How will Aboriginal families be supported?
The funding package will support Aboriginal children and families through a range of new and expanded programs. For example, the non-government sector will trial a new decision-making model that works with Aboriginal family and community members, and will provide an extra 180 places under Intensive Aboriginal Family Based Services. The Dubbo Family Referral Services (FRS) pilot was chosen as a pilot location due to the large Aboriginal population in that catchment area. This FRS will have a particular Aboriginal focus and is expected to have an Aboriginal client-base (or capacity to engage Aboriginal clients), policies and procedures in place that support Aboriginal principles for self-determination, and the capacity to refer clients to services responsive to the specific support needs of Aboriginal people. An Aboriginal Assessment Officer will also be employed at each Child Wellbeing Unit.
