Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of people who have died.

When a First Nations child dies unexpectedly, Australia often reaches for the same responses: to blame, seek more inquiries, implement tougher laws and stronger powers to intervene.

But if the only answer is the faster removal of children, Australia will keep repeating the same cycle.

The death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in the Northern Territory again placed Aboriginal child protection in the national spotlight. The debate quickly turned to whether “child safety” should be placed above culture in child protection decisions.

But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culture is not separate from safety. Family, kinship, language, Country and community are not optional extras to be added later. They are part of what safety means.

So what works to better protect First Nations children?

Indigenous people across the country face a range of social policy challenges, many of which are often politicised. In this three-part series, experts examine issues with child protection, violence and reconciliation and look at evidence-based policy approaches that would help improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How does child protection work?

Child protection is governed by each state and territory. Each jurisdiction has its own laws, departments, courts and policies.

This means the state or territory assesses whether a child is safe, decides whether they should stay with family, and, if not, where they should live.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the placement principle says children should stay connected to family, community, culture and Country wherever safely possible.

But too often, these principles are applied through state systems that still hold most of the........

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