Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family-led decision-making and shared practice trials design and implementation

On 1 July 2012, the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry (the Inquiry) was established. The terms of reference for the Inquiry included the review of the effectiveness of the Queensland child protection system and to chart a new road map for child protection over the next decade.

In reviewing the Queensland child protection system, the Inquiry was particularly concerned with the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The Inquiry noted that the delivery of an adequate suite of prevention and early intervention services relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families is a first step in reducing over-representation.

The Inquiry identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Led Decision Making (ATSIFLDM) and shared practice with Recognised Entities (REs) as important approaches to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait over-representation through creating opportunities to prevent entry and divert children from the statutory system and to reduce the level of intervention for those in need of protection.

This procurement supports the implementation of Recommendations 7.3, 11.3 and 7.5 of the Inquiry that the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services:

1. Develop and implements trials of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family‑Led Decision‑Making Model (ATSIFLDM) for Family Group Meetings (FGMs) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families (Recommendation 7.3) based on the Victorian Aboriginal Family Decision Making Model, which uses a Family Group Conferencing (FGC) model.
2. Develops a shared practice model to allow REs to work more closely with the department to (Recommendation 11.3)
3. Includes in the cultural support plans a requirement for regular contact with at least one person who shares the child’s cultural background (Recommendation 7.5).

Given the complex dynamics of FGC practice, particularly in a cultural context, the department is seeking to engage suitably qualified persons, organisations or consortia to support the design and delivery of the trials.

A suitably experienced and knowledgeable contractor will add value by providing expert input into the trial methodology to ensure trials are testing distinct approaches to ATSIFLDM using an FGC framework and best practice.

The contractor will provide training, advice and professional support to departmental and external staff working with the families in the trials.

The contractor will apply an independent best-practice perspective to departmental and service provider practice in early intervention family support, Intake and Assessment and to the department’s FGM processes.