Protecting First Nations children
Design of the Improving Multidisciplinary Response Program
The Improving Multidisciplinary Responses (IMR) program centres on First Nations cultural knowledge in the design and delivery of the child and family services. The program will address the risk factors for neglect and abuse in the home, in partnership with parents and carers.
The design of the IMR program reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to the 4 Priority Reforms(Opens in a new tab/window) in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap(Opens in a new tab/window).
We are co-designing and implementing the program with First Nations representatives. IMR supports the engagement of First Nations people through shared decision making. This is a key principle under Closing the Gap. Shared decision making will occur from design through to implementation and evaluation.
Aim of funded services
First Nations organisations will lead the funded initiatives. These will complement and support existing services and activities. They will improve service delivery in culturally, geographically, and socially diverse contexts.
The services will include:
- First Nations people and cultural knowledge in the service design and delivery
- applying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle(Opens in a new tab/window) with the aim to keep children safe in family, culture and community
- strengthening First Nations organisations and communities to provide support to families.
The IMR program is a priority action under Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031.
It is also a measure in the Commonwealth 2021 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan to support achieving Target 12(Opens in a new tab/window).
The IMR program will contribute to Closing the Gap social and economic outcomes. This includes building the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector.
More information
Email us at DesignandImplementation@dss.gov.au.