Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation reporting to the Australian Government. This section of the Commission’s website is about social justice issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Australian Government Department of Health – Indigenous Health
This Australian Government website has information about government programs and policies that relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
This website shares information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. It’s a ‘one-stop info-shop’ for improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

indigenous.gov.au
This Australian Government website celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It keeps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people informed about government services and programs. The website includes sections on jobs, land and economy, safety and wellbeing, children and schooling and culture and capability.

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
This is the national peak body representing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) throughout Australia. These services deliver holistic, comprehensive and culturally appropriate health care to the communities that control them.

National Indigenous Australians Agency
This Australian Government agency works to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It supports the Minister for Indigenous Australians and works with state governments and other agencies to make policies and programs that address the needs of Indigenous Australians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship carers

The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) is the national body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s services and also provides training and resources for kinship carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Phone SNAICC on (03) 9489 8099. SNAICC’s Supporting Carers website has information and tips for kinship carers.

Below is a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in each state or territory with links and phone numbers. They provide a range of programs to support kinship carers.

Australian Capital Territory
The Community Services Directorate Cultural Services Team can help  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship and foster carers find resources and support. Phone (02) 6205 4966.

New South Wales

• The NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation provides training, support groups and newsletters. Phone (02) 9559 5299.
• The Aboriginal State-wide Foster Carer Support Service (ASFCSS) is a free telephone advice and advocacy service for the carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Phone 1800 888 698 (free call).

Northern Territory
Territory Families is an agency of the Northern Territory Government. Its Guide for Kinship and Foster Carers has information about being a carer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory. You can also read about changes to out-of-home care in the Northern Territory.

Queensland
The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak works to support and strengthen the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled child protection agencies. The website lists member organisations that provide family services throughout Queensland.

South Australia
Aboriginal Family Support Services provides training for carers, support groups and cultural camps for children. Phone (08) 8205 1500.

Tasmania 
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre runs playgroups and provides parenting advice and other family support to carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children throughout Tasmania. It  offers long day care and after-school care for children up to 12 years at the  Aboriginal Children’s Centre in Hobart. Phone 1800 132 260.

Victoria
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) delivers programs around Victoria like training for carers, playgroups and cultural strengthening. VACCA also provides foster and kinship care and support for children who are leaving care. Phone (03) 9287 8800.

Western Australia
Yorganop works with government agencies and carers throughout Western Australia to provide safe care for Aboriginal children while maintaining connection to culture. It provides training and support for foster and kinship carers. Phone (08) 9321 9090.