Delegated authority

Delegated authority transforms how child protection responses (services) are delivered to develop culturally safe and responsive ways of protecting children. Delegated authority represents a significant opportunity for positive change and as such, is a high priority action under Our Way ((PDF, 5 MB)) and supports efforts towards Closing the Gap and implementation of Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's children 2021—2031.

Delegated authority implementation is part of several processes aimed to improve the outcomes for and address the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system by enhancing the safety and wellbeing of children and focussing on self-determination in decision making by putting culture, and the knowledge and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and families first.

Reclaiming our storyline

Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services and the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP) have co-developed a 10-year blueprint for implementing delegated authority in Queensland.

Reclaiming our storyline: Transforming systems and practice by making decisions in our way ((PDF, 936 KB)) Reclaiming our storyline: Transforming systems and practice by making decisions in our way ((DOCX, 1.7 MB)) outlines the process and actions to be undertaken to progress this new way of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. This blueprint also signals the shared vision and objectives surrounding this approach, which respectfully considers the readiness, priorities and needs of local communities. It is a long-term plan for shifting the decision making and delivery of child protection functions and powers to the individuals and organisations that know children and families best. The approach recognises that the change process is complex and will take a sustained commitment from the department and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander entities to work together in new ways.

Delegated authority is embedded in several regions across Queensland and continues to be supported by the knowledge and wisdom of local communities as it is progressively rolled out across the state.

Resources

The following videos have been developed to help different audiences learn more about delegated authority, what it is, how it will affect them and its benefits.

Overview

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families

Changes are happening to how decisions are made about the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Queensland.

Known as delegated authority, families could have the choice to be supported by, and decisions made with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

This means that children and young people are supported to stay connected to their family, community and culture.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities know how to keep children safe, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Family sector is best placed to make decisions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Child safety is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across Queensland and the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak to implement delegated authority, to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are safe, connected to their family, community and grow up strong in culture by embedding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and supporting self-determination.

Queensland Government agencies, peak bodies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and legal stakeholders

Child Safety is working with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family sector to build knowledge and the capacity of both the government and non-government sector to support the implementation of delegated authority.

Organisations are encouraged to work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations exercising delegated authority to support the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Learn more about delegated authority.