Service Integration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Development Final Report

The data collected during the research show that the processes of moving towards an integrated service system are highly relational, with community inclusion, participation and empowerment fundamental to successfully integrating service systems. It also suggests that reorienting service systems to respond to the needs of children and families can support community empowerment, leadership and self-determination (control) provided that: ⊲ the programs are well resourced, with resources going to the right places ⊲ longer term funding is aligned to an organisational strategy ⊲ Aboriginal staff are engaged for longer term contracts and supported to transition into leadership positions ⊲ the leadership and governance structures allow/prioritise community accountabilities.