VACCA presents: Building the Aboriginal evidence base: Learnings from cultural programs and practice to support improving the lives of Aboriginal children and families

The OPEN Symposium’s major sponsors, VACCA, showcased the significance of Aboriginal evidence-based practices in supporting Aboriginal children and families.

Presentations included:

  • the Cultural Therapeutic Ways (CTW) framework, which integrates Aboriginal perspectives into practice
  • the BUABAH program, focused on preventing Aboriginal baby removals through early intervention and support.

Evaluations highlighted the positive impact of CTW on healing and well-being, while the BUABAH program’s pilot phase successfully reunited six out of seven babies with their mothers.

At the end of the session, all presenters engaged in a conversation reflecting on shared learnings across their work, highlighting common themes and collaborative approaches to supporting Aboriginal children and families.

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Overviews of presentations

Presentation 1: Cultural Therapeutic Practice Framework: Our Work, Our Way

Presented by Caley Callope & Emily James (VACCA), and Sarah Wise (University of Melbourne)

The presentation on Cultural Therapeutic Ways (CTW) focuses on integrating culturally responsive practices into child protection, with a particular emphasis on Aboriginal perspectives. The CTW framework incorporates cultural awareness, trauma-informed care, and self-determination, promoting healing and well-being for Indigenous children and families.

Key Insights:

  • Culturally Informed Framework: The CTW model integrates Aboriginal perspectives with a focus on culture, trauma-informed care, and self-determination, offering a holistic and strength-based approach to child protection.
  • Research and Evaluation: A systematic scoping review highlights the effectiveness of cultural activities and self-determination approaches in improving healing and well-being for Indigenous peoples, while acknowledging barriers such as resource constraints.
  • Positive Outcomes in Practice: Programs like Goolle demonstrate the practical application of CTW principles, with successful outcomes such as higher reunification rates and stronger cultural connections, as exemplified through real-life case studies.

The session underscores the importance of community involvement in program development and highlights the positive outcomes achieved through culturally aligned practices.

Presentation 2: Preventing Aboriginal Infant Removals Through Early Intervention: Insights from the Bringing Up Aboriginal Babies at Home Program

Presented by Maddi Licciardo, Lorné Samuels & Emma Stevenson (VACCA), and Sarah Wise (University of Melbourne)

The Bubba program focuses on preventing the removal of Aboriginal infants by providing early intervention and support to pregnant women. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate rates of Aboriginal infant removals, the program promotes safety and family preservation.

Key Insights:

  • Early Intervention and Systems Change: The BUABAH program uses a systems change approach, emphasising small caseloads, enhanced referrals, and collaboration with community-based services to prevent infant removals and improve outcomes for Aboriginal families.
  • Positive Outcomes and Success Stories: Evaluations show increased safety and reduced child protection intervention, with success stories such as mothers reconnecting with families and leaving the hospital with their babies.
  • Culturally Appropriate Support: The program’s focus on understanding trauma and providing culturally relevant support, such as housing and family violence counseling, is essential for building trust and achieving positive, long-term outcomes for mothers and babies.

Through tailored support, including cultural and community involvement, the BUABAH program has demonstrated positive outcomes for Aboriginal families, with plans for expansion and continued development.

Presentation 3: Aboriginal Knowledge and Practice Centre

Presented by Ashlyn Devery (VACCA) & Dana Williams (The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young Peoples Alliance)

The Aboriginal Knowledge and Practice Center (AKPC) aims to empower Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) by providing leadership, support, and resources grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing.

Key Insights:

  • Aboriginal Leadership and Governance: The AKPC emphasises the need for Aboriginal leadership and decision-making in its governance, ensuring that the center is fully aligned with the values and priorities of ACCOs.
  • Capacity Building and Data Sovereignty: The center focuses on building capacity within ACCOs and protecting cultural and intellectual property rights, with a strong emphasis on data sovereignty and evidence-sharing systems.
  • Community Consultation and Strategic Support: Feedback from ACCOs highlights the need for a digital system to share evidence, advocacy to influence policy, and a center grounded in Aboriginal cultural practices to support ACCOs’ strategic priorities.

Through consultation with ACCOs, the center is designed to strengthen capacity, protect cultural and intellectual property, and advocate for improved decision-making and data sovereignty. The next steps focus on establishing governance structures and securing necessary funding to ensure the center’s success.

Presentation recording

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