In 2023, NAAFLS applied for funding through the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) to develop the Northern Territory Aboriginal Child Protection Notification and Referral Program (The Program).
On 13 September 2023, the PRF granted NAAFLS funding over two years to develop the Program, subject to written in principle support from the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (TFHC) to work with NAAFLS to develop the Program.
The Program will enable the relevant service to receive early notification if a child will/has been removed from their family, leading to a reduction in the number of Aboriginal children coming into contact with the child protection system in the NT.
NAAFLS is proud to be involved in such an important initiative. “The child protection and criminal justice systems need to do better for Aboriginal children and families in the Northern Territory. We also know the importance of front-end support for keeping families together. Our Program is the way forward for an effective child protection system in the NT.” Rachel Hill, NAAFLS Senior Partnership and Advocacy Officer