Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 03/03/2025
Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said the 2024 Family Matters Report, released by SNAICC on 21 November 2024, highlights progress in addressing the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care.
“Notably, the ACT is one of only two jurisdictions that have reduced the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT in out of home care has decreased from 14 children per 1000 in 2022 to 11.7 in 2023. Contributing to this positive result is the comprehensive reform program being undertaken across the Children, Youth and Families system and the ongoing implementation of the recommendations from the Our Booris Our Way Final Report.”
“The Family Matters report underscores the importance of children growing up safe and cared for within their family, community, and culture. It also provides critical data on children’s interactions with child protection systems and projects future trends in over-representation if current conditions persist.”
“Today also marks a significant moment between the Community Services Directorate and the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee. Both parties will recommit to continued collaboration to implement the recommendations from the Final Report.”
”Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee, in partnership with the ACT Government, has worked hard over the last 6 years to drive real and enduring change. Changes that benefit our children and families but will also have a positive impact on the experiences of ALL children and families in the ACT,” said Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee.
Several milestones have been achieved through the partnership between the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee and the ACT Government, including:
- Embedding the Child Placement Principle into the Children and Young People Act 2008;
- Continued funding of the Care and Protection Legal Advocacy Service;
- Commencement of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner.
“Together we must ensure that our children and young people in the Canberra community have greater opportunity to reach their full potential by growing up safe and supported”, Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee said.
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases