Can a Connection to Culture Reduce Mental Illness Symptoms and Risk for Future Violence?

Abstract

Recent policy initiatives and service provider strategic frameworks from the state of Victoria have highlighted intentions to invest in culturally safe practices for justice‐involved Indigenous individuals. However, the culturally themed frameworks and protocols presented by health and justice organisations appear to be largely underpinned by theoretical and/or anecdotal evidence. This commentary summarises findings from the first Australian program of research to investigate the influence of cultural identity and cultural engagement on mental health symptoms and violence for Indigenous people in custody. Implications for correctional policy and forensic clinical practice are discussed in this article.

Key words:

• correctional health care
• cross‐cultural mental health
• forensic psychology
• Indigenous health
• offender health
• social and emotional wellbeing