The struggle for systematic 'adulthood' for Aboriginal Mental Health in the mainstream: The Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program
Tom Brideson
Project Director 2002–2004, Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW
Len Kanowski
Southern Area Health Service, Queanbeyan NS
PP: 129 - 137
Abstract
The title of this paper refers to issues of growth, development and maturity in Aboriginal Mental Health as it emerges as a specialised profession in the mainstream mental health system. The paper raises many challenges to the existing mental health structures. It asks a number of key questions regarding the professional status of Aboriginal Mental Health Professionals operating in the mainstream mental health industry.
The paper describes the approach the Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program is taking to ensure that its students graduate with all the necessary skills, attitudes, knowledge and values to be effective professionals in their own right. It highlights the collaboration required by the mental health industry to ensure that the entire mental health workforce and the services in which they operate create a supportive environment for the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workforce.
Finally it seeks the support of the mental health industry and professional organisations to move towards systematic adulthood with respect to 1) the professional recognition of students and graduates of the program, and 2) the need for professional organisations, and service management and staff to take responsibility in their responses to Aboriginal mental health issues. The need to effectively deal with the above workforce issues is based on the evidence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffer from higher levels of emotional distress and possible mental illness than that of the wider community. Suicide and self-harm rates are also considerably higher in comparison to that of the broader population (AIHW, 2001). Surely, if there is a higher level of identified need there must also be a higher level of orchestrated effort required.
Keywords
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, education, workforce development
Article Text
Brief History of the Djirruwang Program
The Djirruwang Program delivers a three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) Degree (see Table 1) with exit points at Degree, Diploma and Certificate levels. Course entry is restricted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Program commenced in November 1993. In 2004, there are 46 students from across Australia studying in the course. Since commencement the program has contributed significantly to the mental health workforce. Seventy students have graduated from the course (34 with degrees, 35 with diplomas and one with a University Certificate).
The Course was initially developed in a collaborative process between the mental health services and Aboriginal people. In 2002 a process was undertaken to revise the curriculum and course structure. This was completed under the direction of a National Reference Group consisting of a range of representative stakeholders from the mental health industry, Aboriginal community controlled sector, and the education sector including Charles Sturt University.
The curriculum was reviewed and rewritten where appropriate. The process was undertaken by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from the mental health industry. The course is delivered by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mental health professionals as well as university lecturers.
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References
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