More Aboriginal children are being removed from their mothers’ care in Victoria now than during the Stolen Generations, creating “trauma, distrust and fear”, leaders say.
The forced removal of an Aboriginal child from their mother’s arms in front of other parents was “just about as bad as it gets” in the mishandling of First Nations family welfare, Indigenous leaders say.
“Child protection is not about protecting our kids,” she said. “How does ripping a child from their mother’s arms during a women’s group do that? It doesn’t, it creates more trauma, distrust, fear and stress for women and kids across our communities.” A spokesperson from the department said: “We know more needs to be done to address the over-representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care – that’s why we have delivered legislation and system changes that put Aboriginal community services at the front and centre of decision-making and the delivery of services for Aboriginal children”.
Hunter said First Peoples need a child-protection system focused on prevention and early intervention that supports families staying together where possible. Removal must be “the last, not first, resort”. “Removal of a child is often what’s done instead of working with families,” Singh said. “I often hear about Aboriginal families, parents and children being difficult to engage with, without any understanding of the trauma many of the family have been through, and how that impacts on decision-making, what actions you take”.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ballarat organisation launches Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care programA program allowing Aboriginal people to take control of decision making for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care is addressing an over-representation of Aboriginal children in the system.
Read more »
‘Appalling’: Carer probed after raising concerns Indigenous child was sexually abusedTwo Northern Territory foster carers had an Aboriginal baby and toddler removed from their care after making a mandatory report raising concerns the older child had been sexually abused.
Read more »
Corporate watchdog clears Indigenous art centreAllegations that non-Indigenous arts workers meddled with Indigenous art sent shockwaves through the industry.
Read more »
Corporate watchdog clears Indigenous art centreAllegations that non-Indigenous arts workers meddled with Indigenous art sent shockwaves through the industry.
Read more »
Corporate watchdog clears Indigenous art centreAllegations that non-Indigenous arts workers meddled with Indigenous art sent shockwaves through the industry.
Read more »
Corporate watchdog clears APY art centre of 'whitewashing' accusationsAn Aboriginal arts centre has been cleared of breaching consumer laws, over allegations non-Indigenous arts workers meddled with Indigenous art.
Read more »