Raylene PopovichSenior Learning & Development Aboriginal Agencies Consultant

Practice Development CentreBarnardos Australia

(02) 92818 2324rpopovich@barnardos.org.au

How can we make cultural care plans more appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care?

Outline of Presentation

1. Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificates

2. Finding information about a child’s mob and land

3. Creating effective Cultural Care Plans

A confirmation certificate is required ...

when applying for grants, university courses, unemployment and housing assistance, school programs or when applying for jobs which require an Aboriginal applicant.

http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/aboriginal-identity-who-is-aboriginal

Aboriginal people are either in support of

the Confirmation Certificate or are against

it

“Keeps us connected to our tribal areas and

strengthens our cultural ties to

people’s and land’s”

“It’s extremely offensive to our sense

of self identity”

Where to obtain a certificate

• Local Aboriginal Organisations

• Local Aboriginal Land Councils

Process in Applying for a Confirmation Certificate

Identifying Aboriginality with the parents are not known...

Koori Grapevine

The most powerful communication

network

Fast track the Koori Grapevine by talking to

people who are involved in sporting associations

Formal Aboriginal Organisations

The Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec)State Peak Body for Aboriginal children and young people in care

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child CareNational Peak Body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Family Link Program

Aboriginal Community Controlled OOHC Agencies (ACCO’s)

If the child comes from the tribal area in which the OOHC Agency is located then both Agencies should co-ordinate annual visits for that the child or young person to return back to community at least minimally once a year.

What happens when I can’t find the child’s mob...

Developing cultural care plans• Is a living document and review

regularly

• Maintain connection to their cultural identity to their tribal area/s

• “Area” comes with stories, sacred sites, ceremonial and burial grounds

Seek out: • Significant sites• Dreamtime stories• Cultural knowledge specific to• Tribal area• Family Tree • Mob • Totem

Developing cultural care plans cont.

• Must be in consultation with Aboriginal people

• Ensure Aboriginal consultation is appropriate and respectful

• Invite Aboriginal people to act as a support person

Developing cultural care plans cont.

• Most appropriate consultants are family members

• Proactively engage with Aboriginal people who live in your community

• Don’t be too busy to make this a priority

• Aboriginal people are the experts on Aboriginal issues

For further information visit:

my-story.org.au/resources