Information and resources at each stage in the NSW child protection system for Aboriginal families.
This site is for any Aboriginal parent or family who is worried about child protection involvement, as well as workers, advocates, ACCOs, and supporters walking alongside families.
Know Your Rights has been created with Aboriginal parents and families who have been through the NSW child protection system. It includes families lived and living experiences, insights, and advice, shared through the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home (BTHKTH) research. Families have generously given permission for their voices to be shared so others can be more informed, prepared, and supported.
Every family’s journey is different. Many parents told us the system is inconsistent and confusing. What worked for one family may not work for another.
For this reason, AbSec strongly recommends getting independent legal advice to support your situation. This website does not provide legal advice or represent AbSec’s formal position — it shares what families have learned and what the system should be doing at each step.
...stand up for yourself, you're allowed to push for what you want... you really have to speak up even if you don't get anywhere at least you've pushed for it.
– Parent, BTHKTH research
They make you believe that they can do whatever they want, and you've got no rights. I still to this day don't even know my rights. No one actually has ever told me what my rights were at that time and what should have happened.
– Parent, BTHKTH research
'My evidence, my way' journals
Downloadable journals to keep track of what is happening.
Information guides
Quick information to keep on hand when you are dealing with the child protection system.
Flowcharts
See where you are in the child protection system and what should be coming next.
See stories and practical advice on the actions that matter most at each stage.
AbSec and our partners acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout NSW and their continuing connections to land, waters, and communities. We also acknowledge the lands on which these stories were told, the lands of the Dharawal, Yuin and Wonnarua people.
We acknowledge the Elders, leaders and advocates that have led the way and continue to fight for our children. We also acknowledge the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families.
This website shares the experiences and advice of Aboriginal families involved in the NSW child protection system who participated in the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research at UNSW. We acknowledge and thank the families who generously gave permission to share their stories.
These experiences reflect what worked for those families and do not constitute advice or views of AbSec. AbSec recommends seeking independent legal advice for your own circumstances.
