Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory are 12.2 times more likely to be removed from their families by child protection services than non-Indigenous children, the fourth highest rate across all states and territories, and higher than the national average of 9.7 times.
Meeting the Family Matters Building Blocks
The Family Matters Report 2020 shows that the Northern Territory, in comparison with other states and territories, has:
- high proportion spent on family support (24.8%), but low spend on external services and community report limited family support visible on the ground
- the lowest rate of Aboriginal children on track against all 5 AEDC domains (18%)
- the second highest investment in ACCOs (5.8%), but low compared to 90% of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care
- lowest placement of Aboriginal children with kin or Aboriginal carers (36.9%)
- no dedicated commissioner or peak body for Aboriginal
children and families.
See the 2020 Northern Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.
See the 2020 community response to how the Northern Territory is fairing.
See the 2019 Northern Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.
See the 2018 Northern Territory Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.
See the 2017 Northern Territory Government’s response to Family Matters.
Who’s with us in the NT?
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 the six key principles of the campaign.
Visit our Who’s With Us? page to view everyone who has signed the Statement of Commitment in the Northern Territory.
Join us to ensure you’re playing your part in standing up for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.