Removal of Aboriginal Children

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().19 March 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Child Protection has advised:

1. Family group conferences (FGC), convened under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017, are part of an ongoing Department for Child Protection (DCP) program delivered by Relationships Australia South Australia (RASA) and Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS).

The FGC process is led by families and provides an opportunity for family and community members to come together, with support, to make decisions in the best interests of the child or young person. The service includes FGCs convened to address unborn child concerns.

DCP is working to increase referrals to FGS to provide more opportunities to engage with and empower children and young people, family and community. DCP continues to partner with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in South Australia to further strengthen their involvement in program delivery, including FGCs.

2. It is acknowledged that child protection and family support intervention with infants is particularly distressing. It is our expectation that removals are a last resort when there is no alternative to ensure the safety of the child.

DCP is enhancing supports provided to expectant mothers and newborns identified as being at risk. Engaging meaningfully with Aboriginal families at the point of an unborn child concern notification provides a key opportunity to map appropriate family supports, discuss concerns and link families to culturally safe services. DCP and SA Health work in partnership to achieve the best outcomes for infants where it has been identified they are at risk of harm. There is an emphasis on engagement and effective intervention to support families.