Culture, Connection and Care: The Role of Institutional Justice Capital for Enhancing the Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in Out-Of-Home Care

Abstract

Ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children removed from their families by child protection services remain connected to their kin, Country and culture is a priority to begin to redress the intergenerational trauma and harm caused by colonisation. This article describes the views of staff working in three mainstream out-of-home care organisations, where children are cared for by non-Indigenous foster carers. Through the lenses of recovery and justice capital, we explore the cultural assets and resources that are made available to non-Indigenous foster carers providing care for children, as well as the institutional elements that either inhibit or facilitate cultural connection and activities. We argue that the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices when ascertaining information about children's culture and connection is critical to ensuring best cultural practice. Forums that support relationships are largely absent, and we identify important elements of institutional justice capital that could ensure children are connected and prevent further harm and trauma.