Culturally safe practice in residential out-of-home care
A critical examination of its implementation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10895486 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stevie Wright (0009-0003-3094-7844, University of Canberra, corresponding author), Christine Morley (0000-0002-5141-3804, Queensland University of Technology), Jennie Briese (0000-0002-7196-7601, Queensland University of Technology) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 1286-1307 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-07 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjsw/bcaf283 |
| OpenAlex | W7119074315 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
This article critically examines cultural safety practices within a Residential Out-of-Home Care (ROHC) service in Queensland, Australia. Given the persistent overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Child Protection system, cultural safety is not merely a professional obligation but a fundamental requirement of ethical and meaningful practice. Employing Critical Thematic Analysis (CTA) within a critical postmodern theoretical framework, this research, led by an Aboriginal academic, explores the question: How is cultural safety currently enacted in practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Residential Out-of-Home Care? Using data from focus groups with youth workers in Residential Out-of-Home Care (ROHC) in a Non-Government Organization (NGO), the study identifies substantial gaps between practitioners’ awareness and commitment to cultural safety and its practical application within individual, organizational and systemic practices. Systemic barriers, entrenched biases, and an inadequate understanding of cultural safety principles were found to limit the capacity of ROHC workers to meet the cultural and, by extension, socioemotional needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The article concludes with recommendations that support respect for the wellbeing and cultural identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Aotearoa · Child protection · Cultural diversity · Cultural safety · Focus group · Indigenous · Obligation · Service (business) · Thematic analysis · Child Abuse and Trauma · Child Welfare and Adoption · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
Neoliberal Indigenous Policy
Developing a Method of Critical Thematic Analysis for Qualitative Communication Inquiry
Why cultural safety rather than cultural competency is required to achieve health equity
Settler-colonial geographical ignorance in Canadian education
Because its power remains naturalized
Integrating museum studies into translation studies
Engaging the White Possessive
Indigenous Children and Young People in Residential Care
Dadirri
Child protection and out of home care
Australian Sovereignty, Indigenous Standpoint Theory and Feminist Standpoint Theory
Can a Paradigm Shift from Risk Management to Critical Reflection Improve Child-Inclusive Practice
Managers, Managerialism and Social Work with Children and Families
Decolonial research methodology
The legacy of racism and Indigenous Australian identity within education
Embedding Indigenous Knowledges and Cultural Safety in Social Work Curricula
Kanyininpa (Holding)
Social Work with Aboriginal Clients
Widening the gap
Towards an Australian Indigenous Women's Standpoint Theory
Connection to Culture Is Like a Massive Lifeline
| Highly cited | No |
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