Aboriginal Way

Keeping Aboriginal Kids Home and Safe - Part 1

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June 21, 2024 12:59am

30m

Did you know that a growing number of Aboriginal children and young people are being unnecessarily and disproportionately removed from their families and communities in South Australia?

AW speaks to SA's first Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, about her Inquiry, which has uncovered some shocking statistics.

Some statistics here in South Australia:

  • Aboriginal children make up just 5.5% of all children
  • Yet they represent 37.4% of all children in out-of-home care
  • 94 in every 1000 Aboriginal children is in out-of-home care compared to 8 in every 1000 non-Aboriginal children
  • Without change, it's predicted that by 2031, as many as 140 in every 1000 Aboriginal children will be in out-of-home care
  • 62% of placements are in non-Aboriginal forms of care

The Inquiry's final report, Holding on to Our Future, included 32 recommendations and 5 actions that could have an immediate impact.

Tune in next week to hear more from Commissioner Lawrie about these actions.

Read the full report Holding on to Our Future here.