Social Work
Connect
VOLUME 5 | No. 1 August 2016
Newsletter of the AASW Victorian Branch
Photo Credit: Gavin Blue Photography
75th Anniversary Celebration – Social Work at the University of Melbourne
Pictured Left to Right: Professor Marie Connelly (Head of Social Work, University of Melbourne),
Professor Dorothy Scott OAM (inaugural winner of the Hyslop Medal), the Honorable Linda Dessau AM (Governor of Victoria),
Professor Margaret Sheil (Provost, University of Melbourne) and Professor Mark Hargreaves (Dean of the Faculty of Medicine,
Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne).
ISSN 1448-9503
2
Social work connect august 2016
Dear colleagues
Level 7
14-20 Blackwood St
NTH MELBOURNE 3051
Tel: (03) 9320 1012
Fax: (03) 9328 5670
All mail to:
PO Box 2008
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville VIC 3050
Open: Monday to Friday
Website: www.aasw.asn.au
BRANCH MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE
Glenda Kerridge
(Branch President)
[email protected]
Olga Gountras
(Vice President)
[email protected]
9949 8713
Peter Quin
[email protected]
5154 6635
Virginia Mansel Lees
[email protected]
Ilia Vurtel
[email protected]
0425 750 044
Scott Williams
[email protected]
Laurenza Buglisi
c/- [email protected]
Johnson Mathew
[email protected]
Alexandra Bhathal
[email protected]
Christine Barca
[email protected]
Despina Filippaki
[email protected]
2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the AASW. 70 years ago a group of
visionary social workers founded the AASW with the aim of developing
social work education and practice in Australia. Since then individual social
workers as well as the association as a whole have promoted the profession
and contributed to its development and had input in policy decisions.
Sonia Posenelli is a social worker who over more than 36 years left her mark
on the profession and touched the lives of many clients and colleagues.
Her retirement tribute reflects on her achievements and legacy.
The work of social workers and the AASW is far from done, as can be read
in Jacinta Re’s article about the changes in aged care and their implications
for social workers. Michelle Gardiner, Jade Purtell and Joseph J McDowall
reflect on how the CREATE Foundation strives to make the voices of young
people heard and their views taken into account by policy makers.
Moving with the times in a digital age, Social Work Connect will now
be distributed as an electronic version in PDF format (which can still be
downloaded and printed). Our focus for Social Work Connect will remain
to provide a platform for showcasing the various fields of social workers,
innovations and achievements and particularly include the reflections of
recently graduated social workers and their thoughts on our profession
and its place in our society. We welcome your feedback on this edition
and encourage you to make contact with the editors if you would like to
contribute an article.
Warm regards
Maria Groner
Glenda Kerridge and
Lisa Derham
social work connect (SWC) guidelines for authors and contributors
Presentation: All contributions must be
presented by email to [email protected]
as a Word document attachment by the published
copy deadline.
Copy Deadline: 12 August for the September
edition.
Articles from Members – are welcome and the
topic and word limit should be negotiated
with the Editor for the particular edition.
Practice Group reports and articles: 500 maximum
or by agreement with the Editor/s
Advertisements: Please see back cover of this
publication for details.
Please Note: While acceptance of a contribution
to SWC does not imply that AASW supports
or is promoting the views expressed therein,
the Editorial Committee reserves the right to
refuse to accept contributions at any time. If an
advertisement is accepted by the Editor of the
SWC Newsletter, every effort will be made to
ensure its inclusion, but no guarantee is given.
Disclaimer: The Editor/s wishes to remind
readers that the views expressed in the Social Work
Connect do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Association. Similarly, course and workshop
advertisements, Letters to the Editor, enclosed
within the Social Work Connect should not be
taken as necessarily having the endorsement
of the Association unless explicitly stated. The
advertisements, events are correct at date of
publication. Changes in dates, times or venues are
beyond the control of the Editors.
Social work connect
august 2016
contents
A grand celebration: University of
Melbourne celebrates 75 years of
social work with Government House
reception
4
Empowering Young People
Through Participation
6
Health Social Work Directors’ Group
Research Symposium 2015:
“Creative, innovative and very
informative”
8
The Victorian Health Social Work Directors Group is proud to host the: -­‐ 7th ANNUAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 2016 Research Informing Practice in Health Social Work: From Ideas to Innovations Thursday 22 September 2016 Venue-­‐ Health Education & Research -­‐ Deakin Clinical School, University Hospital of Geelong Ryrie St, Geelong, Victoria The symposium is a platform for health and mental health social workers to share their learnings, across all stages of quality improvement innovations and research projects, i.e. development, implementation and the outcomes with a view to enhancing and expanding evidence-­‐based practice in our field. We are currently seeking abstracts from practitioners, academics as well as PhD and higher education students. Please note we are happy to receive abstracts on “work/research still in progress”. Submission guidelines are available here and the closing date is Monday 1 August. Participation in the symposium is open to anyone with an interest in the field of health social work. This event is an excellent opportunity for networking and continuing professional development. Registrations Open 5 August 2016 Full Program will be available shortly Fre
World Social Work Day
10
Sonia Posinelli retires:
celebrating an inspiring career
12
Can You Help?
13
Upcoming cpd events
13
Commonwealth Aged Care reforms
and implications for practice
14
The gmswg participates
in local careers day out in Shepparton
15
3
4
Social work connect august 2016
A grand celebration: University of Melbourne
celebrates 75 years of social work with
Government House reception
By Glenda Kerridge
David Maxwell and Glenda Kerridge
On the evening of February 8, staff,
dignitaries and colleagues joined the
Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda
Dessau at Government House to
celebrate the anniversary of 75 years
of social work at the University of
Melbourne (1940 – 2015) in style.
Guests mingled in the Reception
Room before being addressed by
the Governor, who told of her own
links with social work and her respect
for the contribution made by our
profession. Then the Head of School,
Professor Marie Connelly, paid tribute
to the many past and present staff
in attendance and the growth and
achievements over the past 75 years
since the establishment of social
work education by the Board of
Social Studies in 1940.
To mark the occasion, the University
commissioned Melbourne sculptor,
Michael Meszaros, to create
the Hyslop Medal to recognise
individuals whose outstanding
contributions have been integral
to the success of social work at
the University. The medal honours
Jocelyn Hyslop (1897-1974), the
founding Head of Social Work at the
University of Melbourne.
Stuart Evans & Professor Hayden Raysmith
about
the
author
Associate Professor Margarita Frederico
Glenda Kerridge is the President
of the Victorian Branch of the
AASW, co-editor of Social Work
Connect and an alumnus of the
University of Melbourne.
David Maxwell
Hon. Linda Dessau AM and
Professor Dorothy Scott
Peter Hollingworth AC
Sister Joan Healy AM
Social work connect
august 2016
Professor Kate Darian Smith, Jane Miller, Professor Marie Connelly
C OBE, Professor Dorothy Scott OAM,
The Hyslop Medal is established in
perpetuity in celebration of the 75th
anniversary and may be awarded
annually to exceptional persons who
meet the eligibility criteria.
Professor Dorothy Scott OAM was
awarded the inaugural Hyslop Medal,
in recognition of the significant
contributions she has made over her
long career to the scholarship and
practice of social work. Professor
Scott is recognised internationally for
the excellence of her work in the area
of child and family welfare, and has
ensured significant advancements in
social justice in these fields. She has
had a long and distinguished history
with the University of Melbourne,
Sonia Posenelli, Kathy Sanders and Jane Miller
having been a member of staff and
Head of Social Work. She is currently
an Honorary Professorial Fellow.
The evening also served as a book
launch for the short history which
has been written to celebrate the
75th anniversary, entitled: Leading
Social Work: 75 years at the University
of Melbourne. Author Dr Jane Miller
AM, current President of the Alumni
Association, has traced the influences
that shaped social work as a new
profession in Australia, and pays
tribute to the people who have had
a critical role in its development
over time. Guests were delighted to
receive a copy of the book at the end
of the evening.
Dr Kristin Diemer, Professor Cathy Humphreys and
Anita Morris
5
6
Social work connect august 2016
Empowering Young People Through Participation
By Michelle Gardiner,
Dr Joseph McDowall and
Jade Purtell,
CREATE Foundation
about
the
authors
Dr Joseph
McDowall joined
the CREATE Board
in 2008 and is
now Executive
Director (Research).
He is a member
of the Australian
Psychological
Society and a Fellow
of the Queensland
Academy of Arts
and Sciences.
Jade Purtell
BA (Hons), MSW
Jade has worked with young
people in various programs and
services including housing and
homelessness, alternative education,
local government youth services and
education, employment and training
support. Most recently she has been
training young people to become
Young Consultants at the CREATE
Foundation and researching the
best way to provide support to assist
young people leaving care make
successful transitions to independent
living. She is currently working with
Berry Street and Philip Mendes at
Monash University to evaluate the
Stand By Me program.
Dr Michelle Gardiner is a
Community Facilitator at CREATE
Foundation.
Workers in the community sector
have many opportunities to
hear stories and to gain a unique
perspective of people’s lives. The
young people supported by CREATE
often use the positives gained by
sharing their stories and having
their experiences acknowledged by
others, to make sense of daily events
and reclaim control of their lives.
CREATE Foundation (CREATE) is
Australia’s peak consumer body
representing the voices of children
and young people who have an outof-home care experience. CREATE
works with children and young
people from 0 to 25 years of age
and provides systemic advocacy,
promoting opportunities for young
people to influence decision-makers
in the out-of-home care system.
Through its programs, CREATE
equips young people with the
information and skills needed for
them to participate more effectively
both in planning and decisionmaking for their own personal
care, and in helping to improve the
service system.
The Victorian CREATE team facilitates
a range of leadership and life skills
programs, as well as conducting
consultations and providing
advocacy. CREATE’s mission (Connect
to Empower to Change) is to link
children and young people in care
with others who have a similar
experience, to develop their skills to
critically reflect on their situation and
express their views, and to provide
opportunities to use their voice to
help improve the child protection
systems across Australia. CREATE’s
work is aligned with the United
Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child (UNCROC, 1989) which
articulates that children have a
right to form opinions and for those
opinions to be heard through their
participation in decision-making.
Consistent with these principles, the
National Standards for Out-of-Home
Care (FaHCSIA, 2011) require, under
Standard 2, that children and young
people “have opportunities to have a
say in relation to decisions that have
an impact on their lives and that they
feel listened to” (p. 8.)
In assisting young people to develop
their own “voice”, CREATE provides
a vehicle for them to inform policy
development. The children and
young people with whom we work
at CREATE tell us that participating
gives them the chance to explore
their individuality, and to enhance
their sense of worth and self-esteem
at a pivotal developmental phase.
Disappointingly, only 63% of the
children and young people surveyed
in CREATE’s Report Card 2013 felt
they had a say in decisions important
to them (McDowall, 2013a.)
Our experiences have shown that
supporting young people to have
a “voice” maintains the focus on
what matters most to them and
thus better prepares them to take
a pro-active approach in actively
managing their own lives. ”Feeling
heard”, “having a voice” and “actively
participating” require an individual’s
own motivation to speak up, and
this is enhanced through the
support and encouragement CREATE
provides. Research has shown clearly
that young people are most likely
to participate in services when they
believe that their views are being
considered and they “feel heard”
(McDowall, 2013b.)
Effective engagement of children,
young people, and families with
the system is something all workers
Social work connect
in our sector should encourage.
As Horwitz and Marshall (2015)
explained, effective child protection
is based on the formation of
productive relationships, and
their work focuses on “efforts to
enhance family engagement in child
protection practice.” While such
connections can help social workers
obtain “access to the data on which
sound protective decision making
is based” (p. 289), it also can assist in
breaking down the barriers stopping
children and young people from
accessing services and, as a result,
being empowered through their
active involvement. The authors’
view is that the ultimate goal for
the consumers of services is for
them to learn how to engage with
providers in a way that enables them
to develop reciprocal relationships.
Through the learning that will take
place during these interactions,
young people can develop social
supports that ultimately enable
them to be independent of services.
Engagement builds skills and
confidence that can lessen the
reliance on support.
The young people we work with
are bright and creative. Because
of their unique life experiences,
often involving trauma, they
are well placed to recognise the
characteristics of a “good” social
worker, know what services are
useful, and what they require to
build the lives that they visualise
for themselves. They are seeking
people in their lives who will commit
to building good relationships
with them, and to assist them in
overcoming hurdles in reaching their
goals and aspirations. When young
people are in a positive environment
that views them as the experts of
their lives (Mason & Danby, 2011),
they develop a sense of personal
meaning for themselves.
Sometimes, the young people
who come to CREATE don’t
understand that they can have
their own opinions. We recognise
that overcoming this inhibition is
a key component in the children
and young people developing their
sense of identity and independence.
At CREATE we assist young people
to realise that their own experiences
are valid, and that they have choices
in determining how to use these
experiences in a meaningful way.
Through involving children and/
or young people in our research
projects, encouraging them to
identify relevant topics, develop
child-friendly questions, and to act
as respondents, CREATE provides
a powerful conduit between the
young people and decision-makers.
As Cashmore (2002) observed,
young people don’t always obtain
the outcomes they might desire
when their views are expressed;
however, if they know their opinions
have been seriously considered
and the time given to adequately
explain outcomes, they are more
likely to feel respected. “They want
to ‘have a say’ rather than ‘their own
way’” (p. 845).
In order for the children and young
people we work with to have
their voices heard and to actively
participate in decision-making and
planning, they require the support
of others who already have these
skills. Our experience is that young
people flourish where they have
access to role models who have
walked a similar path, who value
what they have to say, and who
make a significant effort to assist
them in their progression. Like all
august 2016
of us, young people want to be
surrounded by others with whom
they share good relationships.
CREATE facilitates change by using
the information and feedback we
receive, to look at how the sector
can do things differently. The ways
we respond to what young people
say, and how we use their insights
to interact with the system through
presentations and publications
(e.g., McDowall, 2008, 2009, 2015),
provide a model of how to effect
change to make the system more
effective. This shows young people
that what they have to say really
matters, and hopefully it gives them
confidence to be assertive when
expressing their wishes in dealing
with their personal issues.
There are many reforms occurring
across the community sector
and this is a key time to create
and improve our systems so we
can really respond to those who
have a lived experience. Whilst
this article has been written from
our experience and records our
reflections on working with young
people, we believe that these ideas
are common across the community
sector. As the service system
seldom allows for services to remain
involved with their participants in
the longer term, it is our role and
responsibility to provide support
in a way that enables young
people to become self-sufficient
and eventually to live more
independently.
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8
Social work connect august 2016
Health Social Work Directors’ Group Research
Symposium 2015: “Creative, innovative and very
informative”
By Anna Wellington-Boyd
…overwhelmingly positive
feedback from delegates
indicated that the day was
of enormous value.
Editor apologies: this article was omitted
from the previous edition of SWC
about
the
author
The Health Social Work Directors’
Group (HSWDG) was pleased
to continue its commitment to
promoting practice-based research
in health and mental health,
with Alfred Health hosting last
year’s highly successful Research
Symposium on 3 September 2015
at the AMRED Lecture Theatre at the
Alfred. More than 90 social workers
from across Victorian health and
mental health fields came together
in a forum that featured ten oral
presentations and twelve research
posters by Victorian health
social workers.
Bridget Wall, manager of
Acute Social Work at Alfred Health,
opened proceedings which
included an Acknowledgement
of Country by network
Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer,
Sharon Bolger.
HSWDG convenor, Michael
Splawa-Neyman, chaired the
program and introduced the
keynote speaker for the symposium,
Professor Lynette Joubert from the
Department of Social Work, School
of Health Sciences at The University
of Melbourne.
Professor Joubert captivated the
audience with the first public
presentation of results from an
audit of Social Work practice
conducted across many major
Victorian health services: “Evidencing
Health and Mental Health social
work: a state wide academic practice
research collaboration”. Professor
Joubert and Alison Hocking
(Social Work Manager –
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)
are the principal researchers in this
broad-based study.
Findings from this research project
provide an evidence informed
description of how services operate.
The findings have enabled informed
discussion to commence regarding
the future development of social
work services. The research audit
was undertaken across multiple
health networks and addresses
areas such as:
Anna Wellington-Boyd is
the Clinical Support and
Development Leader and
Trauma Team Leader –
Acute Social Work –
The Alfred Hospital
Author’s photo: Gavin Blue Photography
Organisers and prize winners from the Research Symposium
Social work connect
august 2016
IKON INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA
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• key social work functions;
• patient/consumer specific clinical interventions;
• non-clinical interventions;
• t heoretical approaches and models informing
interventions by social workers.
Next, the first recipient of the HSWDG Research Grant,
Louisa Whitwam and Joanne Sharp (both from Peninsula
Health) presented the outcomes of their highly topical
study entitled “How do we advocate for advocacy?
Exploration of the social work role and practice of case
advocacy in health care.”
The remaining presentations were varied in themes
and practice areas and were thought provoking, of an
excellent standard, and generated robust discussion.
Innovations in social work practice and a focus on
collaboration were key themes. Poster authors included
those clinicians who had participated in the HSWDG’s
inaugural Reaching for the Stars program, who presented
the results of their project work.
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Prizes for best oral and poster presentations were
awarded to:
• J enny Chapman and Pippa van Paauwe, of The Royal
Women’s Hospital for their paper: Specialists in their
field? Health social work family violence credentialing;
and
• Shanti Petronzio, et al, of The Royal Women’s
Hospital for: “Spot-On – Initial results from a research
project exploring parents’ experience when their
infants’ are transferred between hospitals”.
Details of the HSWDG Research Grant for 2016 were
announced, and further information is available via the
AASW website at: http://www.aasw.asn.au/victoria/
health-social-workers-directors-group/health-socialworkers-directors-group. The successful recipient will be
invited to present at next year’s Symposium.
Review of the overwhelmingly positive feedback from
delegates indicated that the day was of enormous value.
Many look forward to this year’s event and reaching an
even broader audience in 2016. Many thanks to all who
participated in and supported the event.
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Postgraduate course information evening
Tuesday 4th October 2016, 6-7.30pm
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Applications close 31st October 2016
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ph. +613 9385 5112
9
10
Social work connect august 2016
Breakfast at the Studley Park Boathouse
Lyanne Du and Student
world social work day
15 march 2016
Ros Nimmo and Poppy Shing
Zachary Demopoulos, Suzanne Cochrane and Johnson Mathew
Professor Cathy Humphreys and Glenda Kerridge
Social work connect
Eastern Health Social Work Team Members
Jose Abalo & Professor Cathy Humpheys
Monash Medical Centre Social Work Team bake sale
august 2016
11
12
Social work connect august 2016
sonia posinelli retires:
celebrating an inspiring career
by Lisa Braddy and Meghan O’Brien
History will remember Sonia
Posenelli as a champion in the field
of Victorian Health Social Work, an
exceptional educator and friend to
many as well as a remarkable human
being. Sonia’s attention to detail,
creativity, commitment to excellence
and ability to drive strategic change
have provided a platform for her
unique and valued contribution to
the profile and development of the
social work profession over more
than 36 years.
Sonia’s attention to detail,
creativity, commitment to
excellence and ability to drive
strategic change have provided
a platform for her unique and
valued contribution to the
profile and development of the
social work profession over
more than 36 years
A graduate of the University of
Melbourne – School of Social Work,
Sonia commenced her career at
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
(SVHM) in 1980. During her
professional journey she accepted a
number of appointments returning
to SVHM as the Chief Social Worker
on 18 March 1991.
Throughout her career Sonia
demonstrated an extraordinary
ability to visualise and conceptualise
possibilities and drive them long
before they were obvious to others.
Always the optimist in her vision,
she planted seeds throughout her
career that have borne fruit and
will continue to do so for many
years to come. This is a testament
Professional Supervision
Darryl Cloonan
BA, BSW, MAASW
(ex-Uni of Melbourne Supervision Unit)
to her legacy and reward for her
endless hours of commitment and
dedication to all aspects of her work
and profession.
Sonia invested in her staff
generously – she created
confidence, identified learning
opportunities, asked questions
with interest, allowed for error
correction, preserved dignity and
celebrated successes. Aware of
each individual’s strengths and
abilities she inspired her staff and
colleagues to consistently do better.
Sonia’s leadership in the Social Work
Department was characterised by a
courageous voice for justice and a
clear moral compass, which was in
keeping with the mission and values
of the organisation.
She recognised the needs of
marginalised and disadvantaged
individuals and communities, taking
a lead role in developing a shared
response and proactive action.
Sonia led innovation and delivered
the highest quality models of
care and service provision. Sonia’s
legacy to both SVHM and the social
work profession will always be
remembered.
www.darrylcloonan.com
0407 524 141
• Reasonable rates
• Flexible delivery
• Quality, external supervision
Social work connect
Can You Help?
As part of the celebration of seventy years of the AASW the
Vic Branch Education Special Interest Group is constructing
a data base of biographies of Victorian Branch Life Members,
with a grant from the Lyra Taylor Fund. As many early AASW
records have been destroyed this necessitates drawing on other
resources such as other written records and the recollections
of members. Unfortunately the list on the national website has
some inaccuracies. We are, therefore, asking Victorian members
to look at what we believe is an accurate list. We would like to
hear from anyone who thinks someone should be added or
removed from this list. Please contact Jane Miller at jane.miller@
bigpond.com or Helen Murray at [email protected].
The current list is: Colin Benjamin, Connie Benn, Christine
Bigby, Margarita Frederico, Stanley Greig Smith, Elery Hamilton
Smith, Cath James, Margaret McGregor, Virginia Mansell Lees,
Elizabeth Ozanne, Jim Poulter, Len Tierney, Joan Tuxen
august 2016
Lyra Taylor Fund
2016 Grant recipients
The Lyra Taylor Fund Committee and the Victorian Branch
congratulates the two recipients of the Lyra Taylor Fund
Grant for 2016: Grant Holland
Purchasing an Independent and Credible Social Work
Evaluation of the STEP Program.
Inez Chambers
70th Anniversary – Web Based Biographies of the Victorian
Life Members of the AASW.
We wish them well with their projects and look
forward to sharing their progress and outcomes with
members in the months ahead.
upcoming cpd events
Career Planning and Development Workshop
Tuesday, 23rd August 2016, 5:30 - 8:30pm
AASW Melbourne Office
This workshop will help participants to develop a
framework for career planning, development and
decision-making. It will be interactive, draw on personal
experience and hands-on activities, and is supported by
input from the facilitator and career planning resources.
Ideal for students, new graduates or social workers
looking for a career change.
Legal Issues of Capacity in the Health Arena
Skilful use of mindfulness in therapeutic work
with clients and individual practice
Wednesday, 28th September 2016, 9:00am - 4:30pm
AASW Melbourne Office
This workshop is being repeated due to popular demand
following April’s sell out! Presented by Gabrielle Perversi,
this workshop is ideal for social workers working in
mental health, hospitals, schools, aged care etc., with
some basic knowledge of mindfulness.
Conceptual and experiential, the workshop will increase a
skilful and intentional use of practices to support specific
aspects of therapeutic work. There will be opportunity for
direct application to client presentations.
Wednesday, 31st August 2016, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
AASW Melbourne Office
Run by Slater & Gordon Education Program for social
workers. This session helps participants to address the
knowledge gaps they have on aspects of the law which
relate to social work.
Topics covered: Capacity defined; an explanation of
the different powers of attorney and how they apply;
guardianship and administration; and, advanced care
planning and end of life decisions
www.aasw.asn.au/events
Privacy, Confidentiality and Documentation
Workshop
Tuesday, 25th October 2016, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
AASW Melbourne Office
Run by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, this workshop will provide
the information you need to know to improve your daily
social work practice. This information will assist you to
minimise your legal risks and survive the court process.
Topics covered: privacy vs confidentiality, patients’ rights,
addressing the conflicts in confidentiality, documenting
clinical notes, how to respond to subpoenas and
attending court and giving evidence.
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Social work connect august 2016
Commonwealth Aged Care reforms and
implications for practice
by Jacinta re
Australia’s increasing ageing population means that all social workers need to
be skilled in working with older people, across a number of clinical settings,
and be able to successfully navigate the aged care system.
The Commonwealth Living Longer, Living Better Aged Care reform package
has adopted many frameworks which social workers utilise, including
empowerment, person centred and strengths based approaches. As a result of
the reforms, the way in which services are designed and delivered across the
Australian aged care sector are being re-engineered in order to ensure that
the human rights of older Australians are upheld and the client’s right to self
-determination and goals are placed at the centre of the service system.
The following is a summary of the major changes and initiatives.
What is changing?
about
the
author
Jacinta Re
BA BSW Grad Dip Child and
Adolescent Counselling MPH
Jacinta is social worker who has
worked for the past 19 years
in a number of counselling,
complex care coordination,
leadership and management
roles across the primary and
tertiary health care settings.
She has extensive experience
in developing innovative
models of service delivery for
older people experiencing a
range of complex psychosocial
and chronic life threatening
conditions. Jacinta is currently
the Operations Manager –
Access and Assessment Services
at Monash Health.
The Commonwealth Living Longer Living Better Aged Care Reform package is
a 10 year aged care reform program, implemented in three phases, aimed at
creating a flexible and seamless system that provides older Australians with
more choice, control and easier access to a full range of services, where they
want it and when they need it. (https://www.dss.gov.au/ageing-and-agedcare-aged-care-reform/why-is-aged-care-changing).
The changes that have been introduced include:
1. Development of the My Aged Care website and contact centre providing
a clear entry point for consumers, carers, family members and service
providers for aged care services
2. Development of a central client record through My Aged Care to assist with
sharing of information between clients, assessors and service providers
3. Establishment of Regional Assessment Services (RAS) from 1 July
2015 (excluding Victoria and Western Australia due to current Home
and Community Care (HACC) arrangements-expected Victorian HACC
transition to the Commonwealth Home Support Program is 1 July 2016).
The RAS are responsible for conducting face to face assessments of older
Australians seeking entry level support at home provided under the
Commonwealth Home Support Program.
4. National Screening and Assessment Form (NSAF) to ensure a nationally
consistent screening and assessment process for RAS/HACC and Aged
Care Assessment Services
5. Web based portals for clients (to view their client record and details),
portals for assessors and providers to manage referrals and use of the
National Screening and Assessment Form to complete client assessments
and update the client record
6. Enhanced online service finders that include information about
Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth funded services
(www.myagedcare.gov.au)
Social work connect
Overarching philosophy of
wellness and enablement
within Aged Care programmes
The overarching principle of the aged care reform is
a wellness and enablement approach that focuses on
prevention, maximising client independence and active
participation as well as finding the service solutions
that best support individual strengths and capabilities
(Assessment and the Aged Care service system, National
Aged Care Alliance 2014).
Consumer directed care
The aged care reforms have also seen the introduction of
Consumer Directed Care (CDC) models of care. As noted
earlier, the CDC draws on many of the principles from
strength based theories, and is designed to give more
choice and flexibility to consumers. Under the CDC model
of care, clients who receive a Commonwealth funded
Home Care Package will have more control over the
types of care and services they access as well as increased
flexibility and choice over the delivery of their services,
including who delivers the services and how and when this
occurs. It is important to note that all government funded
Home Care Packages have been delivered utilising a CDC
approach since 1 July 2015.
The CDC model has also meant that service providers
are now required to work in partnership with clients,
co-produce care plans that detail the needs and goals of
clients and ensure that they are well informed about their
choices and options. (www.myagedcare.gov.au)
Additionally, the way in which funds for Home Care
Packages under the CDC model has changed to allow for
clients to have greater control over how much involvement
they have in managing their package and how the funds
are spent. The way in which funds associated with the care
package are now managed provides greater transparency
to consumers about what funding is available under their
package of care and how those funds are spent with
clients now receiving financial statements accounting for
how the money has been utilised.
Lastly, from 1 February 2017, all government funded
home care packages will be ‘portable’ and will follow
the client. This allows the client to change to a different
‘approved’ service provider at any time if they choose to
do so and gives the client the control, flexibility and choice
in order to maximise their independence and choice and
respect their dignity as their needs change. (http://www.
homeinstead.com.au/news/changes-your-home-carefunding-1-july-2015)
august 2016
THE GMSWG PARTICIPATES
IN LOCAL CAREERS DAY OUT
IN SHEPPARTON
by Marina Klooster, Convener of the GMSWG
It was with great enthusiasm that Marina Klooster the
convener of the Goulburn Murray Social Workers Group,
with fellow social workers Carol Reid and Janine Norris,
participated in the local Careers Day Out on the 28th of
April. This event is held annually in Shepparton.
Approximately 1200 Year 10 students from all over the
North East Region came through the doors to speak to
Universities, TAFE colleges, tradies, defence personnel,
Centrelink, Department of Health and Human Services,
career counsellors, police, recruiters from McDonald’s
and KFC and welfare agencies, to name a few.
Social work was the only profession with an individual
stand on the day, the lollies drew the young people
to our stand and we were asked varying questions
from students, including questions regarding job
opportunities, how to qualify and pathways to
social work, the difference between social work and
psychology, and how we cope with the sad stories that
we must hear. We were able to answer all the questions
and promote the varied and interesting roles that social
workers take on in the community.
This has been a regular event on the GMSWG calendar
for 20 years and this year we unveiled our new banner
which we picked up from the printer on the day.
The AASW Victorian Branch provided the pamphlet
“Questions about Social Work “(this is a great resource)
which students could take away with more information
about social work and the AASW website. We were
able to direct students who were interested to speak to
other workers there to discuss the work they do in their
agencies and also to discuss opportunities to volunteer
to gain some experience in working with people.
All in all, it was a great day and certainly worth our
while. It is a great opportunity to lift the profile of social
work and how we make a difference in our community
as well as encouraging students to think about a future
career in the social work profession. We tried to promote
that social work is more than just helping people and
we dispelled myths that still exist that it is a volunteer
job. The need to promote social work as a profession is
certainly there in our community.
15
16
Social work connect august 2016
Victorian Branch
STUDENT AND NEW GRADUATE SEMINAR SERIES 2016
Seminar 1
Navigating Social Work in Australia: Insights for International
Social Work Students, New International Graduates and Newly
Arrived Overseas Trained Social Workers
Wednesday 27 July 2016, 6-8pm
Seminar 2
Self-Care for New Social Workers
Wednesday 24 August 2016, 6-8pm
Seminar 3
Preparing for Your First Social Work Role
Wednesday 28 September 2016, 6-8pm
AASW Members FREE
Non-Members $15 per seminar
Or become a member and attend for free
Students $49 and New Graduates $180
Seminar Series will be held at the AASW Melbourne Office
Level 7, 14-20 Blackwood Street
North Melbourne
For more information contact the Victorian Branch
Tel: 9320 1012
Email: [email protected]
AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
AUSTRALIAN
ASSOCIATION
OF GROUPS
SOCIAL WORKERS
VICTORIAN BRANCH
PRACTICE
VICTORIAN BRANCH PRACTICE GROUPS
Practice
Groups
Practice
Groups
Practice
Groups
Cancer
Social
WorkSocial Work Practice Group
Barwon
Region
Convener
Contact
Convener
Contact
Convener
Contact
Denise
Beovich
[email protected]
Zachary
Demopoulos
[email protected]
Cancer
SocialWork
WorkOnline Forum
Denise Beovich
Green Social
Filippaki
Family Violence
Social Work Practice Group Despina
Christine
Craik
Green
Social
Work
Online
Forum
Despina
Filippaki
Health
Social
Workers
Director’s
Group
Michael
Health Social Workers Director’s Group
Michael
Splawa-Neyman
Green Social Work Network
Despina
Filippaki
Splawa-Neyman
Debra
Leahy
Debra
ICEC Committee
TeorrahLeahy
Kontos
Health Social Workers Director’s Group
ICEC
Committee
Peninsula Social Work Network PENSWN
Independent Funding Social Work Peninsula Social Work Network PENSWN
Michael Splawa-
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
michael.splawaneyman@southernhealth.
0407 043 712
michael.splawaneyman@southernhealth.
org.au
[email protected]
org.au
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Michael.Splawa-Neyman@
[email protected]
Teorrah
Kontos
Helen
Cleak
[email protected]
Neymanmonashhealth.org
Helen
Cleak
[email protected]
Wendy Pieters
0403 266 989
Carmel Laragy
Wendy Pieters
Practice Group
Rural
Peter
Quin
Social Workers Group
Cassie
Tu
Rural Social Workers Group
Peter
Quin
Metaxia
Tsoukatos
Cathy Dowden
[email protected]
0403
266 989
[email protected]
0429 982 298
[email protected]
0419 591 356 / 5154 6666
0407 123 163
0419
5023 591
5966356 / 5154 6666
[email protected]
5023
9836 5966
6293
Metaxia
Tsoukatos
Wendy Dietman
Maureen
McInerney9836
9276 3026
Wendy
Dietman
Jo Morris
9265 6293
1276
Practice Group
[email protected]
Jo
Morris
9265
1276
School Social Workers Group
Paul
Jameson
[email protected]
Social Work Aged Service Group
Oncology
Social
Work Australia
Social
Work Aged
Service
Group Victoria oswa.net.au
School
Social Workers Group
Paul Jameson
[email protected]
Social Work Education Practice Group
Inez Chambers
8805 4100
Rural
Remote
Social
Work
Action
Peter
Quin
[email protected]
Social Work Education Practice Group
Inez Chambers
8805
4100
[email protected]
Practice
0419 591 356
[email protected]
South
West Group
Victorian Branch Practice Group
[email protected]
South
West
Victorian
Practice
Group
Social
Work
Aged Branch
Services
Practice
Group
Jo Morris
Singapore
Melbourne
Health Social
Work
Network Carol
Quayle
Singapore
Melbourne
Health
Social
Work
Network
Carol
Quayle
The
Geelong Counselling Social Work Network
Suzanne
Doorakkers
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
9265 1159
[email protected]
Victorian
Social
Work
(VMHSW)
SchoolMental
SocialHealth
Work Practice
Group
Women’s
Health
Practice
Group
Women’s
Health Practice Group
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
The Geelong Counselling Social Work Network
Wendy
Dietman [email protected]
[email protected]
Suzanne
Kelly
RileyDoorakkers
9836 6293
Kelly
Riley
Victorian Mental Health Social Work (VMHSW)
Aroon Naidoo
[email protected]
Social Work Education Practice Group Aroon
Naidoo
PaulMakregiorgos
Jameson
Helen
Helen
ChrisMakregiorgos
Barrett
Inez Chambers
Linette Hawkins [email protected]
8805 4100
SUB-COMMITTEE CONVENERS & NATIONAL WORKING GROUP CONVENERS/
SUB-COMMITTEE
CONVENERS
& NATIONAL
WORKING
CONVENERS/
Victorian Mental Health
Social Workers
Aroon
Naidoo [email protected]
REPRESENTATIVES
REPRESENTATIVES
Women’s Health Practice Group
Helen Makregiorgos [email protected]
Lyra Taylor Fund Committee
Ass Professor
Lyra
Taylor Fund Committee
Assoc
Professor
Margarita
Frederico
Margarita
Continuing Professional Education
Ilia Vurtel Frederico
9479 2407
0407 689 599
9479 2407
[email protected]
SUB-COMMITTEE CONVENERS & NATIONAL WORKING GROUP CONVENERS/REPRESENTATIVES
Continuing
Professional
Education
Ilia Vurtel
LifeContinuing
Membership
Committee
Professional
Education CommitteeJane
Ilia Miller
Vurtel
Life Membership Committee
Jane Miller
Lyra Taylor Fund Committee
Assoc Professor
Margarita Frederico
ICEC CommitteeTeorrah Kontos
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FOR ADVERTISERS
Helen Cleak
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Publication Dates
2015:
Publication
Dates
2016:
July Edition
Closing Dates:
Closing Dates:
September
Edition
November Edition
Friday
12 August2015
2016
25th September
December Edition
Friday 4 November 2016
29th May 2015
AASW Victorian Branch
AASW
Branch
P.O.BoxVictorian
2008, Royal
Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic 3050
P.O.Box
2008,
Royal
Melbourne
Parkville,
Vic 3050
Tel:
03 9320
1005
Fax:
03 9328 Hospital,
5670 Email:
[email protected]
Tel: 03 9320 1012 Fax: 03 9328 5670 Email: [email protected]