Noongar Child Protection Council Formed to “Stand up for our Kids”!
June 29, 2017
After a series of recent workshops with key leaders from the Noongar community, the Noongar Child Protection Council (NCPC) has been formed to “Stand up for our Kids”! The NCPC intends to ensure that the rights of all Aboriginal children in Noongar Country are protected and that kids are connected to families, community, culture and country.
“There is overwhelming evidence, locally, nationally and globally about the trauma associated with neglect and abuse, out of home care and the resulting disconnection from family and culture. The NCPC believe that all Aboriginal children and their families have a right to grow, learn and thrive surrounded by love, culture and connected communities”, said inaugural Convenor of NCPC, Dawn Wallam.
“The establishment of a strong peak body, comprised of Elders and Leaders connected to Noongar communities is long over-due. We are delighted, therefore, that with the financial support of the Department for Child Protection and Family Support and support from the WA Council of Social Services, we can partner with Aboriginal communities to provide strong input to government policy in relation to the protection of Noongar children.”
“The NCPC will have an important role as a key point of contact for Noongar families who are facing difficulty in relation to their children. Whilst we will not have a direct role in service delivery, we will be able to connect Aboriginal families to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations who can provide advice or support.”
“The NCPC will also be affiliated with the national peak body, SNAICC, which is the National Voice for our Children and we recognise the important role that their “Family Matters” Campaign is playing in relation to child protection nationally. This will enable us to provide strong input into national policy discussions that impact on children in Noongar Country.”
“We have commenced recruitment for a Coordinator for the NCPC and will provide information about contact details and community information sessions once that person is in place. I look forward to working with our new Coordinator to ensure that there is a strong voice for Aboriginal children in WA”, Ms Wallam concluded.
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