Family Participation Program
Indigenous Business Support Program
What is Family Participation Program
Keeping Our Children Safe & Connected to Family & Culture
The Family Participation Program (FPP) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who are involved with Child Safety by ensuring they have a voice in decisions that affect their children. We work alongside families to create culturally safe, family-led plans that focus on keeping children safe, connected to culture, and supported within their family and community networks. Through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Led Decision Making meetings, families are empowered to identify their strengths, address concerns, and develop practical solutions that support positive outcomes for their children and family.
Walking Beside Families Every Step of the Way
When Child Safety becomes involved, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Our Family Participation Program team provides guidance, advocacy, and culturally appropriate support to help families understand the child protection process and actively participate in important decisions about their children. We work collaboratively with families, Child Safety, Elders, community members, and support services to develop family-designed action plans that prioritise children’s safety while strengthening family connections, cultural identity, and long-term wellbeing. Our goal is to ensure families feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey.
Who can access the Family Participation Program?
The Family Participation Program is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have an involvement with Child Safety and would like support navigating the decision-making process for their children.
What is a Family Led Decision Making Meeting?
A Family Led Decision Making Meeting brings together family members, support people, and relevant services to discuss concerns, identify strengths, and create a family-designed plan that supports the safety and wellbeing of children while keeping families involved in decision making.
How can the Family Participation Program help my family if Child Safety is involved?
When Child Safety becomes involved, families can often feel overwhelmed, unsure of their rights, or uncertain about what happens next. Our Family Participation Program workers walk alongside families throughout the process, helping them understand Child Safety’s concerns, prepare for meetings, identify supports, and participate in important decisions about their children. We help families bring together their strengths, cultural knowledge, support networks, and community connections to create practical action plans that address concerns while keeping children’s safety, wellbeing, and cultural identity at the centre of decision making.
The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
The Family Participation Program is guided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, which helps ensure children remain connected to their family, culture, community, and Country while decisions are being made about their care and wellbeing.
Prevention
Supporting families early to help keep children safely at home whenever possible.
Partnership
Working alongside families, communities, and organisations to make decisions together.
Placement
Ensuring children are cared for in safe environments that maintain cultural and family connections.
Participation
Empowering families and children to have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.
Connection
Strengthening children’s connection to culture, community, Country, and identity.
Meet the Team
Your Family’s Voice Matters
If Child Safety is involved with your family, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Our Family Participation Program team is here to support, guide, and empower you to have a voice in decisions about your children while helping keep them safe, connected, and supported.
Speak with our team today to learn how we can support your family.
