Indigenous Services Working Group

Whilst comprehensive studies of the level of mental health problems in the Indigenous population have not been undertaken, preliminary research indicates disproportionately higher rates than for the population generally.  It has also been shown that Indigenous people access mental health services less than the general population.

The Indigenous Services Working Group (ISWG)  was formed in 1989 with representatives from most units of the Division of Mental Health. The main aim of the group is to address barriers which prevent Indigenous children and their families accessing services, and also to develop culturally appropriate services for this population. Focus areas for the ISWG are outlined below. 

Indigenous services policy

The ISWG has developed  policies to help ensure Indigenous people are given priority in accessing services, and to provide direction in the following areas

• Employment of Indigenous staff
• Training and development of both Indigenous and non Indigenous staff in Indigenous issues
• Development of clinical services for Indigenous children and their families
• Interagency collaboration
• Ongoing evaluation

These policies have been formulated in consultation with relevant Indigenous services and stakeholders. The  ISWG provides feedback on national and state policy regarding the development of Indigenous services.

Information dissemination 

The ISWG disseminates relevant information throughout the Division of Mental Health including Indigenous focussed resources and relevant research and information regarding Indigenous services. The ISWG also has a role in providing information about and promoting the Division's services to external agencies..

Interagency Collaboration 

The ISWG helps to develop links with other agencies providing services to Indigenous communities. A number of interagency projects and agreements have been undertaken since the formation of the group. The aim of this is to improve access for Indigenous people to Division of Mental Health services and provide more comprehensive and culturally relevant services.

Clinical Services 

The ISWG helps to develop culturally specific clinical services for Indigenous clients of the Division of Mental Health. Members of the group have undergone extensive cultural awareness training and use the ISWG forum to discuss Indigenous clinical issues. The members of the ISWG act as a contact for other Divisional staff and staff from other agencies who may be working with Indigenous clients.

Consultancy 

The ISWG provides consultancy at a range of levels from nationwide consultations to that of individual client work.

Training and Development 

The ISWG provides and facilitates training and development for a range of internal Divisional forums. It has also been involved with outside agencies, both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous in the provision of training and development in regard to mental health issues.

Advocacy 

The ISWG advocates for Indigenous services to be given a high priority within the Division of Mental Health. The group also takes the opportunity to advocate for the development of Indigenous services within forums such as state-wide and national mental health reviews.

^TOP	FEEDBACK | SITE INDEX | DISCLAIMER | CONTACT | COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY Printer-friendly version Last Modified: 27-07-2004 14:24:38