Transition of Carers
Welcome to Muloobinba Out Of Home Care Transition information and resource hub
Why is this transition important?
Self-determination and the preservation of cultural heritage are fundamental to securing the rights and well-being of Indigenous children and youth in out-of-home care (OOHC). It is imperative that Indigenous children and young individuals in OOHC have the opportunity to establish and nurture strong ties with their kin, culture, and ancestral lands. These connections play a pivotal role in shaping their sense of identity and belonging, which in turn serves as a cornerstone for their overall well-being and resilience.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations (ACCOs) are ideally positioned to facilitate and oversee the maintenance of cultural connections and to offer comprehensive case management services for Indigenous children, youth, and their families. The transition to an Aboriginal-led OOHC approach ensures that every Indigenous child and young person in OOHC receives support from an ACCO uniquely equipped to champion self-determination and cultural preservation. ACCOs will work collaboratively with caregivers, aiding them on the path to enhancing cultural links and fostering increased family time for the Indigenous children and youth under their care.
The transition of Aboriginal Children & Young People represents a shift towards empowering communities to take greater control over child welfare services. This overview examines the commitment, transition process, and potential outcomes associated with this transformation.
The Commitment
The commitment to transitioning Aboriginal Children and Young People to ACCO’s involves recognising the importance culture, community, and self determination in providing care for Aboriginal children.
This commitment encompasses:
- Collaboration
- Cultural Support
- Supporting Self Determination
The Transition
The transition to ACCO’s involves a process aimed at creating a culturally safe and responsive child protection system and to smoothly transition kids and carers.
Key elements of the transition include:
- Training
- Collaborative Planning
- Strengthening communication between organisations.
The Outcome
Aboriginal children and young people in care with an ACCO are more likely to maintain and strengthen their cultural identity, language and connection to their community.
This promotes a sense of belonging and improves overall well being:
- Cultural Continuity
- Self Determination
FAQs
If I have multiple families and some are non-Aboriginal, will all cases have to transfer over?
As an organisation it makes sense to keep all the filing together in one place for the family and those working in collaboration with the family. Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal children and young people will receive equal resources and care which is the foundation of our community-based values.
What resources or support will be available to the foster carer during and after the transition?
We can provide information about ongoing support for the foster carer, including access to resources, training, and guidance, to help with a successful transition and let you know how Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation can support you in Cultural Journeyz.
We have dedicated teams of support for everyone involved.
Will carers have to give up their kids to Aboriginal carers in the transition?
No. Children and young people are not obligated to be put with an Aboriginal Carer as part of the transition, established placements can remain the same as we work towards the common goal of restoration and cultural appropriate care.
What if families are hesitant to come over?
If families are hesitant about transitioning their children to our Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), we want to reassure them that we are dedicated to making this process as smooth as possible, with the best interests of the children at the forefront. Our priority is to work together to ensure the well-being and cultural connectedness of every child.
What’s the census on guardianship?
As an organisation our focus is restoration and returning to family. When we’ve exhausted all avenues, guardianship is considered when that carer has demonstrated that they can maintain connection and capacity for the birth family.
How will the transition process be managed?
This varies from case to case. We recommend working with your existing service as they will have a guide to get started. Be open to collaborating and embrace working with an ACCO. Feel free to drop in and have a yarn with our organisation and get to know the people you’ll be collaborating with and discuss and listen what being with an ACCO will look like for the child or young person and as a Foster Carer.
The transition will begin with a Case Management Transfer checklist that will be going over the documentation of both the Child and Carer and looking at the Care Plan in place and review.
About Muloobinba
The organisation was formed in 1991 to provide a support service to Aboriginal families and individuals in Newcastle and surrounding Local Government Areas.