Family Matters 2021 report launch

The Family Matters 2021 report launch

Every year, the Family Matters report documents the national crisis of the continued removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and culture.

Join SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and our panel of prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders as we launch and respond to the findings of The Family Matters Report 2021 and discuss the community-led solutions and organisations that are leading the way towards ending the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection.

This year, the sixth annual Family Matters report finds that over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems continues to grow. Most of these children are permanently removed from their parents, and many live with non-Indigenous carers, increasing the risk of separation from their culture and communities.

We know that prevention and early intervention to strengthen families and communities provides the best possible opportunity for children to be safe and thrive in connection with their cultures. The report shares the success stories of culturally safe and effective early intervention services led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

The launch will take place as part of the 9th SNAICC National Conference – now a virtual event – and is open to both the public and conference attendees.

NB: For those registered for a SNAICC Conference Full Virtual Pass or a Day Virtual Pass for Thursday 9 December, you will automatically receive access to the Family Matters launch and do not need to register for this event. Visit the conference website for more information on purchasing a conference registration.

ABOUT FAMILY MATTERS

Family Matters is Australia’s national campaign led by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community, and culture. Family Matters aims to completely turn around the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 2040.

Governed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group of eminent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services experts, the Family Matters campaign is supported by a Strategic Alliance of more than 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations.

Date: Thursday 9 December 2021

Time: 1 pm – 1.45 pm AEDT (12:30pm SA, 12pm QLD, 11:30pm NT, 10am WA)

Speakers include:

• Catherine Liddle, Family Matters Co-Chair and CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
• Dr Paul Gray, Family Matters Co-Chair and Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research
• Jacynta Krakouer, Research Fellow, Monash University
• Karl Williamson, Senior Manager Social Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services
• The Hon Michelle Landry MP, Assistant Minister for Children and Families
• The Hon Linda Burney MP, Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services and Indigenous Australians