Forecast Opportunity View - FO IMR2023

Improving Multidisciplinary Responses (IMR) will be a targeted competitive grant opportunity for First Nations organisations.

The IMR program is a:

• priority action under Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 
• measure in the Commonwealth Implementation Plan under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to achieve Target 12 (reducing First Nations children in out-of-home care).

The IMR program will embed the Closing the Gap priority reforms including:

• shared decision making throughout the design, implementation and evaluation of IMR activities
• building the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector
• improving access for First Nations Peoples to their data.

The IMR program aims to reduce the risk of First Nations children and young people entering or remaining in child protection through redesigning service models to better support First Nations families with multiple and complex needs. Models will be community-led and focus on:

• strengthening the capacity of First Nations organisations
• embedding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and its five elements of prevention, placement, participation, partnership and connection
• improving families access to, and use of, multidisciplinary services
• providing integrated and holistic services that reduce the rates of First Nations children in out-of-home-care.