Aborigines and the normal social welfare channels

SUMMARY

Four conclusions can be drawn from this survey of aborigines and normal social welfare channels.

	1. For specific services supplied only by certain agencies, aborigines do, perforce, use these agencies. If they are statutory agencies, then, by and large, referral is necessary as aborigines seem either unaware of the services available, or unwilling to seek direct help from government or semi-government departments.
	2. Aborigines make extensive use of all the agencies which give relief or financial assistance. The majority of aborigines tend to prefer the small relief centres where there are no trained social workers and no records kept.
	3. The majority of agencies have either a confused or an uncomplimentary image of the function of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
	4. Most social workers feel that aborigines should be dealt with by any agency without discrimination. However, few can give any explicit statement of their agency's policy in relation to aborigines.