Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children: A framework for understanding

This course is for non-Indigenous practitioners who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. It has been developed with the support and guidance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to specifically support non-Indigenous practitioners in mainstream organisations to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

This course will help you to:

• understand the history and context of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals
• gain a clearer understanding of the context of a presenting problem or issue within families' lives
• understand the worries, concerns and aspirations that families have regarding their children’s social and emotional wellbeing
• develop a deeper understanding of the context of a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families' experiences, and how this affects wellbeing, as well as contributes to the protective factors that help families recover
• broaden your understanding of the role and influence of kinship and family relationships in infant's and children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

It is estimated that this course will take you approx. one hour 30 minutes to complete, including reading material and watching videos.

You can undertake the course across multiple sessions at your own pace. The last screen you visit before logging off will be bookmarked, and you will have the option of returning to that screen when you next log in.

As you work through the course, it is important to be aware of your own emotional responses. Please follow the self-care tips below and seek help if needed:

• We do not recommend undertaking the entire course in one go.
• Give yourself some breaks.
• Even if you don’t feel that you need a break, it’s a good idea to take one anyway and come back later. 
• Be aware of your emotions as you progress through the course, and take action if you are starting to feel stressed or upset. For example, consider taking a break and doing something for yourself that you enjoy.
• Be aware of your emotional responses after you complete the course.

If at any point you find you are struggling, please talk with your supervisor, seek help, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263. 

For the purpose of this course, the term parent encompasses the biological and adoptive parents of a child, as well as individuals who have taken up a primary or shared responsibility in raising that child. 

Social and emotional wellbeing refers to the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. It incorporates behavioural and emotional strengths and is a facet of child development.¹

In broad terms, social and emotional wellbeing is the foundation for physical and mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a holistic concept which results from a network of relationships between individuals, family, kin and Community. It also recognises the importance of connection to Land, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and how these affect the individual.²

Social and emotional development involves the development of skills required to:

• identify and understand one’s feelings 
• read and understand the emotional states of other people 
• manage strong emotions and how they are expressed 
• regulate behaviour 
• develop empathy
• establish and maintain relationships.³

This course draws on the latest research, clinical insights, and the lived experience of our child and family partners. We’d like to thank the professionals and families who played an integral role in shaping this course, generously offering their time, wisdom and unique perspectives.

Watch the following video for a quick guide on how to navigate Emerging Minds Learning courses.