http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5638 2013-05-24T11:31:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5708 Title: Aboriginal health workers: Role, recognition, racism and horizontal violence in the workplace Authors: Winsor-Dahlstrom, Josephine Abstract: The aim of this project is to explore the role of the Aboriginal Health Worker, their recognition as a legitimate profession and the current racism most will face in the current New South Wales Health System. The position of the Aboriginal Health Worker was introduced to improve the consultation process with Aboriginal people about their health. It was also introduced to address their specific cultural needs around health. Anecdotal reports from the field by various Aboriginal Health Workers show that these objectives have, in large, not been met. A preliminary review into the literature was conducted which includes important discussions and studies into the history and development of the Aboriginal Health Worker role. This review is not placed in a single chapter, but is strategically placed throughout the thesis to demonstrate the impact of this development and history upon the different issues of role, recognition, racism and horizontal violence. This project uses a qualitative approach using a descriptive study design. A sample of five selected participants of who were all ex-Aboriginal Health Workers joined the research project. The qualitative method of theme extraction was employed for data analysis which led to the emergence of themes which were grouped and compared to each other. The findings were contrasted with relevant literature in the field to fully understand the phenomenon under study and explore why objectives regarding Aboriginal Health Workers continue not to be met, despite Health Service Management rhetoric. The five ex-Aboriginal Health Workers were interviewed, in-depth, to provide information on the recognition, role and racism difficulties they faced at work. They were selected from five different Area Health Services so that the sample remains relatively heterogeneous. This ensures a record experiences from as wide a variety of work environments as possible in the sample. The interviews reveal a deep sense of shame and hurt experienced by the Aboriginal Health Workers caused by both their communities and their employers. The paper presents the story of the despair experienced by those interviewed and shows examples of promised recommendations to facilitate the future recognition and contribution of the Aboriginal Health Worker. Limitations of the methodology and implications for further study are also discussed. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5707 Title: Indigenous Australia in media: A portrait of health Authors: Williams, Llewellyn Joy Abstract: The television media is a powerful tool in forming and influencing the general public on various issues and opinions. It has the potential to change and create a positive or negative effect on the peoples view of the world and the environment they live in. When positively viewed media can create an environment conducive to change. However, negative views will have the far reached outcomes unprecedented in many cases and time. The negative view can be a problem when the media, in particular television starts to create a negative portrayal of a particular group. The purpose of this Thesis is to investigate whether television reporting of Indigenous issues and peoples have an effect on their quality of life and in particular health. The methodology used in this Thesis is of a qualitative nature, which consisted of a series of interviews and literature reviews. The findings indicate that media, and in particular television have a negative view of Indigenous issues and portray the Indigenous people negatively. Such negative portrayals have adverse effects on the quality of life, in particular health, of Indigenous people and their communities. It is recommended that necessary Code of Practice to be developed by the relevant government agencies in partnership with the Indigenous communities, to make sure that the programmes are free from misused information on disadvantaged groups and in particular Indigenous peoples. Furthermore an Affirmative Action for employment of the Indigenous workers in media will go a long way to improve the current portrayals of the Indigenous Australians. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5703 Title: Diabetes and its effect on the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians Authors: Mulheron, Tracy Abstract: It has been established that diabetes does have an effect and impacts greatly on the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians. A possible explanation is that Indigenous Australians generally have different needs, primarily because of the variation in culture differences. For this reason it is imperative that health officials have an understanding of these additional pre-disposing factors and the associated complications which have resulted as a part of the colonisation process. These factors including diet, nutrition, exercise, obesity and have influenced and resulted, in a change to the way of life for many Indigenous Australians, primarily from a traditional to modern diet. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5702 Title: Family violence in Indigenous communities: What is the impact of domestic violence on Indigenous families? Authors: Anders, Wendy Abstract: Domestic violence is recognized as the most entrenched and pervasive form of violence in society today. It is also one of the most serious social problems facing our communities, with enormous costs both to individuals and to society. Male Violence against female partners is a widespread practice and recognition of this fact is occurring. Women are most at risk of murder inside their own homes: most female homicide victims die at the hands of their male partner, usually after a history of domestic violence. The impact of the violence results in psychological and physical trauma for many families. Violence is generally seen as a manifestation of patriarchal values of male supremacy involving factors such as ownership, of property, power and control, female subordination, and the institution of marriage and the family. Male violence relates to gender inequity. Thus it is a political issue. It is not only women who are traumatized by the violence. Children do not only observe their parents' conflict, there is increasing evidence that the abuse of children is endemic in Australia. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5701 Title: 'It's just how you've been brought up!': An Aboriginal perspective on the relationship between the law, racism and mental health in N.S.W. Authors: Bolt, Reuben Abstract: Aboriginal people are by far more, over represented in the judicial system than any other group of people in Australia. This is a growing problem as incarceration rates are on the rise. This thesis has looked to institutional racism as an explanation for this gross over representation. This thesis has attempted to show the relationship between institutional racism and individual racism. Furthermore, this thesis has looked at values that are embedded in Western society. The value systems from this Western society have been compared to the values systems of Aboriginal society to show that these societies have different understandings and different perceptions. This research study has adopted a qualitative approach as a methodology and six in-depth interviews were used to gain original data of the participants' perceptions on Institutional racism and incarceration. The participants were all from the Nowra, Shoalhaven Aboriginal community. A thematic analysis was adopted to extract the themes from the interviews. The findings proved to be important, as all of the participants felt that they had been affected by Institutional racism as well as racism. The findings of the study complemented the findings in the literature. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5700 Title: Beyond reconciliation rhetoric: An exploration of perspectives on the reconciliation process Authors: Burgess, Melissa Abstract: This thesis is looking at the many perspectives that are held by members of our community on the topic of Reconciliation. Views on Reconciliation have been seen thus far in very different lights, some very positive and some not so positive. A better understanding of what Reconciliation means from both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal viewpoints, provides us with a greater knowledge and further understanding of the politics impacting upon Indigenous peoples lives on a daily basis. The thesis looks at the impacts of racism and its role in Reconciliation, it provides us with questions on ownership and motivations of those involved and forces us to look at ideologies to the likes of, One Nation and issues of identity that currently face Australians. The thesis looks at both the positive and negative perspectives on Reconciliation and explores alternatives such as 'treaty', looking at the benefits of such alternatives in comparison with the Reconciliation Process. The thesis looks at the questions of appropriateness of programs being implemented into Indigenous communities and encourages us to question not only the Reconciliation Process but also other strategies and that have been and are currently being implemented upon Indigenous communities that run on parallels to Reconciliation. Thus the thesis attempts to bring about a greater understanding on Reconciliation to the researcher personally, yet it is with the hope and intention that this research brings about clarity to others who are also working towards forming their own understanding of what the Reconciliation process means, in its ideologies, processes and outcomes. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5699 Title: Barriers to attending rehabilitation treatment centres: A case of the Gumbaynnggir Nation Authors: Craig, Reginald Abstract: Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centres, operated by mainstream community and government bodies or by Aboriginal groups, acknowledge that attendance by Aboriginal peoples has consistently been found to be low. This thesis is about examining what are the barriers and reasons for resistance by Gumbaynnggir people, to attendance at either non-Aboriginal mainstream or Aboriginal Rehabilitation Treatment Centres. Research was undertaken utilising a qualitative approach, incorporating content analysis of literature, and six in-depth interviews with Aboriginal people, both men and women, from the Gumbaynnggir Nation of Aboriginal peoples. (The selected region is also defined as Mid North Coast Health Service Northern Sector New South Wales). Interview data was analysed from both the content and narrative approaches. The criteria for interview participant selection specifically focused on Aboriginal participants who are currently experiencing or may have experienced alcohol and other drug problems. Consent for interview was gained not only from the University of Sydney Ethics Committee, but also from Elders of Gumbaynnggir Nation of Aboriginal Peoples. The research undertaken in this Thesis shows that several factors directly affect a persons decision as to whether they do participate in rehabilitation, programs, and the extent of their participation. The findings from both the Literature Review and the Interview transcripts have been represented together and detail a large range of identified barriers to attending treatment programs. The main findings related to issues of transport, cost of service, location, presence of non-Aboriginal staff, gender, family needs, cultural needs, cultural clash, and the need for community and family Elders to be involved in counseling and support. This research shows that service providers in the area of drug and alcohol rehabilitation need to take into consideration the identified needs of the community. Recommendations for future research and program needs are detailed. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5698 Title: Nyoongar families in Western Australia: Changes of identity and values and its impact on identity Authors: Davis, Cheryl Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5697 Title: The development of a culturally sensitive questionnaire related to alcohol and other drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women Authors: Dowd, Paige Abstract: This Thesis is Phase 1 of a larger study addressing the use and misuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs (A&OD) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women particularly during pregnancy. It notes that specific statistics relating to this target group are not readily accessible owing to the under identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through the information-gathering methods which have been in use for a number of years. The study reviews the literature on A&OD and its effects in general and notes that there is a need for literature specifically designed to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women about this issue. A historical overview explains colonisation stress and its social impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Participatory research is used as a means of involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in focus groups with the aim of developing a culturally sensitive questionnaire which could be implemented in Phase 2 of this study. The questionnaire developed aims to address under identification problems by making available a culturally sensitive tool, aimed specifically to cater for the target group, raising awareness, creating discussion and generally educating community members about the extent of this problem. This research is one possible stepping stone on the way to heightened awareness of the importance of community consultation as a means of cultural re-empowerment. In conclusion the research study was a positive process benefiting both the participants and the researcher. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5696 Title: Breast feeding in Australia: A comparative study of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal women Authors: Glase, Kathryn Abstract: The superiority of breast feeding over bottle feeding is universally acknowledged, and its crucial contribution to infant health is accepted by health authorities. Australia in recognition of the importance of breast feeding to infant health, aims to increase the prevalence of breast feeding. Breast feeding provides benefits for all children, however the health advantage that is gained by breast feeding in comparison to artificial feeding is more apparent among disadvantaged groups. Aboriginal Australians are identified as one such disadvantaged group. This study compares the available literature regarding the prevalence of breast feeding in Aboriginal and non Aboriginal women. It is apparent that breast feeding prevalence differs, between population groups within Australia. Aboriginal children are less likely to have been breast fed than non Aboriginal children. The comparison, indicates that there are deficiencies in the research regarding breast feeding prevalence in both population groups. Many factors affect a woman's decision to breast feed, and the duration of her breast feeding. These factors include, socioeconomic status, age, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and smoking status. These factors are clearly associated with breast feeding in non Aboriginal women. For Aboriginal women, the factors influencing breast feeding are more complex. It is recommended therefore, that it is essential for future research to examine the attitudinal and socialdeterminants of infant feeding practices in Aboriginal women. This is necessary, if educational or interventional strategies are to be effective for this population. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5695 Title: Sexual health for New South Wales Aboriginal people: A literature review Authors: Haining, Anna Abstract: During the past 16 years I have worked in the area of needle and syringe programs 'harm minimisation' and sexual health strategies, targeting different populations of injecting drug users in the Canterbury and Redfern area. My expertise in the field was delivering safe sex education and safe using practices to people who were at risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infections due to their using or sexual choices. Because of the nature of their using, it was not appropriate to provide extensive safe sex and safe using education, as contact with clients was usually less than 5 minutes. In this situation, each worker had to develop short and precise safe sex messages to this population while they were virtually walking out the door. Sexual health for me is such an important part of peoples' lives no matter who they are or what they do, but, there is also a down side in this area of health as many individuals have, in the past experienced many barriers and stigmatization that has influenced them in accessing sexual health services. These barriers and stigmatization from health professionals include inappropriate comments and cultural ignorance towards Aboriginal people. During the first year of my employment as a sexual health worker, women from the local communities contacted me to discuss their concerns about the limited education that families have on sexual health. The women expressed the need and importance of having Aboriginal men and women's sexual health clinics in the area that would provide clinical, education and support to community, as there was a growing concern of young girls falling pregnant and dropping out of school. In addition, the women spoke about their past (usually, not very good) experiences in attending health clinics, and identified what they saw as the main barriers which disabled them from attending sexual health clinics. These were: lack of transport to Sexual Health Services; little cultural acceptance of Sexual Health Services; Aboriginal Workers in the service; lack of availability of culturally appropriate resources, such as men and women's business being separated; and the community's lack of awareness of sexually transmitted infections. Three important themes emerged from these talks: the need for indigenous Sexual Health clinics, male and female, in a Primary Health setting that take into account the diversity of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander's culture and protocols; the need for an increase of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Primary Health Care settings; and Holistic Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Central Sydney Area Sexual Health Service has now taken positive steps towards establishing culturally effective and efficient sexual health clinics for Aboriginal men and women. Funding has been approved and these clinics will commence in 2004. Thus, the choice of this topic for my literature review is a timely one. Undertaking this literature review will provide information that identifies the scope of Aboriginal sexual health issues and, in a broader sense, identifies those issues of main concern - all of which may help inform the establishment of culturally appropriate sexual health programs/projects in CSAHS. Identifying key concerns and recommendations that relate to Aboriginal sexual health will provide an appropriate framework for the formulation of a set of principles that may guide the sexual health planning, development and implementation of sexual health projects/programs in the Central Sydney Area Health Service. in addition, Central Sydney Sexual Health Services in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Service, Redfern are currently developing an Aboriginal Sexual Health Strategy for future men and women's sexual health clinics in this area. In summary, this chapter provides an overview of the future direction of the Central Sydney Area Sexual Health Services and how the findings of this thesis will help to provide a more supportive pathway to the establishing of Aboriginal men and women's sexual health clinics in the local communities. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5694 Title: Reconciliation: Resolution or rhetoric? Authors: Hanna, Penelope Abstract: This research study explores and presents the different perspectives of the Australian reconciliation movement. It is to ascertain how the ideals proposed by the reconciliation process might have impact upon the health of Indigenous Australians. Specifically, this study asks: 1. What are the different perspectives on Reconciliation? 2. Can the different ideals proposed by the various advocates of the reconciliation movement have an impact upon the health of Indigenous Australians? The study argues that the Reconciliation Movement has failed to deliver the expected outcome. The establishment of the Reconciliation Movement has failed to deliver the expected social, economic and health gains for Indigenous Australians, and in fact these are strong evidence to suggest that the reconciliation movement itself has become a divisive tool. The many divergent perspectives on the goals and outcomes of the reconciliation movement are believed to be the primary source of such division. The consequences of such divisiveness have left its impact on the Indigenous Australian and non-Indigenous Australian health professionals working with and among the Indigenous Australian population. The methodology undertaken to investigate the different perspectives on reconciliation was an extensive literature search and the use of content analysis, which utilised sources such as journal articles, general texts, Ovid search, television documentaries and government publications. The main findings of this paper were the acknowledgement that the transfer of land to Indigenous Australians is fundamental to the reconciliation process. The current Australian government's goal of reconciliation on the other hand does not provide social justice and equity for Indigenous Australians, both prerequisites to any lasting reconciliation outcome. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5693 Title: Resistance: A process of survival for Balardong people Authors: Kickett, Tracey Abstract: In writing this historical research, it is written from the perspective of a Balardong person. This in itself demonstrates that Balardong culture has been preserved. The historical chapters provide an insight into Balardong lived experience, changes to lifestyle and adaptations made. Whilst Balardong people have made many adaptations and changes to lifestyles, their culture and identity has been maintained. More importantly there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way in interpreting what is meant by culture and identity. As this is ultimately the responsibility of Balardong individuals. Balardong people are diverse in their views and behaviours. But nonetheless they are still Balardong. History shows that Balardong people have within the holistic cultural framework adapted to changes over the past two centuries. However, they have not lost sight of their cultural heritage. Whilst colonisation processes eroded some of the aspects of culture the remaining fragments have been reserved for future generations. At the same time cultural history despite losses have been remembered. This process is part of the sustaining and maintaining of Balardong culture and its heritage. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5692 Title: A study of the relationship between Aboriginal living conditions and health Authors: MacLachlan, Tara Abstract: "In a real sense, all life is interrelated. All persons are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever effects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." - Martin Luther King. The impact of poor housing on the health of Aboriginal people in particular and the relationship between health and housing in general is the subject of this paper. It is predominantly a review of literature that investigates these issues, providing results from research that implicate various aspects of the living environment to physical and mental health, documenting historic and prehistoric evidence of Aboriginal housing and lifestyles, and contrasting these with the post invasion situation, and noting specific reference to Aboriginal housing and its impact on health. A background narrative provides a personal account of work in Aboriginal communities in NSW over the duration of several healthhousing projects. The paper relates some of the changes in the housing and lifestyles of Aboriginal people in Australia since the arrival of European settlers. It also describes the changes in Aboriginal health status. The greed for land and resources and the racist and ethnocentric attitudes of the new arrivals is attributed with ensuring these changes were predominantly detrimental for Aboriginal people. Government policies informing housing and associated infrastructure provision often reflected and supported these attitudes. Poor quality, inappropriate or insufficient housing is considered to have largely been characteristic of the housing provision to Aboriginal people. The complexity of the issues precludes the advancement of any clear and general solution to address the current Aboriginal housing and health situation. However, an argument for community consultation, participation and empowerment, a consideration of the multi-causal factors in disease and the need to integrate service delivery mechanisms to enable a multi-disciplinary approach is advanced together with a consideration for the past and an appreciation for our shared human responsibility to uphold the rights of all people, including the right to a safe and healthy living environment. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5691 Title: Yengarrahween Narrloo: Developing an Aboriginal dispute resolution program for NSW Authors: Marshall, Chrissiejoy Abstract: Dispute Resolution has become an integral part of the legal system in Australia. However, disputes in Aboriginal communities regularly remain unresolved and often intensify to violence and injury. The literature review discusses the existing literature, reports and reviews on Aboriginal Dispute Resolution issues including Aboriginal perspectives and the effects of colonisation. It shows that Australian history has been based on racism and ethnocentrism and the impact of this on contemporary issues for Aboriginal people. It defines 'western' Dispute Resolution philosophy, the impracticality and inappropriateness of utilising 'western' Dispute Resolution programs for Aboriginal people without specific adaptation and modifications. The effects of language, specifically Standard English versus Aboriginal English, legalistic language and the consequences on communications for Aboriginal people. This research, is a qualitative study examining the outcomes and satisfaction levels of Aboriginal people who have experienced the Dispute Resolution process designed for Aboriginal people in WA and Qld. The rhetoric and realities of these programs are also debated. In examining these' two existing Aboriginal Dispute Resolution Programs and incorporating Unstructured Key Informant Interviews and Client Feedback Assessments of a narrative style, underpinned by Critical Social Theory, this research attempts to answer the question of whether such programs are useful in Aboriginal Dispute Resolution. In doing this, the thesis presents the reasons of "Why is there a necessity for a distinct and separate Dispute Resolution Program for NSW Aboriginal Communities?" Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 1999-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5690 Title: Aboriginal fathers / fathers' roles: Are they recognised in Australia's contemporary society? Authors: Maslen, Phil Abstract: This thesis is focused on fathers, in particular Indigenous fathers, in general with a view to establishing what literature currently identifies and recognises the role fathers play in Australian society today. This project will mainly be a literature review of this research. This literature review provides a comprehensive and credible body of evidence into the status of current Aboriginal fathers' roles and an overview of what it means to be and perform as a father. The review contrasts and compares past and present ideologies of fatherhood. After the presentation of this literature, the discussion will summarize the literature findings. This discussion will clarify the current state of Indigenous fatherhood, how their roles are perceived socially and what benefits fatherhood brings to the wellbeing of the family and society as a whole. It also provides some possible holistic solutions to current social dilemmas facing fathers so that they can be the best fathers they desire to be. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5689 Title: Sexual abuse of female Aboriginal children: How do we approach the issue? How do we heal the damage caused by abuse? Authors: Salvatori, Olwyn Abstract: This thesis investigates theoretical bases and the therapeutic processes in healing Aboriginal child sexual abuse. Through a content analysis of the cross-cultural literature, key concepts are developed from which theoretical constructs are developed to answer research questions related to sexual abuse and the therapeutic healing process necessary to overcome it. Causes, indicators and outcomes of sexual abuse, are reviewed. Abusive situations in which Aboriginal children and adolescents are placed, are considered in the context of the psychological, social, and cultural dysfunction caused by culture contact and conflict over the past 200 years. Concepts such as dispossession, protectionism, assimilation, cultural pluralism and separate development are reviewed in setting the context for sexual abuse within dysfunctional families. Therapies in the context of Indigenous and Aboriginal societies and healing processes relevant to Aboriginal sexual abuse victims are explored and further research reviewed. Key concepts, propositional statements and theoretical constructs are developed and a therapeutic model is presented as a basis for health workers to address the causes of child sexual abuse within the Aboriginal social and cultural context. Code words include sexual and transgenerational abuse; Aboriginal art and creative arts therapy; therapeutic processes; cultural conflict; and Christianity. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5688 Title: Towards a culturally relevant model for assisted accommodation services for homeless young Aboriginal women: A case for actualising one's potential or the continuing process of subjugation of peoples colonised? Authors: Salvatori, Betty Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the needs of homeless young Aboriginal women and develop a culturally appropriate, therapeutic, service delivery model. This model could assist in the natural development of these girls as they journey through the rites of passage into womanhood if implemented in a nurturing, culturally sensitive and relevant environment. A qualitative content analysis methodological approach was used to examine major issues, identify key concepts and analyse these concepts in order to develop deductively, propositions from which organising constructs could be derived and a model developed. This model could then be tested inductively and in a quantitative way that allows best practices to be determined, in future research. The research indicated that although the majority of Supported Assisted Accommodation Program (SAAP) clients represent Aboriginal people, many Aboriginal people do not access the services for a host of reasons. These reasons include mistrust of welfare workers; a fear of abusive 'ardent lesbianism' in the running of the services; fear of racism; and cultural inappropriateness. In conclusion the research shows that a therapeutic model can be developed, which gives lowana the opportunity to learn to know, love and accept themselves; to be proud of their Aboriginality; to express their sensuality and sexuality in a confident, positive manner; and enhance integrity along with identity. The structure and process outlined in the model would be implemented in a culturally sensitive environment whereby the women would learn both Western and Aboriginal cultural applications where appropriate. Description: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this material may contain references to or images of people who have died. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z