Program 2008 Conference About Us
Program Introduction | Dhum Djirri Aboriginal Family Decision Making Program | Koorie Cultural Placement and Support Program | Link Up Victoria | Permanent Care Program | Lakidjeka ACSASS’ | Residential Care Program | Extended Care | Leaving Care Program | Kurnai Youth Homelessness Service.

PERMANENT CARE PROGRAM

The Permanent Care Program becomes involved with all Aboriginal children in out of home care where a case plan decision has been made determining that they cannot be reunited with their parents. The program provides a culturally relevant service in the assessment of permanent carers for Aboriginal children and young people.

 

In accordance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, a permanent care order cannot be granted in relation to an Aboriginal child without an assessment and court report from a gazetted Aboriginal organisation. VACCA provides a statewide service, with the exception of the local government area of Mildura.

 

The program also provides ongoing support to carers and children. In some permanent care cases VACCA facilitates and supervises access visits according to the conditions of the Children’s Court order. All referrals come from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and should be received at the point when a permanent care case plan is made.

Program Aims

To provide assessments of permanent care placements to ensure that the cultural needs of children will be met. Some of the ways we achieve this are to:

  • Ensure that parents, siblings and extended family members have access visits with the children in permanent care placements
  • Provide a report to the court in relation to an application for a Permanent Care Order
  • Educate the children and their carers about the children’s cultural heritage and issues affecting Aboriginal people today
  • Recruit and train Aboriginal families to care for Aboriginal children
  • Follow the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle

Our Staff Will:

  • Formulate assessments of placements for permanent care children
  • Write reports for the court
  • Assist with supervising access visits
  • Ensure Cultural Plans are in place
  • Teach the children and their carers about the importance of identity and connection to family and community
  • Liaise and work with DHS and other agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for Aboriginal children

 

The Permanent Care Program has a strong ongoing commitment to provide stability to children in out of home care, ensuring that their cultural needs are met and that they feel safe and protected.