This practice paper from the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health examines how experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children and families influence child mental health outcomes in Australia. Focusing on non-humanitarian migrants, the resource highlights that CALD children may face unique mental health challenges including emotional difficulties, racism-related stress, and family conflicts arising from differential acculturation rates between parents and children.
The document emphasises using a social determinants lens to understand these factors, recognising that children from CALD backgrounds are at higher risk of health inequities. Key findings include that mental health difficulties in CALD children may be underdetected due to different presentation patterns and language barriers, and that families often face structural barriers to accessing support services.
The paper provides evidence-based practice recommendations for health and social care practitioners, advocating for child-centred, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches. It stresses the importance of building on children’s existing strengths, understanding family dynamics, and addressing both individual and systemic factors that impact wellbeing.
