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I don't know about you, but as a social work student, one of the most challenging aspects of BSW has been grappling with the myriad of theories we study. From Systems Theory to Strengths-Based Practice, each framework offers unique insights into human behaviour and social issues. However, the sheer volume of theories can feel overwhelming, especially when considering how they apply to different contexts in the field. Once we graduate, it's crucial to understand that various agencies often prioritise specific theories based on their focus and clientele. For instance, a mental health service might emphasize Trauma-Informed Care, while a community organization might lean towards Empowerment Theory. This variability adds another layer of complexity; we need to adapt our theoretical knowledge to fit the specific needs of our future clients and the philosophies of the organizations we join. Remembering each theory's nuances and applications is essential, but it’s equally important to cultivate a flexible mindset. Engaging in ongoing professional development and staying open to learning will help us navigate the diverse theoretical landscape. Ultimately, our ability to apply these theories effectively will shape our practice and impact the lives of those we serve. Embracing this challenge will empower us to become adaptable and effective social workers. To help towards this, I recently came across a webpage with a range of common theories and practice models used in Social Work. Each of the social work theories outlined on the page, apply to micro, mezzo, and macro practice spheres . " Theories Used in Social Work " by Kasia Kovacs (published on December 02, 2020) , as part of Social Work Guide Staff. Hope you find it as useful as I have whilst I've been on Field Placement. Lucas

I have been on my placement for over two weeks now, and things are starting to fall into place. I am placed in the Aboriginal homelessness/housing crisis sector and spent the first few days trying to understand the policies, legislation and complexity of the housing system. Homelessness is much more than people sleeping rough, it has a background involving trauma, mental health concerns, domestic violence, isolation and at times, policies that largely suit the dominant population in Australia. In many Aboriginal communities, the concept of kinship and family unit is vastly different from the definition of the western family unit. People can come down to visit and stay with each other for months. For e.g. An Aboriginal family coming down from Northern Territory to their relatives in Adelaide during the summer months. This means that Aboriginal people are often at risk of losing their homes, or rentals because of overcrowding. I find this definition to be insensitive and biased against the Aboriginal communities because we have a similar system back in my home country, where a house extends its support to the extended family and community. When we say that colonisation continues to take place in Australia, it is referring to these policies which discriminate against Aboriginal communities. In my observation, I find that these matters are often hidden from the general public, who are still to learn so much more about the Aboriginal way of life. So, when the opportunity came up, I asked my supervisor whether I could attend “Closing the Gap Day” on 16th March 2023. The event was held at the Jubilee Pavilion at Adelaide Showgrounds, a space large enough to accommodate thousands of patrons. When I reached there, I was delighted to see a large number of Aboriginal and Non-Indigenous people waiting in line to experience and support the event. When I went inside, there were hundreds of stalls with infographics, statistics and brochures on health care, aged care, disability, employment, homelessness, youth services etc. Native geckos, snakes and other reptiles were showcased to make the event interesting to a large number of school students. That view instilled hope in me for future generations as they learn more about the land on which they live in. There were also many food stalls and freebies on offer, making it a complete carnival. I would recommend every social work student to attend such events, as it opens our eyes to the scale of work left to be done. For eg., One of the most common issues faced by the Aboriginal community today is the lack of access to adequate dental and eye care. This may sound completely unrelated to the work we do. But the more I learn, the more I find how interconnected so many of the issues are. Links for more information - https://www.facebook.com/closethegapcampaign/ https://closethegap.org.au/close-the-gap-day/ https://www.niaa.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-affairs/commonwealth-closing- gap-implementation-plan-2023 Aakaash Chiramal MSW Student @ Flinders University

Welcome to the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Student Study Blogs and Student Forums. (Rules & Warnings - Read and Adhere to) We are just beginning our journey in providing students what we feel is high quality, valuable information to assist them towards academic improvement, and hopefully help all BSW & MSW students discover some great skills along the way. RULES & WARNINGS To leave a comment on any post, you MUST signup using your FAN (student email). Any Member found using an email that does not contain @flinders.edu.au will be removed. Be Respectful when Commenting. No Inappropriate Language. No Spamming. No Pornographic/Adult/other NSFW Material. No Advertisements. No Offensive Content. No Direct & Indirect Threats. Any 'comment' not adhering to the Flinders Academic Integrity Policy, or goes against the above set of Rules, will be removed, and members may find themselves banned indefinitely. By commenting on the FUSWA Student Study Blog (including all future posts), and posting on the Student Forum, you automatically accept and adhere to the Rules above, and will be responsible for your own actions, including any consequences that come from those actions. Let's keep this fair, respectful and on point to the purpose of these tools. Thank you. The FUSWA Team Subscribe to follow the journey.

NEWS & UPDATES STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up to date with FUSWA activities, events and news. < Back CEPSW PUBCRAWL 2022 FUSWA 30 June 2022 Party like it's 2019! Hey Social Work students! The Psychology, Social Work, Education, and Criminology student associations are planning a Pub Crawl. Check out the highlight's from the night here > https://www.fuswa.com/photo-gallery Previous Next

NEWS & UPDATES STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up to date with FUSWA activities, events and news. < Back Like and Share Our Page - TODAY! FUSWA 21 Mar 2022 'LIKE' the FUSWA Facebook page To make sure you don't miss out on amazing giveaways, shout outs, announcements and all the good stuff, LIKE our Facebook Page TODAY! We regular update is and bring you some great insights into what's happening locally and around the world, with some good old fashion history thrown in. Find it here - https://www.facebook.com/FlindersUniSocialWorkAssociation Previous Next

NEWS & UPDATES STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up to date with FUSWA activities, events and news. < Back FUSWA HAS MOVED FUSWA 6 Aug 2024 WE HAVE MOVED TO SSS118 After meticulous planning and dedicated efforts spanning more than 2 years, initiated by our 2022/23 President 'Lucas Clayton', and completed by our 2024 President 'Anna Kennett', the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) achieved a significant milestone by relocating to the prestigious Social Sciences South building (SSS118). This move marks a pivotal moment in the Association's journey, symbolising growth, progress, and a strengthened commitment to fostering excellence in the field of social work for our students. The transition to the new premises signifies a new chapter for FUSWA, offering enhanced opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and student engagement. The Social Sciences South building's conducive learning environment provides a fitting setting for FUSWA to expand its activities and initiatives. The Association can now leverage the resources and infrastructure of the new location to further its mission of promoting well-being and advocating for students. By establishing a physical presence in Social Sciences South, FUSWA is poised to deepen its connections with students, faculty, and external partners. This strategic move not only consolidates the Association's position within the academic landscape but also opens up avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. The close proximately to social work staff within the Social Sciences South building is expected to inspire creativity, foster dialogue, and stimulate critical thinking among FUSWA members, contributing to their professional development and personal growth. As FUSWA settles into its new home, the Association looks forward to embarking on exciting projects, hosting engaging events, and initiating meaningful outreach activities. The transition to the Social Sciences South building represents a transformative moment for FUSWA, signalling a bright future filled with opportunities to make a positive impact on the Flinders society and advance the field of social work for our students. Previous Next