Looking Forward - Moving Forward: Transforming systems to improve mental health and drug and alcohol outcomes for Aboriginal peoples

Despite the clear need for support, Aboriginal people do not access mental health and drug and alcohol services at a level that corresponds with their need. Community concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of mainstream mental health services to respond appropriately to the needs of Aboriginal people. Through a process of co-design with Aboriginal Elders and service provision partners, this project will implement and evaluate the ‘Minditj Kaart-Moorditj Kaart’ Framework, a culturally secure systems change framework to alter the way in which these services work for and with Aboriginal people. The systems change framework is the result of extensive formative research into what is required for culturally responsive and accessible mental health and drug and alcohol service provision. The evaluation will measure the implementation of the framework and assess its impact on: a) the relationships between Aboriginal clients and their families, and mental health and drug and alcohol service providers, and b) health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people. This project represents direct translation of research into policy, practice and service delivery and continues established partnerships between researchers, Aboriginal Elders, six service providers, three peak bodies and the Western Australian Mental Health Commission. It will generate new evidence on ways to engage with Aboriginal people, a high-risk and marginalised group, and ensure the mental health and drug and alcohol sector responds in culturally competent ways to meet the needs of Aboriginal clients and their families.