From the Frontline to the Home Front - Navigating Civilian Transition for ADF Veterans

LIVE ONLINE WEBINAR

Capability Level: Emerging and Evolving

Service before self’ is a value firmly embedded in ADF culture and so intrinsic to their sense of self that it becomes a key component of their identity. Thousands of ADF members transition to civilian life each year, but for some, the transformation from being a warrior to a civilian can be a significant and challenging life event. Approximately 50% of transitioning service members report difficulty adjusting to civilian life. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2024) has found that, on average, there are three deaths by suicide by serving or ex-serving Defence members every fortnight across Australia. The transition phase is identified as a risk factor for suicide.

Social workers play a critical role in supporting ADF members on this often complex and deeply personal reintegration journey. This webinar training is designed to equip social workers with cultural awareness, practical, and trauma-informed approaches to assist current and former ADF personnel in reintegrating into the civilian community. Through real-life case examples and group discussions, participants will better understand the veteran experience and build their capacity to deliver holistic, strengths-based support.

Who should attend?

This webinar training will provide fundamental knowledge about this specialised field of practice. It is suitable for emerging, evolving, and experienced social workers who wish to explore what it is like to work with military and veteran communities and professionals with extensive experience working with this population.

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand the key challenges ADF members face during the transition to civilian life.

Identify common mental health, social, and practical concerns experienced during reintegration.

Explore culturally competent social work practices tailored to veterans

Apply therapeutic modalities and practical resources to assist clients in navigating the reintegration journey

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: Understand the key challenges ADF members face during the transition to civilian life. (20minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive group discussion

Learning Session 2 : Identify common mental health, social, and practical concerns experienced during reintegration. (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 2: Interactive group discussion

Learning Session 3: Explore culturally competent social work practices tailored to veterans (15minutes)

Learning Activity 3: Open discussion and case study

Learning Session 4: Apply therapeutic modalities and practical resources to assist clients in navigating the reintegration journey (15minutes)

Learning Activity 4: Open discussion and case study

Conclusion and Q&A

AASW Credential: Mental Health (FPS) & Clinical

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.