Meeting Target 12 to support children
About Target 12
Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement), Target 12 aims to reduce the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 45% by 2031.
We are working with states and territories and First Nations stakeholders towards achieving Target 12.
Measure 1: Improving Multidisciplinary Responses Program
Measure 1 provides an investment of $49 million over 5 years for the Improving Multidisciplinary Response Program. The program was designed in partnership with First Nations representatives. It helps achieve Target 12 by designing and enhancing child and family services for First Nations families with multiple and complex needs.
Learn more about the Improving Multidisciplinary Response Program and how we are protecting First Nations Children.
Measure 2: Developing the cultural competency and trauma responsive skills and capabilities of the child and family sector
Measure 2 provides an investment of $7.7 million over 3 years.
The program aims to build the organisational and workforce capability of the child and family sector in working with First Nations clients.
Training will be developed and delivered that will build the cultural responsiveness and trauma informed capabilities of service providers and their workforce in the child and family sector when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
The training is being developed by SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, in partnership with:
- AbSec NSW Child
- Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation
- KWY Aboriginal Corporation
- Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
- independent consultants Yamurrah
The training aims to ensure service providers and workers are better able to deliver prevention and early intervention services that are culturally safe, responsive and trauma informed.
The program will run until 30 June 2025.
Measure 3: Stronger ACCOs, Stronger Families
Measure 3 provides an investment of $3.2 million over 2 years. The funding will help Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in the child and family sector. There are 2 components to Measure 3 Stronger ACCOs, Stronger Families funding:
- Part 1 delivered the SNAICC Stronger ACCOs Stronger Families Report(Opens external website) to identify the strengths, opportunities and barriers faced by ACCOs
- Part 2 strengthens genuine partnerships between non-Indigenous organisations and ACCOs in the delivery of programs within the Families and Children Activity
Learn more about how we are increasing First Nations organisations delivering services.
Measure 4: Outcomes and Evidence Fund
Measure 4 provides an investment of $38.6 million to the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund. Funded projects will help achieve the goals of both Target 12 and Target 13.
The Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund helps ACCOs and First Nations organisations deliver projects designed in partnership with their communities. The projects provide services to people experiencing (or at risk of) child removal or family violence. They will also support First Nations people with disability.
Learn more about the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund.
Protecting Australia’s children
Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021 – 2031 (Safe and Supported) will support achieving Target 12 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
This includes investing in 5 initiatives including developing a National Child and Family Investment Strategy and building the evidence base for First Nations family and children services.
Safe and Supported Action Plans were released on 31 January 2023. This includes the Safe and Supported First Action Plan as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Action Plan which was developed in partnership between federal, state and territory governments and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group (Leadership Group).
Learn more about Safe and Supported and the action plans.
National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (the Commission) promotes the rights, interests, development, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The Commission started as an executive agency on 13 January 2025.
Ms Sue-Anne Hunter is the National Commissioner. She is a Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman. She has extensive experience in governance and leadership.
The National Commission Bill
The National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 (the Bill) was introduced to the Australian Parliament in February 2026.
Once passed, this legislation will give the National Commissioner powers needed to address systemic issues that disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Pending passage of the Bill through the Australian Parliament and receiving royal assent, the Bill will come into effect on 1 July 2026 and transition the Commission into a permanent statutory agency.
The Bill draws on extensive consultation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies, leaders and communities.
Learn more about the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People(Opens external website).