The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle

The present rate of removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities directly questions the implementation, compliance and actions of statutory child protection systems in Australia and demonstrates a significant and systemic incompetence to promote and respects the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to their families, communities and culture.

Gugan Gulwan is committed to ensuring that all government and non-government organisations work in compliance to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle has been enacted within the policy and legislation of every Australian state and territory to some degree.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle is founded upon the assertion that the removal of an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander child from their family should be the last option and that the reunification of children to their families be of high priority.

Please see dot points below

Prioritising placement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in order, with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family, community, or other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, where such placement is safe for the child.
Requiring consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations about child protection intervention, and child placement and care.
Ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care are supported to maintain connection to their family, community and culture, especially children placed with non-Indigenous carers.