Our Way outlines a framework for transformational change that will occur over the next 20 years, representing a long-term commitment by government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to work together to improve the life outcomes of vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
This is the first jurisdiction in Australia where government has worked with Family Matters to develop a shared strategy to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Queensland grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture.
Together with Family Matters — a national campaign led by more than 150 Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations across Australia — the government is committed to eliminating this disproportionate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in statutory out-of-home care, within a generation. Reflected in this strategy are the views and voices of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and non-government organisations.
Key Findings:
- The Queensland Government has signed the Family Matters national campaign’s Statement of Commitment to ensure Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture. These national-level principles will underpin and guide our strategy.
- The plan is to begin meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women under 25 years, and their partners, before and during pregnancy and parenting, especially during the first 1000 days. In addition to this, increasing access to, and involvement in, early years, health and disability programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–5 years
- The government and Family Matters aim to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have complex needs and children at risk with the right services.
- all actions concerning children, their best interests should be the paramount consideration and that ensuring their safety is essential. Advancing the best interests of children requires the holistic realisation of their rights, including rights to safety, family, housing, health, education, culture and participation.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the strengths and the right to lead change for their own children. Governments and services should provide mechanisms and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, communities and organisations to participate in and drive decision-making about the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
In recognition of the enabling principle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and decision-making, this strategy will be implemented within a robust accountability framework led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
