This policy brief focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people from CALD communities in Western Australia, including those from a refugee background. The 2011 Australian Census showed that WA and Perth had the highest proportion of their population born overseas of all Australian states and territories and capital cities - approximately one third of the population of both. There is evidence that 'newly arrived migrant and refugee young people can experience behavioural and learning difficulties, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosomatic disorders and identity issues'. For the children and young people of the Commissioner's 2011 Metropolitan Advisory Committee their 'cultures, heritages, faiths and beliefs' were a source of pride and something to be celebrated for their contribution to Australian culture. They wanted to learn more about their cultural and religious traditions and saw this not only as a way of bridging the gap between their elders and parents but also with other Australians.
As of the 27-4-16 literature review indicators were listed as: Mental health, Wellbeing.
Methodology: Summarised from the Report of the Inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.