Event Description

It could be argued that the profession of social work is in a unique position to further the needs of people with a lived and living experience of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use, including their family members and communities. It is essential that SWs acknowledge environmental factors that impact on a person's autonomy, capacity and behaviour. This includes policy structures, injustices and the social determinants of health and wellbeing. 

This webinar will assist social workers to evaluate their practice and advocacy, by analysing the underpinnings of international drug prohibition and Australia’s National Drug Strategy. It will encourage social workers to think about the alignment between harm reduction philosophy, International Human Rights Conventions and the AASW’s Code of Ethics, as well as their suited contribution to the AOD sector.

Examples of family-inclusive practice will also be provided and attendees with be encouraged to reflect and share their own strategies of culturally responsive practice including use of language and managing bias.

Who should register? Newly graduated and experienced social workers within the AOD sector, child and family services, family violence, correctional services, mental health and disability sectors.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand motivations underpinning President Nixon’s ‘War on Drugs’ and the consequences of adopting a similar drug prohibitionist agenda in Australia.
• Consider the value of a harm reduction philosophy and how it aligns with international human right law and the AASW’s Code of Ethics.
• Identify biases and assumptions when working with people who use drugs, their families and communities.
• Apply safe and responsive language when working with people who use drugs, families and communities.

AASW Credential: Mental Health