SSI to deliver culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) out-of-home care program in Logan

Leading refugee and multicultural services provider SSI is establishing a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) family-based care program for children and young people in out-of-home care in Logan, funded by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.

SSI General Manager Children, Families and Disability Ben Fioramonte said the program would deliver 26 culturally informed family-based care placements for children and young people aged under 18 and in the department’s care.

Mr Fioramonte said this is an important step towards realising more positive outcomes for CALD and multicultural children and young people, backed by recent research from the Australian Journal of Social Issues. [1]

“The Multicultural Family Based Care Program aims to encourage and strengthen cultural identity by placing children in culturally responsive family-based care homes that also have strong connections to their communities of origin,” he said.

“This approach is validated by a large body of research, linking culturally appropriate care with stronger childhood outcomes.”

[1] Rebekah Grace et al, The Right to Cultural Connection for Children in Out-of-Home Care: Does Australian Policy and Practice Adequately Support Cultural Identity for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children? 2025, Australian Journal of Social Issues