Indigenous Families and Communities
FaHCSIA recognises that the family is the central point to Indigenous cultures. It also recognises that many Indigenous families and children are facing huge stresses as they struggle to cope with disadvantage and that, in many cases, they are not coping with this stress.
By almost all socio-economic indicators, Indigenous people are the most disadvantaged group in Australia. Access to employment, education and training opportunities, to health and welfare services, to adequate housing, and to essential facilities such as banking and communications are often challenging.
FaHCSIA is addressing Indigenous issues on a number of fronts. Many of the Indigenous projects funded under programmes such as Reconnect, are focused on enabling community-based groups to address aspects of Indigenous disadvantage.
Other programmes, such as Indigenous Children Programme (ICP). focus entirely on Indigenous family strengthening. The Responding Early Assisting Children (REACh) Program also funds a number of Indigenous-focused projects.
Indigenous family violence continues to have significant negative social and economic impacts on the lives of Indigenous people. FaHCSIA is taking a leadership role in developing a strong collaborative approach between governments and Indigenous communities to address family violence.
FaHCSIA continues to provide funding to Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies who provide a range of family support services.
FaHCSIA also funds many Indigenous child care centres and playgroups, and provides funds to the states and territories for Indigenous housing programmes and crisis accommodation.
Strengthening families and communities and encouraging social and economic participation are key outcomes to improving the lives of Indigenous people, by helping to build the capacity and well-being of children, individuals, families, and communities.