Intergenerational Conflict and the Child Protection System

Session Overview African Learning Circle Overview of issues for young people Issues for parents in a new country Discussion

African Learning Circle Established to provide a forum for Community Services, African communities, and services providers to meet to discuss concerns about child protection and the wellbeing of children, young people, and families

Jointly run by CS, HHP MRC, other services Meets quarterly Attended by workers and community members/parents Child protection, parenting, relationships, adolescents Joint session with parents and young people

Difficulties identified by young people Lack of personal freedom compared to peers Discipline used by parents – corporal punishment Parents wanting them to live by their culture and rules Parents not accepting that things are “different here” Parents not understanding their identity Parents not respecting their rights

What would help my parents Workshops on western culture and life in Australia More services Recognition of their role as parents – quote – “scared” Resilience of surviving refugee experience Integrate and learn from others Getting support from community and religious leaders

How mothers felt about raising teens in Australia Horrible Scared Confused Busy Lost Expensive Stressful Satisfying

Issues for mother and fathers Children not compliant like in home country Children not accepting traditional roles and place Not having community involved in discipline Negative peer pressure more present in Australia Not understanding the limits of physical discipline Fear of Community Services and police intervening Feeling disempowered – English, knowing the system and rights Changing roles for mothers and fathers New expectations about how to parent

What would help my teenager Respect Hard work and discipline Support of parents, friends and family Parents making sacrificing Church and youth groups Support from schools Their adaptability

Possible implications for child protection Family breakdowns resulting in youth homelessness Risk taking behaviors e.g., drug and prostitution Excessive disciplinary practices resulting in harm Neglect associated with family breakdown

About Information Sessions for Parents What is child abuse, appropriate discipline, reporting Address gap in awareness of child protection Addresses fears and anxieties about parenting Provided to emerging communities by local offices Over 55 sessions provided in the past year Can be requested by contacting Fatma Mohamed

Current CS Strategies African Learning Circle Multicultural Learning Circle Information sessions for parents on child abuse laws

Questions and discussion

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