Victoria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Victoria are 16.1 times more likely to be removed from their families by child protection services than non-Indigenous children, the second highest rate across all states and territories, and significantly higher than the national average of 9.7 times.

Meeting the Family Matters Building Blocks

The Family Matters Report 2020 shows that Victoria, in comparison with other states and territories has:

the highest proportion of expenditure on family support (25.2%), but lowest proportion of Aboriginal children commencing intensive family support (10.7%)
successful self-determination reforms driven by ACCOs with delegations expanding (49% of Aboriginal children case managed by an ACCO)
commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People who leads independent systemic inquiries
high accountability and partnership with ACCOs through the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and the Wungurilwil Gapgapduir Agreement
highest placement with kin or Aboriginal carers (78.8%), but high placement with non-Indigenous kin and low placement with Aboriginal carers (43%)
highest national adoptions of Aboriginal children (12), all to non-Indigenous adoptive parents.

See the 2020 Victorian Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.

See the 2020 community response to how Victoria is fairing.

See the 2019 Victorian Government’s data and written response to Family Matters.

See the 2019 local community’s response to how Victoria is fairing.

See the 2018 Victorian Government’s response to Family Matters.

See the 2018 local community’s response to how Victoria is fairing.

See the 2017 Victorian Government’s response to Family Matters.

Who’s with us in Victoria?

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 Victoria.

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