working with COBURG WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS PROGRAM |Practice implications: History History “Tho history of Aboriginal dispossession is central to understariding contemporary Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations." Royal Commission into Aboriginal Desths in Custody The history of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal rotations, while complex, has had the fellowing phases: + The 60,000+ years before the arrival of Europeans + Initia! invasion and colonisation (1788 to 1890) + Protection and segregation (1880s to the 19502) + Assimilation (1940s to the 1960s} ‘Integration, self-determination and self-management (1867 to mid 1890s) ‘+ Reconciliation (1981 to the end of 2000) Effects For Aboriginal people living today, their experience of living in Australian society with this, historiea! legacy has many significant impacts on thelr lives. Three impacts with implications for service delivery are: * The emotional impact on Aboriginal people of their experiences and thelr familios experiences ‘+The barriers to gaining living skills (for example being separated from their family) +The lack of trust of institutions, Implications for service delivery All staff working with Aboriginal ellonts need ts have a ganeral understanding ofthe stary of Aboriginal history ang tne Impacts ef this on Abariginal people. ‘The sorvice provider wil dialogue with the local Aboriginal community 10 élecover appro priate vmaya 16 mks the service provider more friendly, welcoming arta apprapriate for Aboriginal peep ‘The fallowing practical tps and sugges ons could bo developed further in dilogue with Abosiginal people and the local Aberiginal community. Emotion impact 41. Service providers need amesninghl understanding ofthe history and story of the Aboriginal and Torrae Strait Islander peoples and how it impacts on their lives today, particularly in the communities thoy ara cervicing. 2. Service providers need to develop cutturaty appropriate pregrams and ways of servicing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Service provision needs to be flexible enough to acknowledge and support difforent cuttural values and belicts. 3. Encourage Service providers to understand the clients” needs heliseally by considering all aspacts of their lives, cultural traditions and commitments so that better outcomes can be achieved.“Ensure that your case management process Is culturally appropriae. This may include; — Using appropriate language that can be easily understood by the client. Providing a relaxed and comfortable environment for the interview #9. meeting outside ora home visit. + Developing an understanding of the client's family network and the responsibilities and obligations that this entails. ‘+ Gaining professional support from an Aboriginal worker in your Service, where rolevant. + Whare possible encourage the client to brin they initially access a Service. jupport person with them when 5. Bo not expect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples to share information regarding families and culture or local history, 6. fan Aboriginal Worker is available at the Service, ask the client if they would prefer to discuss their concerns with this person but remember, not all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘people may want to work with an Aboriginal Worker. 7. Ensure that your Service maintains accurate and up-to-date information on the Aboriginal Torres Strait slander services available in your area, to ensure appropriate referrals. 8. Maintain networks with Aboriginal Workers within Government and non-government services in your area, Living ski Bo not make assumptions of what knowledge or skills Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopiex may have, based on stereotypes, Every client will present with different needs and expectations and should be assessed accordingly. 2, When working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is important to Understand the effects of the ‘Stolen Generation’ and how their experiences may impact on their living skills ie. skills in cooking and other domestic duties. Aboriginal adults, who were removed from their families as children, were often deprived of effective parenting. These children were institutionalized, fostered or adopted. They were often raised in living conditions that were inadequate and received a poor education. 3. It may be useful to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples support of a practical ‘ype. This can be achieved through # home visiting service where workers and volunteers can offer support to help parents develop their living skills. When planning a home visit you may need to consider; ‘+ Asking an Aboriginal Worker in the community to accompany you on the first ppointments in advance and follow up with a reminder; ‘Be flexible and prepared for unexpected occurrences eg. canceliation, new + Be prepared when visitors call in. Remember confidentiality and rearrange appointment if necessary; + Sharing some personal information can put the client at ease. Observing and listening can lead to insights; ‘+ Ioffered a cuppa always accept. (Hf you don't drink tea or coffes ask for water). 4. Workers need to be aware that many Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander peoples are not able to ‘read or verte well, Be sensitive when asking questions about literacy levels and consider the way you present service information. Written information may not always be appropriate.Provide opportunities for thé Client to clarify their understanding of the information you are talving them. Trust of institutions 4. The lath of trust in institutions can often mean thet Aboriginal peeple may not approxct ur use sarvicos thatare available; to maka use of these services they may need to have a support person with them until they get to know the service, 2. When working with Aberiginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples It may be useful 0 share pRereonal information abeut yourselt e.g. Where you come from and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Ielander communities you may have workei 3. Be sensitive when gaining Information and remember that some questions may not be answered. 4, Reaséure your client that the information they shave with you will be confidential and will not be shared with ather family members. An Abotiginal or Torres Strait Islander person can exparionce shame, discrimination as well as the added burden of alienation and rejection from family and community if confidentiality is broken. 5. Within the workplace, ralse worker awareness of Aboriginal culture, tte history and the resulting ‘yust’ tscues by Supporting on-going training, 8. Service providers need to make services welcoming for Ahoriginal people. Consider how you organize your office space to show that the Service valuas and weleomes Aboriginal and Tottes Strait Islander peoples eg. Aboriginal fiag, artwork, and posters. 7. Service providers noad te foster genvine relationships with Aboriginal organisations. Consider inviting representatives from Aboriginal organizations to participate in your Service planning days and other relevant meetings. 8, Talk tolocal Aboriginal orgenieations shout days of significance to them. ASK how you can support them by having these days recognised and acknowledged.