Cape York / Gulf Remote Area Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander Child Care

(RAATSICC) Advisory Association Inc.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people please note this presentation may include images of deceased persons.

PURPOSE

• To introduce RAATSICC to the Kimberly Region

• Share our knowledge, effective strategies and best practices in

• Child Protection,

• Community awareness

• Early intervention and prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

• Child abuse and neglect.

ASSOCIATION

PROGRAMS

OUR VISION

Our Children, Our Youth, Our Families and Our Communities are safe,

resilient and empowered.

OUR MISSION As the peak advisory body and service provider on Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander children and family matters in Far North Queensland

communities, RAATSICC members, Management Committee and staff will

work collaboratively to find ways to provide the highest standard of

services to:

Strengthen our families to maintain our way

and culture;

Nurture our children as they are our future;

Develop our youth as they are our upcoming

generation of leaders.

OUR VALUES Our children’s future

Leadership

Community Knowledge and Diversity

Accountability and Transparency

Quality Outcomes

RAATSICC GOALS

Skilled leadership and Advocacy

Effective Partnerships

Community-Based Infrastructure

Education, Training and Employment for Sustainable Services

Respect for Protocols

Accountable Governance

RAATSICC MEMBERSHIP General Member: Shall be a member organisation that may or may not

receive funding, however does provide a service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander children, young people and or families. These organisations are located

in or provide a service to the remote communities of North Queensland and

are limited to two representatives from each organisation.

Ordinary Member: Shall be either an individual or an organisation that does

not meet the criteria for General membership. Ordinary memberships are

limited to 1 representative from each incorporated organisation. Both the

individual and organisation must have as their organisational / personal objects

the advancement of the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

children, young people and or families of remote communities or North

Queensland.

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

OUR COMMUNITIES

2016 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Back Row L-R: Matilda Savage – Committee Member (Kaurareg Trible Council of Elders), Paula Neal – Treasurer (Yarrabah Aboriginal Women’s Corporation), Marlene Bond – Vice President (Nai-Beguta Agama Aboriginal Corporation) Front Row L-R: Stuart Marquardt – President (Aurukun Justice Group), Steve Robson – Committee Member (CentaCare Cairns)

HISTORY 1990

The Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care began as a “Program” in

Bamaga when a small group of concerned women from the five communities of the

Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) met to talk about issues around child care and domestic

violence.

Child Care services were non-existent on Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf area at this time.

By the end of that year Minister Warner had allocated $1 million recurrently for RAATSICC

programs in all North Queensland Deed Of Grant In Trust (DOGIT) communities to share.

1991

In June, the first meeting was held when

women from all over the Cape and Gulf came

together to talk about their issues regarding

child care and family violence. This was also

the time decisions were made of how the

RAATSICC funding was to be shared amongst

the communities. The communities themselves

decided how the funding should be distributed.

1991 to 2001

RAATSICC became self-governed and the programs were being auspiced by the newly

established organisation now known as the Cape York / Gulf RAATSICC Advisory

Association.

RAATSICC delivered two programs:

Advisory Network

Child Care Training Strategy (Indigenous Remote Area Strategy)

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

1997: Report into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their families published.

1998: The Forde Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland

2000: Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian was established

2002

RAATSICC receives funding for other programs:

• Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence Support Unit

• Child placement And Family Support Program (CAFS) (VIDEO)

2004

Department of Communities conduct a Review on RAATSICC and the programs it delivers.

By the end this year RAATSICC had completed all eight recommendations.

RAATSICC members vote “yes” to advocate on Child Protection matters.

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

2002: Alcohol Management Plans introduced by Queensland Government.

2003: Domestic and Family Violence Act was amended to protect people in a board range of intimate relationships from

violence

2004: Release of the CMC inquiry, “Protecting Children: An Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Foster Care”. Blueprint for

implementing the recommendations was released. Department of Child Safety was created. Child Protection Peak was

formed.

2005 - 2007

RAATSICC auspiced NAIDOC funds for Cape York communities in partnership with

Indigenous Coordination Centres.

2006

RAATSICC becomes a Recognised Entity and receive funding from Department of Child

Safety.

2008

DV Program implemented the Therapeutic Register for community-based workers.

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

2007: Northern Territory National Emergency Response (“the intervention”) introduced.

Closing the Gap campaign begins.

2008: National Apology to the Stolen Generations

Cape York Welfare Reform trials begin (Mossman Gorge, Hope Vale, Aurukun, Coen).

Release of the Queensland Compact (Queensland Government).

Office of Early Childhood Education and Care was established.

Information Session

2009

RAATSICC was approached by Department of Communities to deliver the Hope Vale

Women’s Shelter (Jiiray) function which continued until 2013

2010

Child Care Training Program (IRAS) ended.

Cape York Family Support Service funding came to RAATSICC.

WuChopperen sub-contracted the Recognised Entity program to RAATSICC.

2011-2013

RAATSICC approached by Department of Justice and Attorney-General and the relevant

Shire Council to deliver the Pormpuraaw and Mapoon Community Justice Group functions

RAATSICC opened an office in Mt Isa and was funded to deliver the ATSIFSS and RE Service

to the communities in the Mt Isa and Gulf area.

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

2009: Domestic Violence Death Review Panel established.

COAG endorsed the Early Years Learning Framework.

2010: The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples established

2011: Review of the Domestic and Family Violence Act begins.

Cape York Welfare Reform extended for 12 months.

RAATSICC Family Support and RE staff and Management Committee, Cape York & Gulf - 2010

RAATSICC and WuChopperen Family Support and RE workshop, Cape York & Gulf - 2011

2012

RAATSICC underwent our 1st forensic audit with Department of Communities and an

Internal review of all programs and organisational governance.

2013

RAATSICC began implementation of recommendations from the review, including

appointment of a grants controller to review the sustainability of RAATSICC into the future.

Long serving Chief Executive Officer resigned from RAATSICC.

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

2012: Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry was established by Order of Council to review the child protection

system.

2013: Appointment of Australia’s first National Children’s Commissioner

Commission Tim Carmody, QC presented his final report ‘Taking Responsibility’ A Roadmap for Queensland Child Protection

to the Queensland Government

Queensland Government accepted all 121 recommendations in response the CP Enquiry.

2014

RAATSICC approached by PCYC to auspice funds to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people /

groups to attend and participate in various events.

RAATSICC members agreed to changes to the Constitution, allowing for representation from all over

North Queensland communities (not just Cape York and Gulf).

Implementation of recommendations successful, RAATSICC offered triannual service agreements with

Department of Communities for ATSI Family Support Service, Recognised Entity Program (sub-contract

with WuChopperen) and Child Witness of Domestic Violence Support Service.

2015

Opened new office in Cairns to house the Secretariat functions only, existing office for programs

/service deliver functions

Opened new office on Horn Island and Napranum

Aligning RAATSICC business with the Social and Human Services Reforms

Responding to the recommendations from the “Not Now Not Ever” DFV Report

SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

2014: “Investing in Queenslanders: social and human services blueprint” that aims to transform the way government

makes and manages its investment in social and human services delivered by the Department of Communities, Child Safety

and Disability Services.

The provision of blue cards transitioned from the Children’s Commission to the Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA).

The Office of the Public Guardian was established as a new independent statutory body responsible for protecting the

rights and wellbeing of vulnerable adults with impaired decision making capacity and children and young people in out-of-

home care, residential care and youth detention.

Queensland Premier established a Special Taskforce to review domestic and family violence in Queensland.

Child Protection Week, Yarrabah

DVPM Candle Lighting Ceremony, Aurukun

Stakeholder network lunch & Professional Development Workshop, Weipa

Staff Professional Development, Cairns

Triple P Parenting Training, Kowanyama

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCUTRE CAPE YORK/GULF RAATSICC ADVISORY MEMBERS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

COMMUNITY AWARENESS,

RESOURCE & SUPPORT MANAGER

CHILD PROTECTION UNIT MANAGER / REGIONAL COORDINATOR FINANCE MANAGER

CWDV COUNSELLORS

(3)

WeipaLockhart RiverKowanyama

RESOURCE SUPPORT

ADMIN OFFICER

RE TEAM LEADERPRACTICE AND DEVELOPMENT

OFFICER

FSS TEAM LEADERS (2)

FSS INTAKE RE INTAKE

FAMILY SUPPORT

AthertonCairnsCoen

Cooktown Innisfail

KowanyamaLockhart River

NPA Pormpuraaw

Weipa (2) Yarrabah

RE ADVISORS

AurukunCoen

CooktownKowanyama

Lockhart RiverNPA

PormpuraawWeipa

FINANCE

OFFICERPROGRAM SUPPORT

(2)

AURUKUNMA’AATHAN WOMEN’S

SHELTER (6)

RAATSICC PROGRAMS Programs funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and

Disability Services:

Remote Indigenous Child Witness of Domestic Violence

Support Service

ATSI Family Support Service

Cape York Recognised Entity (subcontracted through WuChopperen Health Service)

Family Care Service

Program funded by the Department of Housing and Public Works:

Ma’aathan Women’s Shelter – Aurukun

RAATSICC funded

Advisory

ADVISORY Providing tailored support to RAATSICC members, addressing issues

relating to Child, Youth and families through:

• Recommendations/Advice

• Consultations- community and individual

• Joint initiatives

• Auspicing of funds

• Shared facilitation of community awareness programs

• Research

• Child Protection Awareness Sessions

• Resources

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

ABORIGINAL AND TORREST STRIAT ISLANDER FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE

Providing assistance to parents and/or families who are vulnerable or at

risk of entering the child protection system in the Cairns and Cape York

Region. (from NPA down to the Cassowary Coast townships of Tully,

Mission Beach and Surrounds)

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

RECOGNISED ENTITY Providing cultural and family information and advice to Child Safety

Services, in relation to child protection matters and;

Provides families with information to help understand the child

protection processes and decisions made by Child Safety Services to all

the Cape York communities

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

MA’AATHAN WOMEN’S SHELTER Providing an immediate response to homelessness for women and children

affected by domestic and family violence through:

• Safe and secure accommodation for women and their children

• Confidentiality and privacy

• Information and referrals

• Practical support according to needs

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

FAMILY CARE SERVICE Providing practical support to families that have undertaken informal care

arrangements of children in the communities of:

• Wujul Wujul

• Kowanyama

• Lockhart River

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

REMOTE INDIGENOUS CHILD WITNESSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Providing support to children and young people under the age of 18 years,

experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) domestic and family violence in

the communities of :

• Kowanyama

• Lockhart River

• Mapoon

• Napranum

Thursday Is.

Prince of Wales Is.

Hammond Is.

Badu Is.Mabuiag Is.

Saibai Is.Boigu Is.

Dauan Is.

Yam Is.Coconut Is.

Warraber Is.

Yorke Is.

Stephens Is.Darnley Is.

Murray Is.

Moa Is.

Horn Is.

Injinoo New Mapoon

Aurukun

Napranum

Pormpuraaw

Normanton

Doomadgee

Mornington Is.

Kowanyama

Coen

CooktownLaura

Wujal Wujal

Hopevale

Lockhart River

Umagico

Seisia

Bamaga

Mapoon

YarrabahCAIRNS

Mossman

KarumbaInnisfailAtherton

Weipa

CardwellCroydon

RAATSICC Office

Mt Isa

OTHER INITIATIVES Domestic Violence Accredited Training (Sunshine Coast TAFE)

Sisters Sharing Knowledge Project

Regional Launch for Child Protection Week

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Month

Not Without Our Youth - Cyber Bullying Project

NAIDOC celebrations

Foster & Kinship Care activities

National Youth Week

PARTNERSHIPS Apunipima Cape York Health Council

Cairns & District Regional Domestic Violence Service

Community Justice Groups

Indigenous Community Councils / Shire Councils

Indigenous Marathon Project

Queensland Police (Supportlink / DV Link)

Queensland Health

Workforce Council

Wuchopperen Medical Service

*Various working networks (Remote Indigenous WS Network, Family Support Network)

Protecting Kids

Our Way The Protecting Kids - OUR WAY slogan has

been a part of RAATSICC for a number of

years. This slogan highlights the significance

of an Indigenous service providing support

to its people of the Far North Queensland

region.

THANK YOU

Protecting Kids Our Way

CELEBRATING 29th November 2016

YEARS