Working with ATSI people and communities

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Test your knowledge - Quick and easy: 4. Practice implications

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	Question	Answer
1	For Aboriginal people living today, their experience of living in Australian society with this historical legacy has many significant impacts on their lives. What are three significant impacts with implications for service delivery?	a) The emotional impact on Aboriginal people of their experiences and their families experiences; b) The barriers to gaining living skills (for example being separated from their family); c) The lack of trust of institutions
2	Lack of trust in institutions by many Aboriginal people is on of the impacts of history in Australia. What are the implications for service providers?	The lack of trust in institutions can often mean that Aboriginal people may not approach or use services that are available. To make use of these services they may need to have a support person with them until they get to know the service.
3	What does the ATSI concept of family inlcude?	The concept of family is very different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It often includes a much wider extended family, sometimes placed across several households. There is a clear focus on mutual obligations and sharing within the extended family.
4	What is the life expectancy of ATSI people compared with all other Australians?	Life expectancy in 2001: Indigenous males - 56 years compared with all Australian males - 77 years Indigenous females - 63 years compared with all Australian females - 82 years.
5	What is Otitis Media and how much more prevalent is in the ATSI people than other Australians?	Otitis Media is the general medical term for inflammation or infection of the middle ear. The incidence of Otitis Media and associated hearing loss in Aboriginal communities has been identified and recognized for many years. Studies conducted in urban, rural and remote Aboriginal communities across Australia indicate rates of Otitis Media, up to 10 times that found in the general population.
6	Many Australian Government Deparments have specific services and programs for ATSI people. Which Australian Government Department has the coordination role?	Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
7	What are three practical tips to keep in mind when planning a home visit to ATSI people?	a) Asking an Aboriginal Worker in the community to accompany you on the first visit; b) Be flexible and prepared for unexpected occurrences eg. cancellation, new situations; c) Be prepared when visitors call in. Remember confidentiality and rearrange appointment if necessary; d) Sharing some personal information can put the client at ease. If offered a cuppa always accept. (If you don’t drink tea or coffee ask for water).
8	When organizing a meeting or consultation with the Aboriginal community what are some practical tips to keep in mind?	a) Take the time to develop relationships that are equal and genuine. b) Chairpersons, Workers and other representatives from the Aboriginal community often do not make immediate decisions. Information from a meeting or consultation may need to be taken to other members of the Aboriginal community to discuss and decide if a decision is made. This can be time consuming so you need to be patient c) Aboriginal groups may need to revisit a decision reached at a previous meeting. This is important in supporting the group to make a joint decision; d) The choice of venue is important. The venue needs to be in a place where communities feel comfortable. Consider using a neutral venue if there are fractions within the Aboriginal communities.