Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Support in Out-of-Home Care

Abstract

Due to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the out-of-home care system many children will not always be cared for in a culturally appropriate placement. Therefore, cultural support planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people must be a high priority for all staff, carers and volunteers of out-of-home care services. Six themes have been identified as assisting in the provision of cultural support planning within placements. Each theme has a detailed list of resources that can be accessed for children and young people, carers and professionals.

Intersection of race and religion for youth in foster care: Examining policy and practice

“…Forces of racism exist in most countries of the world, although they may be exhibited in differing ways. Aboriginal peoples in Australia (Hutt & Clarke, 2012) as well as Canada, New Zealand, and other countries have been frequently ill-served by child welfare systems. In many European countries, the Roma and Travelling communities bear the brunt of societal discriminatory treatment that is also observed within systems of child protection (Allen, 2016).…”