Introduction to SNAICC
Background
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) is the national non government peak body in Australia representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
SNAICC was formally established in 1981 after the creation of such a body was proposed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the 'First Aboriginal Child Survival Seminar' held in Melbourne in 1979. The organisation elected its first national executive in 1982 and has received Federal Government funding support from 1983.
SNAICC has a membership base of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based child care agencies, Multi-functional Aboriginal Children's Services, creches, long day care child care services, pre schools, early childhood education services, early childhood support organisations, family support services, foster care agencies, link up and family reunification services, family group homes, community groups and voluntary associations, and services for young people at risk.
SNAICC also has a network and subscriber base of over 1400 organisations and individuals, mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, but also significant numbers of other community based services and individuals and state and federal agencies with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.
- How to become a SNAICC member or subscriber [new page]
SNAICC vision
An Australian society in which our communities are empowered to determine their own future, where the rights of our children, young people and families are protected, our cultural identity and achievements are valued and our children and families have access to culturally appropriate services.
SNAICC mission
To provide a strong voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families through a national body which represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's services and promotes the rights, needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
SNAICC aims and objectives
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To advocate for the cultural, emotional, social, spiritual, physical and economic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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To pursue Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community based and controlled responses to the welfare and support needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
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To promote the early childhood development needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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To works towards the elimination of all forms of poverty and confront injustice which impacts upon the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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To promote public awareness and understanding of the historical and contemporary practices whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have been forcibly removed from their families and the ongoing consequences of these practices.
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To encourage, support and assist member organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop independent and sustainable responses to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
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To collaborate with other Indigenous peoples, governments, non government agencies, the corporate sector, international organisations and others in pursuing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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To advocate for the right of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up in a community free from the harmful effects of violence, child abuse and child neglect.
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To support the development of policy positions on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective's on such issues to governments, other relevant bodies and the broader community.
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To highlight and seek recognition of the positive contribution Aboriginal and Torrres Strait Islander children and young people make to their communities and the nation.
How to become a SNAICC member or subscriber [new page]
