Resisting the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: A scoping review to determine the cultural responsiveness of diversion programs

Purpose

National and global resistance opposes the criminalisation and punitive punishment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with complex needs, including harmful incarceration practices of children as young as 10 years of age. The aim of this scoping review is to understand the available evidence regarding culturally responsive diversion programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Methods

Six databases were searched (PuBMed, Informit, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Further evidence was retrieved from Google Scholar and state and territory youth justice websites. Studies met criteria if they were from Australia, were diversion programs and included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between 10 to 18 years of age. The cultural responsiveness of the included diversion programs was synthesised by applying a decolonised and Indigenist Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Framework. Studies were assessed according to seven domains of the SEWB Framework.

Main findings

Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Fifteen types of diversion programs were identified, and they varied widely in their cultural responsiveness. Ten studies were scored in the high range, 16 studies were scored in the medium range and five studies were scored in the low range in cultural responsiveness.

Principal conclusions

A range of different types of diversionary programs were evaluated. Culturally responsive programs were Indigenous-led, placed based, holistic, life-course, and healing and family centred.