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The latest approaches to healing intergenerational trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Successfully overcoming intergenerational trauma1 is more likely if it is approached using a combination of evidence, knowledge and culture, according to a recent report from the Healing Foundation.
The report, Growing our children up strong and deadly, examines the latest approaches to healing intergenerational trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
The report acknowledges that Indigenous children are over-represented in the child protection youth justice systems in Australia, and whilst addressing these issues is important, positive results are unlikely if the welfare of those involved is not considered a priority.
Effective approaches to healing require a focus on prevention and restoration; cultural identity and connection to country; trauma informed research; and community inclusion. The report discusses the following healing approaches:
A major focus of the Healing Foundation at present is the Intergenerational Trauma Initiative (ITI). The ITI was designed, using a combination of knowledge from the approaches above. The Initiative aims to address the impact of intergenerational trauma with holistic healing programs that increase cultural connectedness and identity.3
Observations from attempts at healing so far, suggest that overcoming trauma is more likely if:
As healing programs are further researched and developed, more is learned about what is required and how such support can be successfully implemented. The Healing Foundation aims to overcome intergenerational trauma, providing the best opportunities for success by using a combination of evidence and long-held cultural wisdom in their program designs.
Atkinson, J. (2013). Trauma-informed services and trauma-specific care for Indigenous Australian children. Closing the Gap Clearinghouse.
1. Intergenerational trauma is an issue affecting Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children, their families and communities. It can occur directly through abuse and neglect, or through secondary exposure as individuals bear witness to the trauma of others around them.
2. Van der Kolk, B. A. (2005). Developmental trauma disorder: Towards a rational diagnosis for children with complex trauma histories. Psychiatric Annals, 35(5), 401-408. van der Kolk, BA 2007, ‘The developmental impact of childhood trauma’ in L Kirmayer, R Lemelson, & M Barad (eds), Understanding trauma: Integrating biological, clinical and cultural perspectives, Cambridge University Press, New York, pp. 224–41.
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation 2012a, Implementing healing for children and young people: Putting evidence into action, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, Canberra.
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