Over-representation of First Nations Children and Young People in the Child Protection and Youth Justice Systems

Our Statements of Commitment

Addressing the over-representation of First Nations children and young people in the child protection system so they can thrive in culture and with kin.

May 24 - Allies for Children commits to modelling change, influencing and advocating for change within the sector to address the over-representation of First Nations children in child protection and out-of-home care. Read the statement.

Sept 24 - Allies for Children commits to supporting First Nations children to transition to ACCOs to ensure they grow in community, in culture and with kin. Read the statement.

First Nations Children as % of all Australian Children

Source: Family Matters Report, 2022

The over-representation of First Nations children in child protection and youth justice systems has continually increased over the past 10 years.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap in 2020 committed specifically to reducing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s over-representation in out-of-home care by 45% by the year 2031. The tragic reality is that we are not closing the gap – the gap for First Nations children is widening, and expected to increase by 50% by 2032 if we do not act now.

Systemic challenges continue to impact the rate at which First Nations children are removed from their families, and the likelihood that they will be reunified with their families.

"We must openly identify parts of this system that are built on discriminatory ideas and practices and we must challenge and change these together.

Our organisations have to step out of the way and encourage the direct investment of resources towards community control."


 - Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Officer, Claire Robbs

The Reality

10.4x

more likely than non First Nations children to be living in out-of-home care in Australia.

First Nations Children and Young People are

42%

of all children living in out-of-home care, but only 5% of all children in Australia.

First Nations Children and Young People represent

50%

The over-representation of First Nations children in out-of-home care is projected to increase by

by 2032.

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