ABSTRACT

Limited evaluation research has been conducted on the effectiveness of mental health services and intervention provided to Indigenous children and young people (C&YP) in care. The primary objective of the study was to examine the difference in functioning and mental health outcomes of C&YP in care at a specialist mental health service for Indigenous and non-Indigenous C&YP. Of the total 259 C&YP included in this study, 38.2% (N = 99) were Indigenous. Two measures were used to examine C&YP’s mental health and functioning. Indigenous consumers showed a significantly greater improvement in antisocial behaviour, emotional symptoms, and peer relationships compared to non-Indigenous consumers at discharge from the program. The findings of this study provide support for the program’s therapeutic intent to be a culturally supportive tertiary level mental health service for vulnerable C&YP in care.

IMPLICATIONS

• Equivalent outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous consumers provide support for the program’s intent to be a culturally supportive and safe tertiary level mental health service for vulnerable children and young people in care.

• Further research is needed to determine the key components of cultural consultation that are advantageous for consumers, care providers, and their families.

摘要

对提供给土著儿童和年轻人 (C&YP) 的心理健康服务和干预的有效性进行了有限的评估研究。该研究的主要目的是检查 C&YP 在为土著和非土著 C&YP 提供专业心理健康服务的护理中的功能和心理健康结果的差异。在本研究中包括的总共 259 个 C&YP 中，38.2% ( N  = 99) 是土著。两项措施用于检查 C&YP 的心理健康和功能。与非土著消费者相比，土著消费者在退出该计划时在反社会行为、情绪症状和同伴关系方面表现出显着改善。这项研究的结果为该计划的治疗意图提供了支持，即为护理中的弱势 C&YP 提供文化支持的三级心理健康服务。

影响

• 土著和非土著消费者的同等结果为该计划的意图提供支持，即为受照顾的弱势儿童和青少年提供文化支持和安全的三级心理健康服务。

• 需要进一步研究以确定对消费者、护理提供者及其家人有利的文化咨询的关键组成部分。