DHUM DJIRRI* ABORIGINAL FAMILY DECISION MAKING PROGRAM

This Program is based on traditional family values where the responsibility for bringing up children was shared by parents together with extended family and community and guided by the wisdom and experience of Elders.

 

Aboriginal Family Decision Making (AFDM) encourages family members, extended family, Elders, significant people in the child's life, and, where appropriates the child and/or young person, to meet and make decisions about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people who are involved in the Child Protection System.

 

The meeting is run by two Convenors who will meet with family members before the meeting to discuss the process.

The Program Offers the Following Resources:

• An Aboriginal Community Convenor from VACCA
• A DHS Convenor who is able to endorse case plan decisions
• Financial support, if needed, to help families to be involved in the process
• The process is further supported by the presence and involvement of an Elder from the program

What Decisions Can Be Made?

• What needs to change so a child can remain at home
• What needs to change so a child can return home
• Where the child is to live
• How the family can be supported in caring for the child
• What involvement family members are to have in a child's life
• How to make sure that the child's cultural identity is supported and strengthened
• Ensuring that the child is connected to their Aboriginal family and community

Who Can Attend?

The Convenors will talk to the child, family members and other workers about who should be invited to attend the meeting. These people will always be present at an AFDM meeting:

• The Aboriginal Community Convenor and the DHS Convenor
• An ADFM Elder
• A Child Protection worker and/or supervisor
• An ACSASS worker

In General the Following People Will Also Attend:

• The child or young person, where appropriate
• A support person for the child or young person
• Parents, extended family and significant people in the child's life
• Professionals working with the family or people who can provide support in the future

How Does the AFDM Process Work? What Happens Before the Meeting?

Once a referral has been accepted, the Convenors will make contact with family members and other key people in the child's life to talk with them about the AFDM meeting and to gather further information. They will then introduce the AFDM Elder to central family members and to any Elders from the child's family who may be attending

 

The Convenors will contact any professionals already supporting the family or those who can provide support in the future and will then brief everyone attending the meeting about the issues for discussion and what is expected of them.

What Happens at the Meeting?

Step 1: Information Sharing

• The Convenors explain the purpose of the meeting and the main issues for discussion.
• The Child Protection Worker will explain the concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person
• Support professionals will let the family know what services they can offer
• Families are encouraged to ask questions

 

Step 2: Private time- making the plan
Family members are left alone to think and talk about the information they have been given and to develop a plan that is in the best interests of the child or young person

 

Step 3: Reconvening
Everyone returns to the meeting to hear back from the family about how the plan can be supported and put in place. Everyone has to agree that the plan is realistic and will keep the child safe.

 

When an agreement is reached it is adopted by Child Protection as a guide to future planning in relation to the child.

What Happens After the Meeting?

After the meeting everyone will be given a copy of the minutes. If DHS remains involved, they will support the family in implementing the developed plan.

 

The Convenors will also keep in contact with family members and professionals to monitor progress and deal with any problems that arise. If the plan has been successful three months after the meeting, the program will finish.

Why is AFDM Good for Families?

AFDM means that families can play a greater role in making decisions about their children with the help of key members of their community. It is respectful of culturally appropriate processes and places culture and community at the heart of the decision making process.

 

It helps families to face their issues and take responsibility to make the changes needed

The AFDM program in the North and West Metropolitan regions involves a three-way partnership between Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, (VACCA) the Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) and the Department of Human Services (DHS).

 

*Dhum Djirri - Wurundjeri words meaning to gather and unite