RECOGNISED ENTITY

The primary role of the Recognised Entity is to work collaboratively with the department in each phase of the decision-making processes, to improve the outcome for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.

Child Protection Phases:

• Intake
• Investigation and Assessment
• SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) system
• Family Group Meeting
• Court
• Placement
• Standard of Care concerns (SOC)

The function of the Recognised Entity is to:

• Advocate the best interests of and delivering effective protection and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who have been harmed or at risk of harm.
• Ensure adherence to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle under Section 83 of the Child Protection Act 1999.
• Contribute to the development of cultural plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people subject to ongoing intervention to ensure they maintain contact with the family (where this is deemed to be safe), community and culture to preserve and enhance their sense of identity.
• Identify key points of contacts between all parties to ensure service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their family(s) and/or carer(s) is culturally appropriate, accessible and responsive to their individual needs.