A new pilot project that gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families (involved with child protection) a say on how to keep their child safe and connected to their community, has commenced.
The Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making pilot will run for a year following the announcement of two Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) chosen to employ convenors through a competitive tender process.
Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation (Streeties) was chosen for the Midwest/Gascoyne regional pilot and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation for the Mirrabooka metropolitan pilot.
The role of the independent Aboriginal convenors is to facilitate a culturally safe process to support Aboriginal families to have input into decisions regarding their children who are involved in child protection.
The pilot will be evaluated over the next year, with IPS Management Consultants awarded the contract to conduct the evaluation.
The McGowan Government has invested $715,000 to establish implementation of the two-year AFLDM project, which was prioritised in the 2020 Western Australia Recovery Plan as a key initiative for supporting vulnerable people.
The pilot complements a range of other initiatives to improve the safety of children, including the Aboriginal In-Home Support Service and efforts to expand and build the capacity of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) sector in Western Australia.
