Social Work Field Education in Australia

Abstract

Australian social work field education is characterised by changing university, government and practice environments. It is a landscape marked by increased accountability, reduced resourcing and growing student demands. While practicum remains central to the Australian social work curriculum, educators strive to maintain quality field education programs in keeping with the accreditation standards. The current standards, set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), are briefly outlined and discussed. While students continue to recount their field practicum as the most valuable component of their social work education, there is evidence that satisfaction varies according to the mode of supervision delivered. Traditional and emergent modes of Australian field education are described and critiqued. Further, the list of challenges associated with locating, securing and conducting field education for universities has become increasingly multifaceted. We juxtapose the benefits against challenges currently faced by students, field educators, agencies and tertiary institutions through the lens of the organisation, government, university and professional accreditation perspectives. We draw on findings documented in recent research as well as from our shared experiences of being field educators conducting placements in various modes and form, university liaison staff assessing placements and conducting field education programs in the university context. The chapter concludes with an examination of the future directions for research and practice in field education highlighting the importance of creating sustainable systems built on strong relationships between training institutions and the field that are adequately resourced, offer appropriate training, preparation and support.