CRCAH project no: IK298SE
Administering organisation
Flinders University
Project leader
Inge Kowanko
Contact details
Flinders Aboriginal Health Research Unit
Flinders University
Tel: 08 82015898,
Email: inge.kowanko@flinders.edu.au
Funding sources
FaHCSIA
South Australian Dept of Health
Partners involved
- Flinders University
- Central Northern Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS)
This project is endorsed as an in-kind project of the CRCAH.
Project summary
The CNAHS Aboriginal Family and Community Healing Program has been recognised externally by experts in the field for its excellence, innovation and success. It addresses family violence by building community capacity to support safe families. It comprises a complex and dynamic set of group activities for Aboriginal women, men and youth.
The Program was developed and delivered by Terry Stewart and colleagues through the CNAHS regional Aboriginal health team and externally evaluated using a participatory action research approach. Its strengths include an evidence-based design, holistic approach, clinical focus, committed staff, inter-sectoral linkages, peer support, mentoring, and Aboriginal cultural focus.
Clients and workers overwhelmingly support the Program, and their stories illustrate its beneficial impacts on wellbeing of clients, families and the community, and increased capacity of services and workforce to address family violence effectively. The Program is clearly a successful model for family and community healing. Appropriate resources to sustain these benefits are recommended.
Summary of outcomes
- The Evaluation provides clear evidence of the value and benefits of the program.
- The Report is being used to promote the Program and lobby for funds and resources to sustain and expand the program.
- Workforce and service capacity to address Aboriginal family violence has been developed through the Program
- Clients reported their positive experiences with the Program, some have moved on to education and employment, ripple effect to their families and communities.
Publications
Kowanko, I., Power, C., Stewart, T., Fraser, R. & Love, I. 2009, 'An Aboriginal Family and Community Healing Program in Metropolitan Adelaide', 'Living on the Edge' Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs annual conference, Darwin 1–4 November 2009. Download the abstract and/or the poster.
Other links
The Program was selected by the Productivity Commission report as a strategy that works in reducing violence in Indigenous communities in its 2009 report 'Overcoming Indigenous Advantage: Key Indicators 2009' – (if link broken, cut and paste http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/90129/key-indicators-20...).
Page last updated on 10.11.2009