MEDIA RELEASE
8 May 2025
Today, OzChild – a leading provider of out-of-home care services and family support programs, announced it will transfer government funding and service referrals for First Nations children and families to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) over the next five years—taking a powerful step toward self-determination and equity in child welfare.
This decision directly supports Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and aims to shift both power and resources to First Nations communities—where the knowledge, authority and cultural connection to care truly belong.
Announcing this move, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths, OzChild’s Chief Executive Officer explains that the organisation will develop a transition plan guided by the readiness of local ACCOs, who will determine the timeframes and approach to transition. The process will require deep listening and collaboration with children, young people, carers and families, as well as OzChild’s First Nations staff, ACCO’s, Aboriginal Peaks and partner agencies – while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
“Evidence shows that community are best placed to care for First Nations children and young people – but ACCOs face many challenges in accessing and sustaining adequate and equitable funding, they compete with larger and more established organisations,” said Dr Griffiths. “It’s clear that a significant power imbalance has been created here, which undermines the autonomy and effectiveness of ACCOs and limits their ability to address the needs and priorities of their communities. We need to shift the power and resources to where they belong – to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have the right, the knowledge, and the capability to close the gap.”
The continued and growing over-representation of First Nations children in out-of-home care highlights the need for a fundamental change in how we approach child protection for First Nations children. Transitioning support services to ACCOs ensures that First Nations children can grow up connected to their culture, community, and identity – leading to better health, social, and emotional outcomes.
Chad Lofthouse, OzChild’s National Director of Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships, described the move as a crucial and long-awaited step for the sector, and hopes that other Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) will follow suit. “In making this commitment, we must remember and acknowledge the uncles, aunties, and elders who have tirelessly fought for this cause over generations. They have called for change in our sector through countless marches, protests, policy papers, and outcomes reports – we stand on their shoulders, acknowledging their relentless efforts and sacrifices. By committing to this work, we aim to honour their legacy and our ancestor’s efforts to fight for equality and justice for our people.”
Dr Griffiths also spoke to the significance of today’s statement, commenting “OzChild’s commitment to being a courageous voice for change in supporting self-determination is one of the most significant pieces of work we will undertake and hopefully will be a catalyst for change that we believe must happen.”
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