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Definition

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP) is a framework designed to promote policy and practice that will reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system. The aim is to keep children connected to their families, communities, cultures and country, and to ensure the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in decisions about their children's care and protection.

The ATSICPP recognises the importance of connections to family, community, culture and country in child and family welfare legislation, policy and practice, and asserts that self-determining communities are central to supporting and maintaining those connections. The ATSICPP aims to:

  • ensure an understanding that culture underpins and is integral to safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is embedded in policy and practice
  • recognise and protect the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, family members and communities in child welfare matters
  • increase the level of self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in child welfare matters; and
  • reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection and out-of-home care systems.

The ATSICPP centres on five elements: prevention, partnership, participation, placement and connection.

The five core elements of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle

Comments

Principles outlined in part two (sections 11-14) of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. Section 13 of the Act outlines the order for placement of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Preservation, restoration and relative and kinship care are the most preferred support directions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

References

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