Listening and taking action This report reflects the voices of over 1,200 Aboriginal children and young people from across Western Australia. It is a picture that provides both hope in terms of hearing the – voices of many inspiring young people who have strong aspirations and are ready to make enormous contributions to their community and deep concern over the significant and – ongoing challenges some face. Much of what they have told us is congruent with what we hear from Aboriginal parents, families and elders, and what a growing body of evidence is important for the wellbeing of children and young people. That is: the importance of strong families and communities which provide a sense of belonging and wellbeing the importance of culture and its contribution to a strong sense of self and wellbeing the value placed by young people on education and their aspirations for the future, and the importance of support from family and friends to help achieve at school the importance of access to a broad range of recreational activities which support positive emotional and social skill development, community engagement and physical and mental health and wellbeing racial harmony and a broad community respect for Aboriginal culture. voices also provide insight into the challenges faced by some children and young people who are impacted by issues such as exposure to crime, violence, abuse, disadvantage, inadequate housing and alcohol and drugs, and the consequences of this for family and community functioning. Many shared their concerns about the future and a lack of local opportunities to get a job, their experiences of racism, and their hopes for stronger, community-wide reconciliation. An enormous amount of work and research has been undertaken, even more so in recent years, to determine how to strengthen the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities. Despite this, it continues to be of concern that across so many indicators such little progress has occurred. This report adds to that body of research the voices of Aboriginal children and young people themselves, so that current strategies, programs and services can be positively influenced by their views and insight. The purpose of undertaking these consultations with Aboriginal children and young people is aligned with the key principles of the Act which prescribes the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA to bring children and young people’s voices to – prominence and provide opportunities for the organisations and the broad community to respond to their views in a meaningful and practical way.
Listening and taking action This report reflects the voices of over 1,200 Aboriginal children and young people from across Western Australia. It is a picture that provides both hope – in terms of hearing the voices of many inspiring young people who have strong aspirations and are ready to make enormous contributions to their community – and deep concern over the significant and ongoing challenges some face. Much of what they have told us is congruent with what we hear from Aboriginal parents, families and elders, and what a growing body of evidence is important for the wellbeing of children and young people. That is: the importance of strong families and communities which provide a sense of belonging and wellbeing the importance of culture and its contribution to a strong sense of self and wellbeing the value placed by young people on education and their aspirations for the future, and the importance of support from family and friends to help achieve at school the importance of access to a broad range of recreational activities which support positive emotional and social skill development, community engagement and physical and mental health and wellbeing racial harmony and a broad community respect for Aboriginal culture. voices also provide insight into the challenges faced by some children and young people who are impacted by issues such as exposure to crime, violence, abuse, disadvantage, inadequate housing and alcohol and drugs, and the consequences of this for family and community functioning. Many shared their concerns about the future and a lack of local opportunities to get a job, their experiences of racism, and their hopes for stronger, community-wide reconciliation. An enormous amount of work and research has been undertaken, even more so in recent years, to determine how to strengthen the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities. Despite this, it continues to be of concern that across so many indicators such little progress has occurred. This report adds to that body of research the voices of Aboriginal children and young people themselves, so that current strategies, programs and services can be positively influenced by their views and insight. The purpose of undertaking these consultations with Aboriginal children and young people is aligned with the key principles of the Act which prescribes the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA – to bring children and young people’s voices to prominence and provide opportunities for the organisations and the broad community to respond to their views in a meaningful and practical way.
report-atsi-listen-to-us-august.docx