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RC hearing considers First Nations child removal and intervention
24/11/2020
'Ann', a First Nations mother with schizophrenia described having to look after her alcoholic grandmother from an early age and later, losing custody of her child during episodes of psychosis. Ann spoke about the support she received from the Cultural Healing Program, including to access the NDIS. She wasnât aware of her rights or the supports available to her before Cultural Healing made contact.
Christine May, an Aboriginal Mental Health worker within the Cultural Healing program, spoke to the importance of developing trust with clients. She said for people who have been dispossessed in the past, a lack of identity and connection can impact on their mental wellbeing. Both witnesses suggested Cultural Healing should be available to all First Nations people.