Implementation of a driver licensing support program in three Aboriginal communities: a brief report from a pilot program

Abstract

Issue addressed: Aboriginal people face significant barriers to accessing the driver licensing system in New South Wales (NSW). Low rates of licence participation contribute to transport disadvantage and impede access to employment, education and essential health services. The Driving Change program has been piloted in three communities to increase licensing rates for young Aboriginal people. This brief report reviews implementation to determine whether Driving Change is being delivered as intended to the target population.Methods: Descriptive analysis of routinely collected program data collected between April 2013 and October 2014 to monitor client demographics (n=194) and program specific outcomes. Results:The target population is being reached with the majority of clients aged 16-24 years (76%) and unemployed (53%). Licensing outcomes are being achieved at all pilot sites (Learner licence: 19%; Provisional or unrestricted licence: 16%). There is variation in program delivery across the three pilot sites demonstrating the intended flexibility of the program. Conclusions:Driving Change is delivering all aspects of the program as intended at the three pilot sites. The program is reaching the target population and providing a sufficiently flexible program that responds to community and client identified need. So what?:Reviewing implementation of community pilot programs is critical to ensure that the intervention is being delivered as intended to the target population. This brief report indicates that Driving Change is assisting young Aboriginal people to access licensing services in NSW. This review of program implementation will assist the subsequent expansion of the program to a further nine communities in NSW.

Preventing Unintentional Injuries: Ethical Considerations in Public Health

“…This requires sufficient data on perceived and actual burdens, as well as a commitment to modify the program, if required, based on the information gathered. Injury prevention programs developed by or in partnership with indigenous communities often have attributes of mainstream interventions that have been modified to reduce risks of stigmatization and increase acceptability, thereby enhancing the intended outcome (Cullen et al, 2016).…”

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“…The paper cited communities using resources in unintended ways such as in family groups with more diverse ages. The most recent paper (Cullen, Clapham, Byrne, et al, 2016) was a process evaluation of a case management approach. In this intervention, an Aboriginal youth worker assists individuals to access local services and mentoring as well as helping manage any licensing fines or sanctions by liaising with organisations such as transport and debt recovery offices.…”

“…Two of the papers were process evaluations. Cullen, Clapham, Byrne, et al (2016) undertook a comprehensive process evaluation that included 194 individuals. They were able to identify that the intervention was being delivered as planned.…”

Addressing the barriers to driver licensing for Aboriginal people in New South Wales and South Australia

“…As part of a larger study involving an in‐depth examination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community experiences around travel, road safety and driver licensing in two States – New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) – we collected and analysed both quantitative (survey) and qualitative data (focus groups and semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders) at four sites: Redfern and Griffith in NSW; and Ceduna and Port Lincoln in SA. The survey has been described previously in detail 9–11 . This paper presents the results of the qualitative enquiry that explored factors facilitating Aboriginal people gaining a licence and potential solutions to reduce barriers to licensing in Aboriginal communities.…”

“…The survey has been described previously in detail. [9][10][11] This paper presents the results of the qualitative enquiry that explored factors facilitating Aboriginal people gaining a licence and potential solutions to reduce barriers to licensing in Aboriginal communities.…”