Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have connections to culture, community and Country that nurture and support their wellbeing, spirituality and sense of identity. It is important to the wellbeing of children and their families that these connections are maintained and strengthened.
Support for non-Aboriginal carers
Cultural connections are fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and it’s important for non-Aboriginal carers to promote and support a child or young person’s positive connections with family, community, culture and identity.
Having a good understanding yourself of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and beliefs, and access to tools and resources will help. Talk to your caseworker or agency and local Aboriginal organisations about ways to make and maintain connections.
From time to time, ask your child questions about their language, stories and cultural practices. If they don’t always know the answers, help them connect with people who can teach them more.
Some ways to support your child’s connections to culture
- Support the child or young person to maintain contact with their family, community and culture.
- Explore opportunities for them to visit and spend time in their land.
- Talk positively and regularly about your their family and community.
- Gather as much information as possible about their community.
- Identify significant people in their life who can assist in maintaining links.
- Network with Aboriginal carers, workers and services in your local area.
- Attend local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural community events visit and spend time in their land.
- Acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Australia.
- Display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and understand what they represent.
- Seek out story books and child-friendly movies that reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Encourage your child or young person to use traditional design and try some art and craft projects related to values and beliefs.
- Go on bushwalks and talk about bush, land and sea.
- Play and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music.
- Start or continue a My Life Story book.
Cultural Case Plans
Ask your caseworker about your child or young person’s Cultural Case Plan and work together to meet the goals outlined there.
Resources for carers
- The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care has produced a number of resources that provide practical advice for Indigenous and non-Indigenous carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Key among these is Supporting carers to care for our children, a website focused on the day-to-day caring role. It provides easy access to relevant information, activities and links to culturally appropriate resources.
- The e-Safety Commission has produced ‘Be Deadly Online’, promoting online safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids.
- Family and Community Services has worked with Aboriginal carers to produce Raising them strong, with lots of tips and ideas for the day-to-day care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Raising them strong is also available as a booklet and a DVD talk your caseworker if you would like to access these resources.
- The Raising Children Network has lots of videos and information specifically for Aboriginal carers and parents. The videos show Aboriginal kids, parents and carers, and cover everything from toddler tantrums to supporting teenagers.