Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family-led decision making trials in Queensland were introduced in response to recommendations of the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry. SNAICC has released the SNAICC Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family-led Decision Making Trials in Queensland January 2016 to June 2017 containing key findings from the three trials and 24 recommendations to inform future roll out of family-led decision making in Queensland.
Key findings include the strengths of unique cultural engagement practices in each trial site, including preparations before meetings and yarning, families feeling more comfortable with trials being conducted through a community organisation, and families proactively problem solving while speaking in language without Child Safety present. Limitations of the trials were identified, including limited size which community members stated as of insufficient scope and sustainability, insufficient time allocated for trial convenors to develop and nurture strong relationships outside of quarterly meetings, and in some cases, insufficient disassociation from departmental-directed processes. At one site, male Elders were presented with the trial design and differences from Departmental processes were explained, and once discussion had taken place, the Elders stated that they would like to see this continue and grow because “it is what we used to do years ago, old ways with Elders”.
Also released is the evaluation report which identified that the trial successfully met the aims of: promoting self-determination and shared decision making, empowering families to make informed decisions about their children’s best interests, and develop capacity of the Recognised Entity to lead culturally sensitive case planning.