Priority 2: Embed cultural values and perspectives in the development and continuous improvement of services and programs

Priority 2 is divided into four sub-priorities to embed considerations of cultural, linguistic, or religious diversity in planning policies, programs and services. Each sub priority includes actions and identifies the area within DCJ responsible and the timeframe for that action to be implemented.

Sub-priority 2.1 and actions

Integrate diverse perspectives into policy, program and service design

Incorporate cultural and intersectional perspectives and lived experience (where possible).

Sub-priority 2.2 and actions

Strengthen community engagement in designing, evaluating and changing DCJ policies, programs and services to ensure they are culturally inclusive and responsive

Use co-design and cross-agency collaboration where relevant and establish timely feedback mechanisms to show how community input shapes decisions. Engagement should be broad, trauma-informed, and reflect diverse, intergenerational and intersectional perspectives.

Sub-priority 2.3 and actions

Continuously strengthen the cultural responsiveness of DCJ services and programs through evaluation

Consider and use research, evidence, and data, including ethnicity and religious specific data, to identify gaps, demands and emerging trends. Explore opportunities to improve data quality and consistency in collaboration with DCJ program leads and service providers. Apply an intersectional lens to evaluation, with consideration for prevention and early intervention initiatives.

Sub-priority 2.4 and actions

Ensure policies, programs and services are tailored to support emerging and newly arrived communities that DCJ serves

This should include in-language services that enable meaningful access and engagement.