Empowering Families: The Success of Family Preservation and Reunification Response Evaluation

Professor Kerry Arabena
Managing Director

Introduction:

As an Indigenous woman-owned and led consulting company based in Melbourne, Australia, our mission at Karabena Consulting is deeply rooted in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to work on a project funded by the Centre for Evaluation and Research Evidence (CERE). We were tasked with evaluating the Family Preservation and Reunification Response Phase 2 program, a vital initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable families and children. Today, we are thrilled to share the successes and insights we gained during this transformative evaluation.

Understanding the Project:

The Family Preservation and Reunification Response Evaluation sought to gauge the effectiveness of the Response program in improving outcomes for children and families. Our main goal was to prevent at-risk children from entering or re-entering care and to reduce the time spent in care by supporting safe reunification within the priority cohorts. Additionally, we examined the service provision by agencies, the practice modules that enhanced it, and the implementation of the Response to understand how implementation support strategies and governance could improve service delivery to families.

Our Culturally Sensitive Approach:

As an Indigenous-led business, we recognised the importance of cultural nuances and sensitivities in conducting a successful evaluation. To achieve this, we employed a series of highly interactive and culturally safe Indigenous research methodologies deeply embedded in the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our methodologies included:

Dadirri: This principle of deep, respectful listening and contemplation allowed us to better understand the experiences and challenges faced by families and individuals in the program.

Yarning: Through establishing rapport and building respectful relationships, we encouraged open dialogue, enabling stakeholders to share their personal stories and reflections.

Evaluation Governance: We recognized the significance of community control and ownership in the consultation process, ensuring that the community's voice was at the centre of the evaluation.

Multigenerational Engagement: By involving multiple generations, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the community's history, present situation, and future aspirations.

Key Recommendations:

Based on our evaluation, we provided CERE with key recommendations that can significantly enhance the impact of the Family Preservation and Reunification Response program:

Empathy and Practical Support: Prioritising reunification and preservation, offering strengths-based support, and cultivating a less intrusive environment are vital in addressing systemic issues within Child Protection interventions and promoting more effective and voluntary engagement.

Holistic Approach: Adopting a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach is essential in understanding and addressing the root causes of challenges faced by Aboriginal families. Equipping families with new skills and strategies can empower them to thrive.

Cultural Guidance and Collaboration: Integrating cultural guidance into practice modules and operational guidelines, with input from ACCOs and Indigenous businesses, ensures culturally appropriate service delivery that respects the unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Adaptability and Evidence-based Alignment: The program's efficacy relies on adaptability, a standardised approach to data management, and alignment with evidence-based government policies and funding.

Truth-telling and Healing: Engaging in truth-telling activities can have a powerful impact on people's healing and empowerment journeys.

Transformative Outcomes:

Throughout the evaluation, we discovered transformative outcomes that highlight the importance of cultural trust and collaboration:

Confident Parenting: When culture is trusted as the protective factor for Aboriginal families and when Child Protection services and ACCOs coordinate across various sectors, confident parenting becomes possible.

Transparent Communication: Building trust and fostering positive relationships between staff and families is vital in achieving positive outcomes.

Flexibility and Collaboration: Embracing virtual meetings and regional training enhances collaboration and prevents staff from being overwhelmed by travel-related burdens.

Conclusion:

The Family Preservation and Reunification Response Evaluation has been a rewarding journey for Karabena Consulting. Our culturally sensitive approach has allowed us to uncover invaluable insights, empowering us to make impactful recommendations to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. We believe that by embracing cultural trust, collaboration, and empathetic engagement, we can build a stronger, more supportive future for families facing vulnerability.

We extend our gratitude to the Centre for Evaluation and Research Evidence and the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing for entrusting us with this significant project. Together, we can continue to create positive change and work towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.