CHCHDIV002 ATSI

[gillharbans]

1. Prepare a report that summarises cultural aspects of building a workplace relationship with Indigenous Australian people. Your report should address the following headings and cover underpinning points listed.
Mutual respect and diversity – describe the key aspects of building workplace relationships and provide an example of when and how this has been demonstrated in your service.
Critical issues – discuss at least three critical issues that impact Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and include an example for each.
Strategies for maintaining effective workplace relationships – provide four aspects that should be implemented in the workplace to foster effective relationships.
My answer is as follows
( a )
Mutual respect and diversity is an important factor in a relationship or partnership, especially in the workforce. Any effort made towards mutual understanding, respect and trust lays the foundation for a culturally safe workplace. Mutual respect allows families and educators to establish common ground. By contrast, fear, stereotyping and a lack of understanding contribute to environments where there is a real possibility of discrimination and bias.

In the service educators encourage a positive environment by inviting diversity into the service for example learning environments are welcoming spaces for children and families to reflect and enrich the lives and identities of others participating in the setting and being able to respond to their interests and needs. Encourage children and families for different learning capacities and learning styles and are able to invite children and families to contribute ideas, interests and questions.

( b )
Critical issues related that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander include race, land, cultural traditions, health and welfare influence workplace and professional relationships. Some of the specific issues include dispossession, violence, power, decision-making, community development, social justice, education, the law, employment, housing and homelessness. Critical issues are such as:

Cross-cultural issue:-
From many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, cultural practices related to land, tradition and other cultural differences can significantly affect relationships with non-Indigenous co-workers and individuals. For example many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people have a negative view of their interactions with government and private health, education, welfare and community services agencies because these agencies are part of non-Indigenous Australian systems.

Food and nutrition:-
Since colonisation, healthy Indigenous Australian ‘bush tucker’ has mostly been replaced by high fat, low fibre, high salt and high sugar foods of low nutritional value. As a result, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are disproportionately common among Indigenous Australian communities. Education, training and targeted promotion about diet and health are important factors in addressing health, food and nutrition issues

Health and education:-
Indigenous Australian people’s health problems are characterised by high incidences of alcohol and substance abuse, poor diet and nutrition leading to obesity and diabetes, sexually transmitted disease and mental illness. A contributing factor to physical and mental illnesses experienced by Indigenous Australian people is a lack of knowledge about proper diet and nutrition and the effect of drugs, alcohol and other substance abuse. Government programs provide health and health services promotion activities among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

( c )
we can use following strategies to develop effective workplace relationships:-

1. Welcoming Diversity –
All the educators with good relationships not only accept diverse people and opinions, but they welcome them. For example, when someone offer different opinions from yours, you take the time to consider what they have to say, and factor their insights into your decision-making.
2. Open Communication: –
We communicate all day, The better and more effectively you communicate with those around you, the richer your relationships will be. All good relationships depend on open, honest communication.
3. Trust: –
Trust is the foundation of every good relationship. When you trust your team it forms a powerful bond that helps you work and communicate more effectively. 
4. Mutual Respect: –
When you respect the people that you work with, you value their input and ideas, and they value yours. Working together, you can develop solutions based on your collective insight, wisdom and creativity.

Question 2

Case study
There is a high incidence of otitis media (also known as middle ear infection) among the children in your service. The service director is considering engaging a health professional to visit the service fortnightly to check the children. It is important to include the parents in this decision before contacting the health worker.

Task
Create an information poster or fact sheet that can be distributed to parents, inviting them to participate in the decision-making process. Ensure is it culturally appropriate and uses clear language.
The following six points should be addressed in your poster or fact sheet:
You invite their participation.
You invite their feedback.
The proposed service will be free.
A family member may be present when the child is checked.
The health check is not compulsory.
The health check is painless.

Access the Care for Kids’ Ears website for more information on otitis media: http://www.careforkidsears.health.gov.au.