Healing program-Adelaide

An Aboriginal family and community healing program in metropolitan Adelaide: description and evaluation

See article in Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin by Kowanko I, Stewart T, Power C, Fraser R, Love I, Bromley T (2009)Retrieved 16.11.09 from http://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/an-aboriginal-family-and-community-healing-program-in-metropolitan-adelaide-description-and-evaluation/

This paper is an evaluation of an Aboriginal Family and Community Healing (AFCH) Program based in Adelaide, South Australia, that focuses on activities for Aboriginal men, women and youth. The program is built around community engagement and hosted by the regional primary health care Aboriginal outreach service. The AFCH Program was designed to develop effective responses to family violence that took into account the complexities within Aboriginal families and communities.

The evaluation identified strengths of the program including: evidence-based design, holistic approach, clinical focus, committed staff, intersectoral linkages, peer support, mentoring, Aboriginal cultural focus, strategic partnerships and creative use of resources. Clients and workers were unanimous in their enthusiastic support for the program; their stories highlight beneficial impacts on Aboriginal clients, families and community. Other services may be able to adapt strategies from this AFCH to address the needs of their Aboriginal communities.


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