A Long Term Guardianship (Specified Person) arrangement recognises that all children need to maintain a connection to their culture and community.

As part of meeting the eligibility criteria, potential guardians must demonstrate:

  • a commitment to maintaining the child's connections to their family of origin, community and culture
  • what they have done to gain more knowledge and understanding of the child's family
  • the plans, mechanisms and supports in place to enable the child to maintain and strengthen their cultural connections.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are assessed for Long Term Guardianship (Specified Person) in accordance with the Aboriginal Child Placement Principles.

All assessments for Long Term Guardianship (Specified Person) involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, include consultation with a principal Aboriginal consultant, and extended family and community members.

As part of their case plan, every Aboriginal child should have an Aboriginal Cultural Identity Support Tool (ACIST) that ensures their cultural needs are met.

The child needs to have opportunities to develop their Aboriginal Life Story Book by connecting with their culture and being supported by appropriate family and community members.

Children from other cultural backgrounds

The needs of children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds are also considered through the assessment and planning process.

A cultural identity plan will show how the carer plans to help the child maintain their connections with their culture and community of origin.

Contact

In the first instance, contact your Department for Child Protection caseworker for more information about Long Term Guardianship (Specified Person).

Should you require further information you may wish to contact the Department for Child Protection Long-term Guardianship team on 1800 974 980.