ASKING THE QUESTION: ARE YOU (OR IS THE PERSON) OF ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ORIGIN? TRAINING RESOURCE FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS

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Joseph Barrett
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1 ASKING THE QUESTION: ARE YOU (OR IS THE PERSON) OF ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ORIGIN? TRAINING RESOURCE FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS TRAINER S GUIDE Training Materials required: Internet access for showing video s A copy of Asking the Question training resource for each participant PowerPoint presentation and PP notes pages for each participant Copies of the Apology to Stolen Generations (full transcript) for each participant Projector Lap top USB with presentation

2 5 Mins WELCOME AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting, and pay respects to their elders past and present. WELCOME ALL TO TRAINING ON ASKING THE QUESTION This training has been developed by INW PCP to assist agencies to improve their data collection practices regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users This training is for health and community services that come into contact with members of the public or provide direct health care services The project was developed after surveys of health service providers were conducted across the Inner North West metropolitan region the surveys revealed that many health services did not have reliable data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander service users. From consultations they discovered that many frontline staff (70%) had not been trained regarding the purpose of asking the question, and 50% did not feel comfortable asking the question or responding to queries about why they were asking the question This training aims to build the awareness, understanding and confidence of front line workers when asking the question: Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent? The training today will also assist you to understand the sensitivities around asking the question from a clients perspective and provide you with the tools to respond respectfully and appropriately. PP 1 Overview of today s training Review PowerPoint 2 PP2 Activity One Establishing concerns Each participant to be given a sticky note and asked to write down a concern that they may have about Asking the Question. Trainer to collate responses on the white board Responses are de-identified Trainer to collate responses on the white board and group into broad themes. Sticky notes Whiteboard INWPCP TM_MARCH 2015 Page 2 of 5

3 Why is Asking the Question important? Asking the question is a Victorian health policy requirement helping to Close the Health Gap for Aboriginal people Research has shown that the most accurate way to measure the health gap is to have each person disclose their cultural origin It is your responsibility as a health worker to ensure that everyone is receiving an appropriate service. PP 3-4 About identity and origin Review Slides 5 7 PP 5-8 DVD Victorian Aboriginal Population a snap shot Victorian Aboriginal Population: A Snap shot (play video) PP 9 Internet Access Activity Two How to Ask the Question Distribute copies of the Apology to Stolen Generations (full transcript) to participants and reflect on the following two questions: 1. In what ways to you think the living memory of Stolen Generations policies would impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait people s access and use of health services today? 2. How would the living memory of Stolen Generation policies impact on being asked to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin? Group Discussion Must be recorded in the case notes Best practice is that it is included in the intake forms with tick boxes for the answers Must be followed up by the intake worker at the time of intake if not responded to by the service user Full transcript apology to the stolen generations Pp INWPCP TM_MARCH 2015 Page 3 of 5

4 Activity Three: Asking the Question training video and role play 20 mins Note that there is nothing discriminatory about asking the question on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin it is the same as asking a person about the age, sex or country of birth However, given the historical information covered during the activities there is a need to be sensitive to the understanding that for some individuals who have been affected by family dislocation and separation, disclosing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin is difficult, particularly if there is not an established trust in the relationship It is important to ask the question exactly as worded Respond to issues of concern with factual information Reassure that this information is required to ensure that they have the right health care, will be handled in confidence, and that their privacy will be respected One reason provided for not asking the question is a perception that it doesn t matter because there are not many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in our community However, it is precisely because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a minority, that health and community workers need to be diligent in making sure they receive the services they need to Close the Gap. Play Asking the Question training video: Following the video: It is your responsibility as a health worker to ensure that you can respond to any concerns raised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or other clients of the service following asking the question. Take 5 minutes to read the pages of the training resource. Participants to discuss which responses they feel most comfortable using. PP Training Resource INWPCP TM_MARCH 2015 Page 4 of 5

5 Activity Four: Asking the Question quiz Best practice for organizations Activity Asking the question quiz ask participants to complete quiz in 5 minutes. As a group run through questions and answers. Whether you are a front line reception worker or a health practitioner, it is your responsibility to: Understand your organisations policy and procedures for Asking the Question Record the answer on clients records and agency data Ensure all practitioners are made aware of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin of all clients Contribute to making your organisation a culturally safe and welcoming place to attend. As a group discuss: 1. What are our specific policies and procedures in place related to asking the question? 2. Who is responsible within the organisation for implementing these procedures? 3. What are the procedures and findings for reviewing client s information records? PP PP PP 19 Closing 5 mins Record any suggestions for improving policies and procedures. Closing refer back to concerns raised by participants at the start of the session. Identify with participants whether these concerns have been addressed by the training. PP 20 Total time: 90 mins INWPCP TM_MARCH 2015 Page 5 of 5

ASKING THE QUESTION: ARE YOU (OR IS THE PERSON) OF ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ORIGIN?

ASKING THE QUESTION: ARE YOU (OR IS THE PERSON) OF ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ORIGIN? training resource Inner North West Primary Care Partnership acknowledges the support of the Victorian