Dr Werner Vogels¹, Ms. Corina Modderman¹

¹La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga, Australia

Abstract:

The number of Aboriginal children and young people in Out of Home Care (OoHC) has been steadily increasing over the last few years. Health outcomes of this cohort are generally poorer compared to other cohorts, despite a range of initiatives implemented by the Victorian government to address this discrepancy. From 2014 onwards, the Taskforce 1000 project was instigated in North East Victoria by the Commissioner of Children and Young People to critically analyse the experience of Aboriginal children in OoHC. Subsequently, in 2016 the Department of Health and Human Services commissioned the Murray Primary Health Network to develop and implement a pathway for Aboriginal children and young people in OoHC accessing health assessments. La Trobe University evaluated the OoHC pathway project and submitted a report including recommendations early 2018.

For the evaluation of the pathway project, a qualitative research design was applied containing a comprehensive literature review, ten interviews with key stakeholders and a survey amongst frontline child protection staff. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed the need for cross-sector education of allied health and human services staff, practical support for carers, and a range of systemic challenges. However, there are also elements of hope and the prospect of change to effectuate culturally ‘safe’ practice across the service sector by partnerships between organisations.

The aim of this paper is to critically reflect on findings and seek a dialogue with the audience regarding some of the recommendations for the pathway project implementation, and the principle of self-determination put in practice.

Biography:

Dr. Vogels has a background in (cognitive) Neuropsychology. He obtained his Master degree and PhD in the Netherlands, and has worked in academic settings and in partnership with prestigious research groups across Europe and USA. Following his move to Australia, Werner has worked in the area of Mental Health, Dual Disability, Aboriginal Mental Health and complex care across regional Victoria. As a casual academic at La Trobe University, he has been involved in a range of projects, ni partnership with government and non-government organisations, to improve health outcomes of community members and promote cultural safe practice across service sectors in North East Victoria.

Corina Modderman is a lecturer in social work and social policy at the La Trobe Rural Health School, Shepparton campus. Corina has over 18 years of experience in child protection having worked in a variety of senior leadership roles across the world and is now undertaking her PhD in the topic of transnational social work practice and experience.