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Approaches to support engagement
Planning and delivering support and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and their communities can be a complex task for child safety practitioners.
Using intentional and respectful approaches to build and maintain connections will build trust and open the lines of communication and collaboration. The approach used to apply each element of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Child Placement Principle will contribute to the quality of engagement. How we approach our engagement will shape how people choose to engage with us. Acknowledge the cultural differences, the contemporary impacts of colonisation, past policies and legislation and the authority of our positions and power Child Safety holds.
Respect
Respect is very important and a fundamental aspect of every social structure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes respect for:
• Elders
• the land
• animals
• ancestors.
Practice prompt
To be respectful when commencing engagement, connect with cultural practice advisors and plan the approach specific to the child and family.
(Refer to Respect for cultural protocols and practices.)
Respect for cultural protocols and practices
To demonstrate understanding and respect for a family's culture, values, and beliefs, tailor practice approach to be responsive to the unique needs of the child, family, and community. For example, this involves respecting cultural protocols and demonstrating cultural sensitivity in all interactions, including approaches to work, communication methods, and collaboration with other services and individuals.
Tip
When organising to meet with community members, seek advice from your cultural practice advisor regarding cultural values, protocols, and practices, to identify the best person to consult with first.
Where possible, and in line with community protocols, arrange for men to speak with men and women to speak with women, before holding a group discussion.
This approach is especially important when engaging with a person or community who does not yet know you, as it helps to build trust and foster respectful relationships.
Yarning
Yarning holds deep cultural significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, serving as a way to share stories, knowledge, traditions, and experiences. Recognising the importance of yarning allows for meaning and culturally appropriate engagement.
Unlike formal or structured communication styles, yarning is conversational and relational, fostering trust and connection.
Forensic interview approaches, which are rigid and impersonal, are unlikely to create the safe and respectful space needed for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to openly share their story authentically. Instead, focus on fostering a respectful and genuine dialogue that aligns with their cultural practices.
The key to developing a good relationship with families is being genuine, respectful, acknowledging, actively listening and responding to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
Practice prompt
Reflect on personal yarning approaches and engagement responses and seek support from the family, cultural practice advisors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practice leaders, colleagues, or local community partners.
These supports can assist in identifying the most appropriate and effective approach to engagement.
Further reading
Building partnerships within the community
Improved outcomes for a child and their family will be achieved by establishing effective and respectful partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations and Child Safety. When the partnerships are established, genuine participation will follow, enabling the development and implementation of purposeful case plans for children and their families.
The best way to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, children and communities is to work with (rather than ‘do to’).
Adopt a community development focus when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities. This approach is grounded in the understanding that local people are best placed to identify their own issues and solutions.
A community development approach involves working collaboratively with communities while recognising and valuing the strengths, skills, and knowledge of local people.
Practice prompt
- contacting local organisations and land councils and arranging a visit to meet people in the community
- attending community open days, fair days and events wherever possible, attending functions in the community that you are invited to
- contacting parenting groups to get to know the parents in the local community and schools
- gaining some basic knowledge of the community, including dominant family groups, preferred names, original custodians and language groups
- organising activities in the community such as breakfast clubs, family fun days, children’s camps and barbeques (to develop and improve relationships with families you will need to involve the whole community)
- becoming involved in supporting local events and functions. This is a great, informal way of meeting the community and establishing relationships
- having barbecues or lunches to celebrate or commemorate significant dates in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar. This can also be an opportunity to include community organisations and be an opportunity to introduce yourself, your service and staff to the community. Be involved with the community and demonstrate your enthusiasm to the community.
Language and communication
NextThe significance of family in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
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