In 1995, the then Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission ( HREOC ) launched a national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families. In April 1997, HREOC launched Bringing Them Home- Report of National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families which recommended the implementation of the Bringing Them Home Program of counselors throughout Australia.
Currently, there are over one hundred (100) Bringing Them Home (BTH) Counselor positions. There are approximately nineteen (19) BTH positions throughout Queensland. There are also three (3) Regional Centres within Queensland, and are located in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns. The Regional Centres provide support, debriefing and training for BTH Counselors and a range of other mental health related professionals.
The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) as the peak body of Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Services (AICCHS), undertake a coordination and policy role to provide assistance to the Bringing Them Home (BTH) Counselors and assist in the establishment and implementation of appropriate processes for the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of both social and emotional problems and some mental disorders than other Australians. While a range of healing responses can be provided, responding to emotional and social wellbeing problems and mental ill health is the core business of the health sector, including both primary care and mental health services. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience reduced access to community based mental health care, particularly care that is sensitive to their specific needs. (1)
The role of the BTH SEWB Policy Officer Position within QAIHC is to therefore facilitate training, networking and implement strategic and policy direction among BTH Counselors to assist these roles.
(1) Social and Emotional Well Being Framework. A National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well Being 2004-2009. Australian Government. Department of Health and Ageing.