Evaluating the Be Well, Learn Well program: Delivering culturally-appropriate allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in remote northern Queensland schools.
Shantanu Sheshgir1, Elise Gorman21Larter Consulting, Geelong, Victoria, Australia2CheckUP Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are at a significantly higher risk of developmental challenges resulting in educational and health disadvantages. The Be Well Learn Well (BWLW) program is a Queensland Department of Education program. CheckUP Australia works in partnership with two Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in northern Queensland, to deliver culturally-appropriate allied health services to eight remote schools since 2017.
BWLW’s objectives are to:
• Deliver psychology, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services to children in the school, home, and community environment.
• Build the knowledge and capacity of school staff to support children better.
Aim: To externally evaluate the BWLW program’s impacts on children’s well-being and development, and school staff capacity to support them.
Methods: This was a mixed-methods, realist evaluation. Phase 1: program throughput data analysis, and service feedback analysis prior to the evaluation (2017- 2021). Phase 2: semi-structured interviews with school representatives (n=7), and ACCHO representatives (n=3). Case study site visits were organised for two schools for semi-structured interviews with teaching staff, community liaison officers and ACCHO staff. All interviews were analysed using narrative and deductive thematic analysis.
Results: Classroom screening improved the identification of students at risk of developmental delays and communication difficulties, increasing their access to services. Schools reported increased confidence and capabilities in identifying children needing support or referral/assessment and supporting them in class.
Conclusion: This evaluation demonstrates that a collaborative multidisciplinary outreach program has improved access to allied health support to children and communities in remote Queensland.
Biography
Biographies to come