Our Way and Changing Tracks strategies and actions

Child Safety recognises that all children (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children) have the right to a bright, healthy and powerful future. Delivering the best possible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families is one of the Queensland Government’s highest priorities. Accordingly, Child Safety has developed a strategy and action plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, Our Way 20 year generational strategy represents a fundamental shift in how child protection, family support and other services can work differently together with, and for, Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families who may be experiencing vulnerability.

Changing Tracks outlined the actions Child Safety was to take in the first three years to achieve our goals, building on existing initiatives and included actions guided by Elders, community leaders, community-run organisations, peak bodies and relevant government agencies, aimed at:

• reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system
• closing the gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing vulnerability
• ensuring all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture

This is undertaken by working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. Taking the family's lead and fostering self-determination so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are safe, connected and have a lived experience of their culture.

The first Changing Tracks (2017-18) Progress Report has been released. The key take-away is a total of 23 actions have been completed or completed and being embedded and 12 are in progress and on track to be delivered by the end of 2019.