The committee overseeing a review into the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care in the ACT is still searching for Indigenous representation a year after it was established.
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The child and youth protection quality assurance and improvement (CYPQAI) committee is "designed to ensure better outcomes for children whose safety is at risk from abuse or neglect", according to the terms of reference.
In June, ACT minister for youth Rachel Stephen-Smith announced the review into what's been described as an "unacceptable" over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care.
While making up just three per cent of the ACT's entire child population, Indigenous children account for 26 per cent of children in out of home care.
Aboriginal youth centre Gugan Gulwan's executive director Kim Davison warned the review would fail without Indigenous representation.
Ms Davison said she had been invited to meet with the government in the coming week about the review, but had no knowledge of the CYPQAI committee overseeing it.
She said she would be questioning the government on the committee and its lack of Indigenous representatives.
"This review will not be successful if we are not involved. Simple as that," Ms Davison said.
"There are a number of glaring concerns within the current system – if not addressed we will be unable to move forward."
ACT public advocate and children's commissioner Jodie Griffiths-Cook praised the review initiative, but said it was important to include Indigenous representatives at all levels.
"I think there are numerous people who have potentially got the capacity to provide input to that review process," Ms Griffiths-Cook said.
"I daresay [the government] is endeavouring to find someone, but I would be hesitant if I was running this to start it without having that representation on that oversight body."
Ms Griffiths-Cook was also disappointed not to be invited to be on the committee.
"I would absolutely love to sit on this committee and also to provide the oversight to that, given that it aligns perfectly with one of the functions I have in my public advocate hat."
A community services directorate spokesman said the director-general selected the membership of the committee for their "expertise in quality assurance of human services, particularly in relation to child protection".
He said a number of the committee's members held senior roles in either the ACT or NSW governments. He said the committee had sought the inclusion of an Indigenous member since its inception, and had approached candidates who turned down the role.
"The directorate is actively seeking an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who can bring experience in evidence based child protection approaches and quality practice."
The spokesman added the directorate was "committed to finding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CYPQAI member who will provide important cultural insight, skill and perspective to that committee's work".
The CYPQAI committee will oversee the review, and another committee will be formed to have "direct oversight" of the review. The directorate spokesman said the latter committee would include Indigenous representatives.
The CYPQAI committee was formed in 2016 as part of a $2.67 million "Safer Families" initiative announced in the ACT Budget.