Social work practice and indigenous Australians

Linda Briskman, Terri Libesman

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

![CDATA[The Indigenous peoples of Australia are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Although the term Indigenous is mainly used in this chapter in accordance with current practice, the focus is on Aboriginal communities for it is they who have been particularly subjected to the laws and policies that are here described. Laws pertaining to Indigenous peoples, and ensuing policies and practices, are among the most pressing concerns in contemporary Australian society. Past and present laws have set the foundations for the systemic and institutionalised inequalities experienced by Indigenous Australians. Contemporary laws which social workers and others are charged with implementing, for example in juvenile justice and child welfare, purport to be non-discriminatory but frequently perpetuate injustices and breach the human rights of Indigenous peoples. This can create confusion and tension for social workers who are working within the confines of these legal parameters. These laws have a cumulative and pervasive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Drawing on the example of 'the stolen generations' and the criminal justice system, this chapter takes a holistic view in presenting understanding of Aboriginal disadvantage, particularly in child welfare and corrections, and explaining how legal and policy provisions have contributed to this and have failed to provide effective solutions. Even though the laws vary in each jurisdiction, the outcomes are similar, and the chapter reflects upon the continuing inability of lawmakers to design legislation that takes into account Indigenous aspirations. Regrettably, Indigenous peoples remain grossly over-represented in youth and adult correctional structures, and the same young people and their families may be enmeshed in both the child protection and juvenile justice systems (See also the discussion in Chapters 13 and 20). Many attempts at addressing the over-representation in welfare and correctional systems continue to be generally mere adaptations of western models, rather than constituting a robust legislative and system revamp that is culturally appropriate and does not rely on western legal, policy and practice models.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIn the Shadow of the Law
EditorsPhillip Swain, Simon Rice
Place of PublicationLeichhardt, N.S.W.
PublisherFederation Press
Pages3-19
Number of pages17
Edition3rd
ISBN (Print)9781862877184
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • social workers
  • Aboriginal Australians
  • juvenile justice
  • administration of
  • child welfare
  • human rights advocacy

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