with Older People

swiftswiftsocial work information, facts and topics

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NSW BRANCH OF AASW

Spring 2010

Working with Older People:

CHALLENGES IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

I am very pleased to be the guest editor for this edition of SWIFT which has asa theme social work with older people. It has been a while since the NSWBranch newsletter published articles focusing on aged care. The idea for thisedition arose from discussions at the Aged Care Social Work Practice Group. Iattend this group, which meets six times a year. I am continually stimulated bythe issues raised, the discussions and information shared re ongoing socialwork practice, changing systems and the challenges faced by people as they growolder. As a student one of my supervisors suggested that working with olderpeople was a core function of social work practice. Older people have a wealthof life experience, may have faced crises, may be isolated or part of a network ofcomplex relationships, and maybe are now facing the biggest challenge of loss inall aspects of life.

It is therefore exciting to have some wonderful articles in this newsletter onworking with older people. Three of these are based on papers presented at theEthics in Aged Care Social Work Practice Seminar held in April this year, andCatherine Quinn has written a short summary of this seminar.

Often as social workers we are aware of the vulnerability of older people. RobinTurnham’s paper introduces the concept of “undue influence”, explores thisand highlights risk factors and possible action. Catherine Quinn writes aboutcapacity and substitute decision-making and Julie Garrard about end of lifedecisions particularly in palliative care from her research into moving fromhospital to nursing home care. It is good to hear in Cheryl Lasarow’s articleabout her innovative group work project in helping people adjust to the moveinto residential care.

As usual the newsletter highlights AASW and NSW Branch activities as well asgiving information on matters of concern to social workers. Fliers for two NSWBranch Professional Education workshops are included plus reports fromSydney, NSW and Western Sydney Universities. Our photos are mostly from adinner held to celebrate 70 years of social work at Sydney University – a specialoccasion.

My thanks to Tereza Crvenkovic, sub editor. It has been lovely to work withTereza again. Thank you also to Catherine Quinn for her assistance.

Leith Cooper, Guest Editor

2 • S w i ft • A A S W N E W S B R A N C H N E W S L E T T E R • S P R I N G 2 0 1 0

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Editorial

SwiftCOPY DEADLINES 2010

FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBERSummer 2010 (hard copy Swift)

Please send all contributions to theAASW NSW Branch Office,

P.O. Box 838 Glebe NSW 2037, or email [email protected]

AASW (NSW) BRANCH NEWSLETTER

Editor: Annie CroweSub-editors: Tereza Crvenkovic

Design: Breakout DesignPhotography:

Leith Cooper, Nives Crvenkovic

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.

Well I’m back from thepristine waters of theAdriatic and many a fineoctopus salad enjoyed in

the villages of Croatia. It’s all aboutthe islands: there are hundreds ofthem mostly accessible by the veryefficient ferry system.

Our guest editor, Leith Cooper, is apioneer of SWIFT and a very highlyrespected social worker. I trust you willenjoy this issue devoted to aged care. Iwelcome her involvement and input tothis issue.

I arrived a week before the nationalelection and caught the tail-end of thecampaign and now join you all inwondering what it means and what willhappen next. You will be pleased toknow that our current branchmanagement committee camethrough the election process with far

less drama, and remains in place. Itwill be interesting to see the outcomeof the election for the directors, someeight candidates for only three places.I find it very encouraging that there isso much interest in the AASW andthat so many people are willing to givetheir time and energy to theassociation.

I take this opportunity to congratulateVittorio Cintio on his appointment asNational Vice President. As you mayknow Vittorio is from NSW and hasalways kept a strong interest in theaffairs of his home state.

Things have moved along in myabsence. The Colleges of Practiceimplementation committee hasconvened, and I’m sitting on thatcommittee as the representative for thebranch presidents. This is a verysignificant development for the future

of the profession, so I will keep youinformed.

The Pathways debate is also crucial tothe direction that the AASW will take. Iurge you to become involved in thisdebate and to register your position.The branch will keep all membersinformed of any opportunities toconsult or provide feedback around thisimportant issue.

The AASW (NSW) Supervisors’ Registeris now accessible to anyone in search ofa supervisor on the AASW website. Thishas been a good branch initiative puttogether by our office administrator,Suraya Coorey.

I love to travel but it’s good to behome.

Annie Crowe, PresidentAASW NSW Branch

S w i ft • A A S W N E W S B R A N C H N E W S L E T T E R • S P R I N G 2 0 1 0 • 3

With the President

Approved AASW ActivityTitle: Slater & Gordon Social Work Legal Education Series (NSW)

Credits: 2pts per learning hourAppellation No: 00315 Valid Until: July 2011

Legal Education Opportunities OLegal Eg

O

OpportunEducation

O

itiesn i


It is with great sadness that I begin mycolumn today with news of the passingaway of Paul Norris. Many of us knewPaul as our National Manager of ClientServices. I had the privilege of workingclosely with Paul in my role as the Chairof the Membership Committee. Paul’scontribution to this group will begreatly missed. Our National team has being workinghard on a number of fronts:

National electionsAs most of you will know nominationsfor AASW national elections are beingheld at present. Members will be votingfor the following positions:• National Vice President• National Board member (3)For each of the AASW's 10 branchelections, nominations are called for:• Branch President• Branch Committee member (5)Nominations closed on Tuesday 10August at midday.

Pathways into and through theProfessionA bold new proposal to strengthen theSocial Work profession and the AASW.This is a very significant step for theAASW.

The Consultation ProcessThe pathways consultation process willbe extensive and comprehensive. Itsaim is to explain, develop and refinethe proposal. This consultationincludes:

• Information through the NationalBulletin, e-bulletins and the website

• Website members forum• Focus groups and consultations with

branches• Meetings with key external

stakeholders• Refining the proposal

Have Your Say!• To make a comment or ask a

question go to the PathwaysMembers Forum

• If you would prefer to email yourquestions and comments pleaseemail [email protected]

More information about the Pathwaysproposal can be found at:http://www.aasw.asn.au/whatwedo/consultations-pathways/#backgroundreports

College of PracticeThis initiative was approved by theNational Board and the membership atthe end of 2009. For more informationabout this model please go to thefollowing link:http://www.aasw.asn.au/blog/latest-posts/college-of-practice-draft-model

Medicare and Mental HealthOur fight for the Better Accessprogram In the Federal Budget (May 2010) theGovernment proposed to removeMedicare rebates through the BetterAccess initiative. This measure was to be

put in place on 1 July 2010. Howeverfollowing some positive and productivediscussions with senior departmentalstaff and with Minister Roxon’s office,the AASW welcomed theannouncement to defer the changes tothe program until 1 April 2011. TheAASW is fighting to overturn thisdecision.This important issue has broughttogether many members, and theAASW has provided a forum area fordiscussion. We have also developed atemplate for members to use whencontacting their local MP. You canaccess this information on the AASWwebsite.

Membership CommitteeThe national membership committee(formed in late 2009) has met regularlyand has started to address a number ofneeds especially in relation to theprovision of material for members. E.g.information material about the benefitsof membership needs of BMC (BranchManagement Committee) memberswho present on behalf of the AASW atevents such as Open Days and employerevents. Consultation with BMC presidents andcloser liaison with the financecommittee has also taken place.If you have any particular ideas pleasedo not hesitate to email me [email protected] I can also be contacted on 0409 997 818.Regards,Jose Abalo, AASW Director

From the Director’s Desk


President

Annie [email protected]

Director

Jose [email protected]

Vice President

Siraj [email protected]

Treasurer

Kamal [email protected]

Promotions

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

education

Sue [email protected] [email protected]

Registration

Grahame [email protected]

Practice Groups

Claudia [email protected] [email protected]

Ethics

Biljana [email protected]

Private 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 (Office Admisntrator)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-COMMITTEES

Professional Education

Convenor: Sue Brown

[email protected]

Registration

Convenor: Grahame Colditz

[email protected]

Newsletter

Editor: Annie Crowe

[email protected]

Practice Groups

Convenors: Grahame Colditz and Claudia Graham

[email protected] [email protected]

Promotions

Convenor: Amanda Boyd

[email protected]

NSW Branch Ethics Group

Convenor: Bijana Milosevic

[email protected]

If 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.

Avery successful full-day seminaron this topic took place at theeducation Centre at LiverpoolHospital on Wednesday, April

28 2010. The seminar was the result ofmore than 12 months planning andorganising. It arose from anexperience shared in 2009 by two ofthe social workers on the organisingcommittee.

The issue concerned a woman in herlate nineties in a residential carefacility where she had been for morethan 20 years. She had no survivingfamily. She was bedfast and sufferedfrom dementia, depression, with noverbal communication. She haddeveloped serious contractures andseven poorly-managed, deep pressureareas along with an untreated fractureof the wrist, probably sustained in afall out of bed. The assessmentarranged by one of the social workersfound that she was in considerablepain and distress. An application forguardianship followed.

This woman did not suffer as she didbecause of professional social workshort-comings, but the discussion thatensued at the Aged Care PracticeGroup meeting in the days followingthe hearing raised a number ofquestions:

• What ethical responsibilities dosocial workers have for a vulnerableaged person with no informaladvocate; those who are unable tospeak for themselves?

• What situations or events in the lifeof an older person should alert usto increased vigilance on theirbehalf?

• Do we have ethical responsibilitiesthat extend beyond those of ourcolleagues in other disciplines?

It was decided to hold the seminar sothat social workers from settingsinvolving vulnerable ageing peoplecould have an opportunity to exploresome of the ethical issues and practiceimpasses encountered in such settings.About 70 social workers attended fromthroughout the metropolitan area andthe Hunter region.

The contributions of the two keynotespeakers were invaluable. Dr RichardHugman, Professor of social Work atthe University of NSW and Dr ImeldaDodds, CEO of the NSW Trustee andGuardian and until recently Presidentof the International Federation ofSocial workers, addressed theprinciples, challenges, and tensions atthe heart of social work practice in thisarea. They explored the issues ofrights, dignity, the worth of the humanperson, and the social justicedilemmas faced in working at theinterface of organisationalrequirements and individual needs.

The presentations given by theconcurrent speakers examined four ofthese practice areas in particular: thequestion of “undue influence”;capacity and substituted decision-making; end-of-life decisions; and thelimits of social work responsibility:“when is the case closed?”. The dayconcluded with a Geoffrey Robinson-style Hypothetical about “duty ofcare”. There remain, as one wouldexpect, many unanswered andunexplored questions.

The Aged Care Practice Group warmlythanks the Social Work Department atLiverpool Hospital for arranging thevenue and hosting the event, withspecial thanks to Marina Jurman.Thanks also to the organisingcommittee, Leith Cooper, GarryLavan, Stuart Pullen, and CatherineQuinn.


Ethics in Aged CareSocial Work PracticeHow Far Does Our Responsibility Extend?

‘there

remain, as

one would

expect many

unanswered

and

unexplored

questions.’


This paper aims to explore the ethi-cal issues for social workers whenfaced with evidence suggestive of

the operation of undue influence in thelives of vulnerable clients or patients. Itis informed by my experience working asa Disability Advisor (Social Work back-ground) with the former Office of theProtective Commissioner (now NSWTrustee and Guardian) and my interestin the risk of undue influence in therelationship between people with dis-abilities and their carers, one aspect ofmy current research on community careworkers. It focuses on barriers toaddressing undue influence, some ofthese being ethical issues associated withconflicting principles and some beingconstraints within the environments inwhich we work – for ethical dilemmas donot exist in a social vacuum.

Introduction The introductory quotation illustratesthat undue influence has been presentin the lives of vulnerable people for hun-dreds, probably thousands, of years andarguably is an ever-present risk whileever the factors which predispose to itremain common. Presumably this partic-ular matter came to the attention of thecourt through the action of concernedfamily, but in the 21st century a socialworker is just as likely to be the agent ofnotification to legal authorities that aclient, more often than not an elderlyperson, may have been subject to finan-cial abuse via undue influence.

A brief exploration of the nature ofundue influence and its relation tocapacity is necessary background toidentifying risk factors for undue influ-ence and a discussion about how werespond to it.

What is undue influence?Undue influence is a complex, butsometimes quite subtle phenomenon.Quinn (2000) offers a simple definitionof undue influence as ‘the substitutionof one person’s will for the true desiresof another.’ Singer (1996) defines it asexercising the ‘role and power to exploitthe trust, dependency, and fear of others… to deceptively gain control over thedecision making of the second person.’

And ‘virtually any act of persuasion thatover-comes the free will and judgment ofanother, including exhortations, impor-tuning, insinuations, flattery, trickery,and deception, may amount to ‘undueinfluence’ according to West’sEncyclopaedia (2008).

Author Sue Grafton (2007) illustratesthat undue influence is now the stuff ofpopular literature in her popular novelT is for Trespass.

Ultimately, as in the case of capacity,determination of undue influence is amatter for the courts. Yet it is often therole of those ‘on the ground,’ such ashelping professionals, to contribute evi-dence suggestive of undue influence tocourts and tribunals to assist in theirdecision making regarding the rightsand best interests of vulnerable citizens.Such evidence is gleaned from our con-tact with, and assessments of, our clientsand of their personal circumstances.

The legal literature contains a largebody of knowledge and debate about thenature of undue influence and its over-laps with other concepts such ascoercion, fraud, etc. The law distinguish-es two main types of undue influence:• actual (based on deliberate con-

trivance in a particular situation) and • relational (based on a long relation-

ship of trust) (Burns: 2002).While capacity and undue influence

are distinct phenomena which mayoperate independently of each other inany instance, it is important when con-sidering whether a person has capacityfor a particular purpose (especially inthe area of the person’s decision mak-ing) to be able to recognise whether thebehaviour and attitudes they display inour contact with them may also bereflective of undue influence. Thus anyperson may have the capacity for partic-ular decision making or functionalperformance but not use that capacitybecause of psychological pressure orundue influence. So, for example, a per-son may cede responsibility for decisionsabout their financial affairs to an influ-ential, more powerful, other or they maylose confidence in their capacity for self-care because that confidence has beendeliberately undermined by an influen-tial other. Yet, when the person is

Ethical Issues for Social Workers

Operating in Aged Care – The Case of ‘Undue Influence.’a presentation to aasw aged care interest group,

ethics in aged care social work workshop,

liverpool hospital, 28 april 2010.

‘(Lydiatt was) an old man about the age ofeighty years and being weak of body andunderstanding and having a great estate ofgoods and lands ….was drawn by the prac-tices and indirect means of … (Mrs. Death)to give his house in London and to come tosojourn with her at her house in the coun-try... (although she was married to Mr.Death), and that she having him there did sowork upon his simplicity and weakness andby her dalliance and pretence of love untohim and of intention after the death of herthen husband to marry him, and by sundryadulterous courses with him and by sorceryand by drawing of his affections from...hiskindred, telling him sometimes that theywould poison him and sometimes that theywould rob him.

After she had obtained control of his estateand property, Mrs. Death neglected suchattendance of him as she had used beforeand used him in a most cruel manner revil-ing him and causing him to be whipped andsuffered him to lie loathsomely and uncleanlyin bed until three o’clock in the afternoonwithout anybody to help him so as all theskin of his loins went off, he being not ableto help himself by reason he was troubledwith a dead palsy and other diseases, andwhen at any time she did come to help himup she would pinch him and revile him andby such cruel and terrible courses kept him soin awe as that he durst not revoke whatbefore he had done, neither would she sufferhis nieces to come unto him lest he shouldmake his moan unto them, for she said ifthey came there she would scald them out ofher house.’

(quoted in Abraham: 1993:2 from a case ofundue influence decided by ChancellorFrancis Bacon in the year 1617.)

Continued page 8

removed from the influence of that per-son it becomes clear that they actuallyhave the capacity to manage their affairsor care for themselves independently.

Examples suggestive of undue influence1. A common example found in the

world of adult protection concerns aperson handing over their keycard toa relative or a ‘new best friend’ onwhom they have become very depend-ent, out of fear of the loss of thatperson or fear that that person willcarry out their threat to, for exampleengineer their placement in a nursinghome when that is the last thing theywant. The person however has thecapacity to use the keycard and tounderstand basic banking but allowsthemselves to be exploited and abusedbecause of what can best be describedas ‘undue influence’.

2. An elderly man with terminal cancer(prostate cancer primary with second-aries in the brain) and no family, isdetermined not to be placed in a resi-dential aged care facility or palliativecare unit in a hospital to die, adamanthe wishes to receive the care he needsat home, pointing out that he has con-siderable funds to cover the cost ofthat care. He is discharged from hospi-tal after his medical attendants havebecome persuaded that he will fulfilhis promise to organise a formal feefor palliative care service at home.Little is heard of him for some timebut concerns are raised when itbecomes apparent that care costs haveincreased to an unsustainable point:invoices for $10,000.00 per week arebeing forwarded to his private finan-cial manager, a Trustee company, withthe explanation from the agency thathis condition is now so severe that heneeds twenty four hour care and twostaff present at all times. Concernincreases when visiting relatives andold friends are turned away by his car-ers with the explanation that he is veryill and does not want to see anyone.

3. A bank representative persuades anelderly woman to take out a loan to setup a share portfolio, using her homeas equity for the loan. The bank repre-sentative does not ensure she getsindependent legal advice before sign-ing the contract. (This is an exampleof actual undue influence in contrastwith examples 1-2 which illustrateinstances suggestive of relationalundue influence.)

Risk factors for undue influenceImpaired capacity is one of the mostcommon risk factors for undue influ-ence but it is not an essential risk factorfor undue influence.

Cognitive impairment may result inincreased anxiety, loss of self confi-dence, reduction in self esteem, etc.,which combine to make that personeven more open to undue influence and

there is typically an unequal relationshipbetween the person and potential abus-er in terms of power. Other conditionswhich may facilitate undue influenceinclude (the person) (Hall et al 2005):• The person has become estranged

from family and friends and theretherefore is an absence of close mon-itoring by others who are committedto the person’s rights and best inter-ests

• The person is alone and readily acces-sible by other people who mightexploit or abuse them – neighbours,care workers, new ‘best friends’

• The person has property of value • The person is financially independ-

ent with no financial caretakers• The person fears any change in living

situation, in particular being placedin residential care, i.e., institutionali-sation

• The person has become physicallyfrailer e.g. has a recent history of falls

• The person has experienced a majorlife transition – such as loss of spouse

• The person’s nature and/or culturalbackground such that they tend to begenerous and readily provide gifts toothers

• The person is fearful, anxious, sus-ceptible to suggestion/influence

• The person is experiencing unwar-ranted sensory deprivation – glasses,hearing aids are lost or kept fromthem, for example

• The person’s behaviour towards‘carer’ is problematic (person may beabusive, uncooperative or demandingwhich increases the sense of entitle-ment on part of the potentialabuser).

Agents of undue influence (UI)• Actual UI – lawyers, bank personnel,

tradespersons, etc.• Relational UI – extends from one

extreme of predators to the otherextreme of unwitting undue influ-ence by family member or friend whodesists when properly advised.

• Some characteristics of an abuser:• usually cohabits with victim and is

economically dependent on them, • has a sense of entitlement to

receive rewards / recompense /assistance from the person

• has a history of mental illness, sub-stance abuse or gambling orphysical health problems (espe-

cially in the case of family mem-bers),

• instils a sense of helplessness anddependency in victim and repre-sents self as protector, the onlyperson who truly cares for the per-son,

• isolates the intended victim.(stranger predators)

• History of similar predation withothers whereby they gain controlof assets through deceit, intimida-tion, psychological abuse (Hall etal, 2005).

• sociopathic, may falsify credentials

Indicators suggestive of undue influence• Single, key person or ‘carer’ involved

in the life of the person and • History of other parties being dis-

couraged from involvement in theperson’s life – i.e. history of increas-ing isolation of the person

• Reluctance by ‘carer’ to allow profes-sionals to be involved or ‘carer’ treatsconcerned others in a bullying fash-ion

• Visits to solicitors, banks etc., with the‘carer’ clearly in charge

• Evidence of changes to the person’swill, Power of Attorney, property titleor bank accounts, in favour of the‘carer’

• Person looks to the ‘carer’ to answerquestions for them

• Person tends to use the same lan-guage as the ‘carer’ when they doanswer questions – suggestive ofcoaching

• Unusually rapid depletion of the per-son’s funds

• Evidence of ‘gifts’ to the ‘carer’• Person shows loss of confidence,

increased levels of anxiety and fear• Deterioration in the person’s func-

tional capacity not clearly related toillness – i.e., the person has quicklybecome more dependent on the per-son and shows reduction in theirindependent living skills

• Unexplained deterioration in theperson’s physical health and appear-ance.

Barriers to addressing undue influenceAs undue influence typically involves ameaningful relationship between theperson and their abuser – a relationshipusually represented as a form of caring –there is a great reluctance on the part ofprofessionals to question or interfere inthat almost sacred kind of relationship.Care itself is by definition about caring,about the carer being a caring person,and it is seen as a private, personal thing.And often it is a rare, and therefore veryvaluable, commodity in the lives of ourclients. Workers and neighbours alikecan simply be reluctant to acknowledgeevidence suggestive of impropriety orabuse – let alone take action and inter-fere in this private domain.


“Workers andneighbours alike cansimply be reluctant toacknowledgeevidence suggestiveof impropriety orabuse – let alone takeaction and interfere inthis private domain.”

Continued page 9

And people who use undue influenceare not all predators (Sklar, 2000), or setout to abuse. Some mean well and donot recognise that their actions are dis-advantaging the person: they may findthemselves on a slippery slope of bor-rowing money, accepting gifts,endearing themselves to the person atthe expense of family members, andconvincing themselves that they are enti-tled to greater benefit for theircommitment to the person.

Making a judgement about takingaction to address abuse in such instancescan be very complex and grey. Our deci-sion making is further complicated by:• Awareness of a close tie between abus-

er and abused person which suggeststhat the loss of that relationshipwould be very distressing for theabused person

• Abused persons being reluctant toadmit they have been mistaken whenfaced with the evidence, and contin-ue to defend the person

• Conflicting attitudes of professionalsor concerned others about identify-ing/ reporting the abuse – weexperience confusion over relevantprinciples such as dignity of risk, dis-ability / human rights, self-determination, family preservation,the least restrictive alternative(Kinnear & Graycar, 1999), which arein conflict with other equally relevantprinciples such as best interests, pro-tection of the vulnerable, duty ofcare, etc. We all struggle with theseconflicting principles in our everydaywork and if unable to resolve the con-flict may do nothing (Bergeron &Gray 2003)

• Bureaucratic risk aversion – socialworkers may be deterred by theprocess they are expected to followbefore they are allowed by their supe-riors to take action on undueinfluence

• Concerns about possible costs ofaction – abuser may remove the per-son to another state, abuser canthreaten social worker with beingsued for defamation, worker may nolonger be allowed any access to the

client to monitor his/her welfare,authorities receiving the report maybe reluctant to take action and forexample insist that the worker engagein mediation or other action or sim-ply discount the evidence suppliedand believe the account of the abuser.And so on.

And it is not easy to demonstrate evi-dence of undue influence.

For these reasons and more, socialworkers may simply do nothing. Ourinaction is an ethical issue.

So what can we do to address undue influence?• Name it as such• Collect evidence from our observa-

tion of the person and their ‘carer’• Wherever possible see the person

alone• Confront the abuser about the impli-

cations of their behaviour – they maydesist

• If the person is contemplating anaction in favour of a potential abuser,one which might significantly disad-vantage them, ensure that theyreceive the information they needabout the consequences of theiraction and encourage them to consid-er seeking independent advice

• In legal matters the person shouldreceive independent legal advice andgood lawyers will encourage the per-son to write down their request.Writing down their intentions is lesslikely to be affected by coaching froman abuser or potential abuser.

• Consider whether an application fora Guardianship or FinancialManagement Order might be neededand how that might be achieved

• Formal adult protection provisionsdeter predators and reduce risk offurther abuse

• A court may disallow a contract orWill entered into as a result of undueinfluence.

Some issues for discussion• Is there such a thing as benign undue

influence?• Does the person’s age make a differ-

ence when we consider our responseto possible undue influence?

• Issue of cultural relativism vs. univer-salism in regard to undue influence,e.g., the tendency of Greek elders inAustralia to sign over their homes tochildren (with or without encourage-ment/pressure from them) in theexpectation, based on hundreds ofyears of cultural history, that they willnot be disadvantaged in doing so andthat their children automatically willcare for them and house them for theremainder of their lives. Increasinglyin Australia, especially when the elderbecomes subject to some form ofdementia, this is not always the caseand the elderly person may have diffi-culties with Centrelink provisions,entry to aged care rulings etc., plusno funds to give them greater choiceabout the care they wish to receive,and to allow for reasonable generalquality of life enhancements over andabove the paltry minimal level of careoffered currently in Australian resi-dential aged care facilities.

ConclusionI have illustrated the complexity of theconcept and presentation of undueinfluence and the barriers experiencedby Social Workers and others when deal-ing with it. Yet we have an ethicalresponsibility to protect vulnerable eld-ers from undue influence, from beingabused or exploited. I would argue thatdeciding it is all too hard, understand-able as that is, is not ethically defensiblefor Social Workers and have offeredsome suggestions as to how we mayrespond.

Robin TurnhamSenior Disability AdvisorNSW Trustee and Guardian Member of the Australian Association ofSocial Workers [email protected]


Some useful references on undue influenceAnetzberger, G.J., (2000), “Caregiving: Primary cause of elder abuse?”Generations, Vol. 24 (2), 46-51.Bergeron, L.R., & Gray, B., (2003), “Ethical dilemmas of reportingsuspected elder abuse”, Social Work; Vol. 48 (1) 96-105, New York.Burns F.R., (2002), “Undue Influence Inter Vivos and the Elderly”,Melbourne University Law Review, Vol. 27,http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/MULR/2002/27, 1-37.Grafton, S., (2007) T is for Trespass, GP Putnam’s and Sons/MarianWood, ISBN 97-0-399-15448-5, 0-399-15448-5.*Hall, Ryan C.W., Hall, Richard C.W., & Chapman, M.J., (2005)“Exploitation of the Elderly: Undue Influence as a form of ElderAbuse”, Clinical Geriatrics, Vol 13:2, 28-35.Joy v. Bannister (Chan. 1617), in Bacon’s Reports 33, 34 (Ritchie ed.1932), quoted in Abraham, N., (1993), “Undue Influence in Contractand Probate Law”, Cultic Studies Journal, Vol 10:1, 1-18http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/nievod_abraham_undue_influence_law.htm

Kinnear, P., & Graycar, A., (1999), “Abuse of Older People: Crime orFamily Dynamics?” Australian Institute of Criminology: Trends andIssues in crime and criminal justice, No. 113., www.aic.gov.au.Quinn, M., (2000), “Undoing Undue Influence”, Generations,Summer 24(2), 65-69.*Singer, M., (1996) “An Interview with Margaret Singer on UndueInfluence”, Nexus Vol 2:1Sklar, J., (2000), “Elder and Dependent Adult Fraud: A Sampler ofActual Cases to Profile the Offenders and the Crimes TheyPerpetrate”, Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, Vol. 12, number 2, 19-32.West’s Encyclopaedia of American Law, (2008), 2nd edition The GaleGroup.*recommended

The social worker in a multi-discipli-nary setting is often theprofessional who will be asked to

make an application for a guardianshipor financial management order for anolder person or to assist a family throughthis process. Social workers stand profes-sionally in a unique relationship to theirclients and to their clients’ context. It isan ethical responsibility for social work-ers to advocate for their clients’ rights,and to understand and represent hon-estly their clients’ history, needs, wishes,and values. The professional report tothe Guardianship Tribunal is the socialworker’s opportunity to do all this bypresenting a comprehensive picture ofthe subject person and their situation,both current and past, and to contributethe best possible information to thedeliberations of the Tribunal. Thereport is also an opportunity to speak forthe client and his/her rights.

What is an application forGuardianship? It is “in effect, asking theTribunal to take away a person’s rights tomake their own lifestyle [and financial]decisions and to give those rights tosomeone else” (Annual Report 2004,p.14). It is therefore a measure of lastresort.

Applications for guardianship requirethat:

1. the subject of the application has adisability which

2. results in an inability or incapacityto make decisions on certain mat-ters and that

3. there is a current need for theappointment of a formal substitutedecision-maker.

This final point is the crux of the mat-ter: is there a current need to take awaythe person’s right to make certain deci-sions? Does the person need a formallyappointed decision-maker or are infor-mal, and less restrictive processesavailable, appropriate, effective, and inthe person’s best interests?

In other words, why Guardianship?Has everything else failed? Whose inter-ests are prompting this? Applicationsmust relate to the interests of the per-son, not the convenience or anxieties ofothers, either individuals or organisa-

tions. Guardianship Orders cannot bemade on a “what if...” or “just in case”basis.

In the case of a GuardianshipApplication, disability must be proven,and that disability must be the cause ofthe person’s lack of capacity. The mostcomplex and contentious situationsinvolve people whose capacity or lack ofit is unclear or disputed.

Capacity is like innocence: presumeduntil proven otherwise. It is first andforemost a legal concept. However it is aconcept that is not quantifiable.

The bio-medical view of capacity focus-es on the person’s deficits rather than ontheir strengths and abilities. There is noobjective medical test that can conclu-sively establish capacity where there isambiguity about this. What does a capac-ity assessment actually assess? Does theMMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)or RUDAS (Rowland UniversalDementia Assessment Scale) indicatewhether the person has capacity?

Some criteria for capacity according toRoth, Meisel, and Lidz, (1977) are theseintellectual functions:• Evidencing choice• Understanding relevant information• Appreciating the significance of this

information to one’s own situation• Demonstrating the ability to reason.

However decision-making is not only afunction of the intellect. It is also a func-tion of emotion, of social pressure orexpectations perceived or otherwise,personal tastes, preferences, and values(which apply, among other things todecisions about risk). It is the executivefunctions of the brain (located for themost part in the frontal areas of thebrain) that determine capacity in deci-sion-making.

It is the processes by which a personmakes decisions that indicate capacity.The decisions and choices that a personmakes are not in themselves indicatorsof lack of capacity. As Dārziņš et al pointout “the majority of apparently inca-pable decisions are made by capablepeople” (p.3). We all have the right tomake poor, unwise, inappropriate deci-sions. We all have the right to fail. We allhave the right to take risks. Substitute

decision-making should therefore be theleast restrictive of rights and freedoms. Aneed for support to make decisions doesnot imply lack of capacity.

What about assessments that do notmaximize performance? Many assess-ments of capacity take place insub-optimal situations, for instance,while the person is in hospital recover-ing from surgery or other trauma orserious illness, in some other crisis,among strangers or in unfamiliar set-tings.

Barriers to the exercise of full capacityin decision-making include:• Physical state: pain; sight and hearing

impairments; the unfamiliar or unex-pected;

• The environment: technology such asATMs and phone systems; poor light-ing, noise and bustle in public spaces,such as shopping malls, car parks,dealing with things like escalators,travelators, traffic either vehicular orpedestrian.

• Emotional state: stress, anxiety andfear, fatigue, depression, grief, agita-tion, etc.

• Social expectations: that everyonehas access to the internet, a mobilephone, can read, can hear, can see,can understand, can speak, read andunderstand English, and can cope.Impatient, unsympathetic, or pressur-ing/intimidating behaviour on thepart of others, or not being givenenough time can impede decision-making.If a person with dementia protests ordisagrees it is often seen as indicatinglack of insight or a behavioural prob-lem.

• Social isolation: exacerbated by sen-sory and mobility impairment andlack of meaningful social stimulationand interaction (How do you knowwhat the day or date is if nothingmarks the days as different from theprevious days? How do you receivemeaningful information?)

• Organisational and cultural attitudes:interpretation of behaviour and communication; the mores of the person’s own culture or the sub-

1 0 • S w i ft • A A S W N E W S B R A N C H N E W S L E T T E R • S P R I N G 2 0 1 0

Capacity and SubstitutedDecision–makingApplications for Guardianship

this is an edited version of the paper given at a concurrent

session by catherine quinn, who is a community member of

the nsw guardianship tribunal and a doctor of social work.

culture of their family (those who arecapable but vulnerable: the personwho is easily persuaded, or the self-fulfilling prophecy, i.e. what isexpected is what you get). There is afine line where undue influence isconcerned.

Other matters that affect perceptionsof capacity: eccentricity in appearanceand behaviour, and other personalitytraits.

Capacity is decision-specific, not an all-or-nothing concept. Some decisions thatrequire capacity are:• To manage finances and make finan-

cial decisions: • To consent to treatment (What about

those who refuse to consent becauseof fear?)

• To consent to participate in research• To consent to sexual contact• To consent to marriage• To vote• To drive• To make a Will, P.O.A., etc.• To instruct legal counsel.

Legal capacity also differs according tocontext, i.e. decision-specific; it does notrequire enduring understanding. Whenthese factors are considered it can beseen that many people may have capaci-ty to make effective decisions in someareas but not in all.

The areas of decision-making aboutwhich the Guardianship Tribunalappoints substitute decision-makers areusually: Accommodation, health care,consent to medical and dental treat-ment, and access to or the receipt ofservices. Within these functions aresome adjuncts: coercive powers withinaccommodation to authorise others toremove, retrieve, or restrain a person;access, to determine who may have con-tact and under what circumstances; tooverride objections to dental and med-

ical treatment; the use of restrictive prac-tices in behaviour management. TheTribunal also makes decisions in relationto major and special medical treatments.

Applications to the GuardianshipTribunal for the appointment of a substi-tute decision- maker for a person with adisability often take place in the contextof a crisis. There can be pressure tomake the application. The social workershould ask: Is this really a crisis? Is thesense of urgency obscuring the issue?What if we wait? Why are you to be theapplicant? Are you professionally con-vinced of the need?

Many reports received by the Tribunalbegin with the current crisis and give avery incomplete picture of the personwhose capacity is questioned. The socialwork report should present the Tribunalwith as complete a picture of the personas possible. The language for reportsdoes not have to be quasi-legal. TheTribunal prefers plain English and“everyone concerned said they agreed”is better than “This was verbalised to beaccepted by both parties.”

As a social worker, you have an obliga-tion to indicate your opposition to themaking of an Order and your reasons if,in your professional judgment, an Orderis not in the person’s best interests.

Social workers have the facility to referto the theoretical underpinnings of theirprofessional knowledge when consideringissues like this. We can weigh up our owndecisions in the light of such constructs asdementia as a social construction, thesocial model of disability, systemic disad-vantage, disempowerment, disability orgender discrimination, citizenship theory,and so on. We have learnt to consider thebalance between protection and self-determination. We should be consideringthe person’s right to justice and advocacy.Above all we should, where at all possi-

ble, ensure that the person is enabled toparticipate and express their views to thebest extent possible and have access tosupport.

The Guardianship Act (14, 2, & 4,d),the Powers of Attorney Act 2003,(36,4), and the Convention on theRights of Persons with Disabilities, arti-cles 12 &13 all require the realinvolvement of the person. Thisincludes their attendance at the hear-ing if at all possible, especially an initialhearing

The NSW Guardianship Act (1987)requires that the Tribunal give para-mount consideration to the welfare ofthe person; seek the least restrictiveimpact on the person’s freedom ofdecision and action; encourage theperson, as far as possible, to live in thecommunity and be self-reliant; take theperson’s views into account; preservefamily relationships and respect cultur-al and linguistic environments; andprotect people from abuse, exploita-tion, and neglect.

More recently, the United NationsConvention on the Rights of Peoplewith Disabilities recognises that “dis-ability is an evolving concept” and that“disability results from the interactionbetween persons with impairments andattitudinal and environmental barriersthat hinder their full and effective par-ticipation in society on an equal basiswith others” (Preamble). One thrust ofthis document is a move from the ideaof substitute decision-making to assist-ed decision-making. This reflects theshift in philosophy from welfare torights and is something which thesocial worker can encourage in thepresentation of the case. (See HyungShik Kim’s article in Australian SocialWork, Vol.63, 1, March 2010,pp. 103-116).

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SOME REFERENCESAlzheimer’s Australia, Victoria. (2008). Perceptions of dementia in ethnic communities. Available on-line.Bowles, W., Collingridge, M., Curry, S., & Valentine, B. (2006). Ethical practice in social work. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.Dārziņš, P., Molloy, W., & Strang, D. (2000). Who can decide? Adelaide: Memory Australia Press.Hughes, J.C. & Baldwin, C. (2006). Ethical issues in dementia care; making difficult decisions. London: Jessica Kingsley.Hugman, R. (2005).New approaches in ethics in the caring professions. Basingstoke: Palgrave-Macmillan.NSW Government. (2008) Capacity toolkit. Attorney General’s Dept. Available on-lineO’Connor, D. & Purves, B. (2009). Decision-making, personhood and dementia. London: Jessica Kingsley.United Nations: (2009) Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Available on-lineArticles and individual chapters:Brown, Prue. (1997). Medical decisions-making: whose values? Australian Social Work, 50, 4, 69-75. Carlson, G. & Tilse, J. (1998). A model of substitute decision-making, in Australian Social Work, 51,3, 17-23.Manthorpe, J. (2004), Risk Taking, in Dementia and social inclusion (Ch 9). London: Jessica Kingsley.Marson, D. (2002). Competency assessment and research in an aging society, in Generations, 26,1, 99-103.Rendina,N., Brodarty, H., Draper, B., Peisah, C.,& Brugue, E. (2008). Substitute consent for nursing home residents prescribed psy-chotropic medication, in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. John Wiley & Sons. Online publication: Wiley InterScience.Roth, L.H, Meisel, A. and Lidz, C.W. Tests of competency to consent to treatment, in American Journal of Psychiatry, 134, 279-284.

This is a brief summary in note form of theworkshop presented by Julie Garrard fromCalvary Health Care Sydney at the Ethics inAged Care Seminar on 28 April 2010. It is based

on the PowerPoint slides. This was an interactiveworkshop with vigorous discussion throughout on ethicalissues of concern to the audience. The slides were used asa spring board for this discussion.

Outline of Workshop: 1. Summary of Julie Garrard’s research findings on• Transition to Nursing Home from Palliative Care and• Uncertainty at End of Life (EOL)2. Observations from clinical practice re:• Inadequate resources• A good discharge• Social worker’s role3. Discussion of Ethical Issues arising

1. BRIEF SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS:Transition to Nursing Home Research

> Members of the NSW AASW Social Work InterestGroup in Palliative Care observed poor outcomes andpoor practices regarding transfer to nursing homes;created an ethical dilemma for social workers

> Small group of social workers formed a research groupand collected data and interviews from family members

> Reported negative patient and family experiencesregarding transfer and short survival times

> Applied for grant to fund Social Work projectcoordinator position for 3 years

> Demonstrated improved model of care for transition tonursing home from palliative care

> Evaluation positive: marketed results> Widely adopted changes; better outcomes> New 3 year COAG social work position to develop the

role further in Calvary area

Uncertainty at End of Life (EOL)

> Current research on impact of changing care planningdecisions at EOL

> Are we causing harm to some patients by proposingNursing Home Placement (NHP) in Palliative Care?

> Many deteriorate and die after NHP raised> Bereaved family carers perceptions of impact of NHP

conversations etc> How can we practice ethically given system constraints

on hospital beds?> Possible new aspect of Social Work assessment

2. OBSERVATIONS FROM CLINICALPRACTICE RE:Inadequate resources

> Bed shortages in hospital system> Reduced Length of Stay in acute and sub acute settings;

“bed block”=ageist views; early d/c from hospital> Lack of discharge options; services not available or not

adequate; carer unable to cope> Transfer to Residential Aged Care Facility often only

option, but not desired. Some services have “1stavailable vacancy” policies, lack of choice

> Ethical dilemma: Social Worker as agent of the systemvs. advocate for patient choice

A good discharge

> Dignity of risk vs. focus on safety and risk management> Health professionals driven by need for eliminating

risks. Whose need?> Patient and family preferences (e.g. for place of death)

often at odds with safe discharge plan > Social Work role in mediating system needs and

patient/family self determination. How far do you go?

Social worker’s role

> Social Worker as convenor of Family Conference fordischarge plan or bad news

> Often patient and family fear the Family Conference> Previous therapeutic relationship may be

damaged/ended by discharge focus> How do Social Workers juggle an ongoing therapeutic

role with “moving them on”?> Perceptions of patients and families of “system

imperatives” driving care

3. DISCUSSION> Many points were discussed including ethical practice

in a difficult system, use of advocacy, social worker’srole within the team and inadequacy of resources

> Suggested strategies using the social work code ofethics and being aware of what ethical principles arebeing used in decision making. Making a fullassessment and providing full information to patientsand families.

> Future recommendations: develop knowledge throughresearch of who has potential to adjust well to transferto a nursing home and who may not. Advocacy andplanning re limited resource but need for humaneapproach.

Julie is planning to publish her full research in the next 6 – 12months. You can contact her [email protected]


Workshop on End of Life Decisionsfrom a Palliative Care Perspectiveby julie garrard, social worker and researcher, calvary health

care sydney and member of the nsw guardianship tribunal.

As Social Workers we are wellaware of the psychosocialcontext impacting on quality oflife. It is well recognized that

there is a high level of depression inour elderly population including thoseliving in residential Aged Carefacilities. It is equally well known thatisolation is a risk factor for depression.Despite our awareness of the abovefacts many elderly residents living inhostels suffer daily. Even though theysit together each day with otherresidents at mealtime they ofteninteract superficially or have very littleinteraction with others in all the hoursbetween these events. This may bepartly due to their physical deficitssuch as deafness or maculardegeneration and declining mobility.As a result their confidence in theirability to cope and navigate theirenvironment declines.

Many seniors of this generation valueprivacy and do not want to pry intoother people’s business or to be seento be doing so, or to be seen asimposing on others. Manymisunderstandings occur as well-meaning and friendly ‘hellos’ areignored by other residents for noother reason than they may have notbeen heard or seen and thus do notreply. I have come to realise that inmany cases no opportunity has beenprovided for the resident’s blindnessto be explained to others so that therejection might have been avoided inthe first place. No time or opportunityhas been available for the deafresident to explain how people arebest able to communicate withher/him, let alone the opportunity tovent about the frustrations of thischronic deficit.

Working in private practice andvisiting residents in several facilities, Inoticed that residents tended to bemedicated as a solution to mentalhealth problems often not inconjunction with counselling. Inaddition, my colleague Lynne Harroldand I are of the view that many of ourseniors are generally notpsychologically minded, and thus denythe need for counselling. It istherefore not surprising that there are

a lack of services tailored to meet theneeds specifically of our elderly [inresidential care].

It was with these issues in mind thatLynne and I were inspired to developa range of small therapeutic groupinterventions. We use a gradedapproach with respect to mentalhealth content and interventions inorder to engage members in a safe,enjoyable and structured environment.The aim is for participants to get toknow each other on a deeper level, atthe same time addressing commonissues and assisting them to adjust to achanging lifestyle.

We have found the use of small groupsto which residents were invited reducedthe stigmatization at the prospect ofseeing an individual counsellor. Anadditional benefit is that through thegroup process, the group facilitator iseasily able to identify members whowould benefit from ongoing individualcounselling. As well as this, the memberis more likely to continue withcounselling as a relationship hasalready begun to form with thefacilitator during the group process.

Participants were all nominated bystaff /GPs at the residential facilities as‘at risk’ of mental health problems oralready experiencing problems withregards to adjustment difficulties andisolation. We individually assessed eachresident for suitability prior to thegroup. People with advanced cognitivedeficits were excluded amongst othereligibility criteria.

Two groups were developed:

• The Wellbeing Group – for residentswith adjustment difficultiesprimarily related to chronicillness/disability

• The Changing Times Group – forthose residents experiencingadjustment difficulties related totheir move to Residential Care.

The major aims of these groups wereto:• Facilitate the socialisation of

isolated residents and to create newinformal ongoing support networks.

• Provide a supportive framework toaddress common adjustment issues.

A strengths-based modelunderpinning this model was used toidentify and develop skills and copingstrategies. Each group ran once a weekfor six consecutive weeks.

Content of the groups also includedpsycho-education, dealing with griefand loss, stress management, copingwith depression, identifying individualstrengths and support networks andproblem-solving strategies amongstother discussions/activities.

The effectiveness of these groups wasevaluated both quantitatively andqualitatively. Pre and post groupstandardised measures wereimplemented in order to produceevidence-based outcomes. Thisincluded:

The k10 [The Kessler PsychologicalDistress Scale] where the majority ofresidents showed a reduction inseverity of symptoms for both sadnessand depression in the post groupindividual assessment. Also a self-ratingscale administered pre and post thegroups showed all residents felt anincrease in connectedness with otherresidents in the group and with othersin the facility in general.

Both residents and staff noticedimprovements and increasedinteraction and support amongstparticipants during usual daytimeactivities. One group has continued tomeet to this day, at the same time andplace without a facilitator.

Lynne and I [T/A GrouplinksNorthside] together with DoughertyLow Care facility in Chatswood wereexcited to be awarded first prize in ourcategory for a NSW health fundedaward at the ‘Positive Living in AgedCare’ awards in August last year.Overall, these small groups are aneffective method of meeting thecomplex needs of these older peopleliving in residential low-care facilities-by assisting to improve quality of life,reducing concerns of family and staffand most importantly empowering andencouraging residents to remain incontrol of their lives and future as faras possible.

Cheryl Lasarow is a mental healthaccredited social worker.


The Need for InterventionTherapeutic Groupwork in Low-Care

Residential Aged Care Facilities

1 4 • S w i ft • A A S W N E W S B R A N C H N E W S L E T T E R • W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 24 September 2010.

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

An Introduction to Understanding and Working with Dissociative Identity DisorderAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • Friday, 15 October 2010.

Cost for cheque/money order/direct deposits: Members: $110.00 (incl. GST); Non-members: $149.00 (incl. GST)

Cost for credit card payments: Members: $113.00 (incl. GST), Non-members: $155.00 (incl. GST)

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

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.

an introduction to understanding

and working with dissociative

identity disorder

Presented by Bronwyn Cintio

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NSW BRANCH)

Dissociative Identity Disorder is not rare. Most socialworkers who work in mental health, sexual assault or drugand alcohol services would see clients who have dissociativeidentity disorder. However, it is frequently unrecognised.

This workshop will explore the core principles of workingwith this client group. In particular, it will focus on how toidentify dissociative identity disorder and will provide aframework for intervention. It will also cover techniquesthat can support the client and assist in recovery.

BRONWYN CINTIO is a social worker in privatepractice providing counselling and professionalsupervision to individuals and agencies. Bronwyn hashad more than twenty-five years experience working ina variety of settings with children, adolescents andfamilies as well as survivors of abuse and trauma.

Date: Friday, 15 October, 2010.

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

Venue: AASW NSW Branch Office

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

(Four hour metered parking outside the venue; non-metered parking a couple of streets away. Parking also

available at Broadway Shopping Centre car park, Broadway. Entrances located on Bay St and Francis St)

Cost: AASW members: $110.00 (incl. GST)

Social workers who are non-members: $149.00 (incl. GST)

CPE Points: This course attracts 12 AASW CPE accreditation points


CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, 22 October 2010.

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

Assessment on the RunAASW ABN 93 008 576 010 • Friday, 15 October 2010.

Cost for cheque/money order/direct deposits: Members: $110.00 (incl. GST); Non-members: $149.00 (incl. GST)

Cost for credit card payments: Members: $113.00 (incl. GST), Non-members: $155.00 (incl. GST)

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

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.

ASSESSMENT

ON THE RUN

ONE-DAY WORKSHOPPresented by Robyn Bradey and Priscilla McCorriston

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NSW BRANCH)

Most social work and social work assessment occurs in settingswhere clients present in crisis or in the short to medium term.As a result, social workers need to develop concise assessmentprocesses to meet the challenges of the settings in which theywork.This workshop will provide participants with the opportunityto review the assessment processes they already use and todevelop some new skills. The presenters will provide concreteinformation on assessment and interactive exercises in thecourse of the day. They will also explore how to:• Recognise a mental illness • Take a specific history eg, sexual history, drug & alcohol

history• Ask tricky questions• Tailor their assessment processes to fit with their agency or

setting• Present their assessment to their team or referral source’

ROBYN BRADEY is a social worker with 30 yearsexperience. She has been in private practice for the past20 years. Robyn is a trainer for various organisationsincluding the Australian College of Applied Psychologyand Mission Australia. She also supervises social workersin a range of settings including Health, Disability andPrivate Practice. She has published three books andseveral papers.

PRISCILLA MCCORRISTON is a social worker with 18years experience. She currently works part-time in a healthbased counselling service and part-time in privatepractice. Priscilla has provided training for a range oforganisations including the Department of Ageing &Disability, the College of Sexual Health Physicians and theEducation Centre Against Violence.

Date: Thursday, 4 November, 2010

Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Venue: AASW NSW Branch Office

123a Mitchell St, Glebe (cnr Derwent St)

(Four-hour metered parking outside the venue)

Cost: AASW members: $110.00 (incl. GST)

Social workers who are non-members: $149.00 (incl. GST)

CPE Points: This course attracts 12 AASW CPE Accreditation points.

Margaret was born in Manly,then a semi-rural suburb onthe fringes of Brisbane. Shespent her early childhood in

Tingalpa where her father had apoultry farm, reared in a familydescribed as ‘founded on love, respect,hard work and truth’. Subsequentlythe family moved to a dairy farm inWarwick where Margaret wasencouraged to finish her schooling.She moved to Brisbane and worked asa secretary in the Queensland healthsystem, becoming secretary to AlmaHartshorn who undoubtedlyencouraged her further education.She graduated with a Bachelor ofSocial Work at the University ofQueensland.

After graduation Margaret joined theDepartment of Social Services (nowSocial Security) working in Adelaide.However, she aspired to furthereducation moving to Sydney in 1970 towork on a Master of Social Work byresearch at the University of NewSouth Wales. Her supervisor, JohnLawrence, described her work asfalling ‘not far short of a PhD’ andadded that it was ‘a particularlyremarkable achievement in view of theheavy domestic responsibilities MrsLewis assumed in the course of herresearch’, for during this timeMargaret had met and married DavidLewis, acquiring five stepchildren andgiving birth to a daughter.In 1974 Margaret joined the School ofSocial Work at UNSW as a lecturer inthe areas of social welfare policy andthe social work profession. She was aloyal member of AASW, at one pointbeing the convenor of its nationalProfessional Education andAccreditation Committee. Sherepresented the AASW on the federal

government’s Council on OverseasQualifications. This was challenging.At the time there was a proliferation ofnew schools of social work. In additionthere was an increasing influx ofoverseas qualified social workers fromthe Latin Americas, Asia and SouthAfrica, different from Australia’straditional sources of migrant socialworkers such as the UK and USA.Furthermore it was a time when socialwork at the University of Sydney wasunder increasing pressure and at riskof losing its professional accreditation.Margaret managed these challengeswith her usual clear-sightedness andcompetence.After Margaret resigned from theuniversity as senior lecturer in 1985she joined the Veterans Review Boardand later moved to the AdministrativeAppeals Tribunal as a senior memberwhere she stayed until retirement.Again, Margaret continued to pursueher education, graduating with aMaster of Law at UNSW in 1994. Shebrought to these tasks her sharpintellect, integrity and deep sense ofsocial justice.Margaret Lewis was hardworking and asupportive colleague and friend,although she was disinclined to sufferfools gladly, a trait that was not alwaysappreciated. On the other hand shewas absolutely committed to whatevertask she undertook and always ready tohelp in her well-organised andstraightforward way. Her strengthssustained her through her final illnessand she will be much missed by herfamily and those who knew her well.

Elspeth Browne(with thanks to Margaret’s family inparticular to David, daughter Anne andgrandson Paul and to John Lawrence)


Social workers who knew Margaret as a friend, teacher and

colleague will be saddened to know that she passed away on June

1, 2010 after more than two years confrontation with cancer.

They will not be surprised that she faced her illness and the

trying nature of its treatment with her characteristic

courage, good humour and resilience.

‘Margaret wasabsolutelycommitted towhatever task sheundertook andalways ready tohelp in her well-organised andstraightforwardway.’

obituary

margaret lewis

(1937–2010)

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



New Motor AccidentsAuthority (MAA) Guidelinesfor Providing Services toClients with CompulsoryThird Party (CTP) ClaimsThe Motor Accidents Authority of NSW (MAA) is astatutory corporation that regulates the NSW MotorAccidents Scheme. We are committed to encouragingearly and appropriate treatment for people who havebeen injured in motor accidents, and to providingguidance for health professionals working in the scheme.The MAA is pleased to announce the release of a newpublication: A guide for psychologists and counsellors toproviding treatment in the NSW Motor AccidentsScheme. These guidelines have been developed by theMAA in consultation with the Compulsory Third Party(CTP) insurers, the Australian Psychological Society (APS)and a group of psychologists and counsellors who haveworked in the CTP scheme. Designed primarily for use bypractising psychologists and counsellors, they provide aframework for the provision of psychological andcounselling services under the Motor AccidentsCompensation Act. They can also be used by insurancestaff in their decision making processes about treatmentrequests.The guidelines aim to promote effective communicationbetween practitioners and insurers to ensure injuredpeople obtain appropriate cost-effective treatmentleading to the best possible outcomes. Their use will alsofacilitate timely approval of services and payment ofaccounts. The MAA has provided training to CTP insurerstaff in the application of the guidelines and thetreatment principles.The guidelines are based on treatment principles for theprovision of psychological and counselling services.These principles were developed in collaboration withWorkCover NSW and in consultation with relevantindustry stakeholders, which has resulted in thedocument.Copies of the guide, incorporating the treatmentprinciples, template forms and sample plans can bedownloaded from the MAA websitehttp://www.maa.nsw.gov.au/ by following the link to Aguide for psychologists and counsellors or by contactingthe MAA’s Claims Advisory Service on 1300 656 919.

Notice BoardJOURNAL NUMBER 10

CALL FOR PAPERSWe are seeking articles for the tenth edition of the Womenin Welfare Education Journal, due to be published later in2011. The editorial committee is especially interested toencourage women practitioners and students, as well asacademics, to submit papers for publication. A broadrange of articles relevant to women’s perspectives onsocial work and welfare policy, practice and educationhave been published in previous editions. (You may have arecent conference paper you could rework as a journalarticle.) This is a peer-reviewed journal which is nowpublished electronically and available free of charge viathe WIWE link on the website of the Australian Associationfor Social Work and Welfare Education (AASWWE) athttp://www.aaswwe.asn.au/

Notes for contributors are included below. Please checkthat your reference list includes all works cited in yourarticle, and that all required publication information isincluded. Manuscripts which do not comply will not beforwarded for review.

We would appreciate you circulating this information toother women practitioners, students, academics.

The submission date for the tenth edition is end ofOctober 2010.

For further information contact:

Karen Heycox tel. 02 9385 1964University of New South Wales email: [email protected]

Lesley Hughes tel. 02 9385 1963University of New South Wales email: [email protected]

Natalie Bolzan tel. 02 9772 6531 University of Western Sydney email: [email protected]

Fran Waughtel 02 9351 4207University of Sydney email: [email protected]

AASW (NSW BRANCH) SUPERVISORS’ REGISTER

The AASW (NSW) Supervisors’ Register is now available on theAASW website as a resource to identify individual social workerswho provide supervision in NSW. To view and download theregister please go to:http://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/512

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE RESEARCH REMINDER

The University of Newcastle is asking AASW members to participatein a study of barriers and facilitators to the implementation ofevidence-based practice (EBP) in the human services.The study is being conducted by social work researchers at theResearch Institute for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing, University ofNewcastle. They are seeking AASW members to help complete anonline survey.Researchers are also very keen to interview people regarding theirown experience of EBP implementation in the human services.Please note that you can participate in an interview withoutcompleting a survey. All enquiries are welcome. You can completethe online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RG7GQJQ orcontact Dr Elyssa Joy, phone 02 49215223, email:[email protected]


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Cricos Provider No. 00098G

School of Social Sciences and International Studies

Master of Social Work in Counselling


University News

THE UNIVERSITY OFSYDNEY (USYD)MASTER OF SOCIAL WORKPROGRAMWe are really excited to announce thecommencement of our Master of Social Work(Qualifying) in Semester 1, 2011. Theprogram is a pre-service degree, meeting therequirements for AASW accreditation.Students will complete core units such aspoverty and social exclusion; healthinequalities; child wellbeing and protection;violence against women; practice learning(field placements) as well as a number ofelectives. The program will be deliveredflexibly allowing students to tailor a programthat suits their own learning and careergoals. Applications open at the end ofAugust 2010.2010 has also seen the first group of studentsenrolling in our Graduate Certificate inHuman & Community Services. This programhas attracted a diverse range of people,many seeing this degree as a way ofchanging directions in their careers. We havejournalists, teachers, lawyers, peopleinvolved in voluntary community action andeven farmers! For others the Grad Cert (4units) is a good way to get back into studyafter a number of years out of university.More information is available at theupcoming Sydney Live on 28 August 2010(visit http://sydney.edu.au/open_day/) andPostgraduate Careers Expo on 22 September2010 (visit http://sydney.edu.au/graduate_options/)Margot RawsthorneSenior LecturerCommunity DevelopmentSocial Work & Policy StudiesThe University of Sydney

FIELD EDUCATION NEWS

Free Seminar for Field EducatorsPreparing 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. This seminar is also open to thosewanting a refresher in their role as fieldeducator.Due to popular demand, these workshopsare now being held three times a year.For more information and to register, pleasecontact Maria Bruzzese, 02 9351 1929 oremail [email protected]

Seventy Years of Social Work atthe University of SydneyMore than 190 social workers and colleaguesattended the 70th anniversary dinner on the28 July 2010 and contributed to an enjoyableand successful evening.Another event marking our 70th anniversary

was the Indigenous Education Symposium‘Bridging the Gap’ through the Contributionsof Education and Social Work. Thissymposium was held on the 27 August 2010.New Publication in Social Work FieldEducationIn the Field explores both the theories and‘how to’ of practice learning so that studentsget the most out of the field placementexperience. It provides all the relevantinformation combined with practical activitiesand examples to allow them to apply theirknowledge in a real-life setting. The text alsotackles the different challenges that areencountered in the field placement, helpingstudents to gain skills that can be usedthroughout their careers in the humanservices.

In The Field: From Learning toPracticeRoslyn Giles, Jude Irwin, Denise Lynch, FranWaugh Oxford University Press MelbourneISBN: 9780195567014

PROFESSIONAL LEARNINGOPPORTUNITIES IN 2010

Leadership in Social Work: TheTransition from Practitioner toManagerUsing didactic and experiential learningtechniques, this course will coverintroduction to leadership and management– understanding the difference, managementcontexts of contemporary human serviceorganisations, occupational andorganisational cultures, teamwork,supervision, managing organisational changeand critical reflection, and learning aboutpersonal leadership styles.WHEN: Thursday 4 & Friday 5 November2010, 9.30 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.ACADEMIC COORDINATOR: Dr Rosalie PockettLOCATION: Faculty of Education andSocial Work, The University of SydneyENQUIRIES: Rachel Payne, ProjectCoordinator, 02 9351 8520 or [email protected]

Motivational Interviewing forEnhancing Intrinsic Motivation Motivational Interviewing is a client-centred,directive method for enhancing intrinsicmotivation to change by exploring andresolving ambivalence. It is a model todescribe how people change certain health-related behaviours (such as stoppingsmoking or starting physical activity) andexamines an individual’s own fears anddifficulties in order to resolve the issue.Participants will develop an understanding ofmotivational interviewing and key strategies.

Session 1: IntroductionThis session may be taken as a stand-aloneintroduction, or as the prerequisite toSession 2, the two-day workshop program.

WHEN: Monday 10 May 2010 or Monday 22November 2010, 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Session 2: WorkshopThe two-day workshop program will exploremotivational interviewing in greater detail,providing practical techniques to resolveambivalence. Attendance on Day 1 (10 Mayor 22 November 2010) is a pre-requisite toparticipation on days 2 and 3. Day 2 willdevelop further understandings and begin anexploration of the use of the technique. Day3 will focus on enhancing skills and strategies.WHEN: Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 June2010 or Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24November 2010, 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.ACADEMIC COORDINATOR: Dr Kate RussellLOCATION: Faculty of Education andSocial Work, The University of SydneyENQUIRIES: Nina Goodwin, ProjectCoordinator, 02 9351 6329 or [email protected] Andrea SmallSocial Work Field Education OfficerFaculty of Education and Social WorkThe University of Sydney

THE UNIVERSITY OF NSW(UNSW)ANNUAL FIELD EDUCATIONSEMINAR

A Professional DevelopmentOpportunity for Field Educators: Aninvitation from The University of NewSouth Wales Social Work Program The University of New South Wales socialwork field education program wishes toinvite you to a day of learning and teachingin the area of field education. This seminar isdesigned to provide you with a taste ofcurrent developments and trends in researchand teaching in two distinct areas of socialwork endeavour. Contributions here will befrom Prof Richard Hugman on ‘Global SocialWork’ and Kerrie James on ‘RefugeeCommunities.’ Students will be involved incoordinating the first half of the day with anopportunity for them to showcase theirlearning experiences on field placement. Weinvite all field teachers and future social workstudents to come and support the nextgeneration of social workers. The second halfof the day will be a professionaldevelopment opportunity for field teachersand those in the field.DATE: Monday, 6 September 2010.TIME: 9.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.VENUE: Morven Brown Building Room 211,UNSWRSVP: 25 August 2010.Please contact Mary Despinis 02 93851881 oremail [email protected] Please let us know by 25 August if parkingwill be required on campus to attend thisevent.


2011 COURSEANNOUNCEMENTCertificate of Supervision in FieldEducation in Social Work UNSWThe Social Work Program at The Universityof New South Wales will be offering acourse 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.It also examines theoretical frames ofreference for teaching and learning,including models of supervision, andaddresses common needs and anxieties offield teachers and students.DATE: March – June 2011DURATION OF COURSE: 3 hours perweek for 12 weeksVENUE: The University of New SouthWalesENQUIRIES: Mary Despinis 02 93851881or email [email protected] A/Prof Elizabeth Fernandez 02 93851865 oremail [email protected]

New Course at UNSW:Professional PracticeSupervision (PPS)A PPS course which constitutes six units ofcredit is being developed for fieldworkeducators and clinical educators andsupervisors who educate UNSW studentsin the Programs of Medicine, ExercisePhysiology, Social work and Optometry.The two modules (Learning & Teaching;Assessment & Feedback) consist of ablend of online and face-to-face activitiesdesigned to explore participants'experience and issues of interest,combined with an analysis of theories andapproaches to professional placementeducation. The aim is to assist educators tounderstand and manage the complexity ofissues involved in supervision in theprofessional setting. The second round ofpiloting of the course took place inJuly2010 with Exercise Physiology & SocialWork educators and Medicine &Optometry educators meeting on campusfor the workshops. More information aboutwhen the course will be offered later willbe issued shortly. For further informationplease contact Keri Moore (ext. 56188) oremail [email protected]

GRANT NEWSA National Comparative Analysis ofChild, Family and Service FactorsContributing to Successful andUnsuccessful ReunificationOutcomes in Out-of-Home CareChief Investigators: A/Prof ElizabethFernandez, The University of New SouthWales, A/Prof Paul Delfabbro and Dr LisaKettler, University of Adelaide.ARC Linkage Grant – three year project.

Indigenous Australians with MentalHealth Disorders and CognitiveDisabilities in the Criminal JusticeSystemA/Prof Eileen Baldry, Dr Leanne Dowse andProf Patrick Dodson (with A/Prof Julian NTrollor (School of Psychiatry) and Dr DevonIndig (Centre for Health Research inCriminal Justice/School of Public Health),and in partnership with Department ofAgeing, Disability and Home Care, JusticeHealth, Legal Aid NSW, NSW Departmentof Housing. ARC Linkage Grant.

PUBLIC SEMINAR AT UNSWThe School of Social Sciences andInternational Studies hosted an openseminar on 5 August 2010 featuring:Robyn Munford, Professor of Social Workand Director of the Practice Research andProfessional Development Hub, School ofHealth and Social Services, MasseyUniversity, New Zealand on the topic ofBuilding Inclusive Communities forFamilies and Children.A key focus of the presentation was theutilisation of strengths-based andindigenous approaches combined withcommunity development strategies toexplore how positive change strategies forenhancing family and child wellbeing canbe promoted and the way in whichcollaborative practice between familiesand practitioners can be developed.Dr Deborah Ghate, Director, The Centrefor Effective Services, Ireland, on the topicof Supporting Parents in the PoorestCommunities: Practice Challenges andPolicy Solutions. The presentation offered an overview ofevidence of what works best to supportparents drawing on a national study of 1750parents in the poorest neighbourhoods inGreat Britain and discussed implications fordeveloping and designing services in orderto be maximally effective in reachingparents and children in poverty.Both presenters were keynote speakers atthe Association of Child Welfare AgenciesNational Conference 2 – 4 August 2010 inSydney. The School played a significantrole in developing the Scientific Programfor the Conference.

STAFF NEWSProf. Richard HugmanProf. Hugman’s book UnderstandingInternational Social Work: A CriticalAnalysis was published byPalgrave–Macmillan in March 2010. Usingexamples from practice, Prof. Hugmanexamines the many dimensions ofinternational social work, including variousfields of practice, organisations, policy,ethics, education and training. He alsouses the discussion to explore what aninternational perspective tells us aboutsocial work as a profession and to examinethe continuing challenge of ‘professionalimperialism’ in relationships between theprofession in the global North and South.March also saw the culmination of six yearsof Prof. Hugman’s work with UNICEFVietnam, when the VietnameseGovernment approved and accepted therecommendations their work hadproposed for the development ofprofessional social work in that country.This decision commits Vietnam toprofessionalise social work over the nextten years as part of modernising the socialservices system throughout the country.Prof. Hugman hopes to continue hisassociation with UNICEF in that ongoingwork.Carmen Ghaly, a UNSW 2009 graduate,has been accepted as an Australian YouthAmbassador for Development and will beworking with UNIFEM in Ghana as anHIV/AIDS and Gender Policy Officer.Carmen took international social work asan elective and combined this with a jointBSW/BA in which she also majored indevelopment studies.Elizabeth Fernandez How Does FosterCare Work? International Evidence onOutcomes.Edited by Elizabeth Fernandez and RichardP. Barth. Foreword by James K. Whittaker.Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The book is aninternational collection of empirical studieson outcomes for children in foster care.Drawing on research from leadinginternational writers in England, Ireland,Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain,Denmark, United States and Australia, thebook establishes a platform forcomparison of international child welfaresystems and outcomes, and provides anevidence base for programme planning,policy and practice. Karen Heycox along with former UNSWcolleague, Assoc Prof. Mark Hughes (nowat Southern Cross University) publishedtheir book, Hughes, M. and Heycox, K.(2010) Older People, Ageing and SocialWork-Knowledge for Practice, Allen andUnwin, Crows Nest, in March .MarkLymbery, Assoc Prof. University ofNottingham U.K. writes in the forewordthat this book is ‘essential reading for

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University Newspractitioners, 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.

CENTRESThe Disability Studies and Research Centre isnow situated at the UNSW alongside othercentres such as the Centre for RefugeeResearch; The Domestic ViolenceClearinghouse; and the CommunityDevelopment Project (Waterloo/Redfern).Karen HeycoxSenior LecturerChair Field EducationSocial Work ProgramSchool of Social Sciences and InternationalStudiesFaculty of Arts and Social SciencesUniversity of New South Wales

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERNSYDNEY (UWS)In the first half of 2010, Social Work at UWShas collaborated with their Teaching andResearch colleagues and the Social JusticeSocial Change Research Centre to hold bi-monthly seminars geared to offerpractitioners, students and other academicsan insight into the work encompassed bythese courses and their staff. This series waskicked off with an ‘in-house’ series fromacademics presenting papers that had beenrecently presented nationally andinternationally.Brenda Bartlett presented on The Future ofYouth Work in Australian UniversitiesNatalie Bolzan and Fran Gale presented onWill Controlling the Risks, Grow theResilience of Young People?Fran Gale and Natalie Bolzan presented ontheir ARC research, Social Resilience:Challenging Neo-Colonial Thinking andPractices Around ‘Risk’. Further refinementson this research were also presented at a

Social Resilience conference in Halifax, NovaScotia in July.Neil Hall presented on Resilience for YoungMales through SportAssoc Prof. Betty McLellan on her recentlyreleased book Unspeakable: A Feminist Ethicof Speech on Feminist Ethics. In this forum,Betty discussed the kinds of tactics used tosilence all dissenting voices with a particularfocus on the silencing of women throughviolence, subordination and exclusion. Sheconcludes that, for speech to be universallyfree, it must first be fair. The urgent task of21st Century feminists, she insists, is to havethe courage and the fortitude to continuespeaking through the silencing.Judith E Phillips from Swansea University,Prof. of Gerontology with a background inSocial Work education discussed an excitingintegration of the work done by practitionersand academics in developing researchcapacity amongst community and socialworkers in the England and Wales andoffered recommendations for the Australiancontext.Assoc Prof. Carol Tosone from New YorkUniversity, Silver School of Social Workpresented at the Friday Afternoon atBankstown (FAB) series on Trauma and itsImpact on the Social Worker.If you would like to be on the distribution listfor early advice of presentations, or if youwould be interested in presenting at one ofour practice research seminars, pleasecontact Justine O’Sullivan:[email protected]

FIELD EDUCATION STATISTICSIn the role of the Clinical Social Work FieldEducation Coordinator, Justine O’Sullivan iskeen to let you know some ‘vital statistix’about the Field Education course of theBachelor of Social Work this year.In the first half of this year, third year UWSBSW students contributed 29 000 hours toseventy-one different agencies from acrossWestern and Southern Sydney in which theywere placed.The other side of that statistic is that seventy-one workers in the very busy welfare sectorof Western and Southern Sydney havesupported 29 000 hours of learning for ourstudents! Many of those workers themselvesrely on their team mates to assist in thestudent placement learning process, so ifeach of those workers was supported by ateam of four that would translate to more

than 354 people nurturing the students’ driveto learn about social work practice in the realworld.To which we say ‘thank you, thank you, thankyou’ to each and every one of those workerswho have taken time to support studentlearning!If you have enquiries about support,education and training for StudentSupervisors in Social Work Field Educationplease email: [email protected] NEW SOCIAL WORK POSITIONA new Social Work position has been createdat the University of Western Sydney and isbeing currently advertised. In collaborationwith Housing NSW (Mt Druitt), a jointCommunity Development fellowship hasbeen established. The person appointed tothis lecturing and social work studentsupervision and community developmentposition will be responsible for working inthe Mt Druitt area, as well as teaching in theundergraduate programs of the School ofSocial Science, most particularly the fieldeducation programs. The successfulapplicant will also engage with students andacademics working on related projects fromthe University of Technology, Sydney. The primary responsibility of this position isthe establishment and running of acommunity development project which willinclude a student unit for up to five studentsper semester (two cohorts per year). This willalways include social work students but mayalso include students from other disciplines.The project will also engage with academicsfrom across the School of Social Sciences todevelop research projects focusing on thegreater Mt Druitt region and its communities.The engagement in capacity buildingprocesses relevant and appropriate to the MtDruitt community will emphasise developingsustainable services and resources for the MtDruitt community and relevant to theBuilding Stronger Communities program ofHousing NSW.Needless to say we are very excited aboutthis position and would welcome enquiries. Ifyou would like to find out more about thisposition, please contact Natalie Bolzan,Social Work Program, [email protected] Justine O’SullivanSocial Work Field Education CoordinatorSocial Work ProgramSchool of Social Sciences - BankstownCollege of ArtsUniversity of Western Sydney

Consulting room availableWell appointed consulting room available in the Norwest Business Park in BaulkhamHills. Modern, secure building with cafe. Lift access, fully furnished with comfortablearmchairs. Well lit with mountain views. Business hours reception included. NearNorwest Private Hospital and medical practices. Available Thursday to Saturday.$100 + GST PER DAY. PLEASE PHONE GREG PANKHURST ON 0416 201 297.

Celebrating 70 Years of Social Work Education

at Sydney University

Celebrating 70 Years of Social Work Education

at Sydney University

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