An introduction to Social Work and homelessness
Welcome to the School of Sociology and Social Work
In this UTAS Open Day public lecture, Dr Anne Coleman introduces us to the School of Sociology and Social Work, explores some of the areas that can be studied within the School, and elaborates on her personal area of expertise in homelessness. This lecture is presented by the UTAS Faculty of Arts.
Social work as a profession
Homelessness: perceptions and misconceptions
Helping people to address the issues they themselves have identified
Respect for the individual
Social justice
Do multinationals pay a fair tax rate in Australia?
Making sure that everyone has equal opportunity
Do people get a fair chance?
How far can you go without a good start in life?
Australia as a prosperous nation, and the divisions of society
Bridging the class gap and making Australia a ‘just’ country
Professional Integrity
Honesty
Respect for others opinions
Homelessness in Australia
105,000 approx homeless people in Australia
Different levels of homelessness
Primary homelessness –
- visible/literal homelessness – ‘sleeping out’
Secondary homelessness –
- People with no permanent or secure shelter of their own
- ‘Sofa surfing’
- Women entering into dangerous situations to avoid ‘sleeping out’
Tertiary Homelessness –
- Women in domestic violence situations
- Unregistered boarding houses
Untenable environments which create homelessness in unusual areas of the community
Social Work in relation to homelessness
Important traits in dealing with homeless people
- Competent
- Friendly
- Informed
- Advocacy
- Willingness to change the system.
- Systems advocacy
Research to make social changes
- Collecting stories
- Help policy makers to change the system
- Moving the focus from the helping individual to changing the system
Changing policy
- All your skills come together to effect change
- Helping people to understand homelessness
- Effecting change in the department of Housing