1. VACCA’s Nugel Program
“Self Determination in Practice: Aboriginal people making decisions about what is best for Aboriginal children”
CFECFW Symposium Presentation 2017

2. What is VACCA’s Nugel Program?
A section of the Victorian Children Youth and Families Act which states:
The Secretary may in writing authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal agency to perform specified functions and exercise specified powers conferred on the Secretary by or under this Act in relation to a protection order in respect of an Aboriginal child.
The Victorian state-wide program name has also changed from section 18 and is now referred to as Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC)
The CEO of VACCA and her delegates will take on the responsibilities previously held by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for authorised children
In June 2017 VACCA changed its program name from section 18 to Nugel, a local Wurundjeri name meaning belong
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What does it mean in practice?
The significant change is that VACCA will assume the responsibility of case planning, as well as case management and care.
In other words, Nugel will make all decisions previously made by DHHS.
Examples of case planning decisions that the program will undertake:
Changing a child’s placement
Significantly changing a child’s access plan
Organizing and approving medical treatment and specialist assessments
Interstate or overseas travel (Including getting a passport)
Returning a child to their parent’s care
Recommending a Permanent Care Order to the Court
Developing a case plan
Taking out warrants
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Why is this important?
Aboriginal children continue to be over represented in the OOHC population
Connection to culture is vital to support the safety and identity of Aboriginal children, and is linked to better outcomes for Aboriginal children
Aboriginal communities, through section 18 are assuming increased decision making responsibilities – this is self determination and self management in practice
Aboriginal children have the right to know who they are and where they belong
Aboriginal children have a right to a service that is tailor made to them and their needs
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VACCAs Journey: from pilot to the Nugel Program
From 2013 – 2015 VACCA took part in a pilot project, an opportunity to assume the responsibilities of section 18 in an ‘As If’ authorisation had occurred environment.
Decisions made about the small number of children in the program were made by VACCA and endorsed by DHHS.
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6. The pilot: Successes and Challenges
Importance of building relationships with families was a priority
Culture was integrated into all planning
46% of children in the pilot went home to parents or family
Family finding processes were engaged for all children to create positive connections
Strong engagement and increased trust
Challenges
DHHS was not always supportive of VACCA’s decisions
Slipping back into case contracting arrangements, rather than full responsibility
Limited access to critical information
Small team of staff that was isolated from other VACCA programs
Highlighted that significant work was needed to operationalise under full authorisation
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7. Pilot program – case examples
Young boy who had been in care since birth
Example 2:
Young girl who had been in care since the age of 6
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8. VACCA is ready for authorisation and full implementation
VACCA have been working towards this significant step for more than ten years. Our commitment to Aboriginal people and organisations making decisions for Aboriginal children is unwavering.
First authorisations are on track for November 2017
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9. What will be different: Aboriginal Practice Approach
To make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal children on Protection Orders, we need to act differently.
The VACCA Nugel program has made a commitment that children and families will feel involved in decision making, their voice will be heard and respected.
Children in the program will grow up resilient with self-belief and identity, knowing who they are and where they belong.
Communicate with families will be clear, honest and respectful, understanding the importance of consultation on all occasions.
We will be honest with families about issues of safety and will assist them to get help and work through the concerns.
We will advocate for children to return home if it’s safe for them to do so and our practice will be grounded in an Aboriginal approach with relationships at the heart of everything we do.
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10. What the difference looks like in practice
Using AFLDM principles for case planning and decision-making
Use of age and culture appropriate tools like the Child’s Voice
Provision of healing approaches that address the impact of past removals and trauma
Use technology as a tool where appropriate, particularly in receiving feedback
Case planning in family homes where possible
More time spent with children and families
Development of our own recording tools like a Case Plan, home visit records, templates to record children’s views
Capacity to hold risk rather than crisis responses to each risk event
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11. What will families notice is different in the way we do our business?
We will start our work by bringing family together to yarn
We will listen to their story – their journey, we know how important it is and we want to listen
We will consult with parents family and community
We will use contact with family to strengthen identity, culture and build resilience
Contact between children who are unable to live at home and families will be strengthened
Genogram work is of key importance – providing children with a structure and place in their community
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12. Conclusion: how will we know we have been successful?
When we talk to children in the program we want to hear things like: • They have self-belief and are strong in their identity • They are connected to culture and feel empowered • They know who their family are, their mob and their country • They are heard, their voice and those of family are respected • Family were involved in all decisions made about them • They feel safe • They have the understanding and experience to accept responsibilities as knowledge holders of the future
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13. Quote by VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett
“our children will know who they are and where they belong. They will take pride in their cultural identity and will grow up strong and resilient”
Quote by VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett
Questions?
Contact the team on (03)
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