AASW Webinar Recording | The Importance of Harm Reduction Philosophy: Family-inclusive practice within the context of alcohol and other drug use

Member price: $90.00 including GST (member price will display once logged in)

Non-member price: $180.00 including GST

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

Presenter

Chloe Span (Masters SW, Specialist Certificate ASW, Bachelor SocSc (Hons)), is the Victorian Clinical Services Manager for Family Drug Support (FDS) Australia and is responsible for running support groups, community workshops and the FDS flagship program Stepping Stones for families supporting someone affected by alcohol and drug use. She is Founding Secretary of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia (SSDP Aust), a board member of Harm Reduction Australia (HRA) and an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Chloe was selected for the 2021 AASW National Excellence Award of ‘student of the year’ and the 2022 Tandem Carers Individual Community Award for ‘exceptional compassion and consistent support to families in AOD.’ She has a lived experience of substance use in both her personal and family lives.