Andrea Trout’s Post

Absolutely brilliant session with Allies for Children Australia on Friday hosted at Barnardos Australia offices. The founding CEO's came together to map their commitments to addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islander children in care and to talk about strategic priorities for the year ahead. Right now in Australia, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child is 11 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than compared to their non-Indigenous peers. Allies for Children will contribute to addressing this major issue in three key ways: - Modelling change in our own organisations - Supporting change in the sector by sharing knowledge, experiences and resources - Advocating with Peak's and working in partnership with ACCO's and Government to support First Nations people to lead the response they know is needed to support children, families and communities. Joining the Allies was representation from the First Nations Non-Government Alliance who provided insight, leadership and recommendations to Allies for Children on the best way their organisations can truly contribute to Close the Gap targets and beyond. A great example that we are stronger together when we partner in common goals and when we stop and listen to First Nations Leadership. #children #childrenandfamilies #advocacy24 #reconciliation #partnership #collaboration Claire Robbs Lin Hatfield Dodds Dr Lisa J. Griffiths Katrina Lines Deirdre CHEERS Robyn Miller Dianne Jackson Wendy Knight Servena McIntyre Michael Currie Tina West Tabatha Feher Sarah Spence MFIA Kelly Bruce https://lnkd.in/gzszuuqp

On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we enjoy every day. As we reflect on their courage and dedication, let's also consider how we can honor their legacy through our actions and commitments. https://lnkd.in/eewe7ArR #EstatePlanning #NJLawyer #WillsAndTrusts #Probate #LegacyPlanning #FamilyWealth   #Inheritance #EstatePlan #EstateAttorney #ProtectYourAssets #ElderLaw #Guardianship #LivingWill #EstateTax #HealthcareDirective #PowerOfAttorney #Beneficiary #EstateLaw #BusinessLaw #BusinessFormation #ContractLaw #SmallBusiness #CommercialLaw #EmploymentLaw #BusinessOwner #BusinessContracts #RealEstateLaw #BusinessCompliance #BusinessLitigation #NewJerseyBusiness

On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we enjoy every day. As we reflect on their courage and dedication, let's also consider how we can honor their legacy through our actions and commitments. https://lnkd.in/ejNEhSbU #EstatePlanning #NJLawyer #WillsAndTrusts #Probate #LegacyPlanning #FamilyWealth   #Inheritance #EstatePlan #EstateAttorney #ProtectYourAssets #ElderLaw #Guardianship #LivingWill #EstateTax #HealthcareDirective #PowerOfAttorney #Beneficiary #EstateLaw #BusinessLaw #BusinessFormation #ContractLaw #SmallBusiness #CommercialLaw #EmploymentLaw #BusinessOwner #BusinessContracts #RealEstateLaw #BusinessCompliance #BusinessLitigation #NewJerseyBusiness

Today is a day to reflect on the history of slavery in Canada and to recognize that racism, including systemic racism still exists in our country and in our community. On this day, and every day, we encourage all Canadians to learn more about the impact of slavery and to fight racism and discrimination in all its forms. Did you know that both indigenous people and people of African descent were enslaved in what is now Canada? On August 1, 1884, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire. However, for most enslaved people in British North America, the act only provided for partial liberation. The act only freed children under the age of six. All others had to continue to work, without pay, for their former owners as “apprentices” for an additional four to six years. Although the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect 139 years ago, we are still dealing with serious problems of racism and discrimination. In fact, our Youth Outreach Program, delivered in partnership with the New Brunswick African Association, exists because there is a significant need in our community to promote the welfare of Black Canadians, Africans, African-Europeans, Caribbeans and their families and ensure that they have equal opportunities. You can learn more about slavery and emancipation in Canada at: https://lnkd.in/eCkvhFrr and more about our Youth Outreach Program at: https://lnkd.in/gj3MdgE8.

Today is National Sorry Day, a day to Acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. National Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June. This year's theme, "Now More Than Ever," reminds us all that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. It emphasises the need to tackle the unfinished business of Reconciliation. #NationalSorryDay serves as a reminder that historical injustice remains an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and peoples. At Royal Far West, we are dedicated to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and advocating for equal access to healthcare for our First Nations families. We are passionately committed to Reconciliation and to ensuring we provide culturally safe and accountable health, education, and disability services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, organisations, and communities. Today and every day, it’s important to recognise the need for continued action to right the wrongs of the past. Let’s all commit to truth-telling and Reconciliation, honouring the resilience of the Stolen Generations and working together towards a just and equitable future. #TruthTelling #Reconciliation #RoyalFarWest #ReconciliACTION Artwork by Frances Belle Parker. Yaegl woman from Maclean in the Northern Rivers of NSW.

It was an absolute privilege to join forces with Allies for Children Australia this past Friday at Barnardos Australia. As we gathered with founding CEOs and leaders from the First Nations Non-Government Alliance, the session was not just a meeting but a profound commitment to action and change. In Australia, the stark reality that an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child is 11 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than their non-Indigenous peers is not just a statistic; it's a call to action for all of us. Our collective efforts with Allies for Children to address this overrepresentation is a journey towards justice and equity, rooted in: Modelling Change: We strive to lead by example within our organisations, implementing practices that acknowledge and address systemic biases. Supporting Sector Change: Sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences is crucial. We are committed to fostering an environment where learning and growth are mutual, uplifting the entire sector. Advocacy and Partnership: Our work with Peak bodies, ACCOs, and Government is more than collaboration; it's a partnership grounded in respect and a shared vision for the future. Our session underscored the power of unity and the importance of listening to and supporting First Nations leadership. The insights, leadership, and recommendations provided by the First Nations Non-Government Alliance are invaluable. They guide us not only towards meeting Close the Gap targets but also in setting new benchmarks for justice, care, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. My commitment to reducing the overrepresentation of our First Nations Children in Child Protection and Justice systems is unwavering. This commitment is not just professional; it's a personal purpose anchored in the belief that all children and young people should be safe, respected, nurtured, and able to reach their full potential, with a need to redress long-term systemic racism. Allies for Children is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, listen deeply, and act purposefully. Let us continue this critical work, hand in hand, with open hearts and minds, towards a future where every child thrives in the embrace of their community and culture. #ChildrenAndFamilies #Advocacy24 #Reconciliation #Partnership #Collaboration #CloseTheGap #FirstNationsLeadership  

ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA’S DECISION (March 1, 2024, Fort McMurray, AB) – The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) is pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) determined that The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, Youth and families (the “Act”) as a whole, is constitutionally valid and falls squarely within Parliament’s legislative jurisdiction. Historically, provincial and federal governments have disputed over which entity was responsible for Indigenous children, causing devastating impacts and resulting in further trauma and tragic deaths. However, today, the Act recognizes that providing such services is the responsibility of both levels of government, which must act in a concerted fashion. Since the Act that was passed through Bill C-92 and came into force on January 1, 2020, ATC has been working diligently with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Chipewyan Prairie First Nation leadership to develop Child Well-Being Laws to serve these communities. It is ATC's intention to serve these First Nations by asserting their rights and jurisdiction over child and family services. To develop laws that go beyond established provincial legislation and to provide Indigenous families and children with services that are more appropriate to their cultural realities. The SCC’s decision on February 9, 2024, provides certainty to ATC and First Nations to implement their own laws regarding child and family services in a manner that respects each Nation's diversity, culture, and autonomy. The decision confirmed that the Act is a means to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for Action, and the Calls for Action for the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This Act is a step for Parliament to fulfil their promise that the same old broken system that tears Indigenous families apart and removes children from their culture not be permitted to continue. ATC continues to assert that Indigenous people know what is best for their children. The Act gives the First Nations ATC serves the opportunity to develop effective, local, community-led solutions to the current problems related to children’s services. A future where Indigenous people thrive is a better future for all. Read or share the full statement from here: https://loom.ly/JpkVJDM #ATCNews #IndigenousRights #EveryChildMatters

Today is the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The 16 days starts with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concludes with Human Rights Day on 10 December. In Australia, as at yesterday, 6 women had been murdered within the 7 day period. 66 women have been murdered this year. So what's the link? How did we get to a point where 6 women are killed every month? Societal norms, stereotypes, inequality, power imbalances and more are key contributors. While these may seem minor compared to assault and murder, they are the base of the continuum that enables these to occur. Each of us has a responsibility, to be an active bystander. If you see or hear something, then take action (if safe to do so). It's time for each of us to be an active bystander and take action against gender based violence and all behaviours and attitudes on the continuum. If this post has raised any issues or you need to talk to someone who is able support you, please contact one of the following services: Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au QLife 1800 184 527 qlife.org.au 13Yarn 13 92 76 13yarn.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 1800respect.org.au If you want more information about being an active bystander or your responsibilities, check out the following websites: - MATE Bystander Program website, https://lnkd.in/gYTBW6kz - Respect@Work website, https://lnkd.in/gnGbQSPw #16daysofactivism #InternationalDayForTheEliminationofViolenceAgainstWomen #ActiveBystander #respectatwork #BeAMate #MateBystander

Bear Witness Day: Honouring the Legacy of Jordan River Anderson 🧸 Today, on May 10th, as we collectively observe Bear Witness Day, let us stand in solidarity to acknowledge the challenges faced by Indigenous children, including the legacy of Jordan River Anderson, from Norway House Cree Nation. Jordan River Anderson's story resonates deeply, serving as a harsh reminder of the injustices Indigenous children endure. His courageous fight for equitable access to healthcare symbolizes the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and dignity. On this Bear Witness Day, as we reflect on Jordan's legacy, let us not only honour his memory but also take action to support Indigenous children in accessing the care they need. Jordan's Principle ensures that First Nations children can access healthcare services without delay or discrimination. If you or someone you know requires assistance navigating healthcare services for Indigenous children, you can submit a request for services through Jordan's Principle by calling the 24-hour Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or visiting https://lnkd.in/eMdjHFG. Let us unite to honour the resilience, strength, and value of Indigenous children, while actively supporting initiatives like Jordan's Principle that strive to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all. In this shared commitment, we can forge a path towards a world where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. #Treaty1 #TreatyOne #BearWitnessDay #IndigenousChildrenMatter #EveryChildMatters #JordanRiverAnderson #FirstNations

As a founding member of the Allies for Children, Key Assets Australia is united and committed to working in partnership with chief executives working across the child, youth, and family sectors to ignite long-term, positive outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families. Together, Allies for Children will advocate for better policies and systems to ignite genuine reform in child protection that moves service responses towards early intervention and family support. Allies for Children commends the Federal Government on the historic appointment of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children. The appointment has the potential to revolutionise the out-of-home care and child protection system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and reduce the distressing over-representation of First Nations Children in the criminal justice system “There is no greater impact the Federal government could make to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children than the appointment made today” - Claire Robbs, CEO of Life Without Barriers “On the anniversary of the National Apology, we acknowledge that we have failed as a nation to uphold the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and we will continue to do so if First Nations leadership are not at the table in driving solutions in community.” “Advocates and peak bodies have been calling for radical and immediate change in the sector to address the gross over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.” “We are encouraged to see the Government listen and importantly, act on this expert advice.” If you would like to learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/geu5G8Et or view the statement here https://lnkd.in/gEWUqPpA #stolengeneration #nationalapology #reconciliation #KeyAssetsAustralia #WeAreKeyAssets Allies for Children Australia SNAICC - National Voice for our Children