Wednesday, March 18, 2026

1:30 PM - 2:10 PM

Adelaide Oval - Premiership Suite

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Overview

Presented by: Marsha Corowa - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Services Support Officer, Department of Child Safety, Queensland and Matt Campbell - Senior Practice Coach, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS).

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Details

The HALT Collective’s presentation at the First Nations Therapeutic Response Summit will explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander -led innovation and community collaboration can transform child protection systems to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Guided by the theme, ‘Creating a Space for Innovation,’ this session will highlight HALT’s culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach to early intervention, which has successfully reduced the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland’s child protection system within the Brisbane District. HALT’s work is grounded in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, which prioritises the safety, wellbeing, and cultural identity of children by ensuring they remain connected to family, community, culture, and Country. The presentation will showcase how HALT’s weekly collaborative meetings with community-controlled organisations and Department create culturally informed support pathways for families, including pregnant mothers and their unborn children. By addressing concerns early and co-designing solutions with practitioners from community organisations, HALT ensures that families are empowered to address risks while maintaining and strengthening cultural and kinship connections. Key themes of the presentation include: • The transformative power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander -led innovation in creating culturally safe child protection practices. • Wise practices in fostering partnerships between community and government to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of doing. • Strength narratives that highlight how community-led solutions empower families to thrive within their cultural and community contexts. Attendees will leave with practical insights into HALT’s model, including how to adapt similar approaches in their own communities. This session will conclude with a call to action to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and cultural knowledge in therapeutic responses, ensuring children remain safe, connected, and strong in their culture and identity.