Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared to non-Indigenous young people.
Outline the roles of government and non-government organisations in addressing this issue and discuss strategies they could adopt to improve the mental health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (6 marks)
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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.
Government Role
- Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities
Government Strategies
- Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
- Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.
NGO Role
- Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.
NGO Strategies
- Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
- Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.
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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.
Government Role
- Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities
Government Strategies
- Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
- Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.
NGO Role
- Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.
NGO Strategies
- Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
- Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.