
Australian
FAMILY GROUP
Conferencing & Assessments


aboriginal KINSHIP AND FOSTER CARERE assessments

Aboriginal foster carer and kinship carer assessments are evaluations conducted within child protection systems to determine whether a carer is suitable to care for an Aboriginal child.
Our assessments prioritise cultural knowledge, kinship obligations, and the child’s right to remain connected to their cultural identity, family, and community.
Unlike mainstream assessments, which may focus primarily on legal and safety criteria, Aboriginal cultural kinship assessments are culturally grounded and informed by the unique kinship systems, traditions, and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
THE PURPOSE OF CARER ASSESSMENTS
KEY COMPONANT OF OUR CARER ASSESSMENTS
THE PURPOSE OF CARER ASSESSMENTS
1.Preserve Cultural Identity
2.Comply with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle (ACPP)
3.Recognise Kinship Responsibilities
4.Protect the Child’s Well-Being
Healing Intergenerational Trauma:
Keeping Aboriginal children within their kinship networks helps counter the historical impacts of policies like the Stolen Generations, which separated children from their culture and identity.
Cultural Safety:
A culturally appropriate environment supports the child’s sense of belonging and well-being.
Strengthens Kinship Systems:
Reinforces the traditional role of extended family and community in raising children, ensuring they remain part of a culturally rich and supportive network.
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Supports Better Outcomes:
Research shows that children placed with kin, particularly within culturally aligned placements, experience better emotional, social, and identity-related outcomes.
Cultural Context
Cultural Connection
Community Involvement
Strength-Based Approach
Practical Recommendations & Considerations