The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to ensure Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care remain connected with their rich and proud culture.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced a $5.33 million funding package to help develop cultural support plans for Aboriginal children and young people.

We want Aboriginal children to feel safe and strong. Staying connected with their proud cultures is the key to developing a sense of identity and wellbeing.

The Labor Government is funding 18 new cultural planning positions at 11 Aboriginal community controlled organisations, as well as a statewide coordinator.

The cultural planners will put together tailored support plans for Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care. The Labor Government is working with Aboriginal community controlled organisations and the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to deliver the new initiatives.

The Labor Government is providing funding that will allow Aboriginal children to actively engage in cultural activities, including attending sports, camps, or return-to-country trips.

We are also producing new online resources that support cultural planning, working with Aboriginal organisations to build stronger futures for young people. An online portal will host information that helps develop cultural plans, such as information about Aboriginal communities and cultural activities that children can access.

This funding is part of a $16.5 million investment in the 2016/17 Victorian Budget to support vulnerable Aboriginal children and their families.

It forms part of a $168 million package for child and family services to progress the reform agenda outlined in Roadmap for Reform, Strong Families, Safe Children – the Labor Government’s once-in-a-generation overhaul of the child protection and family services system.

The Roadmap to Reform includes a commitment to Aboriginal self-determination around decision-making and care for vulnerable Aboriginal children and young people.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos

“We have a responsibility to ensure Aboriginal children and young people in our care stay connected with their rich and proud culture. It’s how young Aboriginal children develop a sense of identity and wellbeing.”

“This funding will support the development of cultural support plans for all Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care.”

 “We’re working side by side with the Aboriginal community and organisations to build stronger futures for Aboriginal children and young people.”