Sally Chapman

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency operates within the context that Aboriginal children continue to be significantly over-represented in the protection and care system. VACCA considers that it has the responsibility and the opportunity to promote, advocate for and achieve positive changes in the lives of Aboriginal children, their families and the broader Aboriginal community. VACCA's objectives include the preservation, strengthening and protection of the cultural &spiritual identity of Aboriginal children and to provide culturally appropriate quality services which are responsive to the needs of the Aboriginal community. As a state wide community based Aboriginal organisation VACCA has extensive experience in the management and delivery of a range of community services & programs with a particular focus on vulnerable children families and community members. VACCA programs include: cultural strengthening activities, Family Services, including intensive services, , Early Intervention services Aboriginal Family Decision Making, Family Violence services, the full suite of Out of Home Care services Koori Cultural Support Programs, family mental health, men's programs, educational programs, justice diversionary programs, youth programs, as well as Homelessness services. VACCA provides community cultural strengthening programs as well as Koorie Connect, a case referral service, services to Stolen Generation members through Link Up and the Royal commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse service. VACCA also has the Aboriginal Child and Specialist Advice and Support Service (ACSASS) which provides cultural advice to child protection staff and Aboriginal children and families involved in child protection matters. As the lead state-wide child and family agency, VACCA provides services in all regions and is a key point of policy advice for the Department of Human Services (DHS) on Aboriginal community wellbeing especially in child and family welfare matters.