Working with Stolen Generations

This fact sheet provides information for GPs to improve services for Stolen Generations survivors. There is enormous diversity among Stolen Generations survivors, and this fact sheet should be viewed as a starting point only.

This fact sheet considers challenges for dental staff in dealing with Stolen Generations survivors, key points Stolen Generations survivors want dental practitioners to know, and lots of tips including things that are likely to be helpful and those that are best avoided.

This fact sheet will help providers comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly Standard 1. Consumer dignity and choice, and meet their obligations to care recipients who are Stolen Generations survivors.

Stolen Generations survivors endured trauma and grief as a result of their forcible removal from family, community and culture, and were often subjected to harsh and degrading treatment including physical and sexual abuse, exploitation and racism.

The perceived feeling of vulnerability and lack of control within the dental chair (not being able to speak or move), can remind Stolen Generations survivors of the way they were treated as a child and may trigger trauma and lead to problem-based patterns of attendance.

When interacting with survivors and their families, it’s helpful to recognise the trauma many people carry. Common triggers for Stolen Generations survivors include reminders of childhood trauma, for example, being touched, particularly without permission, or clinical settings resembling a dormitory or institution.