Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and parenting: a scoping review
Kootsy Canuto A B D , Stephen G. Harfield A C , Karla J. Canuto A and Alex Brown A CA Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
B Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men’s Health, University of Adelaide, 254 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
C School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: kootsy.canuto@sahmri.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 26(1) 1-9 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19106
Submitted: 15 May 2019 Accepted: 20 September 2019 Published: 11 December 2019
Journal Compilation © La Trobe University 2020 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men rarely rate a mention within discussions of parenting unless framed in the negative, or as the cause of dysfunctional family life. Consequently, the roles and responsibilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men within parenting have largely been neglected or ignored. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parenting programs that focused on male parents. A comprehensive search was conducted of databases, PubMed and Informit ATSIhealth, to identify peer-review publications, while relevant websites were also searched for grey literature. The review identified eight programs that met the inclusion criteria. The review highlights the lack of rigorously researched and published literature on parenting programs that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male parents. The programs all reported positive outcomes and demonstrate that given the opportunity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male parents are ready and determined to fulfil their roles and responsibilities as parents to the best of their ability for the benefit of their families and communities. The provision of inclusive parenting programs and services will equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male parents to better support their families during these important times.
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