In Australia, over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems is increasing. The legacy of the stolen generation has led to grief, sadness and loss of identity for many people, and major disparities in health, education, employment and housing means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are more susceptible to child welfare interventions in the present and future. This makes it imperative that responses for these families are more effective, in order to achieve socially just outcomes. As well, Australia’s growing multicultural society has increased demand for services provided to people from diverse cultural backgrounds to recognise the impact and importance of culture and to respond effectively. Cultural competency, which focuses on developing knowledge, skills and values for cross cultural practice, has gained momentum. It aims to enhance the ability of workers to provide culturally relevant and effective responses to people from different cultural backgrounds. However, ensuring that practices in the human services are culturally appropriate, culturally safe, salient, and effective, has proved elusive.