Cultural Consultancy Gazetted Service
What is a gazetted organisation?
A Gazetted organisation is one that has been declared by the Minister by notice in the Government Gazette, after consultation with the Aboriginal community.
What the Program Offers
When the Department for Child Protection has concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing, they may work with families to address these concerns. Where the level of risk is high, the Department may pursue an Order in the Youth Court of South Australia or refer the matter to a Family Care Meeting. Cultural Consultants provide advocacy, consultation and cultural advice through written advice to the Youth Court and participation in Family Care Meetings.
Culturally Informed Advice and Advocacy
As Aboriginal cultural groups across South Australia are diverse, it is not always possible to provide advice specific to a child’s cultural group. Cultural Consultants provide guidance and recommendations relating to a child’s cultural background (where known), placement, access arrangements and family supports.
Family Care Meetings allow families and Families SA to discuss concerns and develop solutions to keep children safe. Cultural Consultants or delegated Aboriginal representatives attend to ensure meetings are culturally appropriate and children’s cultural needs are considered. These meetings are convened by the Youth Court Conferencing Unit, independent of the Department for Child Protection.
All advice is guided by the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the importance of culture, country and connection for Aboriginal people.
“At AFSS we value positive cultural identity and safety to ensure the best possible future for Aboriginal Families ”
What are our values at AFSS?
At AFSS we strongly believe in protecting the rights of Aboriginal children, families and communities to ensure a positive cultural identity and the continuation of our culture. We believe cultural safety and security for our children is paramount and that Aboriginal people need a stronger voice within the child protection system to advocate for those rights.
The Children’s Protection Act 1993 recognises the importance of ensuring culturally appropriate placements and the value of proper consultation in relation to Aboriginal children. Section 5 of the Act outlines the need for consultation from a recognised Aboriginal organisation, also known as a Gazetted organisation, before any decisions or Orders are made in relation to Aboriginal children.
If you would like to know more about Cultural Consultancy, contact us on:
(08) 8186 4000
Service Areas
The Cultural Consultancy service, provided through our role as a Gazetted organisation, is based solely in Adelaide. Cultural representatives are available to attend Family Care meetings in Berri, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln.