Emotional and Social Wellbeing: National Policy Context

Objectives: This paper provides an overview of the national policy in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and emotional and social wellbeing.Conclusions: The limited available evidence suggests that mental health disorders are more prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, a situation related to the unique historical, cultural and social situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Community-based mental health services are not adequately available, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in inpatient mental health care. A range of program and policy initiatives have been undertaken to address this situation, including both the development of specific Aboriginal community controlled emotional and social wellbeing services and the reform of specialist mental health services. These initiatives have been supported by a range of policy initiatives at Commonwealth, State and Territory levels. Inadequat...