1. Building Respectful Partnerships with Aboriginal Child and Family Welfare Organisations A joint project involving the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Berry Street Victoria and MacKillop Family Services

2. Respectful partnerships are vital - To ensure culturally appropriate responses to the Aboriginal children, young people and families that mainstream agencies work with and care for, and To achieve successful outcomes in any joint activities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations including capacity building projects.

3. Recognition of the importance of culture and the right to self determination for Aboriginal people is vital for the development of respectful partnerships between mainstream organisations and Aboriginal child and family welfare organisations.

4. The Project so far … Establishment of a steering group with representatives from the three organisations Establishment of a steering group with representatives from the three organisations Employment of project worker by VACCA Employment of project worker by VACCA Scoping of the project – relationship between VACCA and Berry St/ VACCA and MacKillop and what is required for a respectful partnership to exist. Scoping of the project – relationship between VACCA and Berry St/ VACCA and MacKillop and what is required for a respectful partnership to exist.

5. Where are we now? Draft cultural competence framework developed, covering # Leadership & organisational culture # Staff carers and volunteers # Welcoming and accessible environment # Service delivery # Out of Home Care # Research, practice & program development # Community relationships

6. Next steps … Workshops for Board and senior staff in both MacKillop and Berry St. Workshops for Board and senior staff in both MacKillop and Berry St. Focus groups for staff in Berry St and MacKillop working in all the above areas. Focus groups for staff in Berry St and MacKillop working in all the above areas. (Workshop and focus groups run by VACCA) Further scoping of what is needed Further scoping of what is needed Finalisation of framework. Finalisation of framework.