Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes.
- Engage with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families
- Communicate appropriately with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families to develop trust and professional relationships
- Apply knowledge of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people in the youth justice system to identify their particular needs
- Discuss with the young person and their family specific cultural and community characteristics and/or expectations that may assist with supporting the young person
- Use a variety of sources to obtain information about the cultural needs of the young person
- Provide opportunities for the young person and their family to obtain further information
- Communicate and manage information about the young person
- Demonstrate consideration and understanding of ethical practices and cultural protocols for obtaining and sharing information about the young person
- Follow relevant organisation policies and procedures for communication strategies to be used with diverse groups and individuals
- Provide interpreter and/or translator services for families where this will assist communication
- Identify issues requiring mandatory notification and report to supervisor and/or an appropriate authority
- Use information obtained about the young person’s cultural identity to inform case plans and activities
- Support families and kinship networks to remain in contact with young people
- Consult with the family and kinship networks of young people to identify resources and practical assistance needed to maintain worker and family contact with the young person, both in and out of custody settings
- Determine any potential barriers to communication for young people and their families and support the maintenance of communication
- Recognise the importance of whole community in supporting and caring for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people
- Encourage family participation in case planning
- Represent the needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people to others in the organisation
- Identify and convey the cultural needs of the young person to other staff and agencies
- Encourage families to convey any specific needs of the young person to relevant staff
- Seek cultural expertise for suggestions on how to make the environment sensitive to cultural needs
- Observe and report any risk factors for self-harm
- Source and provide information on other services that can support the family and young person