1
|
Mugumbate R, Gopaldasani V, Kidson P, Ravulo J. 'We Were an Afterthought': Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities in New South Wales, Australia. Soc Work Public Health 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38652020 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2024.2343390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Australia of government and community responses to the coronavirus pandemic of 2019 in the domains of education, employment, housing, social connectedness, and public health communication. Most of the examples are drawn from the state of New South Wales. In Australia, CALD refers to people from countries not classified as main English speaking. Most CALD communities reported in this article are from refugee backgrounds, are recently arrived migrants or do not use English in most of their communication. Inadequate, and in some instances, inappropriate or absent support, adversely impacts CALD communities. We used a multidisciplinary bricolage approach that draws on media, government, and community support publications and concluded that CALD communities experienced heightened pressures due to lower resource availability and poor communication. This led to disruption of support services, exposing gaps and vulnerability. The results reported here challenge Australian government, schools, community agencies, researchers to include proactively CALD community perspectives when planning and responding to such crises in future. Improving communication, pandemic response planning, addressing needs and ensuring participation are key considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rugare Mugumbate
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vinod Gopaldasani
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Kidson
- National School of Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ma GC, Ravulo J, McGeown U. Refuge for Rover: A Social Return on Investment of a Program Assisting Victim-Survivors of Domestic and Family Violence with Their Pets. Soc Work 2023; 69:73-85. [PMID: 37935857 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Pets are likely to be present in as many as 70 percent of domestic and family violence (DFV) cases, and the bond between victim-survivors and their animals can be particularly strong. Animals can also be victims of DFV, and concern for their animal's safety can cause victims to delay leaving their abusive situations. Programs like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales Domestic Violence Program, which provide temporary accommodation for pets, can enable victim-survivors and their children to plan their escape and access safety. This article evaluated the program using social return on investment methodology. Evidence on outcomes experienced by three stakeholder groups were collected from 15 stakeholder interviews and 37 program client questionnaires. Concern for their animals had caused 54 percent of clients to delay leaving their abusive situation, most for six months or more. Program clients, their children, and their animals experienced improved safety, mental health and well-being, and physical health because of the program. The alternative described by clients was often homelessness or living in their car. In total an estimated AUD$9.65 of social value was created for every AUD$1 invested into the program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Catherine Ma
- PhD, BVSc, is social impact and evaluation officer, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales, and research affiliate, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, NSW 2199, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- PhD, BSW, is professor and chair of social work and policy studies, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ursula McGeown
- MS, is general manager, Community & Engagement, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales, Yagoona, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma GC, Ravulo J, McGeown U. Emergency Animal Boarding: A Social Return on Investment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2264. [PMID: 37508042 PMCID: PMC10376109 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Companion animals play a central role in many families and are especially valued by those who are socially isolated. Crisis situations such as acute hospitalizations, homelessness, and natural disasters can make it difficult to preserve the human-animal bond and can result in animals being surrendered or euthanized. Social support programs like the RSPCA NSW Emergency Boarding and Homelessness program support people experiencing crisis situations with emergency pet boarding, access to veterinary treatment and individualized case management. This study aimed to estimate the social return on investment (SROI) for this program using the standard SROI methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 program stakeholders and questionnaire responses were received from 29 program clients. Outcomes were quantified for four stakeholder groups: program clients, client's animals, RSPCA Inspectors, animal pounds, and shelters. Clients and their animals experienced the bulk of the benefit from the program, estimated to have a combined value of over AUD 5 million for the 2020-2021 financial year. The estimated social return on investment was AUD 8.21 for each AUD 1 invested. The study demonstrates that keeping people together with their companion animals or ensuring they are reunited as soon as possible can reduce stressors and improve outcomes for people and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma C Ma
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales, Yagoona, NSW 2199, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- Sydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ursula McGeown
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales, Yagoona, NSW 2199, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oosthuizen K, Haase B, Ravulo J, Lomax S, Ma G. The Role of Human-Animal Bonds for People Experiencing Crisis Situations. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050941. [PMID: 36899798 PMCID: PMC10000229 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-animal bonds, by providing social support, have been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of pet owners, especially those experiencing a crisis situation. The human-animal bond for people in crisis situations is complex and multifaceted, as it has shown to improve health, whilst it can also discourage people from seeking help, due to fears of leaving their pet behind. The purpose of the study is to capture and to assess the role of the human-animal bond for people in crisis situations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pet owners involved in the RSPCA NSW Community Programs (n = 13) in 2021 and 2022. The findings of the study indicate that the human-animal bond is highly valued by people experiencing crisis situations, that the human-animal bonds can affect people's ability to seek help or refuge, and that the human-animal bond helps people to recover after a crisis. The findings suggest that community crisis support services, prison systems, hospital systems, emergency housing, and government legislation should recognize and aim to preserve this bond to provide the best help for people experiencing crisis situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Oosthuizen
- Sydney School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bianca Haase
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- Sydney School of Education and Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sabrina Lomax
- Sydney School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gemma Ma
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales, 201 Rookwood Rd, Yagoona, NSW 2199, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Deans E, Ravulo J, Conroy E, Abdo J. A qualitative study exploring young offenders' perspectives on alcohol and other drug health promotion. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:568. [PMID: 35317763 PMCID: PMC8941814 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drugs and alcohol can cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Young offenders represent an important population group, which often sport many characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to experiencing harm from drug use. For decades, research has shown the complexity of health behaviours and the need to consider consumer perspectives to respond and support different populations effectively. Methods This study utilised qualitative inquiry to explore young offenders’ (aged 13 to 18 years) experiences with drug use. The study sought to discern the pathways to drug dependencies for young people and to understand how community organisations can better support young people involved with the justice system. Results Three themes were identified in the data. First, the clear lack of knowledge about how to reduce harm from drug use among young offenders. Second, the structural and environmental influences on drug use and the need to develop personal skills and knowledge, alongside advocating for supportive environments for good health. Third, the power and hope that a youth advocate with lived experience can bring to the harm prevention and health promotion field. Conclusions Community services have an integral role in ensuring drug and alcohol education is accessible for different youth populations. Importantly, health promotion organisations should raise awareness about the environmental influences on drug use behaviours, and work deliberately to include consumer perspectives in the design and planning of prevention and harm reduction strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph Abdo
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deans E, Ravulo J, Blignault I, Conroy E. Understanding the needs of local youth to inform drug and alcohol prevention and harm reduction services: A qualitative study. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32:416-424. [PMID: 32745345 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Reducing drug and alcohol harm is a public health priority and the Australian government has adopted a harm minimisation approach to policy. Understanding the needs of local youth is necessary for the design of relevant prevention and harm reduction services. METHODS Using 5 unstructured focus groups and 10 interviews involving 30 participants recruited from different settings, this study explored youth perspectives around alcohol and other drugs and the psychosocial factors that influence their substance use. RESULTS Three main themes were identified. First, young people perceived that drugs fell into a hierarchy related to the harm they cause and the stigma associated with use. Second, the importance of validating a young person's experience with using drugs (regardless of where they were placed on their substance-use trajectory) as a measure to increase the credibility of drug education programs. Third, the significant influence of peers on young people's drug attitudes and behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Drug and alcohol education strategies must be more explicit regarding harm across all drug types, regardless of legal status or perceived social acceptability. Prevention services would benefit from including lived realities from young people's varied and changing experiences with using substances. Peer involvement in the design of preventive strategies (and involvement in participatory research to identify felt needs) is paramount to ensure teachings are grounded in a young person's social context and lived realities. SO WHAT?: This study provides information to guide the development of appropriate and authentic drug and alcohol prevention and harm reduction services for young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ilse Blignault
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Conroy
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ravulo J. An Integrated Case Management Model to Assist Pacific Youth Offenders and Their Families in Australia. Care Manag J 2016; 17:170-179. [PMID: 28914228 DOI: 10.1891/1521-0987.17.4.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pasifika Support Services (PSS) was a program managed by a nongovernment organization, Mission Australia, and funded by the New South Wales Premiers Office to meet the needs of young offenders from a Pacific background. PSS ran from June 2005 to June 2009 and implemented a cost-effective integrated case management model with the New South Wales Police Force adapted to address social risk factors specific to Pacific youth offenders and family support networks. Sixty young people were reviewed regarding the outcomes achieved through their participation, further supported by an evaluation carried out by an external evaluator who found that 65% of participants did not reoffend after 18 months of completing the program. An importance of developing a shared approach to employing a holistic and intensive model of case management that affects individual, community, and organizational change through culturally relevant processes and practices, paired with a cross institutional commitment underpins the various outcomes discussed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Crawford B, Yamazaki R, Franke E, Amanatidis S, Ravulo J, Torvaldsen S. Is something better than nothing? Food insecurity and eating patterns of young people experiencing homelessness. Aust N Z J Public Health 2015; 39:350-4. [PMID: 25902911 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food insecurity is an increasing problem in marginalised groups that affects diet quality. We aimed to examine the extent of food insecurity and the eating patterns of young people accessing support from specialist homelessness services. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with a researcher-administered food frequency and food insecurity questionnaire was undertaken with 50 young people experiencing homelessness, aged 14-26 years. Participants were recruited from 11 specialist homelessness services providing support and accommodation for young people in central and south-western Sydney. RESULTS Food insecurity was a recent experience for 70% of participants. Eighty-five per cent of participants living independently experienced food insecurity, compared to 66% of young people in supported accommodation. Consumption of core food groups was low, as almost all participants did not meet recommended daily servings of vegetables and breads and cereals. Consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks was high. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity and poor diet quality are salient issues for this group of young people accessing support from specialist homelessness services. IMPLICATIONS These findings highlight the need for a greater focus on advocacy and policy action to increase social supports and improve food security and nutrition for young people experiencing homelessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Crawford
- NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Ministry of Health, New South Wales.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales
| | - Rowena Yamazaki
- Community Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Elise Franke
- Youth Health Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Sue Amanatidis
- Community Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Siranda Torvaldsen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Crawford B, Yamazaki R, Franke E, Amanatidis S, Ravulo J, Steinbeck K, Ritchie J, Torvaldsen S. Sustaining dignity? food insecurity in homeless young people in urban Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2014; 25:71-8. [PMID: 25131381 DOI: 10.1071/he13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Food insecurity is recognised as an increasing problem in disadvantaged and marginalised groups. The aim of this study was to investigate issues associated with food insecurity and nutrition in young people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in metropolitan Australia. METHODS Eight focus group discussions were conducted with 48 young people (aged between 15 and 25 years) in specialist homelessness services in central and south-western Sydney. RESULTS Participants described daily experiences of food insecurity, persistent hunger and poverty. Structural barriers to food security and nutrition were identified and included poverty and reduced physical access to fresh foods. Participants also described a desire to save time, for convenience and to be socially connected. Despite the hardships and the chaos of youth homelessness, the groups were defined by their strength of character, resilience and hope for the future. CONCLUSION Homeless young people within central and south-western Sydney report varying degrees of food insecurity, despite being supported by specialist youth homelessness services. SO WHAT? A collaborative, multistrategic approach with youth participation is required to further enhance the capacity of youth services to improve food security, food access and the availability of nutritious foods for homeless young people. A greater focus on advocacy and policy action is also required to bring food security and nutrition to the forefront of national efforts to improve the health and welfare of disadvantaged groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Crawford
- NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Ministry of Health, Locked Bag 961, North Sydney, NSW 2059, Australia
| | - Rowena Yamazaki
- Community Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, Level 9, KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Elise Franke
- Youth Health Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, 53-56 Mitchell Street, Carramar, NSW 2163, Australia
| | - Sue Amanatidis
- Community Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, Level 9, KGV Building, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Jioji Ravulo
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Kate Steinbeck
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Ritchie
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 3 Samuels Building, UNSW Australia, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Siranda Torvaldsen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 3 Samuels Building, UNSW Australia, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|