Grandmothers Against Removal NSW

Grandmothers Against Removal NSW (GMAR NSW) co-developed the Guiding Principles for strengthening the participation of local Aboriginal community in child-protection decision-making (the Guiding Principles) with the New England DCJ District Office and the NSW Ombudsman’s Office.

The Guiding Principals inform collaboration and cooperation between DCJ offices across NSW and Aboriginal communities on child protection matters. In particular, they highlight the role of Local Advisory Groups (LAGs) through which local Aboriginal communities can participate in decision making regarding the care and protection of Aboriginal children.

Amongst other things, the LAGs provide a platform for Aboriginal communities to have input into child protection and out-of-home care service delivery and help to ensure compliance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child placement principles.

The GMAR NSW partnership with DCJ and other bodies continues to operationalise the principles across NSW through LAGs and the Guiding Principles Yarning Circle as the statewide advisory group responsible for supporting the promotion, governance and monitoring of the roll out of the Guiding Principles.

Membership of the GPYC includes representatives from:

• GMAR NSW (chair)
• AbSec
• NSW Ombudsman’s Office
• Aboriginal Legal Service
• DCJ executive and project staff
• Legal Aid

Further information

Manager- Aboriginal Outcomes (Child & Family)
02 8753 8371
AboriginalOutcomesChildandFamily@facs.nsw.gov.au