New NSW Branch office

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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NSW BRANCH OF AASW

Autumn 2011

…room with a view!

Coming soon to Chippendale:New NSW Branch office …..

Well here we are again, Autumn is slowly approaching as the air isbecoming cooler and the leaves are just beginning to change colour!It’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy the delights of the changingseasons…

This SWIFT Autumn edition is particularly exciting as it coincideswith our new office move to Chippendale. The NSW Branch officeteam is busily preparing for setting up the new space as the officeconfiguration gets underway. We have engaged an office designer tohelp us set everything up so it works! We are also looking forward tothe opportunity to provide private practitioner rooms. The potentialfor expanding our continuing education program is welcome as wewill be able to offer more courses in our new seminar space.We willkeep you posted about moving dates later!

In this edition we are featuring the Pathways debate and includedare articles written by Vittorio Cintio and Pat Hansen on the sidesof ‘for’ and ‘against’. We encourage you to read the articles andform your own opinion!

The branch continuing professional education program is movingfull speed ahead, with workshops filling up well before theirregistration deadlines! We are even re-running our highlyacclaimed Cognitive Therapy course with Greg Sorrell, due topopular demand!

There is also lots of information on what’s going on at the variousuniversities and it will give you an idea of the courses andprograms that are on offer.

I leave you here, as you turn the page and get stuck into thisfabulous Autumn read!

— Nives Crvenkovic, Sub-editor

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AASW (NSW) BRANCH NEWSLETTER

Sub-editor: Tereza CrvenkovicNives Crvenkovic

Design: Breakout DesignPhotography: Annie Crowe

The views, opinions and advice expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors andcontributors, and not necessarily those of, or

endorsed by the NSW BMC (Branch Management Committee).

AASW NSW Branch, 123A Mitchell St, Glebe, NSW 2037.

Yes, we finally found some greatpremises which will enable theNSW Branch to move into anew era of development. As

you can see from the front cover, theoffice is located opposite the RailwayMuseum in Regent Street justminutes walk from Central station ,the CBD and Chinatown.

For the past two years, NSW has had agrand plan to make the branch prof-itable and provide more benefits tomembers. Featured in our 200 squaremetres of space is three counsellingrooms available for sessional or dailyrental to member social workers work-ing in private practice. Additionallythere is a well equipped seminar room,capable of taking up to 50 people,which will be used for ContinuingProfessional Development and this willalso be available for rent. This is abrand new direction for us and themanagement committee is very excitedat the prospect of making this work. Wehope to be fully operational by the mid-dle of the year and you will all beinvited to the grand opening.

I attended a face to face inMelbourne for the College of SocialWork Implementation Committee asthe representative for the branch presi-dents. The plan is to open the Collegein July this year with the Division ofClinical Practice up and running, readyto accept members into the subdivisionof mental health. There are still someimportant issues to be ironed out yetand I urge you to read the briefing byStephen Brand (Executive Director,College of Social Work). He is taking

responsibility for the implementationof the College and this appears to be amajor national priority for this year.

Pathways has taken a bit of a backseat. Kandie Allen Kelly assures me that the branch consultation processaround Pathways has not yet begun.

As part of our budget submission thisyear, the NSW Branch has offered todevelop a model for the HorizonCareer Centre (HCC) within twelvemonths. HCC has experienced someoperational problems over the lasttwelve months. NSW is committed toresolving these problems and wouldlike to work towards a bigger and betterHCC. Responsibility for HCC currentlyrests with the Business Manager, WayneHart. Nives is covering all calls andinquiries to Horizon.

We had a great World Social WorkDay celebration at the Zanzibar inNewtown. Have a look at the photos onthe back page. Almost 80 people cameto hear Mary Jo McVeigh speak of herwide and varied international and per-sonal experiences as a Social Worker.There were drinks and nibbles and, ofcourse, we cut the cake!!

This is such a good time to beinvolved in the AASW, NSW. So much ishappening, so many initiatives, so manyopportunities, all designed to enhancethe profession, improve our capacityand raise our profile as social workers.

It’s hard to say whether a change inthe NSW Government would make adifference to issues such as registration,but I guess we will find out soonenough. ….Annie

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With the President

The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is that

WE ARE MOVING.This is such a good time

to be involved in the

AASW, NSW. So much is

happening, so many

initiatives, so many

opportunities, all

designed to enhance the

profession, improve our

capacity and raise our

profile as social workers.


T he year has begun with a bang!Registrations for our firstworkshop were nearly doublefor the available space in our

Glebe office. After hurried phone callsto Greg Sorrell, our very popular CTpresenter, we were able to book him up,for probably the only time he hasavailable in his 2011 calendar! So we willbe running the workshop again. Thedates are: 30th June and 1st July. Formore information, please contact theNSW Branch Office as numbers arelimited.

There are also steady enquiries andbookings for the next few workshops onthe calendar: Understanding the Brain inSocial Work Practice: Links betweenNeuroanatomy, Cognition and Capacity,April 8th; Effective Ways of Engaging Men,20th May; Working with Children ofParents with a Mental Illness, 12th Augustand Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, 23rdand 24th September. Make sure you getin early, to secure your place and takeadvantage of our early bird discounts!

There are other workshops coming upin the second half of the year but thedates are still being finalised. We plan torepeat some of the workshops that havebeen successful over the past few years.These include: Working with Womenaffected by Domestic Violence, (probably inearly September); Assessment on the Run(mid November) Working with Womenwith Dissociative Identity Disorder(November) Early Identification andIntervention with Young People with aMental Illness (hopefully in October). Asfor the Supervision of Staff for SocialWorkers, this four day course requires alot of planning and organising, so weare still hoping it can be run in Waggaand maybe, if there is sufficient interest,in Sydney as well.

Watch this space for other possibleevents!

Cheers

Sue Brown Professional Education Committee

From the Professional Education Committee (PEC)

WATCH THISSPACE FOR

OTHERPOSSIBLEEVENTS!


President

Annie [email protected]

Jose [email protected] President

Siraj [email protected]

Kamal [email protected]

Amanda [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Sue [email protected] [email protected]

Grahame [email protected] Groups

Grahame [email protected] [email protected]

Biljana [email protected] Practice

Mohini [email protected] [email protected]

AASW NSW Branch

Management Committee

AASW NSW Branch Office details

123a Mitchell Street, Glebe (cnr Derwent St – enter from Derwent St)

Mail: PO Box 838 Glebe NSW 2037Tel: 02 9518 4944Fax: 02 9552 3005Email: [email protected]

Staff: Suraya Coorey (Branch Manager)Nives Crvenkovic (Professional Officer)Tereza Crvenkovic (Project Officer)

Public Transport: Catch a train to either Town Hallor Central station. From there, catch the 431 or 433.Once you reach Glebe Point Rd, alight at the firststop (cnr Glebe Point Rd and Mitchell St).

Parking: Four-hour metered parking outside thevenue ($2.20 per hour)

Resources: The AASW NSW Branch Office has avariety of social work journals and newsletters from1958 to the present; conference papers dating from1947; papers presented to the NSW BMC in the1960s; NSW Branch Annual Reports; NSW BMCminutes and miscellaneous information fromnational office.

If you would like to use these resources forresearch, please call the AASW NSW Branch Office.

NSW BRANCH SUB-COMMITTEESProfessional EducationConvenor: Sue [email protected]: Grahame [email protected] NewsletterEditor: Annie [email protected] GroupsConvenors: Grahame [email protected] PromotionsConvenor: Amanda [email protected] Branch Ethics GroupConvenor: Bijana [email protected] you have any ideas or concerns you’d like to dis-cuss, or if you’re interested in joining one of thebranch sub-committees or the NSW Branch EthicsGroup, please contact the appropriate convenor.

FIGHTING

FAIRMEDIATION & CONFLICTRESOLUTION(LEVEL 1)

(SYDNEY: MARCH 15 & 16& BYRON BAY MAY 3 & 4)This interactive andstimulating 2-day coursewill assist professionals toexplore conflict and impartthe essential principlesand process of mediation.The structured 5-stepmediation model andspecific conflict resolutionskills will be presented andpracticed. For further details andonline registrations, please refer to:www.fightingfair.com.au

THEARTISTRYOFFACILITATIONTRAINING GROUPS SYDNEY: JUNE 2 & 3. This course is about theintegral ingredientsrequired when facilitatinga group – ensuring it isengaging, interactive, funand challenging! It alsolooks at how to create asupportive environmentand to deal withchallenging behaviours.For further details andonline registrations, please refer to:www.groupfacilitation.com.au


Australia – Malaysia Institute funded projectpromotes Commonwealth connections

Universities teaching Social Workand community agencies inKuala Lumpur, Penang,Kuching in Sarawak and Kota

Kinabalu in Sabah were theirdestinations.

Following this visit the AustralianGovernment kindly supported visits bytwo Malaysian social workers toBrisbane, Canberra & Sydney. ThePresident of the Malaysian Associationof Social Workers (MASW) and a mem-ber of the MASW Committee visitedsocial workers at the National Office ofthe AASW. They also met with the cur-rent AASW President.

The MASW delegates attended twobranch meetings of the AASW (Qld andNSW) and participated in an all daymeeting with the ISW Committee. Theyvisited four universities and various wel-fare and community serviceorganisations.

So how were the exchangeproject purposes achieved?Some joint projects have developed outof this initial venture. Consequently sev-eral projects are planned and furtherfunding will be sought to support thesewhere needed.

They include:(a) The development of relevant policy

papers around common socialissues in the region to present atCHOGM in Perth in October 2011

(b) Working together on training mod-ules for clinical social work forMalaysian social workers and trans-lation of key textbooks

(c) Developing understandings of theregulation of social work especiallythrough learning about theMalaysian Social Work Act

(d) A data base of placement possibili-ties for students and self fundedsocial work practitioners has begun

(e) Other social work groups were con-nected. In Kuching, for example,the retired social workers group hasexpressed an interest to ‘twin’ withthe NSW branch retired social work-ers group, and

(f) There are Memorandums ofUnderstanding (MOU) between theAASW and other organisationsbeing negotiated.

ResultsThe project enabled rich discussionsbetween Malaysian and Australian socialworkers in the two countries. Relationships

have been made that will further developunderstanding and exchanges.

Common issues have been identified -for example social work roles in disastermanagement and the training needs forthis across the two countries.

Collaborations were well facilitatedand show great potential for the future.

The project broadened awareness inboth Australia and Malaysia of eachother’s culture, values and traditionsthrough increased social worker tosocial worker contacts. Strong profes-sional working relationships have beenestablished.

These will provide a solid foundationfor further development of culturallycompetent social work practice for pro-fessional social workers in Australia andMalaysia.

How was the project promoted?The visits were publicised in AASW

networks, e-bulletins and publicationsand at IFSW (International Federationof Social Workers) forums in November2009 in Auckland New Zealand and inJune 2010 at the International SocialWork and Social Development confer-ence in Hong Kong. 3000 participantscame from more than 110 countries tothis conference.

Please contact the Project leader,Naomi Spencer, if you would likefurther information by email [email protected]

In November 2010 an academic and clinical practitioner social worker,both members of the International Social Work (ISW) Committee ofthe Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), visited Malaysiansocial workers at universities and at community services in four maincentres as part of an Australian Government funded exchange project.

Naomi Spencer and Annie Crowe with Malaysian delegation visiting NSW Branch in November 2010.


Visit by Indian Professor to KingstonUniversity School of Social Work

Following the successful inaugura-tion of this placement a returnvisit was made by their IndianProfessor to the UK. Professor

Sidde Gowda from the University ofMysore, in an interview with the editorof this newsletter, explained that he hasparticular interests in displacement dueto disaster and tribal conflicts in theIndian sub-continent. Further issuesconcerning family and child welfare dueto the breakdown of families in citiessuch as Bangalore, Mumbai andChennai, the empowerment of tribalpeople and problems faced by the girl-child are issue of major concern to him.He explained that students and faculty

staff are actively involved in many differ-ent areas concerning social marketing,income generation, and the creation ofawareness regarding the need for pover-ty reduction.

The Indian Association of TrainedSocial Workers (IATSW) and IndianAssociation of Schools of Social Workrepresent social workers in India; bothare affiliated to IASSW and IFSW respec-tively. There are more than 400 schoolsof social work and approximately 20,000professional social workers working inthe sub-continent.

An account by Kingston Universitysocial work student Kate Ofman:

As a part of my social work training I

spent 4 weeks in Mysore, South India.The placement was partially funded bythe British Council. During the first fourdays, I and my nine colleagues partici-pated in conference, seminars andlectures organised by Mysore Universityand other colleges in Mysore town.

Later on we were shown four differentorganisations that we could choose fromto complete our placement. I and mythree colleagues chose Odanadi SevaTrust, which is a pioneering voluntaryorganisation in South India working forthe rescue, rehabilitation and reintegra-tion of trafficked women and children.Odanadi works also with victims ofdomestic violence, child labour andforced marriages. The organisation runstherapeutic sessions including coun-selling, art therapy, music therapy, andyoga. Odanadi provides informal educa-tion and supports clients incommencing mainstream education upto masters university level. The foundersalso support clients in finding work andestablishing their own businesses. Thefounders organize and undertake rescueoperations, raise awareness campaigns,and arrange marriages of their clientswith suitable candidates.

I and my colleagues were given manyopportunities to learn about the differ-ences in the lifestyles of people fromdifferent settings. We had a chance ofseeing day-time routines in both thetribe and the village as we stayedovernight in both venues. We learntabout the ways that traffickers recruittheir victims. We listened to one of thevictim’s stories and the involvement thatOdanadi had in this case.

We also had access to victims’ fileswhere we could explore how compre-hensive the work of the organisation isthat we were working in. We met withclients and had the chance to get toknow them and their day routine better.We were welcomed to participate in anddiscuss a family counselling and a couplecounselling (where domestic violencewas an issue).

We also had discussions about the reli-gion and cast system that impacts onpeople’s life in South India.

This placement helped me to under-stand different issues that people fromdifferent backgrounds may have andwhat obstacles they face in everyday life.This may have an impact of understand-ing and response to different situations.

In late 2010 the British Council provided assistance for ten studentsfrom Kingston University to visit India for a 20-day practice placement,funded by the UK’s General Social Care Council and from a BritishCouncil programme known as the Prime Minister’s Initiative forInternational Education that aims to raise students’ understanding ofother cultures. The organisers paired Kingston University with theUniversity of Mysore and social work was identified as an area inwhich students from both countries would benefit from learning.

READ MORE about the Kingston project: http://www.kingston.ac.uk/pressoffice/news/160/20-01-2011-indian-exchange-inspires-social-work-students.html. Professor Sidde Gowda can be contacted at email: [email protected]

Lack of academic courses insocial work is one of the reasonsthe social work field has notprogressed as well as in othercountries,’ says Teoh Ai Hua,president of the MalaysianAssociation of Social Workers.

The Social Workers Act is among halfa dozen measures to lift the standardand status of social workers.

Teoh Ai Hua says that internationally, asocial worker is understood to be some-one with a degree in social work (or amaster’s degree, in some countries) whohave learnt about issues like social workintervention, human behaviour and thepsychosocial system.

Teoh says that many countries requiresocial work graduates to be registered orlicensed before they can practise.

A member of the association has tohave a bachelor’s degree or master’s insocial work or more than five years’experience in direct practice in the fieldand be employed in social work full-time. Currently, the association hasabout 200 members.

“Lack of academic courses in socialwork is one of the reasons the socialwork field has not progressed as well asin other countries,” says Teoh.

“In general, social work is not a profes-

sion that is really understood byMalaysians. People think it is the same asvoluntary and charity work, withoutlooking at the requirements for trainingand supervision,” he adds.

The way forward Teoh says that the proposed National

Social Work Competency Standards willbe important to assess the ability ofsocial workers in carrying out their work,in terms of assessment, planning, inter-vention or case management. “Whendealing with different target groups,social workers need different sets ofskills.”

Teoh says a Social Worker’s Act is cru-cial to get social workers in Malaysia tobe on par with those in developed coun-tries.

“Through the Act, we hope to put inplace structures that can safeguard thequality of social workers in the country.These structures include social workeducation, regulation (of social work-ers), supervision and appointmentmatters.

“With the Act, hopefully there will be aspecific body to regulate social workers.Establishing a Social Work Council isone way we can look at registration andprofessionalism issues,” he says.


Social Work in Malaysia

Teoh Ai Hua, president of the Malaysian Associationof Social Workers

READ MORE about a case study of Amy Bala’s voluntary work in Malaysia and more detail of social work in Malaysiaby clicking: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/9/13/lifefocus/6840225&sec=lifefocusAcknowledgement to: WONG LI ZA “Boost for social workers”, 13/7/10 [email protected]


About the Australian College of Social Work

The Australian College of SocialWork Implementation ReferenceGroup met in Melbourne at aface to face meeting on Thursdayand Friday 3 and 4 March.

Annie Crowe, NSW Branch Presidentattended and represented Branch inter-ests. Also in attendance were seniorAASW staff members to advise and pro-vide support. A substantial series ofbriefing papers were provided aroundmany issues including, the “grandfather-ing” of Accredited Mental Health SocialWorkers, membership categories, market-ing etc. The aim is to launch the Collegeon 1July 2011. There were good collaborative discus-sions which will form the content ofrecommendations to the Board at boththeir March and April meetings. Also, avery tight timeline was developed toprogress the College. Staff at NationalOffice are proceeding with preparingmaterial for Board consideration and areaiming to implement many processeswhich can be put in place at the time ofwriting. This is an exciting initiative andwill help to establish the social work pro-fession’s quality foundations for thefuture. I am pleased to be a part of the processand anticipate extensive interest from ourmembers and stakeholders in the devel-opment of the College and its Divisions inthe future.

— Stephen BrandExecutive Officer to the Australian Collegeof Social Work.

As many members are no doubt aware, thePathways proposal focuses on establishinga tiered membership that recognises, pro-motes and rewards all social work membersattaining higher levels of expertise andqualifications. It would mean:• BSW or an AASW recognised equivalent

would be required for full AASW mem-bership status

• Tertiary and vocationally trained humanservice workers would be eligible tobecome associate members of the AASW

• Industry protection of the role and pro-fession of Social Work as articulated inthe AASW Code of Ethics and AASWEducation and Accreditation standards

• Governance structures to retain the pro-fessional and ethical standards requiredfor any level of membership of theAASW

• Clear linkages to already endorsedchanges such as the College ofAustralian Social Work and CPE

What are the Benefits?The proposal increases the viability, influ-ence and sustainability of the AASW andthereby furthers its capacity to realise itscore objectives. It would provide a vehiclefor a range of other human service workersin the health and community services sec-tors to gain access to these throughmembership of the AASW. There would beincreased accountability of the humanservice workforce to the Australian com-munity because a wider cross section wouldbe adhering to the requirements of theCode of Ethics of the AASW and educa-tional institutions would have increasedaccreditation requirements. There wouldbe a stronger collective voice to govern-ment which would help shape futureservices and policy.

Pat Hansen has been a strong opponentof pathways, I will therefore focus my com-ments on what I understand to be Pat’schief concerns:

Pathways is a backdoor methodof introducing a 3 year BSW. This is completely untrue. Such an initia-tive could only come from the UniversitiesHeads of Schools of Social Work. None ofthem have indicated such a plan.

Members may be interested to know thatmany University Social Work Departmentsalso have a hand in the administering andteaching of 3 year human service degrees.The demand for these degrees hasincreased exponentially. By way of compar-ison, in the year 2000 there were 5,809students enrolled in social work programs,while there were 4, 816 enrolled in welfare

degree programs. In 2009 social workenrolments had increased modestly to6,797, while the welfare degree programshad far surpassed social work, more thandoubling to 10,671. The Pathways proposalclearly targets this cohort for associatemembership.

There is not enough informationabout (or justification for) theproposalThis is a criticism we need to take onboard. AASW directors have been privy toa lot of data over the years and this raisesserious cause for concern. We need to col-late this in to one discussion paper that isacademically robust, so that all membersare up to date with the same information. There should be a referendum on thisissueThe task of the Board is to lead from thefront, not from behind. If directors get toofar ahead of themselves they will be votedout of office. More than half the Board,including the position National Presidentis due for election later in the year.Nothing will be decided on Pathwaysbefore that date.

We will lose our privilegedposition in the health sectorAs a senior manager of many years in theHealth sector, I beg to differ.

There are enormous efficiency pressureson health systems across Australia, due toburgeoning demand and a shrinking work-force. This will mean a continuingshortage of social workers in some areas. Itdoes not mean however, that shortages canbe addressed by recruiting what some peo-ple have termed “paraprofessionals”. Inreality, if a social worker recruit cannot befound, the same solutions that exist nowwill continue to apply. These are- the workwill not get done at all (to the detriment ofthe public), or the work will be done byoccupational therapists, psychologists,nurses or the expanding profession ofgraduate counsellors. These other profes-sions have particular applicability toprimary health care and mental health.(The taxpayer and the CEO, all rightlydemand that all other things being equal,the person who gets paid the least shouldfill the job.)

Paradoxically, many social work man-agers in mental health, sexual assault, andprimary health care are put in the positionof hiring psychologists (a more expensiveoption) because there are no suitablesocial work applicants for these roles.

There is very limited scope to employ“paraprofessionals” in these roles. (see my

post on the AASW Pathways web forum ofFeb 16th for an example of how this cansometimes sensibly happen.)

More importantly the issue relates to thenext generation of social workers and man-agers who will make the judgement callover what skill sets and qualifications arerequired for particular roles. We have aprofessional obligation to our clients notto dilute requirements. If the job requiresskill and knowledge that only a social work-er can deliver- then a social worker it willbe. I would not hire an associate member,for a role that only a social worker couldfill, nor would I succumb to external pres-sure to do this.

One of the strengths of the health sys-tem is the acknowledgement of theimportance of clinical governance and riskmanagement. ENs and interns have specif-ic roles and are not asked to the work ofnurses or registrars.

NSW Branch members arestrongly opposed to PathwaysThe NSW Branch consultation is yet tohappen(please come along when a date isannounced!) At the Branch AGM, themembers were given a straw poll in whichthey were asked if they agreed with theproposition- “that the AASW should allownon social workers to be associate mem-bers”.

In my view the pathways proposal hingeson a series of questions- and the questionput at that Branch AGM should be thefinal one in the series. My own straw pollwould look like this. 1. Do you believe that all human serviceworkers with basic social welfare trainingshould have;• the time and space for continuing pro-

fessional education and supervision• A code of ethics respected and hon-

oured by their employer• Manageable caseloads• A job description carefully matched to

their training, skills and knowledge

2. Do you believe that all clients of theabove workers should be protected by stateregulated registration of those workers?

3. Do you believe that the AASW shouldtake the lead role in achieving all of theabove?

4. If you believe that this is not a task forthe AASW, how feasibly might this task beachieved otherwise?

Vittorio CintioNational Vice- President

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The Pathways DebateThe case FOR

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The facts about this proposalThe proposal is about allowing nonsocial workers to become voting mem-bers of AASW.

The rationale for this proposal seemsto be that the social work profession is incrisis and that we must have more mem-bers and that we must become a peakbody for the human services sector.

The evidence put forward is theHuman Services Workforce Report byKaren Healy and Bob Lonne publishedin 2010.

Allowing non social workers tobecome members of AASW is not a newidea. Bob Lonne has been proposingthis course of action for many years.

Implications for social workersIf AASW allows non social workers tojoin AASW as voting members, and if theplanned increase in membership is aresult of this change, then social workerswill be outnumbered in the associationand will lose control of the operations ofour professional social work association.It is likely that the interests of non socialworkers will dominate AASW.

Already in the community employers,consumers, clients and the general pub-lic have difficulty understanding ourprofession. We are not registered asmost allied health professions are. Ourprofession is diverse and we areemployed or occupied in various roles.What we have had in common is theAASW accreditation standards. Thesestandards have helped the professionand employers set criteria for employingprofessional social workers in theirorganization. We as a group of profes-sionals know the values and ways ofworking that are common to those whohave completed studies accredited byAASW. This set of standards and therecognition of these standards will belost if AASW allows non social workers tobecome members.

The aspiration to become more pow-erful and have higher numbers ofmembers behind the AASW when it istime to lobby government is not in theinterests of social workers. In effect byallowing non social workers into theassociation we lose our professional asso-ciation that has provided an identity and

a sense of certainty about our role in thecommunity. The centralised board ofmanagement may gain power but we willlose our professional identity as well asour association.

A professional social workperspectiveThe major problem with the proposal toallow non social workers into AASW isthat it seems to be aimed at increasingpower rather than furthering the workof the social work profession.

The Workforce Report which is citedas the evidence for the need to increasemembers does not provide that evi-dence. Karen Healy, the first author ofthe report, states clearly that the reportdemonstrates how uncertain the data isabout social workers as a workforce. Thefuture of social work as a stand aloneprofession may not be as dire as predict-ed by the current AASW Board ofManagement. The evidence is certainlynot clear enough to justify the destruc-tion of AASW as the professionalassociation for Australian social workers.

A concern about the AASWconstitutionIn the course of discussions about thisdestructive proposal a number of peoplehave expressed concern about the wayAASW functions in its present form.

There is centralisation of power andthis is shown by the fact that the AASWcan make changes to membership crite-ria without seeking a vote frommembers. This is not acceptable forsocial workers who espouse democraticvalues. While AASW may need to be acompany to function in today’s world wedo not need to aspire to be a big corpo-ration and we do not have to conductour affairs with an imitation of big busi-ness tactics.

In my personal view, in this mostimportant decision about member-ship, it is essential for the AASW Boardto act in accordance with the spirit ofthe AASW Code of Ethics and to putthis decision to the members in anational vote.

Action is neededThose who want to preserve a profes-

sional association for social workers haveto work now to preserve the AASWwhich belongs to social workers and notto human service workers.

A group of social workers for profes-sional standards has been formed and anumber of senior social workers, experi-enced social workers and new graduateshave expressed concern about the ideaof changing the membership criteria forAASW. Others of you who read thisplease contact me.

Social Workers for Professional Standardsintend to voice our objections to path-ways at any consultation events and tomount a new group of candidates for thenext AASW Board of Management elec-tion. We want to: • keep our association for professional

social workers; • work to further the interests of profes-

sional social workers;• increase participation of members

and branches in the affairs of AASW;and

• encourage social workers to rejoinAASW.We do not want power for its own sake

and we do not accept responsibility forthe work of other occupational groups.We urge those who wish to become partof a human services peak body to set uptheir own organisation.

A committed social work professionalhas sent this message to fellow socialworkers.

Even in the event of busy schedules,commitment fatigue and diminishingpassion, I hope you will reflect on keyvalues and beliefs. I encourage you toinsist on transparency and accountability(from the board) and hope you will con-tinue to question motives. As I ask you toremember Paul Kelly’s song “From LittleThings, Big Things Grow”, please do notunderestimate your contribution in ouractive attempt to cover all possibilities.

I think this is a call for all of us to watchwhat is happening with our associationand to do what we can to protect AASW.

Pat HansenAASW member

The case AGAINST


CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 6 May 2011.Early birds: Friday 22 April, 2011

Enquiries: AASW NSW Branch, tel. 02 9518 4944, fax. 02 9552 3005, email [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: 1. Full Payment by closing date is required to secure a place. 2. Cancellations after the closing date and non-attendance are not eligible for refund.

Registration Form and Tax Invoice

Effective Ways of Engaging MenAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • Friday, 20 May 2011.

For credit card payments or direct deposit please call the AASW NSW Branch Office

effective ways

of engaging men

HEALTH PROMOTION TRAINING PROGRAM

Presented by Greg Millan, Men’s Health Consultant

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NSW BRANCH)

This training program focuses on how we can more effectivelycommunicate health and wellbeing messages to men and whatorganisations need to know to make their services, programs andresources more men friendly to achieve the best possibleoutcomes for men and boys. This workshop program is for menand women who provide health, welfare, wellbeing or communityservices for men and boys. You will learn through input andinteractive groupwork:• What the current national issues are for males and principles of

best practice in men’s health work.• What you need to know about the new National Male Health

Policy.• Introduction to the H.E.A.L.T.H. Model for engaging

men and how to use this to increase your skills in men’s healthwork.

• About current successful men’s health promotion strategies andresources.

• How to develop your own effective men-friendly programs andresources for your organisation or service.

GREG MILLAN is a social work trained health educator and trainerwith over 18 years experience in the men’s health promotion areadeveloping and implementing many workshop programs, communityevents and resources covering a wide range of male health andwellbeing issues. He has worked for government, non-governmentorganisations and the private sector. He produces emale Australia’slargest circulation free national monthly men’s health and wellbeingebulletin and is the author of Men’s health & wellbeing: an a–z guide.

Date: Friday, 20 May, 2011.

Time: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Venue: AASW NSW Branch (New Premises) - 87 Regent St, Chippendale 2008

Cost: Early Birds - AASW members: $110.00 (incl. gst) / non-members: $149.00 (incl. gst)

Ordinary rates - members: $149.00; Non-members: $190.00

CPE Points: This course attracts 12 AASW CPE accreditation points

NAME MEMBER NO.

WORKPLACE

ADDRESS

PHONE MOBILE EMAIL

Please send registration form and cheque payable to AASW NSW Branch, PO Box 838, Glebe NSW 2037.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION COST: (All prices include GST)

C/MO/DD: Members: $110.00, Non-members: $149.00. CC: Members: $113.00, Non-members: $155.00

REGULAR REGISTRATION COST:

C/MO/DD: Members: $149.00, Non-members: $190.00. CC: Members: $155, Non-members: $196.00

C/MO/DD: Cheque/Money Order/Direct Deposit • CC: Credit Card


Treating PTSD 2011 trauma education

presented by Dr Leah Giarratano

28 AASW CPE points approved. Limited positions. Register early or reserve your place today. Sydney CBD, 12-13 May Melbourne CBD, 26-27 May Brisbane CBD, 2-3 June

Perth CBD, 9-10 June Adelaide CBD, 16-17 June

For more details about this workshop and books by Leah Giarratano refer to www.talominbooks.com

Clinical skills for treating posttraumatic stress disorder This two-day (9am-5.00pm) program presents a highly practical and interactive workshop (case-based) for treating traumatised clients; the content is applicable to both adult and adolescent populations. Techniques are cognitive behavioural, evidence-based, and will be immediately useful and effective for your clinical practice. The program includes handouts and numerous case examples. The emphasis is upon imparting practical skills and up-to-date research in this area. This program is suitable for all mental health professionals.

Day one topics include: Treatment maps and planning strategies Psychoeducation and motivation tips Analysing and targeting dysfunctional behaviours (e.g., substance abuse, self-harm) Arousal reduction strategies (including breathing retraining, grounding and distraction tasks) An introduction to anger management

Day Two topics include: Invivo exposure therapy (reducing avoidance behaviours) The fundamentals of exposure therapy for traumatic memories (prolonged imaginal exposure) Cognitive challenging of negative self-statements related to the traumatic event Contraindications and complex case issues

What past participants have said about this program "Fantastic workshop. The program was well structured. Leah provided a thorough understanding of the material and this was supported by research and case studies "Leah- without a doubt this has been one of the most relevant and useful PD activities I have done. Thank you for sharing your expertise, knowledge base and practise material. I will be recommending this course and resources to my colleagues"

will draw on these concepts/tools often and highly recommend this work

Program Fee + Single: $660 Early Bird (when you pay up to 3 months prior to the workshop date) or $720 Normal Fee + Pairs: $1200 Early Bird or $1320 Normal Fee when two people register and pay together by fax or mail

Program Fee includes GST, program materials, lunches, morning and afternoon teas on both workshop days Please direct your enquiries to Joshua George on (02) 9823 3374. Email: [email protected]

Treating PTSD Registration Form

Sydney 12-13 May; Melbourne 26-27 May; Brisbane 2-3 June; Perth 9-10 June; Adelaide 16-17 June Please circle the workshop you wish to attend above and return this page with your payment

Name: Profession:

Address:

Phone: Email (*essential*):

Special dietary requirements:

Method of payment (circle one) Visa MasterCard Cheque Please reserve my place & during Early Bird period

Name of cardholder: (if using a credit card)

Card Number: Expiry Date:

Signature of card holder: (if using a credit card) Debit amount: $

Cheques are to be made payable to Talomin Books Pty Ltd and mailed to PO Box 877, Mascot NSW 1460 If payment is made with a credit card (or if you are reserving a place), simply complete the information above and fax this page to (02) 8786 1361.

A receipt will be emailed to you upon processing. Note: Attendee withdrawals more than one month in advance attract a processing fee of $44. No withdrawals are permitted in the month prior to the workshop; however positions are transferable to anyone you nominate.

Leah is a Sydney based doctoral-level clinical psychologist with 17

years of clinical and teaching expertise in CBT and traumatology


CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Early Bird: Friday, 10 June 2011. Regular: Friday 17 June, 2011

Enquiries: AASW NSW Branch, tel. 02 9518 4944, fax. 02 9552 3005, email [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: 1. Full Payment by closing date is required to secure a place. 2. Cancellations after the closing date and non-attendance are not eligible for refund.


Cognitive Therapy — Fundamental Principles and Clinical SkillsAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • Thursday, 30 June & Friday, 1 July 2011

For credit card and EFT payments please call the AASW NSW Branch Office.

PLEASE CONFIRM YOU HAVE A SECURE PLACE BEFORE PAYMENT IS MADE

NAME MEMBER NO.

WORKPLACE

ADDRESS

PHONE MOBILE EMAIL


cognitive therapy: fundamental

principles and clinical skills

TWO–DAY COURSEPresented by Greg Sorrell


The Cognitive Therapy (CT) model developed by Aaron T. Beckand supplemented by the work of Albert Ellis (REBT), DonaldMeichenbaum, Christine Padesky, Art Freeman, Martin Seligmanand others provides a clear, systematic and well-tested basis forworking with clients who experience one or more of a wide rangeof clinical disorders. CT is a versatile skill-building model with asolid reputation for relapse prevention and client empowerment.This workshop will provide comprehensive coverage of theCognitive Therapy model, its principles and clinical relevance.Further, it will also offer participants the opportunity to explore:• Tasks in the practice of CT• The main theoretical constructs• A significant number of key techniques commonly used in CT.This workshop will include a review of training DVDs and audios,practice skills, clinical applications and case studies, substantialnotes and references.

GREG SORRELL B.A., M.A., M.Psych is a clinical psychologist withover thirty years’ experience. Initially, Greg worked with theDepartment of Youth and Community Services, followed by fourteenyears with the Cumberland Hospital drug and alcohol unit. Whileworking in that unit, he developed a cognitive restructuring course(the precursor of his Cognitive Therapy training) for patients and forstaff training. During the last ten years, Greg has been conductingCognitive Therapy training for individual mental health workers onbehalf of government and private organisations. His mainprofessional interest is the application of Cognitive Therapyprinciples to a range of clinical areas, and keeping up to date with thelatest developments in Cognitive Therapy.

Date: Thursday, 30 June 2011 and Friday, 1 July 2011

Time: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Venue: Our AASW Branch office: 87 Regent Street, Chippendale (5 minute walk to Central Station)

Cost: Early Bird rates — AASW members: $220.00 (cash)

Ordinary rates- members: $298.00 (cash). Further cost details below.








CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Early Bird – Friday, 15 July 2011Regular – Friday, 29 July 2011.

Enquiries: AASW NSW Branch, tel. 02 9518 4944, fax. 02 9552 3005, email [email protected] NOTE: 1. Full payment by closing date is required to secure a place.

2. Cancellations after the closing date and non-attendance are not eligible for refund.


Working with children of parents with mental illnessAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • Friday, 12 August 2011

For credit card payments or EFT payments call the AASW NSW Branch Office .

Working with children

of parents with a mental illness

ONE DAY WORKSHOPPresented by Moira McGuire BSW MA (AEd) Cert 1V TAA/TAE


This workshop will provide practical skills at working with childrenwho have a parent with a mental illness. The workshop is targetingsocial workers who are new to working with this client group. Priorknowledge of adult mental illness is desirable.The workshop is broken up into a series of modules which will look atthe following:• The industry base-Terminologies/ key services websites/ policies• The impact of mental illness on parenting function & the parent

child relationship• The impact of parental mental illness on children-• Casework issues- engaging the parent/ undertaking holistic family

assessments.• Engaging with the child/ Undertaking psycho-education with the

child/ developing sustainable caseplans to support the child.The workshop will also address the impact on practitioners workingwith challenging families and using self care strategies. The day hasbeen designed around active participation and there are a number oflearning activities, including the distribution of comprehensive notes.

MOIRA MCGUIRE has worked as a social worker for over17 years in NSW Health Child and Family teams acrossthree Sydney health areas. She specialised in play therapywith complex child and family cases and subsequentlymoved to SESIAHS adult mental health. She worked foranother 7 years in a specialist position working withchildren of parents who had a mental illness . This positionincluded providing consultations to adult mental healthstaff on assessment and care planning for the children oftheir adult patients . Moira has also conducted extensiveworkforce training, both within health and othercommunity service sectors on working with children ofmentally ill parents. This also included presentations atseveral conferences. Moira is currently employed by NSWTAFE and is in private practice

Date: Friday, 12 August 2011.

Time: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Venue: AASW NSW Branch (New Premises) - 87 Regent St, Chippendale 2008

Cost: Early Bird rates – AASW members: $110.00/ Non-members: $149.00 (cash/cheque/ direct debit)

Ordinary rates – members $149.00/ Non-members: $190.00 (cash/cheque/ direct debit)


NAME MEMBER NO.

WORKPLACE

ADDRESS

PHONE MOBILE EMAIL







UNIVERSITY OF NEWSOUTH WALES (UNSW)

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORKDAY at UNSWDATE: Tuesday March 15th TIME: 4pmLECTURE: by Professor Richard HugmanTOPIC: ‘Contemporary challenges for socialwork-ethcal considerations’(followed by drinks and nibbles)VENUE: Uni of NSW ( room TBA)RSVP and for further information pleasecontact Karen Heycox Phone: 93851964/Email: [email protected]

UNIVERSITY RANKINGS:Social Work at UNSW received a ranking of‘4’ in the recent ERA review of research inAustralian universities, placing us in thehighest group for the discipline (with fourother universities). Colleagues in SocialWork also contributed to the same highranking for UNSW in ‘Policy &Administration’ and ‘Criminology’.

GRANTS/AWARDS:The Centre for Refugee Research (UNSW)won a research contract from theDepartment of Immigration andCitizenship/Displaced Persons Program fora research project entitled “Beyondresettlement to sustainable solutions:Improving the protection of refugee womenand girls at risk and other vulnerable groups– Trialling community involvement in theexpanded use of the UNHCR HeightenedRisk Assessment Tool” ($319,260)

RECENT (Dec 2010) Phd Graduates:Juanita Marion Sherwood, PhD Social WorkThesis: Do no harm: DecolonisingAboriginal health researchJoint Supervisors: Eileen Baldry & MichaelWearing.Phillip Snoyman, PhD Social WorkThesis: Staff in the NSW criminal justicesystem understanding of people with andwithout disability who offendJoint Supervisors: Eileen Baldry & Ralph Hall

BOOKS‘Studying for Social Work’ by Eileen Baldry,Mark Hughes, Linda Burnett and IanCollinson . The publisher is SAGE. To bepublished January 2011 www.uk.sagepub.com/books/Book233238#t

abview=titleThis essential guide to study skills takessocial work students through every step oftheir degree journey, providing them withthe academic tools they will need to thrivealong the way. Inventively informed by theinsights and reflections of qualifyingstudents, the book offers effective guidancethat is grounded in real experience of thesocial work degree. It is particularly suitedto those in their early years of study andsupports students as ‘social workers in themaking’. The book covers a comprehensiverange of the core study skills, including:Time management; Literature searches;Engaging with research; Responding to newstyles of social work learning and teaching;Critical thinking; Academic writing; andPresentations.With reflective questions, handy practicaltips and links to helpful websites, thisaccessible handbook is the perfect studycompanion for every student on the path toprofessional qualification.

Karen Heycox along with former UNSWcolleague, Assoc Prof. Mark Hughes ( nowat Southern Cross University) havepublished their book, Hughes, M. andHeycox, K. (2010) ‘Older People, Ageingand Social Work-Knowledge for Practice,’Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, in March.Mark Lymbery Assoc Professor Uni ofNottingham U.K. writes in the foreword thatthis book is ‘ essential reading forpractitioners, educators and researcherswithin the general field of social work witholder people’. Much has been written inAustralia on social policy and older people,and also some social work practiceperspectives are given through journalarticles and book chapters within practicetexts. However this appears to be the firsttime a whole book has been dedicated tosocial work in this increasingly significantarea of local practice. It takes a reflectiveapproach to social work with older peopleand its relevance in this complex andinteresting area of social work practice.Importantly it also highlights the diversityand strengths of the older population.

COURSES2011 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT Certificate of Supervision in FieldEducation in Social Work UNSWThe Social Work Program at The Universityof New South Wales, will be offering a

course in student supervision in fieldeducation leading to the Certificate ofSupervision in Field Education in SocialWork. This course provides new andexperienced instructors with knowledge,skills and the means for increasing selfawareness in teaching/learning situations;highlights typical problem situationsencountered in student supervision;addresses performance evaluation; theoryand practice integration, and exploresethical and legal issues in field education. Italso examines theoretical frames ofreference for teaching and learning,including models of supervision, andaddresses common needs and anxieties offield teachers and students.DATES: March –June 2011 DURATION OF COURSE: 3 hours per weekfor 12 weeksVENUE: The University of New SouthWales. Please contact us if you would like toreceive more information or a registrationbrochure.ENQUIRIES: Mary Despinis Phone (02) 93851881 or Email: [email protected] A/Prof Elizabeth FernandezPhone: (02) 9385 1865 or Email: [email protected] Course offered at UNSW:Professional Practice Supervision (PPS)A PPS course which constitutes 6 Units ofCredit, is being developed for fieldworkeducators and clinical educators whosupervisors who educate UNSW students inthe Programs of Medicine, ExercisePhysiology, Social work andOptometry. The 2 modules (Learning &Teaching; Assessment & Feedback) consistof a blend of online and face-to-faceactivities designed to explore participants’experience and issues of interest, combinedwith an analysis of theories and approachesto professional placement education. Theaim is to assist educators to understand andmanage the complexity of issues involved insupervision in the professional setting. Thesecond round of piloting of the course tookplace in July with Exercise Physiology &Social Work educators and Medicine &Optometry educators meeting on campusfor the workshops. More information aboutwhen the course will be offered later thisyear and in 2001 will be issued shortly. Forany further information please contact KeriMoore: [email protected] ext 56188


News from the Universities

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT OF A NEW POSTGRADUATEPROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT EDUCATION COURSE, which will be run by UNSW’s Learning andTeaching unit throughout 2011. It offers flexible learning and attracts CPD credits from the AASW. The course aims to support health practitioner educators’ professional development by introducing arange of key theories and principles in learning and teaching in the professional placement setting, whichwill enable you to develop your teaching practice in a reflective and scholarly way. For information see http://learningandteaching.unsw.edu.au/content/LT/capacity/professionalplacementsupervision.cfm?ss=0 or contact Keri Moore: 9385 6188 or [email protected]


UNIVERSITY OF WESTERNSYDNEY

The Margaret Whitlam Chair of Social Work at the University of Western SydneyIn 1948 Margaret Elaine Whitlam (neeDovey) qualified as a Social Worker from theUniversity of Sydney. She was employed asthe sole social worker at Parramatta DistrictHospital from 1964 to 1967. When TheHonourable Gough Whitlam AC QCbecame Leader of the Australian LaborParty, her political work increased and sheleft her position as a social worker to workalongside and support her husband. MrsWhitlam continues to remain true to thevalues of social work: that it is a professionwhich works with individuals and groups toeliminate disadvantage associated withsocial arrangements. It is firmly based inprinciples of Social Justice and HumanRights. Evidence of Mrs Whitlam’scommitment to these values can be seen inher ongoing community involvement,writing and public appearances. The energyand commitment she has demonstratedthroughout her career to work for socialjustice illuminates a path for social worktoday. In recognition of this UWSestablished the Margaret Whitlam Chair inSocial Work. The inaugural Margaret Whitlam Chair inSocial Work at UWS has just beenappointed and we are pleased to announceit is Natalie Bolzan, the Professor of SocialWork at UWS. Natalie is the leader of theSocial Work Program at UWS and a coreand founding member of the Social JusticeSocial Change Research Centre. Nataliehas also been a long term member of theWomen In Welfare Education collectivesignificant in its commitment toencouraging the dissemination of writingabout work in the welfare education sectorsby women and about women’s experiences.Natalie’s work has had a focus onmarginality and challenging understandingsof exclusion. She brings to the Chair awealth of experience in innovative researchmethodologies for working withdisadvantaged and minority groups and astrong commitment to the profession ofsocial work and its value base. We all wishto congratulate Professor Bolzan and lookforward to seeing her work continue toflourish!

* * * * * * * *A successful Field Educators workshop washeld in January to assist new and returningField Educators to meet the staff of theUWS Field Education unit and take part in amorning of being introduced to theresources available within the University.Field Educators from across the humanservices sector were given the latestrecommended readings, a briefing about

the academic content already covered bythe student’s course, an understanding ofthe expectations of the university as well asthat of the students. The workshopconcluded with participants clear about thelevel of support and appreciation availablefor Field Educators offering to guide thelearning experience of the next generationof Social Workers. The next UWS FieldEducators Workshop will be held in June2011. All welcome to attend, simply email:[email protected] to be included in thepre-workshop advice.

* * * * * * * *Eighty UWS Bachelor of Social Work 3rdyear students are currently placed acrossthe Sydney area. With more than 80 FieldEducators - and their co-workers -supporting these students there is, in thatsnapshot alone, evidence of the substantialcommitment by human serviceorganisations across Sydney to educating ofthe future workforce! If you are interested in discussing potentialprojects and learning opportunities that youthink may fit with social work studentslearning about effective ways of working inthis complex field, please contact: JustineO’Sullivan Social Work Clinical Coordinator@ UWS: [email protected].

* * * * * * * *Social Work@UWS, among otheruniversities, has taken part in severalinitiatives to map and plan towards havinghigh quality, critically reflective, resourcefuland flexible graduates “workforce-ready”.The production of an ALTC funded on-linesupervisors training module with the scopeto be offered within a professionaldevelopment workshop, small team peertraining or private study. This collaborativeproject team was headed by CSU withrepresentation in some form by Social Workprograms from every state of Australia. Social Work @UWS - and several otheruniversities from rural, regional and cityareas - have recently been advised byHealth Workforce Australia of successfulbids to develop and put in place strategiesto meet a demand for an increase in thenumber of student training places offeredwithin health services. Consultation withField Educators in that sector is “Step #1”:Watch this space!!!

* * * * * * * *Current Social work @ UWS researchprojects.Academic Researchers/Lecturers from UWSSocial Work, Professor Natalie Bolzan andDr Fran Gale are part of a successfulfunding bid for a Cooperative ResearchCentre on Young People, Technology andWellbeing (CRC-YPTWB) which is lead bythe ‘Inspire Foundation’ in collaborationwith NGOs and community organisations,commercial and government partners and

will contribute to work on young people’sengagement with technology to promotewellbeing and to address challenges ofpoor youth mental health. Their convictionis that technology can be a positivecontributor to the lives of all young people.It can also help to bridge social andeconomic divides and creatively engageyoung people most at risk. The Centre will develop tech-savvy tools tosupport the wellbeing of our youngAustralians. It will address the ways in whichICT can be used to benefit young people ingeneral in the population. It will alsoconsider differential effects on varioussegments of the youth population ac-cording to gender, age, geography and arange of other demographic and sub-cultural characteristics. For example,strategies and products that embed mentalhealth promotion information or in onlineenvironments. For example, online singleand multi-player games, social networkingsites, issue or interest-based onlinecommunities (sport, music, social,environmental or special interest groups)and mobile digital media such as video andpodcasting will be trialled and evaluated. Natalie and Fran will be involved in Program2, led by Dr Amanda Third, which willgenerate baseline data about howvulnerable young people integrate existingtechnologies into their everyday lives.Program themes will focus on developingand trialling: applications and tools toaddress vulnerable young people’s specificneeds; strategies for increasing communityunderstanding and inter-generationaldialogue around the needs of vulnerableyoung people; and, web 2.0 functionality toharness vulnerable young people’s creativityand develop effective strategies for socialinclusion. The CRC-YPTWB directly supportsthe Federal government’s National Strategyfor Young Australians, which aims to enableall young people to grow up safe, healthy,happy and resilient (COAG, 2009). If youwould like more information on thisresearch please email: [email protected] [email protected]

Another exciting initiative is Dr Neil Hall’sinvolvement with other Homelessness-experienced UWS research staff in thepartnering with 4 Western Sydney Councilsto explore vulnerabilities relating tohomelessness in suburban/regional/urbanfringe areas.The homelessness focus is slightly differentin each of the LGAs responding to thehistory and outcomes sought in each localgovernment area: Blue Mountains, Penrith,Blacktown and Hawkesbury want somethingdifferent! If you would like furtherinformation about this research pleaseemail: [email protected]

* * * * * * * *....continued next page


News from the Universities Natalie Bolzan and Jan Falloon will befacilitating a Childwatch Asia Pacific StudyGroup 2011 meeting hosted by the TataInstitute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, Indiain February. The thematic focus of the meeting is“Exploring child to child violence and itssocio-cultural contexts in some countries inthe Asia Pacific region through diverseresearch methods”. This initiative reflects akey component of the work of EmeritusProfessor Jan Mason, Professor NatalieBolzan and Jan Falloon over many years. Ifyou have any enquiries about the outcomes

of this Study Group please email Natalie:[email protected]

An Update! The conjoint appointment of the AssociateFellow in Community Development withHousing NSW and UWS advertised late lastyear In SWFT is ‘in progress’. When theappointment is confirmed, the positionholder will offer social work supervisedplacements to students in the Mt DruittBuilding Stronger Communities program.The students benefitting from thisexperience, over the next 3 years, will havedeveloped a critical understanding and

capacity to work with communities and theirmembers that actively supports theachievement of meaningful outcomes asdefined by those communities. I trust this report from Social Work @UWShas informed you of the broad range ofinterests and activities of several of the staff& this is in addition to their love of learningand teaching! Thanks for your interest and support ofstudent learning!Justine O’Sullivan Social Work Clinical Coordinator @ UWS:[email protected]. Tel.97726616.

THE UNIVERSITY OFSYDNEYFIELD EDUCATION NEWS:

Field Education Placements in 2011We are currently completing the allocationprocess for fourth year social work studentsundertaking their second placement. Manythanks to all field educators who haveprovided great learning opportunities forthese students and who continue to supportour Field Education Program. Fourth yearstudents will begin placements from 4th April2011 to 5th August 2011.Third year social work students who are nowsettling into the Social Work and PolicyStudies Program will embark on their firstplacement on the 9th August 2010 with acompletion date on the 18th November2011. We will soon begin recruiting forplacement offers for these students. If youthink you might like to offer a placement forone of the third year students, or you’d liketo discuss what this might entail, pleasecontact Andrea Small [email protected] or (02)9351-6897.

Free Seminar for New FieldEducators: “Preparing to be a Field Educator” is aworkshop presented for social workpractitioners with an interest in social workstudent learning and field education. Thisworkshop will build on your experiences as alearner and a practitioner and prepare youfor the important task of becoming a fieldeducator.The next full day workshop will be held from9.30am to 4pm on the 15th March 2011 atThe University of Sydney CamperdownCampus. To register contact Maria Bruzzese at:[email protected] or ring9356 5074.

STAFF PROMOTIONS AND NEWAPPOINTMENTS:Congratulations to Jude Irwin on herpromotion to Professor of Social Work andSocial Justice.Congratulations to Fran Waugh on herpromotion to Associate Professor.Congratulations to Joanne Clarke on herappointment to Lecturer in the Social Workand Policy Studies Program

PROFESSIONAL LEARNINGOPPORTUNITIES IN 2009

Theatre by the Mad, Bad and SadMonday 28 March 2011 | 9.00am to 3.30pmContent: Peter O’Connor has been makingtheatre in schools, psychiatric wards, youthprisons and in youth activity centres foryoung people expelled from schools fornearly thirty years. This practical workshopdemonstrates ways of making theatre withyoung people who feel marginalised andexcluded from the mainstream. In particularthe workshop explores how to addresssensitive and emotive issues throughtheatrical conventions.This workshop will be of interest to teachers,youth workers, social workers, and othersinterested in using theatre as a way ofmaking positive differences in the lives ofyoung people.Presenter: Associate Professor PeterO’Connor, Adjunct Associate Professor,Faculty of Education and Social Work, TheUniversity of Sydney, and Director, AppliedTheatre Consultants Ltd, New Zealand. Location: Faculty of Education and SocialWork, The University of SydneyEnquiries: Nina Goodwin, ProjectCoordinator: T: 02 9351 6329 | E:[email protected]

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICESUPERVISIONFOR PRACTITIONERS IN HUMAN,HEALTH, COMMUNITY AND SOCIALSERVICESSESSION 1: Fridays 1 & 8 April 2011 | 9.30amto 4.00pmSESSION 2: Fridays 20 & 27 May 2011 |9.30am to 4.00pm

OVERVIEWThis two-day course will examine and critiquedifferent approaches to professionalsupervision in the health, human andcommunity services. It will identify keyfeatures of a working environment that canenhance or inhibit supervision. It will assist inidentifying and developing knowledge andskills in the application of both staff andstudent supervision.At the completion of this course participantswill be able to:• demonstrate a knowledge of a range of

models and theoretical approaches. Forexample developmental, process andnegotiation models to aid the supervisionof staff in the health and human services

• critique the relevance of these approachesin a range of practice settings

• identify and develop supervision processesthat are critical to the enhancement ofpractice and the appropriate strategiesand skills to implement them

• identify and analyse key features of anorganisational environment in whichsupervision plays a positive role anddemonstrate the skills that are required tomaintain this, and

• analyse issues that may arise in thesupervision process and identifyappropriate strategies to address these.For example the influence of power on therelationship between supervisor andsupervisee, structural inequalities such asrace, gender, age.

PRESENTER: Professor Jude IrwinVENUE: Education Building, Manning Road,The University of Sydney – CamperdownCampusFEE: $320 per person per sessionThis 2 day course is an Approved AASWActivity | Appellation No.: 00371 – 2 creditpoints per learning hourPLEASE CONTACT: Nina [email protected] or 02 93516329 for registration and enquiries.


CHARLES STURTUNIVERSITYCoursesBachelor of Social Work at Charles SturtUniversity was successfully re-accredited bythe AASW in 2010 for a further 5 years.The Bachelor of Social Work degree at CSUcontinues to offer the opportunity forstudents especially from rural and remoteparts of Australia to study for and obtain aprofessional four-year full-time equivalentdegree in Social Work. The BSW course isoffered both as flexible delivery and on-campus at Wagga Wagga as a Social Workdegree. It is offered as a flexible learningprogramme for students who have a priordegree (the 2 x 2 model) and is offered atthe CSU Dubbo campus in response to theeducational and vocational needs ofstudents and communities in the CentralWest and Far West of NSW.The undergraduate degree has over 600enrolled social work students acrossAustralia. Master of Social Work (professionalqualifying) -CSU also offers a Master ofSocial Work (professional qualifying) degreethat is studied by flexible delivery and isopen only to those applicants who have arelevant 3 year undergraduate degree andwho meet specific entry requirements. Ourfirst group of graduates from the MSW(pq)completed at the end of 2010. The AASWAccreditation will occur in August 2011.The University continues to offer a Master ofSocial Work (Advanced Practice) towardsmembership to the AASW. This qualifiesSocial Workers and a Professional Doctoratein Social Work in addition to PhD studies inthe area of Social Work.

StaffingWe have been delighted to welcome DrFredrik Velander from Western Australia toour teaching/research staff. He brings withhim recent industry experience and a wealthof experience in the areas of Alcohol andother drugs and work/life balance. Karen Bell has been awarded her PhD in thearea of rural Women’s experiences ofassisted reproductive health. Ndungi waMungai has completed his PhD in the topicof Refugee African Men.

The Lila Kirilik Social JusticeAward and Social Justice FundAt Graduation in 2011, Yangi Moi will be awarded the Lila Kirilik Social Justice Awardfor an outstanding piece of Practicum work .Yangi undertook her placement atCentrelink and did an outstanding piece ofwork that was related to co-ordinating ruralservices in times of prolonged crisis. Yangi isof Sudanese- refugee background and heroutstanding efforts include being awardedfirst class honours for her work with singlewomen of a multi-cultural background. TheLila Kirilik award commemorates a former

member of staff and is awarded foroutstanding contribution by a student tosocial Justice. Details athttp://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/arts/humss/news/prize-grants.html The Discipline’s Social Justice Fund also

provides support for social justice initiativesthat will enhance teaching and learning inrelation to identified social equity groups.Two scholarships (a general scholarship andan Indigenous Scholarship are awardedeach year. 2011 awards will be made by1/3/11.

Indigenous TraineeshipsA Social Work staff member has beenworking with a Government agency toprovide traineeships for Indigenousstudents that are enrolled in Social Work.Two Traineeships will be offered for the fouryears of study from 2011

RAS – (Refugee Action Support)Beginning in July 2010, a small group ofinternal Social Work students begansupporting Refugee students andIndigenous students in local High schoolsand primary schools. This was on avoluntary basis and aimed at encouragingstudents in the first two years of universityto enact their learning in an altruistic way.The programme, undertaken under theauspices of the Australian Literacy andNumeracy Foundations, was enormouslysuccessful and will be run again this year.The training dates are in March and anumber of students of Social Work haveexpressed their interest in being part of thisexciting development.

Discipline Research/Publicationsand Community Involvement The Social Work group continues to behighly productive in output in research,publications or community involvement.This will be a significant focus in 2011 withparticular targets set for grants/researchoutputs.Professor Manohar Pawar has been involvedin a number of conference presentationsand has organised an InternationalConference.A/Professor Wendy Bowles and otherscontinues with the ALTC grant.

India TripA highlight of late 2010 was 18 students andtwo staff member who travelled to ruralIndia in November 2010 on adevelopment/volunteer programme. KarenBell and Bill Anscombe led this group.Drawing from current post-graduate andundergraduate students in either flexible orinternal modes, the Study/volunteerprogramme was enormously successful. Each student co-contributed $2400 and theUniversity co-contributed $500 through CSUGlobal to finance the volunteer internationalprogramme.

The aims of the Programme1. To expose Social Work students to an

international practice and volunteerexperience.

2. To contribute to meeting the School ofHumanities and Social Science, Faculty ofArts and University objectives in relationto internationalization objectives in the2007-2011 strategic plan.

3. To foster the development ofinternational social work.

4. To experience social work in a cross-cultural and international context.

5. To participate in a large, residential groupand reflect upon the experience.

6. To make a short term volunteercommitment to a developing country.

Rationale for the ProgrammeCSU is encouraging students to experienceinternational placements and study abroadas part of the wider AustralianGovernment’s commitment tointernationalizing education. CSU receivesmore international students than it sends.Regional students have low participationrates in the internationalization ofeducation.

Anticipated OutcomesThe study tour was designed to givestudents an experience in internationaldevelopment and social work; experience ingroup work and residential living; aninternational volunteer opportunity; theopportunity to consider whetherinternational social work may be a careeroption; to encourage students to considerinternational practice and the relevance ofAustralian Social Work education andframeworks; increase the awareness bystudents of innovative practices in socialwork occurring in a developing country;and to consider the integration of casework,group work and community development invarying situations.It was anticipated that the volunteeringwould also provide some benefit to thedeveloping country.

ActivitiesDay trips and agency visits were undertakento :SAMPARC Malavli, Pune – SAMPARC wasstarted with the purpose of giving a newidentity to orphans, destitute children &children of sex workers. The Malavali centreis unique for its picturesque location andcovers an area of 6 acres of land. The centrehas a community hall, central kitchen/dininghall, office, library, guest room, counselling/meeting room, study room, computer room,medical centre, playground, basket ballground, garden & staff quarters. CHAITANYA, Rajgurunagar, Pune –Chaitanya, a developmental organizationestablished in 1993, has played a catalytic rolein spreading the Self-Help-Group (SHG)movement in and around Maharashtra.Chaitanya is one of the pioneers of the SHGmovement in the state, with considerable field

experience in promotion of local communitybased institutions of women, especially Self-help groups, Clusters and Federation. SHANTIVAN, Nere, Panvel (1953): Thisproject is for leprosy awareness andtreatment. The project spans over a 122acres wide plot at Shantivan near Panvel. SANMITRA TRUST, Mumbai: The SanmitraTrust was founded in 1999, as a non-governmental organization (NGO) to workamong the non-brothel, floating sex-workers in the western suburbs of Mumbai,India. Over the years Sanmitra hasdiversified its outreach to include all aspectsof People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). CSA Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), PuneCSA is a social welfare organizationdedicated to the cause of child welfare.CSA focuses on adoption, andinstitutionalized-child care. Established inSeptember 2002,

CSU Student Social WorkVolunteer PlacementsAs part of this India Study tour involvedstudents’ volunteering to work on aplacement site for a period of time,students were assigned in groups (of three)to one of the following placement sites: Samparc Mobile Health Van – this vantravels from Malavli to localneighbourhoods in rural villages to providemuch needed and almost free health care.On one day students saw an engagementceremony, a domestic dispute that wasresolved by the community, a rural school,and a range of health, well-being andcommunity issues.Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Mobile Health VansMobile health vans reach out to otherwiseinaccessible and remote rural and tribalvillages with doctors, medical supplies and

social workers. The van stops at variousvillages throughout the day and providenecessary medical care to the villagers. Thestudents travelled to the villages on thevans and discussed health issues (mostlypublic health) with the doctors. Theyobserved rural villages and households atclose quarter and documented the villagehealth profile. Natural Buddha School/Orphanage –Natural Buddha School provides shelter anddevelopment facilities to children off thestreets – either abandoned or runaway kids.It currently houses 74 children who havebeen rescued from the railway lines or weredestitute. In three school rooms, thechildren are taught by day and sleep in thesame rooms on mats at night. CSU studentsundertook to re-write a funding brochureand application and document the historyof some of the children. Plans for a buildingdevelopment are underway to redress thecritical infra-structure concerns.Kamshet English school/ boardingorphanage (KESBO) – KESBO trustprovides shelter and education to war-affected orphaned boys from in and aroundKargil region in Kashmir. Studentsparticipated in the activities of the schooland learned more about issues of childprotection. They produced a costedhygiene and sanitation Report thatconformed to International standards as ablueprint for the agency development.Society for the Education of the Crippled(SEC) Centre for Independent living – thiscentre works with children who havephysical disabilities including Cerebral Palsyand Motor Neurones disease. It has aworkshop for providing prosthetics aids anda training centre for people with a disability.It also has a school and dormitory

living.Students at this placement also wentto Mumbai with the students for a day ofactivity and learning. Samwad Shala – This school also work withchildren with disability. Since many schools,especially in rural areas, are not equipped tocater to children with disability, this specialschool takes in students with varying formsof disability including those on the autismspectrum, deaf and mute children andchildren who are blind. CSU Social WorkStudents participate in lessons with childrenwith multiple disabilities. CSU Social Workstudents carried or developed helpfulteaching and learning aids and methods forchildren with a disability as well as othercolourful /picture cards and introduced thechildren to Australia. Activity and percussionwere used along with singing and games tostimulate and encourage learning. Thesituation of disabled rural children in India isparticularly difficult.

Social Recreational ProgrammeThe social activity/recreation programmeincluded a visit to the Karla Caves on theday that happened to be the end of thefestival of Divali (the festival of lights). Itproved to be an unexpected pleasure andan unexpected occasion for learning.The group also visited Mumbai and theslum of Daravi as well as the sites ofMumbai. Others in the group visited Puneand the Aga Khan’s palace and some of theremains of Gandi and his tomb. Others tookthe opportunity to visit the Bajha caves. Thegroup spent an evening at a roadsidedharba eating traditional Punjabi food.There was the opportunity to attend atemple for some of the group. AW (Bill) AnscombeCourse Co-ordinator – BSW, MSW(pq)


INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY:

Embracing Uncertainty — How do Social WorkersDeal with Uncertainty at End of Life?

You are invited to participate in this researchstudy which is being carried out by StephanieUnicomb enrolled in the Doctor of Social WorkProgram, at the University of Sydney under thesupervision of Associate Professor Lindsey Napier.

WHAT IS THE STUDY ABOUT?In this study we are interested in finding outabout acute hospital social workers’ experiencesof working with patients and families at end oflife. We want to find out about the challengesthat you face in this work as well as exploringtogether possibilities for developing social workpractice in this context.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Social Workers who:• are working in New South Wales Acute

Hospitals, AND• have experience in working with patients over

the age of 18 years at end of life.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?• Four, two-hour group sessions at the University

of Sydney at a convenient time for participants.

PARTICIPATION IS VOLUNTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL.FURTHER INFORMATION: Phone Stephanie Unicomb on 0422 665 765


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WorldSocialWork Day 2011

New NSW Branch office

Documents

Transcript of New NSW Branch office