Bibliography

Child abuse in the Aboriginal community

Anderson, Alison.
Women's rights and culture: an Indigenous woman's perspective on the removal of traditional marriage as a defence under Northern Territory law.
Indigenous Law Bulletin v.6 no.1 Mar - Apr 2004: 30-31

The author presents arguments in support of 2003 Northern Territory legislation - the Law Reform Bill (Gender, Sexuality and Defacto Relationships) - which included the removal of traditional marriage as a defence when an adult has sex with a child under the age of 16. Her belief is that Indigenous children should be entitled to the same human rights protections as non-Indigenous children.

Available from: Indigenous Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052. Email ilbsubscriptions@unsw.edu.au. Internet http://www.ilb.unsw.edu.au/

Atkinson, Judy
Getting on with the job: a focus on Indigenous solutions.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal v.31 no.5 Sept - Oct 2007: 13-17

This is a speech Judy Atkinson gave on Naidoc Day following the Federal government declaring a state of emergency in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The author argues that the government has been aware of these problems for some time and has failed to provide adequate solutions. Despite continued lobbying, research and the implementation of programs dealing with child abuse and violence many communities are facing worsened conditions. The author offers some solutions to problems based on her work over the last 20 years. These include crisis intervention, community based workshops, empowering leaders and creating sustainable change.

Available from: Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal http://www.aihwj.com.au

Ban, Paul.
Aboriginal child placement principle and family group conferences.
Australian Social Work v.58 no.4 Dec 2005: 384-394

Aboriginal children have been removed from their family and cultural networks under a range of government policies. This article outlines the development of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle, which is the operating principle when there is likelihood that a child may be removed from an Aboriginal family. Because of problems with the implementation of the Principle, family group conferences is suggested as a way of ensuring the objectives of the Principle are still met. Family Group Conferences originated in New Zealand as a response to the over representation of Maori children in the substitute care system, and have been part of child welfare legislation for Maori and non Maori families since 1989. The application of the NZ model to working with Indigenous Australians is discussed, along with a recommendation for this practice to be considered as a family decision making strategy within the field of child protection. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Australian Association of Social Workers, PO Box 4956, Kingston ACT 2604. Email aaswnat@aasw.asn.au. Internet http://www.aasw.asn.au

Bedford, Kenny; Moloney, Michele.
Through young black eyes: a handbook to protect Indigenous children from the impact of family violence and child abuse: 2005 update.
North Fitzroy, Vic: Secretariat National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, 2nd ed., 2005, 142p, figures, tables, illus., and Online
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/projects/default_resources.cfm?loadref=61

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are over represented in child protection cases and are much more likely to be removed from their families than other Australian children. The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care has produced this handbook to assist families and communities to prevent family violence, child abuse and neglect, and to respond effectively where violence, abuse and neglect may have occurred. The underlying systemic causes of child abuse and neglect need to be dealt with, as opposed to simply removing children where they are at risk or have been the victims of abuse or neglect. This publication is divided into the following sections: family violence; child abuse and neglect; child sexual assault; reporting child protection matters; and a directory of services and resource information.

Available from: Secretariat National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), 252-260 St Georges Rd., North Fitzroy Vic 3068

Blackstock, Cindy; Trocme, Nico.
Community-based child welfare for Aboriginal children: supporting resilience through structural change.
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand no.24 Mar 2005: 12-33, tables, and Online
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj24/24-community-based-child-welfare-for-aboriginal-children-supporting-resilence-through-structural-change-p12-33.html

Available data suggest that First Nations children, youth and families in Canada continue to experience multiple and disproportionate human rights violations stemming from colonialism. First Nations child and family service agencies began developing in the 1970s to affirm community based systems of care and stem the tide of children being placed in non Aboriginal homes. Although these agencies have demonstrated significant success there are key barriers which limit their efficacy, such as the imposition of Euro western legislation, inadequate access to financial resources and the continued marginalisation of Indigenous knowledge within Euro western social work. This paper describes the contemporary lived experience of First Nations children, youth and families in Canada. It identifies the conditions that support First Nations child and family service agencies to implement community based responses to child maltreatment that honour the strength, wisdom and resiliency embedded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Future directions, such as mobilising a movement of reconciliation in child welfare as a means of dislocating Euro western social work values, policies and practice that aggress Indigenous ways of caring for children, will be discussed. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Ministry of Social Development, PO Box 12-136, Wellington, New Zealand. Internet http://www.msd.govt.nz/

Bradford, Michelle.
Indigenous family violence and child abuse: is anyone listening?
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Newsletter v.5 no.1 Sept 2006: 9-11, and Online (whole issue PDF 485K)
http://www.noviolence.com.au/public/newsletters/news17.pdf

The release in 2006 of a report on chronic family violence and sexual abuse of children in some Indigenous communities means governments and the public can no longer plead ignorance of the nature and extent of the issue. This article outlines the efforts of governments over the last few years to investigate and address this problem. It summarises an action strategy developed in 2006 to respond to Indigenous family violence and child abuse.

Available from: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research http://www.noviolence.com.au/

Bromfield, Leah; Richardson, Nick; Higgins, Daryl
Kinship care: a culturally appropriate practice framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, presentations and abstracts. Wellington, NZ, 14-16 February 2006. Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 34p
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/papers/2006/bromfield-accan.pdf

The growing use of kinship care and the benefits and disadvantages of kinship care are examined in this presentation. The paper investigates the appropriateness of the existing placement model for placing children in kinship care, looking at the stages of recruitment of carer, assessment and pre service training, placement, and ongoing monitoring and support. It considers the cultural appropriateness of the existing placement model for the Australian Indigenous community and discusses the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.

Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au

Cadd, Muriel.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child protection: key reform issues.
In: Summit on child abuse: toward a national policy for child abuse and recovery. Canberra, ACT: AMA Child and Youth Health Committee, 2004, p26-31

The legacy of harsh treatment of Indigenous Australians in relation to child protection policies is discussed in this paper. The paper looks at the current situation and discusses the need to invest in the development of children and considers where the child protection system has gone wrong in relation to Indigenous clients. It then outlines key reform proposals to the child protection system made by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care.

Available from: Australian Medical Association

Calma, Tom.
Addressing family violence and child sexual assault in Indigenous communities: a human rights perspective.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 7p, Online
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/speeches/social_justice/20061205_family_violence.html

What are the key issues to tackle if progress is to be made in addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities? Selected recommendations from a 2006 report by the Secretary General of the United Nations on violence against children are outlined as a useful framework for child protection activities in New South Wales. The paper then discusses the Australian context and the response to the final report of the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce. It concludes by outlining ten challenges for addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.

Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/

Cashman, Josephine.
Don't tell anyone our secret! Child sexual assault in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Law Bulletin v.6 no.12 Jul 2005: 19-22

The prevalence of child sexual assault in Australian Indigenous communities is explored in this article, and its effects on victims examined. The article also discusses the low reporting rates for child sexual assault in Indigenous communities, Indigenous policy and child sexual assault, and government responses.

Available from: Indigenous Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052. Email ilbsubscriptions@unsw.edu.au. Internet http://www.ilb.unsw.edu.au/

Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the Northern Territory
A proposed emergency response and development plan to protect Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory: a preliminary response to the Australian Government's proposals.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Policy Online, Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology, 2007, 30p,
http://www.apo.org.au/crosspost_linkboard/items/2007/07/166154-upload-00001.pdf

A comprehensive approach to child protection in an emergency context is proposed in this response to Australian Government's plans to improve the safety and well being of Aboriginal children in remote communities. The response proposes that priority be given to protection of children from immediate physical or emotional harm. The plan should also address community safety and access to essential services including housing, health care and education. Failure to address these underlying issues will ensure the persistence of the risk factors currently contributing to child abuse and neglect. A two stage approach is put forward: an initial emergency response over three to six months, on which agreement can be reached quickly between governments and community leaders, followed by a more comprehensive plan with bipartisan political support that includes costed financial commitment to address the underlying issues within specific timeframes.

Available from: Australian Policy Online http://www.apo.org.au/

Davis, Megan; McGlade, Hannah.
Background paper on international human rights law and the recognition of Aboriginal customary law.
Perth, WA: Law Reform Commission of Western Australia, 2005, 78p, (Aboriginal customary laws reference - background paper no.10), Online (PDF 302K)
http://www.lrc.justice.wa.gov.au/2publications/reports/ACL/BP/BP-10.pdf

How is recognition of Aboriginal law consistent with international human rights law? How may recognition of Aboriginal law conflict with international human rights law? This paper examines relevant Commonwealth legislation and international obligations with respect to matters of Aboriginal law, and considers how the fundamental human rights of Indigenous individuals within a group, in particular women and children, can be guaranteed and protected and what type of cultural practices are viewed as harmful by international human rights law. It attempts to establish a balance between the practice of Aboriginal law in Western Australia and Australia's human rights obligations.

Available from: Law Reform Commission of Western Australia, Level 3, BGC Centre, 28 The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000. Internet http://www.lrc.justice.wa.gov.au/

Ella-Duncan, Marcia.
Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 5p
http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/news_&_events/documents/Speech_MarciaEllaDuncan_5Dec06.doc

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce examined child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities and reviewed the response of NSW agencies. This report summarises the following findings: the Aboriginal perspective, statistics on Aboriginal child sexual assault, barriers to accessing government services, issues with services provided and service gaps, access to counselling and support, court processes, treatment for sex offenders, education and training about child sexual assault, organisational issues, funding, and alternative models.

Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/

Flaherty, Nettie; Goddard, Chris
Child neglect and the 'Little Children are Sacred' report.
Children Australia v.33 no.1 2008: 5-11

Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle 'Little Children are Sacred': Report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, which has come to be known as the 'Little Children are Sacred' Report, was released in late June 2007. The Report has received little analysis. Rather it is the response by the Commonwealth Government to the Report's findings that has dominated debate. Despite repeated accounts of child neglect provided to the inquiry, these accounts seemed to be viewed as the landscape in which child sexual abuse occurs, rather than a significant and urgent issue in their own right. The relegation of child neglect to the background mirrors what research elsewhere tells us about what happens to child neglect referrals; lacking the sense of immediacy and danger of child sexual abuse, they are frequently minimised or overlooked. This paper is an attempt to refocus attention on the Report itself through a lens of child neglect, and suggests that in limiting the terms of reference to child sexual abuse, the Report missed the opportunity to engage with the significant issue of child neglect and the practice of child protection work in cases of child neglect. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia http://www.ozchild.org.au

Gordon, Sue.
Cultural conceptualisation of child abuse and responses to it: an Aboriginal perspective.
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand no.28 Jul 2006: 18-35, and Online
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj28/28-cultural-conceptualisation-of-child-abuse-and-responses-to-it-an-aboriginal-perspective-p18-35.html

Although there is widespread concern about the prevalence of child abuse in Indigenous Australian communities, the problem has been hidden under the false assumption that violence and abuse are culturally ingrained. Differing responses to family violence among Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians perpetuate the systemic cycles of violence plaguing many Indigenous communities. This article says that family and child abuse must be seen within the broader context of historical and present factors, and that the underlying issues that shape Indigenous experiences of abuse must be addressed in order to achieve any real outcomes in protecting Indigenous children. The article addresses the issue of child abuse and neglect within the context of cultural conceptions of the problem and responses to it.

Available from: Ministry of Social Development http://www.msd.govt.nz/

Hands, Tatum L; Williams, Victoria; Davies, Danielle
Aboriginal customary laws: final report.
Perth, WA: Law Reform Commission of Western Australia, 2006
http://www.lrc.justice.wa.gov.au/094g.html

This inquiry examined Aboriginal customary laws in Western Australia and considered whether, and how, Aboriginal customary laws should be recognised within the Western Australian legal system. The Inquiry report covers various aspects of the intersection of customary law with the common law system, including the criminal justice system and civil law. Chapter seven of this report focuses on the significance of Aboriginal customary law in the family context, including traditional Aboriginal marriage, spousal maintenance and property settlement, the care and custody of Aboriginal children, family violence and the protection of Aboriginal women and children. It discusses adoption, foster care and alternative child welfare placement; family court custody disputes; causes of family violence and sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities; under reporting of family violence and sexual abuse; the need for culturally appropriate responses to family violence and child abuse; meeting the needs of male perpetrators of family violence; ongoing monitoring and evaluation of initiatives; the Working with Children Check regime; restraining orders; and elder abuse.

Available from: Law Reform Commission of Western Australia http://www.lrc.justice.wa.gov.au/

Higgins, Daryl
Australian Indigenous communities and out-of-home care: models of best practice.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: papers, presentations and abstract, Wellington, NZ, 14-16 February 2006. Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2006, 24p
http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/accan/papers-presentations/abstract-f2.shtml

This research project aimed to share good practice in Indigenous out of home care arrangements among government and non government agencies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and to build the capacity of Indigenous carers, to look at the needs of non Indigenous carers, and enhance cultural connections for Indigenous children in out of home care placements. The project consisted of a literature review of Australian research and relevant international literature, consultations with key stakeholders across Australia, and focus groups in Western Australia and Queensland with Indigenous carers, non Indigenous carers of Indigenous children, and Indigenous children and young people. This paper explains the methodology and presents some results.

Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au

Higgins, Daryl J; Bromfield, Leah M; Higgins, Jenny R; Richardson, Nicholas.
Protecting Indigenous children: views of carers and young people on 'out-of-home care'.
Family Matters no.75 2006: 42-49, illus.

The views of Indigenous young people in care, as well as the views of carers of Indigenous young people about their experiences and needs, the challenges they have faced, and their views on promising practices are described. These views were gathered during focus groups conducted with Indigenous young people in care, and with both Indigenous and non Indigenous carers of Indigenous young people in two Australian jurisdictions. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/

Higgins, Jenny
Promising practice profiles in out-of-home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Child Abuse Prevention Newsletter v.15 no.2 2007: 6-8
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/newsletters/nl2007/winter.html

In a 2005 study of the strengths and barriers in the recruitment, assessment, training and support of carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system, participants identified examples of promising practices in out of home care. Professionals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that had been identified as providing outstanding programs and services participated in a second stage of the study in 2006. The purpose of this second phase was to profile promising practices. This article reports on the factors characterising organisations that provide outstanding programs and services. It discusses management styles and outcomes; in particular, culturally appropriate ways of addressing child protection and out of home care issues, and bringing more cultural awareness into the mainstream Australian community.

Available from: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/

Langton, Marcia
Trapped in the Aboriginal reality show.
Griffith Review no.19 2008: 17p
http://www3.griffith.edu.au/01/griffithreview/get_content_file.php? id=1774

In this essay the author discusses the public debate about 'Indigenous affairs', and federal intervention into the Northern Territory in 2007 following reports about conditions and abuse of Aboriginal children living in remote communities. She discusses the issues, policies, protagonists, the role of the media and ideology. She states that 'I believe that those opposed to the intervention are morally and politically wrong.' She argues that the debate over rights and culture and the dominance of the 'reconciliation and justice' rhetoric is what prevents action to address the practices which cause havoc in Aboriginal communities (ie violent anti-social behaviour, excessive and harmful use of drugs, alcohol and other substances, use of pornography, gambling, and the resultant neglect of family life and children).

Available from: Griffith University http://www.griffith.edu.au/

Lawrence, Carmen.
The importance of respecting Indigenous culture.
Developing Practice: The Child, Youth and Family Work Journal no.16 Winter 2006: 5-8

The reactions to recent revelations of Indigenous child abuse and family violence are yet another manifestation of a sustained official assault on Aboriginal culture and are part of the return of calls for assimilation. This article argues that most Australians are ignorant of Indigenous language, law and culture, and that this lack of understanding makes it impossible to deal with problems like violence and abuse.

Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies http://www.acwa.asn.au/

Libesman, Terri.
Child welfare approaches for Indigenous communities: international perspectives.
Child Abuse Prevention Issues no.20 Autumn 2004: 39p, tables, and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/issues/issues20/issues20.html

A one size fits all approach to indigenous policy does not work, this paper argues. It examines the history of indigenous child and family services and reviews legislation and services delivered to indigenous communities in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. It considers problems with conventional social work and child welfare methods and discusses partnerships and collaboration, factors contributing to culturally competent work, the legacy of historical removals, staffing and training issues, indigenous community control, standards, accountability, traditional healing and cultural revival, community awareness raising, traditional healing and offender treatment for sexual abuse, family preservation versus child protection, family group conferencing and other models, and early intervention. It presents two case studies of successful Canadian indigenous controlled child and family services.

Available from: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 300 Queen Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. Email publications@aifs.gov.au. Internet http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/

Liddell, Max; Donegan, Teresa; Goddard, Chris; Tucci, Joe
The state of child protection: Australian child welfare and child protection developments 2005.
Caulfield, Vic: National Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 2006, 57p

http://www.nrcpca.monash.org/assets/files/childprotection.pdf

This project aimed to critically examine recent child protection policy and legislation in Australia. It covers Australia's eight different child welfare and protection systems, looking at developments in child protection systems, family support, out of home care and developments in the domestic violence field. Some of the major findings related to numbers of notifications to child protection systems and substantiation rates; involvement of Indigenous people in child protection systems; expansion of the child protection work force; the 'economic abuse' of children; police and other checks on employees and volunteers of children's services; the lack of quality out of home care placements; unmanageable workloads for child protection workers; and children's commissioners or children's advocates.

Available from: National Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse http://www.nrcpca.monash.org/

Lloyd, Jane.
Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council welcomes State and Territory legislation that will protect Aboriginal children from abuse.
Indigenous Law Bulletin v.6 no.1 Mar - Apr 2004: 28-29

The advocacy role of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women's Council is outlined, and the continuing commitment of many members to many aspects of customary law, beliefs and practices is noted. The author explains that it is particularly concerning issues of personal safety that members seek protection from law enforcement agencies and state and territory legislation, and that the women look to criminal codes and the justice system to protect vulnerable young girls and to reflect their customary beliefs that children must be protected.

Available from: Indigenous Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052. Email ilbsubscriptions@unsw.edu.au. Internet http://www.ilb.unsw.edu.au/

Moloney, Michele; Bedford, Kenny; Pocock, Julian.
Through young black eyes: a guide for Indigenous community leaders to respond to family violence and child abuse.
Fitzroy, Vic: SNAICC, rev. ed., 2005, 30p, Online
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/projects/default_resources.cfm?loadref=61

The focus of this booklet is the impact of family violence and other forms of child abuse and neglect on children. It is aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, and brings together resources to support leaders in raising community awareness, developing a local child protection response strategy and developing a long term prevention program.

Available from: Secretariat of the National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) http://www.snaicc.asn.au/

Nancarrow, Heather; Huggins, Jackie; Slann, Shirley; Lui, Bel; Fatnowna, Harold.
2005 Indigenous family violence prevention forum: men and women working together.
Mackay, Qld: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, 2005, 7p, Online (PDF 129K)
http://www.noviolence.com.au/public/papers/2005forumissuespaper.pdf

Issues raised at the 2005 Indigenous family violence prevention forum are outlined. These are: responding to domestic and family violence in rural and remote communities; child protection policy and practice; innovations in education to prevent Indigenous family violence; and Indigenous justice issues. This paper includes recommended strategies to address these issues.

Available from: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research http://www.noviolence.com.au/

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO, Australia).
What's needed to improve child abuse/ family violence in a social and emotional well being framework in Aboriginal communities.
Canberra, ACT: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), 2006, 18p, Online (PDF 145K)
http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Advocacy/AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderHealth/Policyandactions/200606_nacho_framework.pdf

In order to address violence in Aboriginal communities, NACCHO as the national peak Aboriginal health body representing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services throughout Australia, advocates a holistic response with a health focus on healing and empowerment. This includes addressing issues of land rights, poverty, housing, health, education and employment. The position paper explains why this response is necessary and sets out steps to take to continue work already underway.

Available from: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners http://www.racgp.org.au

New South Wales.
New South Wales interagency plan to tackle child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities: 2006-2011.
Sydney, NSW: New South Wales Government, 2007, 30p, figure, and Online (PDF 339K)
http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/data/files//NSW%20Govt%20Plan%20to%20Tackle%20Aboriginal%20Child%20Sexual%20Assault.pdf

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce report of July 2006 highlighted concerns that child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities is widespread and widely underreported. The five year plan set out in this document provides for a whole of government response to this problem and related aspects of Indigenous disadvantage such as substance abuse, social and economic disadvantage, poor mental and physical health, and family violence. The plan proposes that the New South Wales Government works with Indigenous communities in coordinating service delivery and improving service responses, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Available from: New South Wales Government http://www.nsw.gov.au/

New South Wales. Attorney General's Department.
Breaking the silence: creating the future. Addressing child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW.
Sydney, NSW: Attorney General's Department, 2006, 335p, figures, cd-rom, and Online
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/acsat

It is widely accepted that Aboriginal children are more likely to be victims of child sexual assault than their non Aboriginal counterparts. It is also accepted that child sexual assault is a grossly underreported crime, particularly in Aboriginal communities. This report contains data and research that describes a stark picture of intergenerational abuse and social disadvantage. The primary aim of this report was to examine child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities, review how government and non government agencies in NSW respond and make recommendations about how these responses could be improved. The report examined the relationship between child sexual assault and family violence and overarching government responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities. It specifically looked at NSW agency responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities and alternative models for addressing child sexual assault.

Available from: NSW Attorney General's Department www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au

Northern Territory. Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Child Abuse
Ampe akelyernemane meke mekarle = Little children are sacred: report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse.
Darwin, NT: Department of the Chief Minister, 2007, 316p
http://www.nt.gov.au/dcm/inquirysaac/

In August 2006 the Northern Territory Government established a Board of Inquiry to research and report on allegations of sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. The Board was asked to: study how and why Aboriginal children were being abused, focusing on unreported cases; identify problems with the way the government responds to and attempts to protect Aboriginal children from abuse; look at how government departments and other agencies can better work together to protect and help children; and look into how the government can better support and educate Aboriginal communities to prevent child sexual abuse. This report contains an account of the Board's investigations and identifies child sexual abuse as a complex and deep seated problem in need of urgent, dedicated and collective action from the entire community. It puts forward a set of recommendations for significant change in the Northern Territory Government's response to the abuse of Aboriginal children.

Available from: Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister http://www.nt.gov.au/dcm/

Pinto, Anna.
Seeds of tyranny: child abuse and neglect: strategic social engineering, collateral damage: the experience and evidence of Indigenous children.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: papers, presentations and abstracts. Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2006, 9p, Online
http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/accan/speakers/pinto.shtml

Rates of child abuse and neglect are not decreasing. This presentation suggests that the occurrence of systemic violence against children is integral to our social structures. It considers the costs, fallout and payoff of child abuse.

Available from: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/

Pocock, Julian; Tynan, Melinda.
From fostering to flubber? Australian Government directions in Indigenous parenting and child abuse prevention.
In: Knowledge into action! Effective practice for child and family services: proceedings of the 2004 Conference of the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies. Haymarket, NSW: Association of Children's Welfare Agencies, 2004, 13p, Online (PDF 857K)
http://www.acwa.asn.au/Conf2004/acwa2004papers/25_Tynan.pdf

A number of Australian Government Indigenous child abuse prevention programs are outlined in this paper. It considers early lessons from the 2003 reviews of Aboriginal and Islander child care agencies and Indigenous parenting programs. It discusses services delivered to Indigenous communities by the Australian Government that use participatory or community building approaches and considers future directions in Indigenous children's services.

Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies, Locked Bag 13, Haymarket NSW 1240. Email acwa@acwa.asn.au. Internet http://www.acwa.asn.au/

Richardson, Nick
Child abuse and neglect in Indigenous Australian communities.
Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2005, 8p (Child abuse prevention resource sheet no.10)
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/sheets/rs10/rs10.html

It is difficult to identify accurate information on the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This article reports on known data from 2002-03 and discusses maltreatment types reported for Indigenous children in Australia, what is known about child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities, the numbers of Indigenous children living in out of home care in Australia, the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle, the types of placements Indigenous children live in and the causes of child abuse and other family violence in Indigenous Australian communities.

Available from: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/

Schmider, Joann.
How the Department of Child Safety defines and implements partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In: Men, women and community: partners: 2006 Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum. Mackay, Qld: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, 2006, 23p, Online (PDF 57K)
http://www.noviolence.com.au/public/forum2006/joannspeech.pdf

Partnerships working towards child protection outcomes in Indigenous communities should have clear involvement by three parties: government; NGOs - those contracted by government to deliver services as well as those that take on advocacy roles; and the community. This paper looks at ways that government can support community capacity and strong development within Indigenous local communities. It discusses factors essential to effective partnerships and sustainable outcomes within domestic violence and child safety areas, and provides examples of a range of initiatives that involve government agencies and non government organisations working together to achieve better outcomes for children.

Available from: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research http://www.noviolence.com.au/

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC).
Protecting Indigenous children: a view from SNAICC.
Family (Families Australia) no.7 Nov 2006: 6-8

This extract of a briefing to state and territory governments looks at ways to prevent and respond to the abuse and neglect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Recommended strategies include: respond holistically to child abuse and neglect, focus on child well being and development, expand community based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family Welfare Agencies, expand and broaden Indigenous Children's Services, use strengths based practice, family centred programs and Indigenous culture as a source of resilience, focus on underlying socio economic issues that lead to child neglect, focus on Indigenous children's right to culture, and sustain a planned and coordinated response across and between governments at the national level.

Available from: Families Australia http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au

Secretariat of the National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC).
Achieving stable and culturally strong out of home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
North Fitzroy, Vic: Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, 2005, 30p, illus., and Online
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news/view_article.cfm?id=25&loadref=8

This publication is an approach to out of home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that: is culturally strong and provides security and stability without adoptions and the need for strict permanency planning rules; includes a central role for foster carers in supporting children in out of home care to maintain and strengthen their connections with their Indigenous family and community; and recognises the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and kinships systems. The paper represents the views of the National Executive of the Secretariat of National and Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), the national peak body in Australia representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, and provides the recommendations of SNAICC.

Available from: Secretariat of the National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC). http://www.snaicc.asn.au

Sexual Assault Resource Centre (Perth, WA).
Responding to sexual violence: working with Aboriginal adolescents and adults.
Perth, WA: Sexual Assault Resource Centre, 2005, 25 minute DVD and 4p training notes

This DVD depicts two counselling sessions, one with an adolescent Aboriginal girl who has experienced sexual abuse; the second with an Aboriginal woman who experienced sexual abuse as a child. The video demonstrates general counselling skills, working within a cultural context, and responding to disclosures of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Training notes with key questions and issues for discussion accompany the video.

Available from: Sexual Assault Resource centre, PO Box 842, Subiaco, WA 6904

Terare, M.
Delivering a service to Aboriginal people.
In: Practice and prevention: contemporary issues in adult sexual assault conference. Sydney, NSW: NSW Attorney-General's Department, Crime Prevention Division, 2003, Online only
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/39933/20040202-0000/www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/cpd.nsf/pages/terare.html

The effects of colonisation are still being felt in Aboriginal communities, and the author considers what effects this has on Aboriginal victims of trauma. She discusses a project she is working on in NSW that explores community solutions to challenge the impact of trauma resulting from family violence, sexual assault and child abuse, primarily through developing a curriculum that reflects communities' needs in relation to the abuse.

Available from: Crime Prevention Division, NSW Attorney-General's Department, GPO Box 6, Sydney NSW 2001. Internet http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/cpd.nsf/pages/index

Valentine, Bruce; Gray, Mel.
Keeping them home: Aboriginal out-of-home care in Australia.
Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services v.87 no.4 Oct - Dec 2006: 537-545

Out of home care services and policies for Aboriginal children and young people in all Australian jurisdictions are discussed. The paper focuses on the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle, Indigenous kinship care, the self determination of Indigenous people, and the need for culturally appropriate policies and practices. It argues that the system cannot change until broader issues of racism and trauma are addressed.

Available from: Families International Inc., 11700 West Lake Park Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53224-3099, USA

Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council; Youth Affairs Council of Victoria.
VIYAC: voices telling it like it is: young Aboriginal Victorians on culture, identity and racism. With a summary report by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria: Painting a picture with stats and facts.
Melbourne, Vic: Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, 2006, 54p, figure, Online (PDF 1843K)
http://www.yacvic.org.au/includes/pdfs_wordfiles/viyacfinal%20AR.pdf

Three key issues affecting Indigenous youth are culture, identity and racism. Excerpts from interviews with young Indigenous Victorians about their perspectives on these issues are presented. They discuss what their culture means to them, the value of their culture, their connection to culture and how it can be strengthened, how connection to culture influences their life, what it is to live with pride, their Aboriginal identity and what it means to them, the expectations their communities have for them and their role as a young person in their community, society's expectations of them and how that impacts on their identity, what racism is, their experiences of racism as young Aboriginal people, and the impacts of these experiences. The report then presents information on connection to culture, land and experiences of dispossession and removal; education; employment; child protection; juvenile justice; housing and homelessness; health and well being; and strengths and protective factors.

Available from: Youth Affairs Council of Victoria http://www.yacvic.org.au/

Victoria. Office for Children.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural support plan: guide.
Melbourne, Vic: Office for Children, Department of Human Services, 2005, 20p, ill. Online (PDF 1.7MB)
http://www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/16403/cultural_support_plan_guide.pdf

This Cultural Support Plan Guide was developed in partnership with Aboriginal agencies that currently provide home-based care services for Aboriginal children. The guide and associated review template (PDF 320K, 8p) and form (PDF 622K, 21p) is a tool to assist and support Child Protection workers in keeping Aboriginal children and young people connected to their family, community and culture. It contains advice on preparing and reviewing a plan with contact details, cultural links, events and activities, carer details and support information.

Available from: Office for Children, Department of Human Services, GPO Box 4057, Melbourne Vic 3001. Internet http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/

Young, Mandy.
Breaking the silence, creating the future: addressing child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities in NSW.
In: Positive Ways: an Indigenous Say: conference papers. Darwin, NT: Victims of Crime NT, 2006, 10p, Online (MS Word 99K)
http://sitebuilder.yodelaustralia.com.au/sites/5530/Mandy%20Young.doc

The Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce aimed to examine child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities, and review how government and non government agencies in NSW respond to this issue. The following findings are discussed: the Aboriginal community's perspective on child sexual assault; the relationship between child sexual assault and family violence; government responses to child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities; barriers to accessing government services; issues with services provided and service gaps; access to counselling and support to address child sexual assault; court processes; treatment for sex offenders; education and training about child sexual assault; service planning; employing Aboriginal staff; funding; and alternative models for addressing child sexual assault.

Available from: Victims of Crime NT http://www.victimsofcrime.org.au/

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