Carers require support from caseworkers to address the unique needs of migrant and refugee children and young people. While this is important for all carers, it is particularly crucial for those caring for children from different cultural backgrounds. Caseworkers can help carers meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children and young people by:
- collaborating with carers to develop practical strategies for supporting cultural maintenance and addressing discrimination, prejudice, and racism
- assisting carers in recognising positive attitudes, preconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices
- collaborating with carers to develop practical strategies for supporting cultural maintenance and addressing discrimination, prejudice, and racism
- discussing carers' attitudes towards the child’s cultural background and community
- providing information about the child's culture, religion, language, and community in Australia
- sharing contact details of relevant cultural, religious, and linguistic services and networks in the local area.
Key attributes of culturally responsive carers:
It is anticipated that carers’ abilities in the following key areas will contribute towards better outcomes for CALD children and young people in their care. Carers are encouraged to discuss these attributes with their caseworker.
Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness involves examining and understanding the role that race, ethnicity, and culture play in shaping your attitudes, beliefs, and practices as a carer. This includes being aware of your attitudes, beliefs, and interactions with members of culturally diverse communities, particularly concerning the cultural background of the child or young person in your care.
Responding positively to Prejudice and Discrimination
Both you and the children and young people in your care may encounter discrimination, prejudice, and racism. As a carer, you should understand the impact of these experiences on the child or young person and help them develop positive strategies for coping. This can be particularly challenging if you are non-CALD and have had limited personal experience with discrimination, prejudice, or racism. It is important not to minimize or dismiss the child or young person's experiences.
Multicultural Strategies
As a carer, you should identify and implement appropriate strategies to help CALD children and young people maintain or develop their cultural, linguistic, or religious ties. This includes being informed about CALD-related services, supports and networks that meet the needs of the child or young person
Additional resources
For more information on raising cultural and linguistically diverse children and young people, the following resources may assist carers.
DCP multicultural services face sheet
This fact sheet provides advice to carers to about forming a cultural understanding, and helping their CALD child or young person maintain connections to their culture and respond to racism.
Culturally Sensitive Practice in Out of Home Care guide
This is a guide to support CALD children and young people in out of home care. It provides evidence-based advice and resources to support culturally sensitive practice for family-based carers and staff working with CALD children and young people.
Practical guide to providing services to Muslim people
This practical guide written by the Muslim Women’s Association and STTARS aims to increase understanding and address common issues for those who work with and care for Muslim people.
List of government and community organisations
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has a list of state government, Commonwealth and key community service organisations with responsibilities for multicultural affairs and services which support our diverse communities
List of government and community organisations on DPC website
Community organisations
AMES Australia provides settlement services to newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants.
The Australian Migrant Resource Centre specialises in migrant settlement and community capacity building. They provide a parenting and family support program and crèche services in metropolitan and regional South Australia.
The Australian Refugee Association supports newly arrived communities and individuals to participate in Australian life. Their youth support services include a drop-in youth hangout, homework club, art workshops and learners permit preparation course.
The Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia supports and advocates for all people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Their activities include a Carer retreat program, youth engagement groups, multicultural playgroups, and parent, grandparent and carer educational sessions.
Multicultural Youth SA provides a range of services and support programs for multicultural young people living in South Australia.
For latest updates, refer to the Multicultural Youth SA Facebook page.
PEACE (Personal Education And Community Empowerment) is a service of Relationships Australia SA and works with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, regardless of their visa status. PEACE provides services that help individuals, families and communities to overcome barriers and achieve happy and healthy relationships.
STTARS provides counselling and support services for people of all ages who have experienced persecution, war, violence or human rights violations before to coming to Australia or are having difficulties as a result.
Welcoming Australia runs the Welcoming Centre in suburban Adelaide which has support services and community events for people from diverse backgrounds. It also coordinates the Welcoming Futures Leadership program which fosters leadership skills in young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.