Discover more resources
-
Research paper
Characteristics of promising Indigenous out-of-home care programs and services
Jenny R. Higgins and Nikki ButlerAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to suffer the intergenerational effects of past welfare practices including the forced removal of their children and dislocation from their communities, country and culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders also experience higher levels of poverty and social disadvantage than non-Indigenous Australians. The combined effects of past practices and current disadvantages present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with extreme challenges in supporting families to ensure children stay safe and are cared for appropriately. -
Website
Child protection and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Child Family Community AustraliaThis paper provides a snapshot of data describing rates of involvement of First Nations children in child protection and out-of-home care in 2017–18. -
Short article
The importance of supporting foster and kinship carers in promoting children’s mental health
Josh FergeusChildren in out-of-home care in Australia are up to four times more likely to experience problems with mental health than their mainstream peers. Carers have emerged as powerful agents of change for these children. The quality of day-to-day care that children receive from foster and kinship carers and the nature of the caring environment are major factors influencing their mental health and wellbeing. -
Webinar
Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Exploring workforce availability
Emerging MindsThis webinar is intended for organisational and systems leaders across the health, education, social and community services sectors, as well as practitioners with an interest in workforce development. -
Resource summary
Resources for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
These resources explore how non-Indigenous practitioners and services can develop genuine connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to create the best conditions for effective service delivery; services based on respect, learning and creating shared understandings. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: August 2025
Prepared by AIFSThe August 2025 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis that presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: A guide for families to raise strong and deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsWelcoming Our Little Ones shares some stories and ideas to support families to raise healthy and grounded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with a specific focus on pregnancy to five years. -
Guide
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads matter
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads have an important role to play in the lives of their kids. This guide shares stories and advice from Indigenous dads and parents on supporting your partner and parenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the first five years. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: What is this guide about?
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsThis guide is for anyone with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their family, including non-Indigenous carers, and includes advice just for dads. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: Sharing stories from pregnancy to birth
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsCulture starts being built in our babies in the womb. Read about building the foundations for wellbeing and spiritual connections to Country and family from pregnancy. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: Sharing stories from birth to 1 year old
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsFrom birth we can help babies connect to Country and culture. Read about ways of connecting and supporting belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. -
Guide
Welcoming Our Little Ones: Sharing stories from 1 to 3 years old
Nunkuwarrin Yunti & Emerging MindsFrom a young age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children learn by experiencing their environment and spending time with family members, Community and other children. Read some ideas for supporting the development of spirit and kinship in their early years.