strategic collaborations and in consultation with our members, advocate for the development of policies, strategies and programs that help to resource, support and strengthen the capacity and capability of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child protection sector.
Our Vision
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are physically, emotionally and spiritually strong; live in safe, caring and nurturing environments within their own families and communities; and are afforded the same life opportunities available to other children and young people to achieve their full potential.
Our Principles
Our principles underpin every element of our work. They reflect our commitment to maintaining the culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and guide us to achieve the best outcomes for our children and families.
- The immediate and ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and young people are paramount in any decisions and actions about their protection and care.
- The protection and care of children and young people are best secured in their families, community and culture.
- Parents, families and communities are best placed to protect and care for children when they 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.