Social Work Theory and Practice

Running head: SOCIAL WORK THEORY AND PRACTICE
Social Work Theory and Practice
Name of the Student:
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1SOCIAL WORK THEORY AND PRACTICE
Executive Summary
This report aims to evaluate the issues and problems of social work related to the aboriginals
in Australia. The main issue that has created the barrier between social work and the
aboriginals is their lack of trust for the government. This has hindered their advancement
widely and the responsibility falls on the social workers to break this barrier and close the gap
between them. In this regard, the history of abuse and mistreatment, racism and
discrimination has to be considered. The inclusion can only take place if the government
recognizes the rights of the aboriginals as the first inhabitants of the territory and give them
equal rights. The study finally concludes that as a social workers it is our duty to understand
their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and provide them services with as much care
as possible. As an emerging social worker, it is my responsibility to prepare myself in any
way possible so that I am able to serve them with empathy and respect.

2SOCIAL WORK THEORY AND PRACTICE
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Discussion..................................................................................................................................3
1. An examination of the social issue and the effects of the social issue on the population
group......................................................................................................................................3
2. Historical overview of the social issue...............................................................................4
3. Current context of the social issue.....................................................................................5
4. Impact of political and economic factors on the population group....................................5
5. Outline of the particular critical discourses in which the issue is discussed......................6
6. A clear understanding of the use of critical social work theory in responding to the social
issue........................................................................................................................................7
7. Provide examples of critical social work approaches that have responded to the social
issue (such as the practice strategies, programs and/ or policies that have been raised for
addressing the issue)..............................................................................................................8
8. Critical reflection of self in context to critical theory and your identified social issue.....9
9. Critical theory and practice recommendations for you as a developing social work
practitioner.............................................................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................11

3SOCIAL WORK THEORY AND PRACTICE
Introduction
Social work is concerned with the welfare and well-being of all the people in the
society (Wilson, Magarey, Jones, O'Donnell & Kelly, 2015). In Australia, the trend shows
that the aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders have remained backward. They are non-
responsive to governmental initiatives as they have a general mistrust for the government. It
falls on the shoulders of the social workers that they create trust and collaborative behavior
by working along with the people of the community and understanding their cultural needs
(Zubrzycki, Green, Jones, Stratton, Young & Bessarab, 2014). In this report, the issues of
healthcare prominent in aboriginal communities in Australia have been discussed. The
history, social and economic factors that have led to the formation of the issue, how these
factors and issues are affecting the indigenous has been analyzed. Moreover, my role as a
developing social worker and the competencies that I have in this arena has been evaluated.
Finally, the improvements that would help me serve the community and the cause better has
been recommended.
Discussion
1. An examination of the social issue and the effects of the social issue on the
population group
There are many social issues that are of concern when it comes to the aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders, such as education, unemployment, health care, violence due to
alcoholism and so on. Among them the issue of healthcare is of utmost importance. All the
residents of Australia are entitled to health benefits. Health care is not limited to services on
physical health but also mental and emotional health. It has been seen that mental illness and
other complications that stem from mental illness are increasing in Australia (Chalmers,