Fostering the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth is essential in the context of historical, social and political impacts of colonisation. Social and emotional well-being (SEWB) is a holistic concept grounded in First Nations worldviews, encompassing connections to country, culture, spirituality, family, community, body and mind. This article describes a culturally responsive scoping review that will map success factors and SEWB impacts of programmes delivered in Australia for First Nations youth aged 10–18 years that is designed to be undertaken collaboratively with First Nations people and non-Indigenous allies.

The scoping review protocol outlines a revised, culturally responsive version of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and will be conducted using an Indigenous-informed, decolonising approach. Peer-reviewed and grey literature reporting on Australian SEWB programmes delivered to First Nations youth between 2000 and 2025 will be included. Three reviewers will independently screen records and extract data. Articles requiring cultural responsivity assessment will be reviewed by First Nations researchers. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis to identify programme success factors and reported SEWB outcomes, with interpretation guided by First Nations members of the research team.