Why was the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle developed?
The devastating impact of the past assimilation policies on Aboriginal children and their families and communities has been well documented. In later years, measures to prevent further harm to Aboriginal children and communities have been put into place through a number of forums including changes to child protection legislation and practice. One of the most significant changes for Aboriginal people has been the implementation of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle (ACPP). The ACPP protects the rights of Aboriginal children to live with their families and in their communities. It upholds their right to identify as Aboriginal and to maintain their connections with their culture. It also affirms the rights of family and community to have some control and influence in decisions being made by child protection authorities over Aboriginal children.
