Showing papers in "Australian Social Work in 2013"
TL;DR: This practice paper draws on the experience of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal practitioners in the trauma field to consider the limitations and potential of “cultural competence” as a construct for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Abstract: The consistent failure of initiatives aimed at addressing discrepancies between Australia's Aboriginal and non Aboriginal citizens point to a need to address responses to Aboriginal people by mainstream service providers. This practice paper draws on the experience of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal practitioners in the trauma field to consider the limitations and potential of “cultural competence” as a construct for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Key limitations are the lack of accounting for the trauma and ongoing racism experienced by Aboriginal people, which result in isolation of communities, protection of abusers, and under-use of mainstream services by Aboriginal people. When trauma and racism are addressed, successful and respectful engagement with Aboriginal individuals and communities becomes possible and the potential of cultural competency initiatives can be realised. A three-step process for achieving this at the personal, practice, and agency levels, which...
116 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors trace the background of sustainable urban agriculture as a partial solution to the issue of global food insecurity and its impact on marginalised urban populations and suggest that it holds promise for communities struggling with chronic food security problems.
Abstract: Environmental concerns, including issues of ecological justice, attention to sustainability, and focus on issues of food security have gathered increased momentum in social work. This article will trace the background of sustainable urban agriculture as a partial solution to the issue of global food insecurity and its impact on marginalised urban populations. It will review the development of a sustainable agricultural initiative called vertical farming and suggest that it holds promise for communities struggling with chronic food security problems. It will outline some tentative steps social work may consider in order to become more fully involved in support of vertical farming initiatives.
84 citations
TL;DR: The importance of gender as a key factor in vulnerability to disasters and the need for social workers to consider gender as critical indicator in their work in this emerging area was highlighted in this paper.
Abstract: The person-in-the-environment concept has largely been interpreted by social workers to indicate social networks and relationships, ignoring the physical environment and its complex impact on human health and wellbeing. This article examines the environmental domain, noting the critical role social workers can have in this field as a consequence of climate events and global warming. The article notes the significance of gender as a key factor in vulnerability to disasters and outlines the need for social workers to consider gender as a critical indicator in their work in this emerging area. Embodiment, connection to place, poverty, and cultural awareness are also significant, but often overlooked, factors in a social work response to environmental disasters. Ecological and ecofeminist theories give a direction for social work theory and practice in the postdisaster space. The article challenges social workers to reconsider the person-in-the-environment as a complex and critical emerging domain of...
48 citations
TL;DR: The results of a cross-sectional survey of social workers conducted as part of a larger study of health practitioners in a public sector health organisation in northern Queensland are reported in this paper.
Abstract: Strategies to build practitioner research capacity need to be developed in order to increase the research base for social work. To be effective, strategies need to be informed by an understanding of the organisational context and the social work workforce. This paper reports the results of a cross-sectional survey of social workers conducted as part of a larger study of health practitioners in a public sector health organisation in northern Queensland. The survey demonstrates a high level of interest in research. Research methods congruent with social work's person in environment focus were favoured by participants. However, consistent with the literature, lack of confidence, limited knowledge and skills, and practical constraints impeded research activity. This study contributes to research capacity building initiatives by identifying research strengths and areas of research activity where support is required. Approaches to evidence-based practice consistent with social work and strategies for re...
44 citations
TL;DR: The qualitative findings of research conducted in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which explored the future perspectives of 11 ageing adults with intellectual disabilities and 11 family members point to the importance of early and intentional planning that supports and balances the needs and desires of both ageing adults and family members.
Abstract: Although the numbers of ageing adults with intellectual disabilities are increasing, current systems are ill-prepared to meet the unique needs of this population and research is needed to direct policies and practices aimed at supporting ageing adults with intellectual disabilities. This article presents the qualitative findings of research conducted in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which explored the future perspectives of 11 ageing adults with intellectual disabilities and 11 family members. Future concerns of the adults with intellectual disabilities included concerns for their ageing parents, for their future living arrangements, and about loneliness. Family members concerns centred on ensuring the future security of their loved one with an intellectual disability, addressing legal issues and financial security, and promoting future choice and self-determination. The results point to the importance of early and intentional planning that supports and balances the needs and desires of both agei...
42 citations
TL;DR: Kinship care for children as a child protection response is increasing as the preferred care option across the English-speaking world and participants’ feedback reinforces the call for more genuine involvement of children and young people in decisions about their lives.
Abstract: Kinship care for children as a child protection response is increasing as the preferred care option across the English-speaking world. Research into kinship care is at an early stage, particularly in relation to understanding the views of children, young people and their parents. This paper describes a component of a larger research project on the topic of family contact in kinship care, which was undertaken to inform emerging kinship care support services in Victoria. Twenty-one children, young people and young adults with childhood experience of kinship care were involved in interviews and focus groups to discuss their experiences and advice for workers. The participants indicated their strong wish for greater control over the nature and extent of their contact with family members, including the wider family. Issues in relation to participation of children in the research process are discussed, including ethics, constraints and reciprocity. Participants’ feedback reinforces the call for more ge...
41 citations
TL;DR: While the complexity of parental contact is confirmed, a consistent finding is that kinship care provides children with strong family networks including sustained relationships with parents, siblings, and extended family, and maintenance of children's culture and identity.
Abstract: Kinship care has been growing rapidly across the English-speaking world over the last decade. While family contact is an identified right of children removed from their families and maintains important relationships, contact with parents where there has been child abuse and neglect remains contentious. The evidence base in relation to family contact in kinship care is limited. Therefore, this article presents the current state of knowledge in the form of a narrative review of qualitative and quantitative research. Contradictory theoretical orientations are outlined together with the limits they impose on the development and application of knowledge. While the complexity of parental contact is confirmed, a consistent finding is that kinship care provides children with strong family networks including sustained relationships with parents, siblings, and extended family, and maintenance of children's culture and identity. Suggestions for the development of the research agenda are made, together with ...
41 citations
TL;DR: The need for increased awareness about men's eating issues within society generally, but for health professionals specifically, the need for better recognition of the expression of eating issues in men, and the expansion of existing services to be more “male friendly” is highlighted.
Abstract: Research was undertaken to explore issues surrounding service provision for men with eating issues in Australia. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from key stakeholders—organisations that provide treatment (n=15), practitioners that have worked with men with eating issues (n=10), and individual men with eating issues (n=5). Four key areas were explored: rates of access to services, the expression and development of eating issues in men, factors inhibiting or facilitating the recovery process, and recommendations to improve service provision. Results highlighted the need for increased awareness about men's eating issues within society generally, but for health professionals specifically, the need for better recognition of the expression of eating issues in men, and the expansion of existing services to be more “male friendly”. It is anticipated that service providers will benefit from these findings by identifying ways to reduce barriers and encourage help-seeking behaviour in men. Fu...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the principal arguments for and against compulsory income management and draw conclusions about the potential for more effective policy solutions that would involve a genuine partnership with disadvantaged communities.
Abstract: The introduction of compulsory income management by the then Coalition Government in 2007 signalled the increasing policy influence of individualistic as opposed to structural explanations of social disadvantage. Using key policy and evaluation literature, this article critically examines the principal arguments for and against compulsory income management. Specific questions are raised about the top-down and coercive nature of compulsory income management, the lack of supporting empirical evidence, and its apparent discrimination against Australians who are Indigenous or reliant on income security payments, or both. Some conclusions are drawn about the potential for more effective policy solutions that would involve a genuine partnership with disadvantaged communities.
39 citations
TL;DR: It was showed that many older people were not mindful of the potential risks to their financial wellbeing, particularly when and if they experience diminished capacity, and service providers may find it difficult to engage them in preventative strategies.
Abstract: Research indicates that the most commonly reported form of abuse of older people in Australia is financial abuse and the majority of perpetrators are family members. The number of people aged 65 years and over in Australia is growing rapidly and the challenges of aging often require support and assistance from family members, so it is important to develop strategies to prevent this form of abuse. This article analyses data from two national online surveys that examined this issue. The first, conducted in 2009, explored service providers' (n=214) knowledge and understandings of financial abuse of older people. The second, conducted in 2010, investigated older people's and their family members' (n=113) views and experiences of financial abuse. In our sample, service providers' knowledge of risk factors for financial abuse of older people mirrored the experiences of older people and their family members in Australia and also confirmed factors identified in the literature. However, our findings also ...
38 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider how Whiteness theory, neoinstitutional theory and risk theory can be used to examine how welfare dependency is framed as an entrenched problem within the Australian context.
Abstract: Social policy, service delivery, and professional practice in social work and human services have been increasingly enacted in contexts where welfare and welfare dependency are characterised as significant and persistent social problems in Australia. In this paper, we theoretically and critically examine the “problem” of welfare and propose an alternative framework for progressing understanding and action. We consider how Whiteness theory, neoinstitutional theory and risk theory can be used to examine how welfare dependency is framed as an entrenched problem within the Australian context. Our analysis elucidates how the social, economic, political, and cultural privileges pertaining to Whiteness, and the social, economic, political, and cultural deprivations of those who are seen to most clearly embody the “problem” of welfare dependency, are reinforced through neoliberal welfare risk rationalities. Implications of this theoretical exposition are considered, as well as possible research directions...
TL;DR: Some community work texts either provide an outline of the core concepts, theories, and principles of community work, or focus on the skills for effective community intervention as mentioned in this paper, and some of these texts provide an overview of community practice.
Abstract: Some community work texts either provide an outline of the core concepts, theories, and principles of community work, or focus on the skills for effective community intervention. Community Practice...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw on a pilot study on climate change and older people to demonstrate that women who provide informal care services are called upon to fill the gap between declining levels of formal care provisions and care needs when the infrastructures serving a community fail.
Abstract: Climate change debates seldom link the insights derived from the physical sciences to the concerns of social scientists. Understanding how failures in built infrastructures increase the caring burden on women is one of these instances. This article draws on a pilot study on climate change and older people to demonstrate that women who provide informal care services are called upon to fill the gap between declining levels of formal care provisions and care needs when the infrastructures serving a community fail. This research challenges policymakers, emergency planners, and practitioners to think about the increased care burdens that women are expected to undertake during disasters involving extreme weather events like heat waves, cold snaps, and flooding, and reconsider policies that pass this responsibility down to the level of community without the necessary support services and built infrastructures being in place. This issue acquires additional urgency in the context of declining levels of ca...
TL;DR: A cultural mapping tool developed specifically for working with Aboriginal people experiencing mental health problems has been described in this paper, which can assist social workers to understand cultural and family obligations and build relationships with Aboriginal service users.
Abstract: This article describes a cultural mapping tool developed specifically for working with Aboriginal people experiencing mental health problems. The tool has broad scope, drawing from ecological and systems approaches. It will assist social workers to understand cultural and family obligations and build relationships with Aboriginal service users. Students learning about cultural diversity have expressed concern about asking culturally-sensitive questions. Australian human service workers typically state they feel inadequate in addressing Aboriginal culture in their practice approaches. The three components of the cultural mapping toolbox, (a) the social and emotional wellbeing cluster map, (b) the community and cultural diversity map, and (c) the migration map, provide social workers with a way of supporting a culturally connected lifestyle in contemporary society.
TL;DR: This paper explored the adoption of the transition model by community members in one small rural Australian town and found that the transition town model offers guidance to facilitate the self-organising required to enable community groups with skilled communicators to promote changes in lifestyle practices of local people.
Abstract: The transition town movement started in the United Kingdom in 2005, with the aim of addressing peak oil and climate change through self-organising community groups. A “transition model” was proposed to guide individual transition town initiatives in their governance processes. More than 40 community groups in Australia have since become recognised as official transition town initiatives by the Transition Network in the United Kingdom. This study explored the adoption of the transition model by community members in one small rural Australian town. The qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 10 active members of this transition town initiative to gather information on its governance processes, aims, gender relations, and carbon reduction strategies. Preliminary findings have indicated that the transition town model offers guidance to facilitate the self-organising required to enable community groups with skilled communicators to promote changes in lifestyle practices of local people i...
Abstract: Social Work: A Critical Approach to Practice (2 nd ed) Jan Fook Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC, Sage Publications, 2012 xiv+216pp, ISBN 9781446200513, A$5940 (paperback
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the experience of grief as reported by grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, and analyzed the paradoxical dimension of grandparents' experience as they navigate the complex issues that characterise their predominantly unanticipated role.
Abstract: The grandparent-as-parent role is a growing social issue both within Australia and internationally. This paper explores the experience of grief as reported by grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The data presented are part of a larger qualitative study that investigated the lived experience of 34 grandparents who have taken on the full-time care of grandchildren when their own children have been unable to parent them. In-depth interviews conducted with the grandparent participants and analysed through a three-layer narrative analysis reveal the paradoxical dimension of grandparents’ experience as they navigate the complex issues that characterise their predominantly unanticipated role. While all of the grandparents referred to the benefits, satisfaction, and joy of taking on the parenting of grandchildren, their narratives were deeply imbued with experiences of loss and grief. The discussion analyses this experience in relation to grief theory and posits that the complex and disenfr...
TL;DR: In this article, a social work investigation of good practice with people on Community Treatment Orders in the context of social work's longstanding interest in the ethical challenges of working with involuntary clients is presented.
Abstract: This paper establishes the value of a social work investigation of good practice with people on Community Treatment Orders in the context of social work's longstanding interest in the ethical challenges of working with involuntary clients. The emancipatory values of social work were used to guide this research, thereby ensuring the participation of consumers and their families or carers. Critical social work theory provided an important theoretical base. A mixed methods approach was undertaken, including a cluster analysis and case studies. Five principles of good social work practice emerged from the qualitative data: (a) use and develop direct practice skills; (b) take a human rights perspective; (c) focus on goals and desired outcomes; (d) aim for quality of service delivery; and, (e) enhance and enable the role of key stakeholders. These principles are briefly presented along with recommendations for practice and service development.
TL;DR: In this article, a small-scale research study that explores the impact of climate change on rural women was conducted, which identified a range of areas of impact, including increased hardship for rural women, implications of household roles, and subsequent organisational responsibilities.
Abstract: This paper reports on a small-scale research study that explores the impact of climate change on rural women. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 7 women, who came from a regional centre and were either employed by women's services or who had activist roles within the community pertaining to women's services. Outcomes of the study identified a range of areas of impact, including increased hardship for rural women, implications of household roles, and subsequent organisational responsibilities. A high level of concern, particularly for the vulnerability of women in crisis, was identified among participants. We contend that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly relevant to the social work profession and that specific groups such as women are at risk of further disadvantage unless collective action is taken to circumvent the impact of climate change. Strategies for social work practice and policy initiatives are considered.
TL;DR: Green Social Work: From Environmental Crises to Environmental Justice Lena Dominelli Cambridge, UK, Polity Press, 2012 244pp., ISBN 9780745654010, $33.00 (paperback) as mentioned in this paper
Abstract: Green Social Work: From Environmental Crises to Environmental Justice Lena Dominelli Cambridge, UK, Polity Press, 2012 244pp., ISBN 9780745654010, $33.00 (paperback) It is always exciting to pick u...
TL;DR: In the last two or three years, issues of social inclusion and participation of people with disability have moved into public and political arenas as mentioned in this paper, and the disadvantage and discrimination they experi...
Abstract: Over the last two or three years, issues of social inclusion and participation of people with disability have moved into public and political arenas. The disadvantage and discrimination they experi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on a project being undertaken in two social housing neighbourhoods in Sydney that began with an exploration of community members' perceptions of community and priorities for change.
Abstract: Encouraging participation and agency are fundamental elements of social work practice using a community development approach that emphasises community identification of needs and strengths, and community involvement in social change. Ensuring children have a voice is also a cornerstone of social work practice. This paper reports on a project being undertaken in two social housing neighbourhoods in Sydney that began with an exploration of community members' perceptions of community and priorities for change. Initial engagement undertaken with adults living in the two estates indicated that lack of support for children and the behaviour of young people were pressing community concerns. This prompted researchers to revisit the community development research design in order to actively seek out the perspectives of children and young people. Unsurprisingly, the children and young people provided a layer of additional and alternative knowledge about community life and a raft of suggested strategies to ...
TL;DR: The Meryton Association provides social work support to people with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities, actively assisting this group to build relationships, resources, knowledge, and autonomy in their everyday lives as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: People with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities are a group of people who usually do not meet the eligibility criteria for specialist disability services, yet are high users of many generalist services, such as mental health, child protection, and criminal justice systems. They may traverse many services, often entering, exiting, and returning to the same service providers with few positive results. This article explores the practice approach of the Meryton Association, a medium-sized nongovernment agency located in Brisbane, Australia. The Meryton Association provides social work support to people with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities, actively assisting this group to build relationships, resources, knowledge, and autonomy in their everyday lives. Using qualitative in-depth interviews with Meryton Association staff and secondary analysis of Meryton Association policy and practice documents, the challenges and opportunities of using this practice approach have been documented. The article proposes that specialist services are needed that use a developmental approach, stress the importance of relationship, and the need to practice gentleness and hope in social worker-client interaction.
TL;DR: A review of the literature related to the medical model, mental health of transgender people, interdisciplinary and alternative transgender literature, minority status of trans people, existing social work approaches to transgenderism, and Indigenous transgender literature is presented in this article.
Abstract: The transgender community represents a highly marginalised portion of the Australian population, frequently experiencing discrimination, social isolation, and harm. This review explores literature informing Australian social work with transgender people. It highlights the importance of generating a transgender-positive discourse within Australian social work to effectively engage with and advocate for individuals with nontraditional gender identities. Key themes emerged from reviewing the literature related to the medical model, the mental health of transgender people, interdisciplinary and alternative transgender literature, minority status of transgender people, existing social work approaches to transgenderism, and Indigenous transgender literature. The views of transgender Australians are largely absent from the literature. However, the Australian transgender community's emerging voice and political activism highlights the potential for collaboration to play a significant role in the process o...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the eco-critical social work theoretical approach to analyse a subset of qualitative data generated by a larger study conducted in 2008 and 2011, which included focus groups and semistructured interviews.
Abstract: Sustainable development is much more than an ecological and economic concern; it requires social workers to analyse and understand its impact on the broader social and cultural aspects of human life. Mauritius has been branded as ‘Maurice Ile Durable’ (Sustainable Mauritius) by its current government. Within this context, Mauritian social workers are often called upon to engage in sustainable development programs through community empowerment and development activities. This article uses the eco-critical social work theoretical approach to analyse a subset of qualitative data generated by a larger study conducted in 2008 and 2011, which included focus groups and semistructured interviews. Based on the findings of this research, the article focuses on discourses related to concepts such as control, power, and exploitation. It considers three areas as influential to eco-critical social work in Mauritius: antioppressive practice, promotion of social justice, and critical thinking by exploring relate...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on an 18-month qualitative study carried out in Canberra, Australia, with a group of young people who had been in juvenile detention, and report on what these young people needed to make positive changes and effectively transition back into the outside world.
Abstract: Young people who transition from youth detention to the community may encounter difficulties related to their family relationships, mental and physical wellbeing, education, and employment. How to best to support young people once they leave youth detention has been left relatively unexplored—particularly in regard to the way that young people are approached and assisted to access support. This paper reports on an 18-month qualitative study carried out in Canberra, Australia, with a group of young people who had been in juvenile detention. Hearing from young people directly, the paper reports on what these young people said they needed to make positive changes and effectively transition back into the outside world. The young people who participated in this study recognised that they require assistance to sustain and develop relationships; to maintain links with critical institutions such as work, school, and informal support; to resolve the effects of detention; and to access support to live succ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reflect upon contemporary knowledge of rural case management in the light of current literature and emerging trends, and to provoke interest in this topic as an area for further discu...
Abstract: This article is principally concerned with case management and rurality in the Australian context. While there is substantial literature exploring case management across disciplines and across contexts, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge in relation to the role played by rurality in case management practice in Australia. An emerging body of knowledge associated with human service delivery in rural Australia under the stewardship of authors such as Alston, Cheers, and Lonne, offers valuable links between rurality and human services and draws attention to the specificity of rural work. However, there remains a gap in knowledge about how rural specificity impacts on case management practice in the political, cultural, and socioecological context that makes up rural Australia. Thus, the aim of this paper is to reflect upon contemporary knowledge of rural case management in the light of current literature and emerging trends, and to provoke interest in this topic as an area for further discu...
TL;DR: This article conducted a narrative analysis of in-depth interviews relating the help-seeking behaviour of 10 recovering problem gamblers and found that a common temporal sequence moved from self-help, professional and non-professional help, then returned to selfhelp, in a journey that emphasised the importance of their sharing of narratives.
Abstract: Proportionately few problem gamblers seek formal help for gambling problems. However, research into gambling help-seeking behaviour is limited, especially qualitative studies capturing experiences of recovery. This paper conducted narrative analysis of in-depth interviews relating the help-seeking behaviour of 10 recovering problem gamblers. A common temporal sequence moved from self-help, professional and nonprofessional help, then returned to self-help, in a journey that emphasised the importance of their sharing of narratives. Key themes in the plot structures were: self-loathing and loss of identity; fear of failure, of the loss of the gambling experience, and of being judged; negotiation of control, being in control, and needing to be in control; changing based on insight, cognitive behavioural interventions, or integrative interventions; and finally, the shared narrative. The findings highlight the need for policy makers and practitioners to acknowledge the power of narrative and to open th...
TL;DR: The authors argue the domestic and family violence sector has the opportunity to learn from the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal women, particularly allowing time and commitment to working long-term with families.
Abstract: This article presents a qualitative study of Aboriginal women's perceptions and experiences of a transitional housing program in South Australia that was established to assist long-term homelessness and family violence. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and service outcomes for Aboriginal women and their children and to identify both facilitators and barriers to the effective operation of the program. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 Aboriginal women and thematic analysis was used to report their collective stories. The women's stories showed individualised, flexible, and open-ended support as well as practical outcomes of stable, safe housing for themselves and their children were particularly valued. The women reported that these features of the program augmented feelings of strengthened confidence and self-efficacy. The authors argue the domestic and family violence sector has the opportunity to learn from the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal women, part...
TL;DR: The most recent version of the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics includes substantial reference to social workers’ professional responsibilities for environmental awareness and advocacy as mentioned in this paper, and the authors of this study found that while there was a high level of awareness of the relevance of environmental issues for social work practice, participants reported professional and organisational constraints, which prevented them from aligning their environmental concerns with their professional practice.
Abstract: The most recent version of the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics includes substantial reference to social workers’ professional responsibilities for environmental awareness and advocacy. This article reports on a qualitative study of 20 Australian environmentally-conscious social workers from a variety of fields of practice. The study found that while there was a high level of awareness of the relevance of environmental issues for social work practice, participants reported professional and organisational constraints, which prevented them from aligning their environmental concerns with their professional practice. The findings from this study suggest that proenvironmental views and actions may not yet be accepted as a legitimate aspect of social work practice, despite strong recognition of the links between social justice, human rights, social work, and the environment in the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.