A years-long inquiry into the uplifting of Aboriginal children in South Australia has revealed systemic failings and discrimination by the state.
The damning report by the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children & Young People heard stories from more than 400 children, families, carers, community members and workers about their experiences.
Those stories revealed "the trauma and hardship that Aboriginal people have and continue to endure", the report said.
Commissioner April Lawrie said the review shines a light on a lack of accountability, insufficient funding, systemic racism and "cultural bias".
"The government has been told before that investment in early intervention and support is insufficient," she said in a statement.
"Failure to act means that struggling, vulnerable families will continue to encounter the child protection service system at increasing rates, and that Aboriginal children being removed from their families will mean the government will pay the cost one way or another, for matters that are preventable.
"The Aboriginal community will no longer tolerate this cost to continue to be at the expense of our children and future generations."
She said the numbers of Aboriginal children being uplifted were "approaching levels akin to the Stolen Generations".
Stolen Generations were Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families between the 1900s and the 1960s, to be raised by white foster families or in institutions. At the age of 18, they were "released" into society - many traumatised by their experiences.
"For all Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, only 38 percent are being cared for by their Aboriginal kin or a member of the Aboriginal community," Lawrie's report said.
"For many Aboriginal children and their families coming into contact with the child protection service system, their circumstances are often characterised by issues connected to experiences of marginalisation and poverty, substance misuse, domestic and family violence, school exclusion, lack of health care, homelessness, untreated mental illness and intergenerational child protection contact; all matters that are best suited to a public health and community development approach to avoid the removal of children.
"Whether they be past or present policy and institutions intervening in the lives of Aboriginal children and their families, the reality is the service systems are designed, developed and led by a workforce that is disconnected to the cultural context of the Aboriginal child."
The South Australia government will now examine the report, the state's Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard told parliament.
In comments published by ABC Australia on Wednesday, Hildyard said it was clear more effort "that privileges the voices of Aboriginal families and communities is required".
"It is vital that both systems and staff across the child protection and family support system recognise the importance of Aboriginal-led decision-making and culturally appropriate engagement and practice.
"As the government finalises its response, it will consider how we can ensure how Aboriginal people are empowered to advise how particular recommendations are progressed with the principle of Aboriginal-led decision-making firmly in our hearts, minds and actions."
