Keeping Aboriginal Kids Safe – Part 1

An Inquiry into the removal and placement of Aboriginal children in South Australia has been led by SA’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, a proud Mirning and Kokatha woman. The final report, Holding on to Our Future, has just been released.

The report has found that the State is unnecessarily removing disproportionate and growing numbers of Aboriginal children from their families, causing long-term harm to their health, well-being and life chances at rates comparable to that of the Stolen Generations.

Some statistics here in South Australia:

  • Aboriginal children make up just 5.5% of all children
  • Yet they represent 37.4% of all children in out-of-home care
  • 94 in every 1000 Aboriginal children is in out-of-home care compared to 8 in every 1000 non-Aboriginal children
  • Without change, it’s predicted that by 2031, as many as 140 in every 1000 Aboriginal children will be in out-of-home care
  • 62% of placements are in non-Aboriginal forms of care

The Inquiry’s final report, Holding on to Our Future, included 32 recommendations and 5 actions that could have an immediate impact.

The full report can be found here – CACYP-Inquiry_Final-Report_14052024.pdf

Tune back into the podcast next week for Part 2 of this important yarn with Commissioner April Lawrie

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