The Danila Dilba Health Service submission to the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory presents a blueprint for reforming the child protection system. It highlights the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care, identifying structural disadvantages, early life trauma, and systemic failures as key factors. The report critiques the current regulatory framework for prioritising statutory intervention over prevention and family support and emphasises the lack of Aboriginal voices in decision-making.

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Drawing from international best practices, particularly New Zealand and Scotland, the submission proposes a paradigm shift towards early intervention, integrated youth justice and care systems, and an Aboriginal-led child protection framework. Recommendations include a single entry-point system, embedding young voices, workforce development, cultural safety, improved kinship and foster care models, and stronger accountability measures. The report calls for legislative reform, urging the Northern Territory Government to replace the current Acts with a holistic framework that prioritises Aboriginal self-determination and long-term wellbeing outcomes.