ALWAYS WAS ALWAYS WILL BE KOORI CHILDREN

3. Learning from
Taskforce 100
134. Two Taskforce 1000 coordinators were appointed in
each of the four DHHS divisions (equivalent to eight
full-time positions) from October 2015. The temporary
12-month positions have been created to work within
the DHHS division to implement the tasks and actions
identified in the area action plans in collaboration with
stakeholders. The Commission is concerned about the
temporary nature of these positions, given that DHHS
has stated its continuing commitment to implementation
of the area action plans.
135. The Commission has recommended that DHHS
establishes and maintains the network of area
groups with statewide standards, protocols, reporting
mechanisms and governance arrangements to develop
and progress the work of Taskforce 1000. Each area
group should:
••
meet on a quarterly basis, at a minimum, to monitor
implementation of the area action plans to improve
outcomes for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care
••
be co-chaired by the DHHS Area Director and ACCO
representative
••
have membership and governance at an executive
level, and include all government agencies, ACCOs
and CSOs involved with Aboriginal children in out-ofhome
care
••
develop a scorecard to measure progress of area
action plan targets
••
report on the progress of area action plans to the
ACF on a quarterly basis
• • ensure that ACCOs in each area are involved in
the monitoring, evaluation and redesign of each of
the area action plans to ensure they are reflective
of the community’s needs and to promote selfdetermination.
3.6 Taskforce 1000 stakeholder
consultation
136. Following the completion of Taskforce 1000 area panels
across the state, the Commission sought the views of
stakeholders about the process and outcomes of the
Taskforce 1000 project to inform future work.
137. Three workshops were held with ACCOs, CSO staff and
DHHS child protection staff to capture reflections and
feedback. A report was prepared to inform the Inquiry
and assist in formulating overall recommendations. 63
In addition to the workshops, the Commission also
surveyed staff from both government and Aboriginal
organisations that had had input in the development
of area action plans to gather feedback about the
development of the plans and the progression of
Taskforce 1000 goals.
3.6.1 Feedback from stakeholder workshops
138. Stakeholders who participated in the workshops
spoke positively about the impact of the Taskforce
1000 project, not only for the individual children
reviewed, but also for the wider service sector practice.
It appeared that the project itself changed attitudes,
challenged mindsets and enhanced understanding for
professionals working with Aboriginal children in out-ofhome
care. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity for
professional development in understanding the critical
roles that Aboriginal self-determination and culture play
in healing and developing resilience for the future.
139. Key issues identified through the workshops include:
••
the need to continue the momentum by enabling
the Taskforce 1000 coordinator role to continue
to drive change
••
renewed focus on prevention and the need to work
with the whole family, not just the child
••
putting culture at the forefront
••
identification of the key practice issues and
suggested solutions to improve service delivery.
63 The report, Rapid Impact: Taskforce 1000 Reflection, will be available from
http://www.ccyp.vic.gov.au October 2016.
44 ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE KOORI CHILDREN