The over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child welfare system across Australia has been widely noted and commented upon (Johnstone 2000, Dodson 1999, SNAICC 1996). However little research has been carried out which compares the rate of Indigenous child removal across States and Territories. In the Northern Territory the rate of Indigenous child removal is very low when compared to the rates for Indigenous children in other States and Territories and only marginally higher than the rate of child removal for all children across Australia (AIHW 2000).

This research explored reasons for the lower recorded rates of child abuse and neglect and child removal for Indigenous in the Northern Territory taking account of:

• historical practices of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families,
• recognised risk factors for child abuse and neglect,
• the socio-economic position of Indigenous families, and
• the views of a number of community based agencies.

Regrettably the research found no cause for celebration in the lower recorded rates of child abuse and neglect and child removal. Rather it found that the child protection system in the Northern Territory is seriously failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

The report includes a series of reform proposals focussed on ensuring Indigenous children are protected from harm, by recasting the child protection system to work holistically with Indigenous families and by addressing the underlying causes of abuse and neglect through building negotiated partnerships with Indigenous communities to replace the imposed, ineffective and residual child welfare system currently in place.