Researchers on the Embrace parenting program Rebeka Morrison, Nita Alexander, and Aysa Bahar Arjmand.
A new research project aims to address the lack of trauma-informed and culturally safe parenting programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Trauma and cultural safety are rarely considered in the development of parenting support programs – leading to a distinct gap for a trauma-informed and culturally safe parenting program that has been designed with and for the community.
This gap has led to a three-year project being developed under a new team at Embrace @ The Kids.
The Australian Research Centre-funded project will develop and implement a culturally safe, responsive and trauma-informed parenting program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
“There are various parenting programs available, but these have been adapted from Euro-centric models of caregiving,” Project Lead and Senior Research Officer Dr Nita Alexander said.
“There is a distinct gap for a parenting program that is designed with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and especially one that is trauma informed.”
“This project is particularly important as it will be trauma-informed to consider the legacy of injustice and trauma that is experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Aboriginal Project Officer Rebeka Morrison said.
Traditional story-telling will be used with strength-based narratives aiming to address difficulties and interrupt the transmission of intergenerational trauma.
Family connection, kinship, and connection to country and culture form the foundation of community wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To achieve this, the team is focusing on relationship and network building in the community, and will work with families and service providers to listen and learn about their needs and solutions.
“The parenting program will be co-designed with advisory groups comprising of Elders, professionals and service providers, as well as parents, families and caregivers. A pilot of the program will then be implemented with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families of young children between the ages of 2 – 6 years. This will then be evaluated as to the impact, cultural safety and potential for roll-out to other communities beyond Boorloo (Perth).” Nita said.
Looking ahead, the project aims to provide a framework for co-designing a culturally safe parenting program that assists parents and caregivers of young children to enhance their wellbeing and relationships.
The first phase of the program is expected to be implemented in 2025.
Also working on the project is Research Assistant Aysa Bahar Arjmand, and placement student Lisa Kickett, who is currently completing a Master of Social Work degree at Curtin University.
Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.