Information about cultural support plans for child
protection clients
Context
The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (section 176) requires the Secretary of the Department of Human
Services to prepare a cultural plan for each Aboriginal child placed in out-of-home care subject to a
guardianship to the Secretary order or long term guardianship to the Secretary order (guardianship orders).
Section 10 of the Children, Youth and Families Act also provides that the best interests of the child are always
paramount. This includes consideration where relevant to the decision making or taking an action for Aboriginal
children, the need to protect and promote their Aboriginal cultural and spiritual identity and development by
wherever possible, maintaining and building their connections to their Aboriginal families, community and
culture.
A cultural support plan program is in place across the state to assist Child Protection in developing legislatively
required cultural plans for each Aboriginal child placed in out-of-home care subject to a guardianship order.
The plan (Attachment 1) forms part of the child’s case plan. The cultural support plan incorporates information
about the child’s Aboriginal family, community and culture. This information is used to set out culturally
appropriate strategies to support the child to remain connected to their family, extended family, community and
culture. A sample (fictitious) completed plan can be found at Attachment 2.
Background
In 2002, program development commenced in the then Children Protection and Juvenile Justice Branch on
measures to promote and strengthen the connectedness of Aboriginal children in Out of Home Care with their
families, culture and community. This led to the development in May 2005, of a cultural support plan template
and guide which were trialled in the then Loddon Mallee and North and West Metropolitan regions. The pilots
were successful and implementation across the state occurred later in the year.
With the commencement of the current Act in May 2007, a legislative framework supporting self- determination
for Aboriginal peoples in relation to the care of their children was introduced.
Feedback was received that cultural support plans were not being consistently developed, promoted, monitored
and reviewed for all the children that required them. In addition a number of issues had been identified
regarding related program documentation and procedures.
In 2008 a program review was undertaken by the former Aboriginal Children and Families Unit, within the then
Children, Youth and Families Division with the following objectives:

to ensure cultural support plans are part of a dynamic and holistic planning process

to ensure the cultural support plans is living and effective document

to identify gaps in policy and procedures, legal issues and obligations along with practical and cultural
requirements for legislative compliance.
The review concluded that cultural support plans should be prepared by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal
children and young people. As existing Aboriginal Family Decision Making (AFDM) community convenors held
relevant cultural knowledge, connections with Aboriginal community and existing networks a strategy was
developed to capitalise on this with the expectation that cultural support plans would now be prepared by the
AFDM community convenor and that child protection would be responsible for implementing the plan.
In 2010/11 the new cultural support plan program was implemented. Aboriginal Community Controlled
Organisations (ACCOs) were provided additional funding based on the number of Aboriginal children subject to
guardianship orders and projections of the number of Aboriginal children placed on guardianship orders per
year. Details of funding provided to ACCOs can be found at Attachment 3.
The Cultural Support Plan and Aboriginal Family Decision Making Statewide Co ordination and Implementation
group identified the need for cultural support plan template and guide to be integrated in Client Relationship
Information System (CRIS).This lengthy and complex process was completed in March 2011.
To strengthen responses to Aboriginal children and families in Victoria, a cultural support plan brokerage
initiative was introduced to assist child protection to action cultural experiences outlined in the cultural support
plan.
Recent
While a data extract from CRIS regarding cultural support plan compliance supports a snapshot audit, there is
no daily visibility by divisions to support monitoring of compliance. To improve reporting and monitoring of
compliance an automated reporting mechanism is currently being developed.
The most recent snapshot audit was undertaken on 23 August 2013 see table one .The majority of children
have a partially completed “draft/in progress” plan and only 15 children have completed plans.
Table 1
S na pshot on 23 August 2013
Cultura l P la n sta tus
Closed
Draft/ In progress
Final/Complete
Incomplete - No Contact
No plan record found for this case
Not Required
Pending Approval
Total
Orde r T ype
Gua rdia nship to Long-te rm
Gra nd
S e cre ta ry Orde r Gua rdia nship Orde r T ota l
15
2
17
104
18
122
13
2
15
5
5
20
1
21
12
12
2
2
171
23
194
The cultural support plan program guidelines including program requirements and practice guidance and the
cultural support plan guide are currently being redeveloped.
In 2012 a cultural support plan workshop was held for Child Protection Managers and departmental AFDM
convenors to:

increase program clarity for regional staff

build confidence and strengthen shared ownership of responsibility

identify blockages and strategies to support the program delivery.
Following the workshop strategies were developed and implemented to address the barriers identified. These
included:

communication with Aboriginal organisations regarding correct IT support and management

Communication with Aboriginal cultural support workers regarding the correct access to the Client
Relationship Information System (CRIS)

Ongoing program support via the Cultural Support Plan and Aboriginal Family Decision Making
Statewide Co ordination and Implementation meeting

Development of a cultural support planning process which includes a visual outline of the roles and
responsibilities of the cultural support plan program

Distribution of CRIS materials outlining access procedures , helpdesk contacts and how to guides

Distribution of materials communicating the use of cultural support plan brokerage and funding ACCO
allocations

Redevelopment of cultural support plan guidelines and guide

Local development of contingency plans for both the department and ACCOs

A statewide scoping audit of cultural support plan workers access to CRIS

Development of CRIS training for department and community convenors is planned for 2013.
Attachment 2
Cultural Support Plan – SAMPLE (fictitious)
1. Child’s Details
Nickname: MJ
Name
Gender: M
Age: 2 yrs and 10 months
Date of Birth: 01/08/2010
Other Culture: Irish and Chinese
Totem: Goanna
Traditional Country: The
State: NSW
boundary of the Wiradjuri Nation
extends from Coonabarabran in
the north , straddling the Great
Diving Range down to the Murray
River and out to western NSW.
Wiradjuri traditional country
includes the townships of Dubbo,
Condobolin, Orange, Bathurst,
Wagga Wagga, Albury,
Narrandera, Griffith and all
surround towns.
Traditional Name: Wiradjuri “People of Three
Traditional Language: Wiradjuri
Rivers”
Primary Significant Other
Name:
Relationship: Foster Carer
Address: 1 street, suburb VIC
Phone: 03 5555 5555
Culture: Australian- Non-Aboriginal
Client’s Children (if applicable)
Does the child/young person
have children? No
How many children: NA
Parent Details (Biological Parents)
Mother:
Age: 25
Birth Place: Geelong, Victoria Australia
Date of Birth: 02/06/1988
Deceased: NA
Culture: Irish
Aboriginal
Address: 2 street, suburb VIC
Phone: 03 5555 55555
Father:
Birth Place: Dubbo , NSW Australia
Age:
Culture: Aboriginal
has Chinese heritage
Traditional Country: Dubbo
Other Culture: Non-
Date of Birth: 12/07/1970
Deceased: NA
Other Culture: William also
Totem: Goanna
Address: 3 street, suburb VIC
Traditional Name: Wiradjuri
Nation
Phone: 03 5555 5555
Child’s Address History
Current Address: 4 street, suburb VIC
Agency Address: DHS 0000
What Aboriginal/ community did the child live in prior to placement?
Traditional Country: Wathaurong
State: Geelong, Victoria
Aboriginal Community: NA. Mother’s networks are non-Aboriginal friends and family. The children no
interactions with local Aboriginal community and access to Aboriginal services.
What Aboriginal community does the child identifies with?
Traditional Country: Dubbo
State: NSW
Aboriginal Community: Wiradjuri
State: NSW
Traditional Language: Wiradjuri
Family (Siblings)
Name: Brother X
Name: Sister Y
Age: 27
Aboriginal sibling (identifies as )
X has had significant child protection history,
including sexual abuse. Last known address was
Dubbo NSW and he appears to be overseen by
disability services, X has no contact with his father.
X has no relationship with MJ.
Mother is Non-Aboriginal
Age: 12
Aboriginal sibling (mother does not identify child
as)
Y lives with her mother, in Parkes NSW. Y has and
IVO against the father. Y doesn’t want any contact
with MJ or extended family. Father has no contact
with Y and mother does not wish to commence.
Mother is Non-Aboriginal
Why is the sibling separated and what is the plan to reconnect sibling?
MJ has a different mother to other siblings. He has no relationship with older siblings or their extended
family. There are future opportunities to plan reunification with siblings as MJ gets older and wishes to seek
them out.
2. Child extended family support system
Name: Uncle T
Relationship to Client: Paternal uncle
Extent of Support: lives in NSW and has expressed his desire to support culturally. T has provided cultural
knowledge about MJ’s Aboriginal family and wants to be involved in any reunification opportunity with MJ
and X and the Aboriginal community in Dubbo.
Uncle T can’t visit but has expressed that as MJ gets older he would welcome opportunity to develop a
relationship and visits to NSW for MJ.
Currently T has provided a photo album of pictures of family members for the carer to share with MJ.
Name: Aunty L
Relationship to Client: Paternal aunty
Extent of Support: Lives in NSW and has asked to meet MJ. She is the father’s (deceased) sister and
wants to keep MJ connected to mob in Dubbo.
Aunty L has strong opinions about MJ knowing his Aboriginal family in Dubbo, NSW.
Currently plans are underway with carer, agency and Aunty L for a reunification opportunity for MJ and
Aunty L.
3. Court Order Conditions
Order Type:
4. Contact Plan
Immediate Social Network
Name
Relationship
Order Conditions: Please note attached, however
DHS are seeking a Permanent Care Order with
conditions reflecting the contact arrangements
below.
Contact Type
Contact Details
A
Mother
Monthly home visits at
carers home.
Mother & carer have met
each other and have
shared details.
Mb: 5555555555
W
Father
As requested by the
father, a minimum of
four times a year at a
venue agreed to by
father and carer. Father
is to contact VACCA to
arrange all future
contact.
Father has been
provided VACCA details
and is reminded and
encouraged to seek out
VACCA to arrange a
visit with MJ.
Mb: 5555555555
Kinship
Name
Uncle D (approx 65 yrs)
Relationship
Paternal Uncle
Contact Details
Uncle & carer have met
via video conferencing
and have exchanged
details.
Mb: 5555555555
Aunty L (approx 80 yrs)
Paternal Aunty
Contact Type
Currently providing
ongoing cultural
knowledge.
As MJ gets older he
would welcome
opportunity.
Plans are underway with
carer, agency and Aunty
for a reunification
opportunity with MJ.
Aunty & carer have met
via video conferencing
and have exchanged
details.
Mb: 5555555555
Plans are also underway
for video/skipe sessions
for Aunty and MJ as he
gets older.
Aboriginal Services & other Organisations
Name
Relationship
VACCA
Contact Type
As required
Contact Details
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Lakidjeka
As required
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Weekly playgroup
sessions
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Key ages and stages
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Cooperative
Aboriginal Playgroup
Aboriginal Maternal
Child and Health
Services
Local Aboriginal cultural
events
SNAICC
Aboriginal Children’s
Day
As per calendar events
and local activities
Yearly
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Ongoing
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
Six monthly
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
information for foster
carer
Dr Julie Smith
Paediatrician
Staff Member
Mb: 5555555555
5. Connecting to Community
Events and activities for child
Name
Time/Location
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Weekly sessions (
Coop
Tuesday am)
Various times and dates
Activity
Burrai Play Group
Responsibility
Foster Carer attends
weekly
Various planned
community events (
family days, cultural
events, Elders story
time)
Foster Carer is on
Coops mailing list and
has a positive
relationship with staff.
Burrai Learn to swim
Group
Foster Carer attends
weekly
Carer/Agency – Action Plan
Date
Time/Location
Activity
Responsibility
Ongoing
Various
MJ’s Life Book
Carer and VACCA
Ongoing
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Coop
Cultural Awareness
Training
Carer to attend VACCA
sessions
Once a year
4 August
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Coop
July
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Coop
11 November 2013
Wathaurong Aboriginal
Coop
Aboriginal Children’s
Day Celebrations
Carer
NAIDOC WEEK
celebrations
Carer
Reunification opportunity
with MJ and Aunty L.
Carer, VACCA, DHS
Geelong Aquatic Centre
Sponsored by VACCA
Once a year
Currently being plan for
2013
Weekly learning to swim
sessions ( Friday am)
Plans are also underway
for video/skipe sessions
for Aunty and MJ as he
gets older
Non - Aboriginal Carer
Has the Carer been provided Cultural Awareness training? The carer has been very proactive to learn
about the local community they live and also MJ’s traditional country. Uncle D has been a vital resource for
carers and they have video conference to discuss family genealogy.
The carers have participated in VACCA training which is provided to statewide foster carers.
The carers have participated in local sessions with Wathaurong Aboriginal Coop to gain an understanding
of the local history. This continues when opportunities are presented.
By Who: VACCA
Date: Sessions 1 & 2 2012
Wathaurong Aboriginal Coop
Local knowledge
2012with
Planned for 2013
Uncle D
Video conference 2013
Aboriginal Services
Has the Carer been given a list of Aboriginal services and contacts for the local area and the child/young
person’s community of origin? Yes
What information/material have you provided? An extensive state list including:

Aboriginal organisations such as VAEAI, & VACCA

Local Aboriginal services

Carer is on Wathaurong Coop mailing list

Calendar of Aboriginal significant events

Resources such as Koori Mail

Contacts for local and national Aboriginal recourses such as Yarn Strong Sista

Resources such as Aboriginal Honour Roll ( local leaders)

Application forms for Bunjilaka at Melbourne Museum
An extensive national list including:

Aboriginal resources such as LinkUp, Trove,

NSW Aboriginal Land Council

Confirmation of Aboriginal
Carer & Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Community
When will the Carer be introduced to the Aboriginal Services/Organisations?
This occurred in 2012.
Who will be responsible for this task? VACCA and DHS staff
Has the Carer been given a calendar listing local cultural events? Noted above
What supports does the Carer need to help them feel comfortable and confident in attending and
participating in cultural and Aboriginal community events (e.g. mentoring from an Aboriginal Agency/main
stream agency)?
The carers are comfortable accessing support and seeking out future opportunities to be involved with local
and NSW Aboriginal communities.
What support does the child/young person need to help them feel comfortable and confident in attending
and participating in cultural and Aboriginal community events?
MJ is still very young. He has developed a good bond with the carers and appears to be developing as
expected. MJ will continue to have opportunities to engage with his local community.
Everyone involved is excited for the pending reunification with Aunty L.
Genogram
Has the Genogram been completed? YES
Date: 01/01/2012
Who w as involved in the development of the Genogram
Name
Position
Uncle D
Paternal uncle
Aunty L
Paternal aunty
Staff Member
VACCA
Staff Member
Lakidjeka
Staff Member
DHS- Child Protection Practitioner
Staff Member
DHS- AFLDM Convenor
Staff Member
Wathaurong Aboriginal Coop- CSP worker
6. Connecting to Land
Identify the child’s traditional country, or country the child/young person or families identifies with.
Traditional Country: Wiradjuri
State: NSW
Identify family or significant others who should take part in this process
Uncle D
Paternal uncle
Aunty L
Paternal aunty
Identify an Elder or point of contact at the destination:
Uncle D
Address: AS ABOVE
Phone Number:
Aunty L
Address: AS ABOVE
Phone Number:
Has the child’s parents and carers been consulted to approve the trip?
The family and carers have agreed that a relationship with uncle and aunty is to be developed initially and
a return to country visit can be planned later as MJ is too young.
7. Accountability
Rationale for non completion of the Cultural Support Plan (evidence is required to support rationale)
What steps/actions have you taken in an effort to complete this plan?
1. several referrals and requests support from VACCA
2. Attempts to obtain information from existing DHS files
3. Research and investigation with Wathaurong CSP worker and VACCA Staff Member
4. communication with paternal extended family
What has prevented you from completing this plan?
It has been extremely difficult to engage William in this process, he was happy to allow family elders
provide information.
People consulted to develop this plan:
Name:
Uncle D
Aunty L
Staff Member
Staff Member
Staff Member
Staff Member
Staff Member
Agency/Position:
Family Elder
Family Elder
Lakidjeka
VACCA
DHS – Child Protection
DHS- AFLDM Convenor
Wathaurong Aboriginal Coop- CSP worker
Does anyone disagree with any part of the cultural plan? No
What are the child’s views/wishes in relation to the plan and what they would like to know/learn about their
culture:
MJ is still young and has many planned opportunities to remain connected to his family, community and
land. As he develops this plan will reflect his wishes and intensions.
8. Signing of Cultural Support Plan
I have participated and I am committed to the development and implementation of the Cultural Support
Plan.
Name: Uncle D
Name:
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date:
Name: Aunty L
Name: Staff Member ACSASS
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date:
Name: Staff Member AFLDM DHS Convenor
Name: Staff Member Wathaurong CSP worker
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date:
Name: Staff Member Child Protection Case
Name: Staff Member Child Protection Unit Manager
Manager
Signature:
Signature:
Date:
Date:
9. Reviewing and signing the Cultural Support Plan
Date: 30/08/2014
By Whom: VACCA
Date: 30/08/2015
By Whom: VACCA
Date: 30/08/2016
By Whom: VACCA
Date: 30/08/2017
By Whom: VACCA
Additional comments: Annual reviews to occur. Please note to continue the opportunity to elders or their
nominated community members.
Attachment 3
Cultural Support Plan Funding and Cultural Support Plan Brokerage Initiative
Distribution of Cultural Support Plan ( CSP) Funding - 2010-11 and ongoing
Division
East
Region
Eastern
Hume
East Total
North
Loddon
NW
North Total
South
Gipps
Sthn
South Total
West
Barwon
Gramp
Description
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
Brokerage
Community Convenor/CSP worker
West Total
Total
Note: Figures exclude NGO indexation
Recurrent funding
provided in 2010-11
3,926
16,880
7,852
33,760
62,418
10,095
50,640
11,778
59,079
131,592
10,656
50,640
7,290
33,760
102,346
7,572
33,760
3,085
16,880
61,297
357,653
Additional Recurrent
funding provided in
2011-12
9,100
14,700
23,800
18,060
25,900
43,960
12,460
14,700
27,160
10,220
6,860
17,080
112,000
Total Recurrent
funding in 2012-13
13,026
16,880
22,552
33,760
86,218
28,155
50,640
37,678
59,079
175,552
23,116
50,640
21,990
33,760
129,506
17,792
33,760
9,945
16,880
78,377
469,653
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Delivering Cultural Support Plan Program
East
VACCA
Rumbalara Aboriginal Coop
Mungabareena Aboriginal Coop
North
Bendigo & District Aboriginal Coop
Mildura Aboriginal Coop
Njernda Aboriginal Coop
VACCA
South
VACCA
Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Coop
Ramahyuck Aboriginal Coop
West
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Coop
Wathaurong Aboriginal Coop
Ballarat & District Aboriginal Coop
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Coop
Note: ACCOs receive a portion of funding based on local data