The Territory Labor Government has expanded the Aboriginal Carer Services (ACS) grant program to the Barkly.

Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation (JCAC) has been awarded $300,000 in funding across 18 months to deliver the ACS program.

The primary objective of ACS is to find kin and Aboriginal carers for children who have been brought into care. ACS providers find and assess potential carers, and support carers to look after children.

Funded services will be delivered across the Barkly Region with the service located in Tennant Creek, where the majority of children and carers live.

From 1 July 2021, JCAC will commence the delivery of the ‘Marlungku Wilya Nyinyiji Ki’ (Family to Stay Strong) program with this funding, which will find kin to care for and keep Aboriginal children in care connected to culture, country and community.

Through Marlungku Wilya Nyinyiji Ki, JCAC will work to increase the proportion of Aboriginal children who are currently in or entering care that are safely placed with Aboriginal foster and kinship carers. They will grow a pool of Aboriginal carers to assist with emergency, respite and long-term placements.

Across 2018-2021 the Territory Government has provided more than $3 million under the ACS program to the following Aboriginal organisations throughout the Territory, including:

• Yalu Aboriginal Corporation in Galiwin’ku
• Northern Territory Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation across the NT
• Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council in the Central Desert and tri-border region
• Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation in Central Australia
• Kalano Aboriginal Corporation in Katherine
•  Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation in Darwin
•  Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation in Alice Springs.

These organisations are working together across the Territory to share knowledge, information and resources to find, assess and support Aboriginal and kinship carers.

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing, Kate Worden:

“Supporting Territory young people and their families is important to the Territory Labor Government. We want to intervene early to ensure young people stay connected to their family and identity, and are kept safe.

“Expanding Aboriginal Carer Services to the Barkly Region aims to ensure children remain safe and culturally connected, with carers who are supported and empowered through partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

“We have Aboriginal Carer Services providers and carers right across the Territory. We support our carers to make sure they can provide the nurture and guidance our children need.”