What
The Audit Office of NSW, a statutory authority reporting to the Auditor-General, has assessed the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and five funded non-government organisations providing out of home care services in relation to effectively safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children in the child protection system. The years examined were from July 2018 to June 2023.
Why
Aboriginal children are overrepresented in the child protection system. In June 2023, there were approximately 6,500 Aboriginal children in care, making up 45% of the out of home care population. Around 7% of children in NSW are Aboriginal. They are three times more likely to be reported at risk of significant harm and four times more likely to be allocated to a caseworker.
How
DCJ is responsible for safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children, families and communities when they encounter the child protection system. In the recommendations of its Review, the Audit Office has highlighted a number of areas requiring attention. These include the establishment of governance and accountability arrangements that provide oversight of safeguards and outcomes, requiring targets, measures and data. A further recommendation was that a commitment be fulfilled to develop and implement a healing framework for child protection services, and commission family preservation services based on Aboriginal ways of healing and that these should be consistent with the principles of self-determination and participation.
Who
This review examined the way in which DJC makes significant child protection decisions, and made recommendations about improvements.
When & Where
The review provides research, evidence and ideas for schools about safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children, families and communities in the child protection system. Within the review is material to support engagement with Living Ripples in NSW. Audit Office of NSW and NSW Department of Communities and Justice Safeguarding the rights of Aboriginal children in the child protection system.
