SAFeST Start Coalition
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to stay together from the start.
We are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led advocacy and research group. Our goal is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to stay together from the start.
We work towards collaborative systems and practice that are
- rights-based
- holistic
- trauma-informed
- culturally safe
We are concerned about the rising number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander newborns being removed from their families and placed into out-of-home-care.
Supporting Aboriginal Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST START) is the sixth work stream of the Replanting the Birthing Trees project.
What we do
In response to systemic failures in the health system, we advocate and work towards the wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families during pregnancy and the first year.
We do this across four key functions.
1. Research
We inform research to understand and expose breaches of human rights, and areas where government policy and practice endangers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and their babies.
2. Evidence
We advocate for evidence-based change in line with the five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP).
3. Expertise
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives guide the design of new systems and policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
4. Self-determination
We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination in developing priorities for change. This includes partnering with and empowering families to address the challenges they face and support their children to thrive.
Our work centres the knowledges, lived experiences and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.
Get involved
Our members include community members, academics and professionals working in community-controlled child and family services, health and community services.
Membership is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous professionals, who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Get in touch
Contact the SAFeST Start Coalition by email