With Indigenous children almost 12 times more likely to be placed in out-of-home care, the federal government has announced it will spend $44 million over the next eight years to support Indigenous families navigating the child protection system.

Social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the government has committed the money to ensure it reaches the Closing the Gap target to reduce the number of Indigenous children in out-of-home care by 45 per cent by 2031.

“The role of government is to listen to communities who best understand their local context, aspirations and what will help families navigate early support services and the child protection system,” she said in a statement on Saturday.

“Our targeted investment through the (Improving Multidisciplinary Responses) will enhance existing services to continue to provide specialised care to First Nations families and walk alongside them to ensure no one falls through the gaps.”

She said the Improving IMR program takes a holistic approach to the issue, and recognises the importance of place-based, community-designed support for Indigenous families and children.

Fifteen organisations were chosen following a detailed selection process involving independent First Nations representatives, along with Commonwealth, state and territory government officials.

“These organisations and the services they provide will bring us closer to achieving Target 12 of Closing the Gap to reduce the rate of over-representation of First Nations children in out-of-home care,” Ms Rishworth said.

“The funding will go straight to communities and families, so they can ensure better futures for their children.”

-AAP