Aboriginal-led child and family programs have received a funding boost to provide better access to culturally safe services in the latest grant round of the Allan Labor Government's Aboriginal Children and Families Innovation and Learning Fund.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced the grants at today's Aboriginal Children's Forum - which will see $2.3 million support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations across Victoria that advance Aboriginal self-determination in the children and families service system.
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation will receive funding to run Cultural Healing Groups for men to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and family violence. Participants will yarn, support each other and receive resources and information to build practical skills, as well as be referred for extra support where needed.
The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People's Alliance will be funded to develop a new residential care model, based on the Palm Island model which focuses on connection to community and family. The residential care spaces will be staffed with local people so that children maintain connections to community.
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative will receive funding to deliver cultural education sessions in primary schools across western Melbourne and Victoria, enabling children to retain their sense of identity. The program will also seek to identify families and children at risk before child protection become involved, increasing cultural safety.
A full list of recipients can be found at dffh.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-children-and-families-innovation-and-learning-fund.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"We know Aboriginal people are best placed to lead the services that keep Aboriginal children and families safe and that's exactly what these grants support."
"We are supporting Aboriginal families at every stage - at home, in school, in the community and across Victoria, to give children and families the very best chance to succeed and stay together."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"Delivering culturally sensitive care with self-determination at the core will enable Aboriginal children and families to make decisions that deliver good outcomes for their communities."
