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Culturally and linguistically diverse families

Culturally and linguistically diverse families



Victoria is Australia’s most culturally diverse state with over 24% of the population being born overseas, 74% of whom come from a non-English speaking country. Given that there are few resources to support children with cancer and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD), the PICS undertook this project in order to develop a strategy to address the needs of CALD children and families. A particular focus has been placed on the services at the Children’s Cancer Centres at both the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, Southern Health.

The proposed service model articulates a series of principles to guide practice and a tailored approach to responding to the needs of all CALD families, regardless of their English language proficiency.

Other key aspects of the model include:
  • creating a ‘diversity friendly’ environment
  • a range of strategies to strengthen the service system, its policies, protocols and processes
  • strengthening the workforce through training and education
  • assessing and responding to cultural and language needs
  • resource development to support families and staff including :
  • key resources in five priority languages (Vietnamese, Cantonese / Mandarin, Arabic, Turkish and Cambodian)
  • pictorial resources to support all families with limited English
  • developing internal and external partnerships.


For an overview of this report click here to access the Report.


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