Ingrid Wagner

Review of Australian Health Related Social Work Research 1990–2009

Abstract Social workers form a critical component of the Australian health workforce. While their roles as practitioners are very strategic within the health system, less clear is their contribution to health research. This paper reviews the published record of social work research in Australian health from 1990–2009 in order to discern the patterns of the social work contribution to new knowledge in health. The results of this review indicate a tendency to focus on discursive commentary rather than empirical research as well as a less-than-expected focus on client studies. Given the rise of evidence-based practice, there are potentially serious implications for social work in terms of how it positions itself as a contributor to new knowledge within the health field.

Victoria's Child FIRST and IFS differential response system: progress and issues

Differential response has long been utilized by statutory child protection systems in Australia. This article describes the advent and history of Victorias differential response system, with a particular focus on the Child FIRST and IFS programme. This program entails a partnership arrangement between the Department of Human Services child protection services and community-based, not-for-profit agencies to provide a diverse range of early intervention and prevention services. The findings of a recent external service system evaluation, a judicial inquiry, and the large-scale Child and Family Services Outcomes Survey of parents/carers perspectives of their service experiences are used to critically examine the effectiveness of this differential response approach. Service-user perspectives of the health and wellbeing of children and families are identified, as well as the recognized implementation issues posing significant challenges for the goal of an integrated partnership system. The need for ongoing reform agendas is highlighted along with the policy, program and structural tensions that exist in differential response systems, which are reliant upon partnerships and shared responsibilities for protecting children and assisting vulnerable families. Suggestions are made for utilizing robust research and evaluation that gives voice to service users and promotes their rights and interests.

Trauma and organizations [Book Review]

Review(s) of: Trauma and organizations, edited by Earl Hopper. New International Library of Group Analysis, Karnac Books Ltd. 2012 RRP

Attachment‐Based Family Therapy as an Adjunct to Family‐Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

44.95, Soft Cover, 284 pages.