This policy brief argues for a stronger focus on responding to multicultural children with research, policy and practice not keeping pace with Australia’s increasing ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Multicultural children are less likely to access early childhood education and the brief makes the case for a mix of targeted and place-based interventions to complement universal approaches and improve access by culturally diverse children. 

The brief also examines early intervention to address child harm and neglect, arguing for a more culturally responsive approach for multicultural families; and, where children cannot live safely with their birth family, for ways to maintain and nurture children’s cultural connections and identity. In an effort to more effectively address a wide range of interrelated issues, the brief recommends a national advisory body for children from multicultural backgrounds, to advise on systemic reforms to support these children’s development, safety and wellbeing.

Recommendations

1. Ensure that planning and funding for early childhood education reflects the increasing numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse families needing access to support in the early years.
2. State and territory governments should work with early childhood providers to codesign service models that include ‘soft entry’ points and integrated approaches for culturally diverse children.
3. Invest in scaling up outreach initiatives to help culturally diverse families navigate the barriers they face in engaging in early childhood education.
4. The upcoming second Action Plan of the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children should include a clear framework for the development of a culturally responsive early intervention system to address harm and neglect among culturally and linguistically diverse families.
5. State and territory governments should strengthen policy and practice to uphold the right of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in care to maintain connections to their cultural heritage.
6. The Australian Government should establish a national advisory body for children from multicultural backgrounds.