Family Matters

Strong communities. Strong culture. Stronger children.

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Australian Capital Territory

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Australian Capital Territory are 12.7 times more likely to be removed from their families by child protection services than non-Indigenous children, the third highest rate across all states and territories, and higher than the national rate of 9.7 times.

Meeting the Family Matters Building Blocks

The Family Matters Report 2020 shows that the Australian Capital Territory, in comparison with other states and territories, has:

  • the second highest % of Aboriginal children reunified (26.4%), higher than for non-Indigenous children
  • recorded a significant 1-year drop in over-representation in out-of-home care (14.6 to 12.7), but above national average
  • the second lowest rate of Aboriginal children on track against all 5 AEDC domains (26%)
  • the third highest placement with kin or Aboriginal carers (64.3%) and consistent increase over 5 years
  • 4-year funding for ACCO early intervention program with positive outcomes, but proportion of expenditure on family support is low at 12%
  • low investment in ACCO service provision and community voices report a high level of cultural bias in family assessment and decision-making
  • an Aboriginal elected body which plays an important role in policy
    design and oversight, but no Aboriginal peak body for children and families or a commissioner.

See the 2020 Australian Capital Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters

See the 2020 Australian Capital Territory community response

See the 2019 Australian Capital Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters

See the 2019 Australian Capital Territory community response

See the 2018 Australian Capital Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters

See the 2017 Australian Capital Territory Government’s response to Family Matters

Who’s with us in the ACT?

Over 150 organisations, politicians, commissioners and guardians from across Australia have signed the Family Matters Statement of Commitment, signalling their intent to work in accordance with key principles of the campaign.

Visit our Who’s with us? page to view everyone who has signed the Statement of Commitment from the ACT.

Join us to ensure you’re playing your part in standing up for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Contacts

Child and Youth Protection Services, Community Services Directorate, Australian Capital Territory
13 22 81
ocyfs@act.gov.au

Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
(02) 6284 6222
1800 110 290 or 1800 120 859

Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation
(02) 6296 8900

Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT)
(02) 6249 8488

For further contacts and FAQs specific to the Australian Capital Territory, please download the Family Matters ACT Community Resource 2019

Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

About Us

Family Matters is Australia’s
national campaign to ensure
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children grow up safe
and cared for surrounded by
their own family, community and
culture.
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