The programs our team contribute to and deliver are all based on our goal to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families. QATSICPP’s role is to support program development and implementation. Working with both community controlled organisations and government bodies, we see our key role is to ensure that the five core elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle are applied in every situation, for every child and their family.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
Family Participation Program
Family Participation Program (FPP) services are provided by community controlled organisations that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to participate in child protection decisions that affect them. FPP services facilitate family led decision making which provides authority to parents, families and children to solve problems and lead decision making in a culturally safe space.
Families can access an FPP service either through self-referral, when they need assistance to be involved in decision making with Child Safety about their children, or the Department of Child Safety who must refer families to an FPP when they are making any significant decisions about the safety and wellbeing of your child.
The FPP convener will engage with you using a strength-based approach that is solution focused and seeks out your family’s strengths and positive aspects. The concerns will be identified, and the goals of the intervention are developed with the immediate and extended family and other key identified persons. The aim of the service is giving “VOICE and CHOICE” to families whilst providing safe care and connection of children.
Find a member that provides Family Participation Program services and support here.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services are provided by community controlled organisations that aim to make it easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to access culturally responsive support to improve their social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and build their capacity to safely care for and protect their children.
They collaborate with a range of service providers and with each individual family to provide a tailored, holistic and coordinated response to their specific needs. This includes prevention and early intervention support to help families at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent concerns and worries from escalating. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services’ workers assist and support families through their storyline, address their diverse needs and provide intensive support for families already in contact with the child protection system.
Find a member that provides Family Wellbeing Services and support here.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foster & Kinship Care Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foster and Kinship Care Services are provided by community controlled organisations that deliver culturally responsive services and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foster and Kinship Carers throughout Queensland. Their role is to ensure children are connected to their family, extended kin, community and culture.
The support that they provide may include:
- Recruitment, assessment, training and support to Foster and Kinship Carers
- Monitoring placements
- Building positive relationships with families, carers and stakeholders.
Find a member that provides Foster & Kinship Care services and support here.
My Family, Our Decisions, Our Way – Youth Justice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Led Decision Making
The Youth Justice Family Led Decision Making (YJFLDM) works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who have had contact with police, court, are already engaged with youth justice or are at risk of entering the justice system. The program also supports young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from school or in their learning. Young people aged between 10-14 years can access the program with the support of their families and community.
YJFLDM is a process where authority is given to the young person and their families to work together to solve challenges and lead discussions that affect their lives. It is rooted in the belief and values that wisdom and knowledge sit with families.
The use of cultural ways of yarning allows the young person, their family, and support network to feel culturally safe, comfortable, and relaxed to talk through the challenges and concerns.
The program is delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (CCOs) and is separate from the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs (Youth Justice). CCO’s have a far-reaching network of culturally suitable supports and programs for young people and families to access. Trained YJ FLDM facilitators work closely with the young person and family to develop a plan that best suits them and will journey with the family to help them achieve success.
We have four member organisations providing YJFLDM services and support; ATSICHS, Goolburri, Kurbingui and Wuchopperen. For more information click here.