1 Elements of a Framework of Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statutory Kinship Care Marilyn McHugh, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW & Paula Hayden, Consultant, NSW ACWA Conference: Building a Child Friendly Australia; Responding to Vulnerable Families Sydney, August 2010

Introduction uThe Benevolent Society report uARC Grandparent study (SPRC) current uNew assessment tool – current work uKinship care models & tools based on foster care uModels & tools not culturally appropriate uExamine 7 aspects uBest practice for Indigenous carers 2

Background uAll Australian jurisdictions promote/mandate the use of kinship care uAll Australian jurisdictions implement an ‘Aboriginal Child Placement Principle’ uIncreasing use of kinship care as preferred option when placing children uIncreasing numbers in care uOver-representation of Indigenous children in care 3

4 Table 1: Children in OOHC placed with relatives/kin by Indigenous status, Australia, 30 June, 2009

5 Family Group Conferencing (FGC) or Family Decision Making (FDM) Models uUnderstand family & community relationships Identify potential relative/kinship carers Provide information to potential carers Highly adaptable across cultures uHigh user satisfaction Promotes better placement stability; Promotes better understanding of child’s family & friendship network. uHighly recommended for Indigenous families Key to success of FGC is consensual agreement by family

Good Practice in FGC & FDM - Indigenous uFamily mapping (genogram) critical uInclude child (age-appropriate) in process uInclude Aboriginal worker for Aboriginal families uOngoing process during placement uFamily satisfaction - critical aspect uTrained & experienced staff uDedicated family placement officer 6

Obstacles to FGC & FDM uTime-consuming & complex process uCrisis driven nature of child protection uLittle time to check with all family members uImportance of parents being involved uGeographical barriers uMaternal & paternal sides conflict uBirth parents not consulted 7

Carer assessment & training uAssessment – flexible & informal uFocus on ‘enabling’ rather than ‘approving’ uInclude a genogram – family mapping uIdentify kinship carers strengths and needs uReflect cultural norms and differing thresholds  Dhum Djirri Aboriginal Family Decision Making Program uTerm ‘training’ problematic - kinship carers want services, support and information 8

Support and support groups uSupport from workers who are trained, culturally competent, respect unique role of kinship carers uInformation and practical assistance uRespite uSupport groups wide range of benefits uGroups provide information, support and develop resources 9

Family Contact uContact the most challenging issue in Kinship Care uHistory of conflictual family relationships exacerbates issues uDanger of children’s wishes being submerged under adult concerns uBirth parents decision making re contact crucial uOn going involvement children’s services to manage contact 10

Non-Indigenous workers uIn general non-Indigenous agencies highly involved in Indigenous placements uNon-Indigenous agencies require Aboriginal Unit - Aboriginal workers uAll workers require kinship care training uCultural training essential for non-Indigenous workers uNon-Indigenous and Indigenous carers need cultural sensitivity training 11

Conclusion uPlease contact either Marilyn or Paula if interested in the kinship studies or the assessment model for kinship carers being developed by Paula. 12