Lana Draper

Lana is a proud Ngiyampaa woman of the Stone people through her Father, Rex Draper, and Grandmother, Bubba Murphy. Lana is an Occupational Therapist and is a PhD Candidate with University of Wollongong. Her research project “The role of culture in strengthening social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal children and young people in NSW Out of Home Care” is focused on generating knowledge about the ways in which the child protection system can integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture into procedures and practices, and how to promote authentic connection to culture, family, community, and country for improved social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people in statutory care. Her work in the LINKS Trauma Healing Service aligns with her values of an integrated family approach, connecting to culture for healing and self-identity, and the importance of decolonizing clinical assessment and interventions for Aboriginal children in foster care.