Evaluation of Child Protection in Federalist Countries: Recommendations for Increasing Effectiveness and Re-establishing Self-Determination Within Indigenous Communities

Abstract

ABSTRACTAustralia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States each endorse a national objective to protect the safety and well-being of children and preserve families, while dually seeking to re-establish self-governance within indigenous communities. This review presents a collective overview of indigenous peoples’ experience with child protection systems and evaluates the different national approaches used to improve child welfare practice and re-establish the sovereignty of indigenous populations within each of these countries. Key strategies for improving child protection, developing cross-cultural partnerships, and increasing the effectiveness of child welfare service delivery within indigenous communities are also provided.