SNAICC has called on the federal government to direct significant financial commitments in the  2008 budget to support the healthy early-years development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as the truest form of child abuse and neglect prevention.

The submission was made to the Prime Minister, Federal Treasurer and other relevant ministers as part of the government's budget consultation process.

The Submission identifies major priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families for the government to direct funding to. This includes $48M over four years for an Indigenous child abuse and neglect and family support initiative.

It also calls for $40 million over four years to expand the capacity of current Indigenous specific child care services and establishment of new multi-functional Indigenous specific child care services in areas of high need, amongst other priorities.

Because of the shorter time than usually available for preparation of budget initiatives, SNAICC's submission focusses particularly on a long-term response to child abuse, child neglect and family violence guided by a set of principles (see below). SNAICC's perspective is that supporting the healthy development of children in the early years is the truest form of child abuse and neglect prevention.

The guiding principles outlined in the Submission

Long term improvements in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will be sustained by supporting families in their role of raising children. Strong healthy families raise strong healthy children and provide the best social support system for preventing child abuse and neglect.

It is important that any long-term response to child abuse, child neglect and family violence is guided by a set of clear principles. Such principles should include:

• recognising that all children in Australia deserve a childhood free from violence, abuse and neglect
• when responding to child abuse and neglect child safety is paramount and must be our first consideration
• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including those in out-of-home care, must be able to enjoy and practice their cultural traditions and feel that their cultural identity is a source of pride not shame
• the whole community has a shared responsibility for child protection including all levels of government, all sections of the community and all family members
• parents and families have the primary role of caring for, nurturing and raising their children including ensuring children participate in available education programs
• governments must provide active support for families to raise children including through universal family support services and specialist intervention programs when children are at risk of abuse or neglect
• a comprehensive balanced response encompassing prevention, early intervention and crisis intervention is required to achieve the best outcomes for children
• evidence and strengths based approaches that build on what families and communities are already doing well are the most sustainable as they promote family independence

Download the SNAICC 2008 Budget Submission (PDF 118 KB)

You can find all SNAICC submissions on the Submission page.