This report examines government actions to address the over-representation and the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems. It highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions and calls on governments to support and invest in the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to lead on child wellbeing, development and safety responses for our children. 

This year’s report shows that child protection systems continue to fail Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering out-of-home care continuing to rise, exposing them to ongoing harm and trauma. 

The report presents Aboriginal-led solutions to what is working best for our children and communities. It includes case studies from Aboriginal community-controlled organisations that offer culturally safe wraparound supports that ensure our children grow up healthy and strong in family, connected to culture and kin.

Key statistics

• There are 22,328 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children currently in out-of-home care . 
• They are 10 times more likely to be living in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children represent 42% of the total number of children in out-of-home care but only represent 5% of all children in Australia.