Indigenous cultural considerations during disclosures of child abuse

Abstract

What are cultural considerations for Indigenous children involved within the Canadian child welfare system and what challenges do they pose during disclosures of abuse within child abuse investigations? A literature search was used to find resources relevant to the research question; this was obtained through Google Scholar and the University of British Columbia (UBC) library. A review of the literature was summarized to reveal themes regarding cultural considerations for Indigenous children during disclosures of abuse. Culture is a very deeply rooted phenomenon with multiple layers. We know from research that culture is a factor that can have an influence on children’s disclosures of abuse during investigations. Involved professionals who work with children from a different culture than their own, need to ensure culturally aware and safe practices. Especially when cultures have traumatic histories, such as with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. But what does this really mean during investigations of child abuse? And how does one know if a culturally safe practice is being achieved? The Eurocentric origins of the Canadian child welfare system needs to be acknowledged in order to understand how it continues to be visible in practice today. Even though Canadian provinces have recognized the need for reconciliation and culturally safe practices with Indigenous communities, literature is still lacking on specific knowledge about Indigenous children’s needs and safe approaches during their disclosures of abuse within investigations. Directly involving Indigenous communities to understand specific cultural factors and collaboration with multidisciplinary work within Child Advocacy Centres is a step in the right direction and another step toward reconciliation. It may hold the key to creating an understanding for what Indigenous children need during disclosures of abuse.