Reflections on the Social Work in Schools Program: Insights from School Leaders

Carrie Maclure · Tania Pearce · Ally Drinkwater · Sarah Wayland · James White · Myfanwy J. Maple

3 citations0/0 files storedAustralian Social Work

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Social Work Education and Practice School Health and Nursing Education Educational Practices and Policies

Abstract

In rural and remote areas of Australia, the social determinants of health continue to influence the health and wellbeing of children and young people. In existence for a decade, the Social Work in Schools (SWiS) program offers opportunities to support the wellbeing needs of school students. However, to date, it is unknown how the SWiS program is perceived by school leaders over time. In the qualitative study reported here, semistructured interviews with school leaders (n = 5) were conducted in regional New South Wales. An inductive thematic analysis of data generated four themes: settling in (enhancing the establishment of the student social work role), scope of practice (the complex ways in which social work students can be utilised in a school setting), challenges of supporting social work students, and the perceived benefits of the SWiS program. The findings revealed an ongoing appreciation by school leaders towards the implementation of the SWiS program and the role played by social work students in supporting children and young people in their school communities. These findings help build evidence for the expansion of the program to include other allied health professional students in schools.IMPLICATIONSSchool social workers can assist in addressing the impact of the social determinants of health on the wellbeing of children and young people living in rural, regional, and remote areas.School leaders perceive the University of New England SWiS program to be a positive step in responding to the needs of vulnerable children and young people.Identifying the enablers and challenges of implementing the Social Work in Schools program over time has positive implications for expanding the program to include other allied health roles.

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2023Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting 2020Qualitative research methods 2022Explaining health inequalities in Australia: the contribution of income, wealth and employment 2020Parents' and carers' views on factors contributing to the health and wellbeing of urban Aboriginal children 2019Social Work in Rural New South Wales School Settings: Addressing Inequalities Beyond the School Gate 2024Social Workers’ Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Social Work Practice in Schools: A Scoping Review 2022Revisiting social workers in schools (SWIS) – making the case for safeguarding in context and the potential for reach 2023Overcoming fear of conflict in group work: reflections from practice and teaching

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2025Exploring the Relationships Between Academic Engagement and Professional Suitability in Social Work Students: The Mediating Role of Academic Satisfaction

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