International Conference 2024 | Forensic and Correctional Social Work in Practice

The 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) was held in November 2024 in Melbourne. This significant event in successfully brought together social work professionals, researchers, educators, and students from around the world to discuss and share the latest developments in the field of social work in health and mental health.

Recording 1

From Bus Tickets to Case Formulations: The Introduction of Forensic Mental Health Social Work to an Existing Team

Presenter: Mr John Ludlow (Australia, VIC)

Forensic mental health social work is a wonderfully diverse, challenging and complex sector of social work. Seen across this landscape are not only examples of drastic inequality, mental ill-health and confronting offending behaviour, but also resilience, compassion and hope. Here, social work offers a unique skillset to address both individual recovery and community safety. In mental health, the discipline faces issues of role clarity, recognition of clinical skills and the perennial question “what does social work do?”. This presentation shares an insight into the experience of introducing forensic mental health social work to an existing multidisciplinary team. This process has brought some of these issues and questions into the spotlight as we cover the ‘forensic mental health social work identity’, rights-based practice in a carceral environment and fighting for a seat at the table. Evident throughout all of this is that whilst social workers can develop their skills to ‘fit-in’ to a team and complex systems, we also need to hold on to and assert what makes our perspective and practice unique. At the crossroads of mental health and the justice system, social work thrives. Anyone with an interest in forensic practice and growing social work are welcomed to attend.

Recording 2

The Knowledge and Skills Needed for Forensic Social Work in Australia: A Delphi Study

Presenters: Ms Dimitra Lattas (Australia, QLD)

This presentation examines the challenges facing forensic social work in Australia, with a particular focus on gaps in education, training, and professional preparation. It considers the absence of a nationally consistent competency framework and contrasts current practice with international standards. Advocating for an evidence-based and practice-informed approach, the presentation highlights the importance of engaging practitioners in the research and development of core competencies to strengthen the effectiveness and recognition of social work within the justice system.

Recording 3

The Diffuse Program - Working With Men in a Correctional Setting

Presenters: Mr Luke Pepperell (Australia, VIC) & Mr Luke McCord (Australia, VIC)

This presentation outlines a psychoeducational program addressing family violence, with a focus on building insight, accountability, and relational change. It explores key components of the program, including treatment readiness, understanding the dynamics of family violence, and the development of healthy relationships. The presentation examines how participants are supported to reflect on their behaviours, traditional gender roles, and communication patterns, with particular attention to fatherhood, intergenerational impacts, and children’s wellbeing. The program’s approach to conflict management, attachment styles, and relationship repair is discussed, alongside reflections on participant progress and outcomes.