Specific resources relevant to particular practice contexts working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aged Care
Queensland health has developed 'Sad news, sorry business: Guidelines for the caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through death and dying' and the 'patient care guideline' to support health workers provide culturally and clinically responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people . At this site, there are also links to advanced care planning and other aged care resources targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Dementia Australia provides an excellent collection of resources and publications about dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Their Publication section contains a link to a useful briefing paper, ‘Working with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’ (2013). It explores working in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
O'Brien AP, Bloomer MJ, McGrath P, Clark K, Martin T, Lock M, Pidcock T, van der Riet P, O'Connor M. (2013) Considering Aboriginal palliative care models: The challenges for mainstream services. Rural and Remote Health, 13, 2339.
Waugh, E. & Mackenzie, L. (2011). Ageing well from an urban Indigenous Australian perspective. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 8(1), 25-33.
Mental Health
Guidelines for providing Mental Health First Aid to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person - these guidelines provide a general set of recommendations about how you can help an Aboriginal person who may be experiencing a mental illness or developing a mental health crisis.
Australian Indigenous Mental Health - This website aims to increase understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait mental health issues. It was developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
Schools and Education
The Queensland Government Department of Education's Advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan builds on the solid foundations Queensland has already made towards closing the gap. The plan’s initiatives are across five priority areas: Making a great start; Reaching learning potential; Equipped for the future; Building capability; and Engaging partners. The plan aims to:
- improve kindergarten participation
- lift school education outcomes
- develop culturally appropriate teaching and learning resources
- provide professional development opportunities for staff.
It’s Still Everyone’s Business is a powerpoint presentation that provides background information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and resources with Education Queensland.
What Works. The Work Program is a set of materials for those working in schools. It is designed to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.
