Table 2 Summary of guideline themes and action areas

1: Creating a welcoming environment

A welcoming greeting: There is process for welcoming Aboriginal clients in a respectful manner and to introduce them to the program/service

A welcoming physical environment: The design and layout are welcoming to Aboriginal people in the setting where most client contacts occur

2: Service delivery

Service delivery: Flexible and culturally informed service delivery practices are used

Referrals and assessments: Immediate triage options are available

Direct practice: Staff can provide examples of the ways they work therapeutically with Aboriginal people that is culturally competent

3: Voice of the community

Community consultation and engagement to develop relationships: Recent example of community engagement activity to develop relationships with Aboriginal people

Staff involvement with engagement activities: Staff are familiar with community engagement processes

Local history and protocols: Local protocols are reflected in practice and/or policy

4: Engagement with Aboriginal organisations and workers

Working with organisations and workers: Current connections with Aboriginal organisations and/or workers (referral pathways, shared work arrangements or relationships)

Collaborative Projects: Current collaborative project with Aboriginal organisation or workers

New service/program establishment: New service/program is established in consultation with Aboriginal community

5: Capable staff

Staff knowledge and skill assessment: Process to get feedback on and review the cultural competence of staff

Clinical/practice supervision around working with Aboriginal people: Staff supervision includes feedback and opportunities to develop skills around working with Aboriginal people

6: Organisation’s responsibilities

Employment practices: Aboriginal representation on interview panels

Identified positions: There are positions identified for Aboriginal people and Aboriginal networks are used to advertise positions

Service induction/mandatory training: Training materials include information about working with Aboriginal people and are developed/reviewed by an Aboriginal person

Support for Aboriginal staff: Cultural support/mentors, cultural support or skill development opportunities available to Aboriginal staff

Training staff in working with Aboriginal people: Processes to train and continue to develop staff skills around working with Aboriginal people

Organisation wide practices: Service has current Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and it is being implemented into practice

Aboriginal representation on the service’s Board: The service has an Aboriginal representative on the Board

Policies and procedures: Processes for Aboriginal people to contribute to policy development relating to Aboriginal people