Changing Tracks

The Changing Tracks action plans 2017–2019 ((PDF, 4.3 MB)) and 2020–2022 ((PDF, 4.9 MB)) 2020–2022 ((DOCX, 4.3 MB)) under Our Way ((PDF, 5 MB)) set the foundations for change across the child protection system to eliminate the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the child protection system in Queensland and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.

Key actions delivered under Changing Tracks (2017–2022) included:

• Amendments to the Child Protection Act 1999 (the Act) to affirm the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to self-determination, enabling family-led decision making, embedding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and placing a greater emphasis on culture as a protective factor.
• Implemented delegated authority in two early adopter sites, where the functions and powers of the chief executive (Director-General, Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services) for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child, under the Act, can be delegated to the chief executive officer of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entity, where certain requirements are met.
• Established the QFCFB to provide strategic leadership and cultural oversight in the implementation of Our Way and associated action plans.
• Queensland Government enacted the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020. The Act recognises traditional child rearing practices legally and established an Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa, and the appointment of Commissioner C'Zarke Maza.
• Implementation by QATSICPP of the Professional Scholarships Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander community-controlled organisation sector, to undertake the Associate Diploma of Human Services through Griffith University and build the capacity and capability of the sector.
• In partnership with the Queensland Mental Health Commission and the national Healing Foundation, developed the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Strategy, Leading Healing Our Way 2020–2040 ((PDF, 5.6 MB)), to address the intergenerational impacts of trauma, violence and abuse experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
• Established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services in 35 locations, to provide culturally responsive child and family support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
• Implemented the Family Participation Program to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to participate in decisions that affect them across the child protection system.
• Increased proportional investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.