Aboriginal Targeted Earlier Intervention Strategy Presenter: Ricky Wighton

Vision improved outcomes for Aboriginal families, young people, children and communities Aboriginal families, children and young people’s needs are met earlier to prevent the escalation of need Aboriginal families are able to access support earlier in the lives of their children and young people, and are empowered to live independent meaningful lives risk factors that lead to child abuse and neglect, and domestic and family violence are addressed earlier through access to culturally safe and effective supports and services.

Principles A key priority for FACS is to support Aboriginal people, families and communities achieve better outcomes and to create opportunities and practical actions to help break the cycle of disadvantage. It is important that Targeted Earlier Intervention reforms reflect the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people and their communities, as well as FACS’s commitment to engage and build meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal people

Principles The Aboriginal Strategy is based on the views of Aboriginal people. Underlying principles of the Targeted Earlier Intervention reform is that: Aboriginal communities lead the design and delivery of services for Aboriginal communities we support the evaluation of these models, and practices, to build the evidence-base, and ensure the lessons learnt are integrated into the Targeted Earlier Intervention program, and broader early intervention service system.

Listening Consultations with Aboriginal stakeholders in 2016 identified a number of issues in earlier intervention services. Additional to the general consultations on the Targeted Earlier Intervention reform, 11 Aboriginal specific consultation forums were held with Aboriginal stakeholders, with 162 participants identifying as Aboriginal. Feedback from these forums the foundation of the Strategy.

Key Priority - Target resources to Aboriginal people and communities with greatest need (Reform) Outcome Aboriginal people access culturally safe and effective support earlier in life and earlier in need. Aboriginal People access culturally safe and relevant supports earlier to enhance lifelong wellbeing outcomes. Action Direct 30% of all Targeted Earlier Intervention programs funding to Aboriginal service delivery by 2021 Increasing investment in Aboriginal service delivery will be delivered through the Targeted Earlier Intervention commissioning framework, with priority given to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and where capacity is limited, to non-government organisations with Aboriginal staff delivering services to Aboriginal people. Aboriginal children, young people and families are a priority group within the Targeted Earlier Intervention program. Local planning will identify opportunities to increase levels of service delivery, and identify communities in need of increased service delivery.

Key Priority – Aboriginal Early Intervention service systems grounded in evidence informed practice. (service system) Outcome Culturally safe and effective service models reflect an Aboriginal evidence-informed practice framework. Cultural competent mainstream organisations deliver culturally safe and effective service models that reflect an Aboriginal evidence-informed practice framework. Action Invest in reviewing and evaluating Aboriginal designed and delivered service models and practices. Develop and implement an Aboriginal cultural competency framework across mainstream Targeted Earlier Intervention service providers.

Key Priority – Aboriginal self determination facilitated through Aboriginal community control design of service design and delivery (community) Outcomes Aboriginal self-determination through empowerment of Aboriginal communities in service design and delivery. The Aboriginal-led service system grows to meet the increased demand for culturally safe and effective services. Action Aboriginal communities, and local decision-making bodies, design local Targeted Earlier Intervention service models, with priority for Aboriginal service delivery given to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal organisations. Engaging Aboriginal people and building meaningful partnerships between FACS and Aboriginal communities, in order to ensure the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people are at the forefront of thinking about policy, program and service design is central to the Targeted Earlier Intervention reforms. Support capacity building for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal organisations delivering Targeted Earlier Intervention services.

Key priority - Increase Flexibility so that Aboriginal clients are the centre of TEI outcomes (client) Outcomes Flexible programming accommodates Aboriginal family and kinship structures. Aboriginal people have access to employment opportunities that make a positive contribution to local communities. Flexible Aboriginal programming ensures Aboriginal families, young people and children are supported by Aboriginal workers who understand their cultural needs, and build trust and rapport Action Support Targeted Earlier Intervention service models built on Aboriginal family and kinship structures. Increase opportunities for Aboriginal employment through increased investment in Aboriginal Targeted Earlier Intervention service delivery, and the FACS Aboriginal Child and Family Industry Development Strategy. When commissioning Targeted Earlier Intervention services, priority will be given to Aboriginal service delivery, primarily through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Ensure the Targeted Earlier Intervention Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Framework supports outcomes for Aboriginal families and communities.

What Aboriginal Community told us

“Most clients have limited transport options which means travelling long distances in cars to visit clients at home. This is costly and time consuming and there needs to be a reflection of this with the funding for regional areas.” Service Provider, Northern NSW

“Communities are getting tired of two year programs “Communities are getting tired of two year programs. There is a need to stay the distance… [programs] need to be flexible for families to still access services to stay with the same support person or organisation.” Aboriginal Stakeholder workshop participant, South Eastern Sydney

“Design programs to fit Aboriginal people, [don’t] try and make Aboriginal people fit the programs.” Aboriginal Stakeholder workshop participant, Western NSW

“Each community is different and should have a say in their priorities for their own local services.” Aboriginal Stakeholder workshop participant, Mid North Coast

“In the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families… it is particularly important to bear in mind that the concept of ‘family’ is likely to include an extended network of family members.” Non Government Organisation

“Soft entry points of services are a safe space for mob to yarn about what is happening for them.” Aboriginal stakeholder workshop participant, South Western Sydney “Integrated service hubs with multiple entry points and multidisciplinary teams are effective as they encourage collaboration and a single entry point for families.”

“Employ local Aboriginal people who have first-hand knowledge of community and assist with intervention strategies… Employing local people will open doors quicker than someone who is not from that community.” Aboriginal stakeholder workshop participant, Southern NSW

Acknowledgment This strategy will acknowledge the impact of history, including the experiences of the Stolen Generation, and the legacy of intergenerational trauma. It will recognise that Aboriginal people are best positioned to identify their needs and will ensure that each element of the TEI reform promotes Aboriginal models of practice, delivers culturally appropriate services and builds the capacity of local Aboriginal services to identify and deliver appropriate earlier intervention services

More information Ricky Wighton Ricky.wighton@facs.nsw.gov.au 9716 2194