Our Kinship Care program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, as well as their carers in statutory (court-ordered) care arrangements. We ensure all children and young people grow strong in their cultural identity, are engaged in community and thrive in their emotional and social wellbeing. 

Who is this program for? 

• Aboriginal children and young people in care. 
  • Aboriginal children and young people in care referred through Child Protection
  • Identifies as Aboriginal or is part of a sibling group with at least one Aboriginal sibling
  • Aged 0 - 18
• Kinship Carers 
  • May or may not be Aboriginal
  • Can support the needs of the young person entering care  

Get started 

• Aboriginal children and young people
  • Through a Child Protection order, you enter a new home under a ‘Kinship Care’ arrangement
  • During your time with your new carer, we find meaningful ways to keep you connected with your family, culture and community. This includes: 
    • supporting you to learn more about your mob and where they come from 
    • getting involved with cultural activities and community events 
    • introduce you to other young mob, allowing you to build your own meaningful connections 
    • connect you to Elders and other leaders. 
• Kinship carer
  • your main role is to provide a culturally safe, nurturing environment for the children or young people entering your care
  • to be approved as a carer, you and anyone else in your house over 18 years of age, will need to undergo a series of formal checks along with obtaining a Working With Children Card (WWCC)
  • once approved, there are a range of supports, both financial and other, to help you create and maintain a safe living space for the young person in your care.

More information

• Carer Support Help Desk Fact Sheet (pdf) - www.vic.gov.au
• Manual for kinship carers (word) - www.vic.gov.au
• Working with Children Clearance  information sheet - www.vic.gov.au
• Support for Private Kinship Care arrangements can be made by directly contacting your local VACCA Office (see the locations listed below)

Locations