Innovative cultural care for culturally and linguistically diverse children in out-of-home care

Within the Australian context, we argue there is limited research to guide practice on supporting cultural connections for non-Indigenous children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in out-of-home care. Based on practice wisdom and international research evidence, a compiled case study demonstrates how a set of practices can work together. These key practices are respectfully engaging the children’s family members in cultural care planning; coaching and supporting carers to promote cultural connection; integrating culture into life story work; and identifying cultural mentors. IMPLICATIONS Practices that can support the identity development for children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds include cultural care planning, life story work, and cultural mentors, and these practices may work best when developed in concert with each other. Practice to support cultural connections for children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia requires further research evidence and development.