Framework for Mental health in Multicultural Australia: progress report

17-Apr-2013
Work continues on the development of a new Framework for Mental health in Multicultural Australia that builds on and integrates the existing National Cultural Competency Tool. The framework consists of three integrated components: an online self-assessment organisational cultural competency scale; an implementation framework consisting of strategies and outcome indicators at three levels of achievement; and supporting tools and resources to facilitate implementation. Scores generated from the self-assessment process will assist services to determine how culturally responsive they are, develop a continuous improvement plan and track progress achieved over a period of time through utilisation of the online tool. The framework has been shaped by the extensive consultation already undertaken with the mental health sector. Next steps include a public consultation and pilot testing in public mental health and not-for-profit services. Findings from these will be used to finalise the framework which is due to go live in July 2013.