What happens when theory isn’t enough, when understanding injustice isn’t sufficient, and you feel called to act?

For Dimitra Lattas, the answer lay in social work. “My undergraduate studies in sociology gave me a strong theoretical foundation for understanding oppression, inequity and social structures,” she explains. “But I wanted to go beyond theory and actively work toward meaningful change.”

After spending time travelling and reflecting on global inequality, Dimitra realised social work offered a way to make a tangible difference, connecting abstract social concepts with direct action in people’s lives. It led her first into frontline work and, later, into academia, where she saw another pressing need.

“When I started working with criminalised persons, I felt unprepared and I could see that I wasn’t alone,” she recalls. “New graduates, in particular, often feel inadequate about their clinical skills when addressing offending behaviours.” In response, Dimitra transitioned to research, developing forensic social work as a distinct area of study in Australia and pushing for more specialised training. “There were no higher education programs specific to forensic social work, so I started researching how to change that.”

Today, Dimitra teaches and mentors emerging social workers while continuing her research into criminal justice, youth justice and forensic mental health. “I love my role in academia. Students bring fresh perspectives that constantly challenge my assumptions and prompt me to grow professionally.”

Her work has already had global recognition. In a career highlight, Dimitra received the Queensland Scholarship from Fulbright Australia, which will take her to the United States to research forensic social work education. “It’s a tremendous honour and signals the growing recognition of this field as critical to both practice and education,” she says.

The impact of her work extends well beyond the classroom. Dimitra regularly hears from social workers across Australia who say her research reflects their lived experience especially the feeling of being underprepared. “These conversations reinforce the urgency of developing education and training that reflects real-world demands and the nuanced ethical challenges of the work.”

For Dimitra, forensic social work means advocating for those caught in punitive systems that prioritise punishment over rehabilitation. “This approach reinforces systemic inequality especially for young people, First Nations communities and people with mental health issues,” she says. “We need social workers in these spaces to offer a trauma-informed, ethical and critical lens.”

Reflective practice and supervision play a vital role in Dimitra’s work and her teaching. “In forensic settings, the stakes are high, and ethical dilemmas are common,” she explains. “Supervision sharpens your thinking and builds resilience. It also helps you identify blind spots and consider more just, evidence-based approaches.”

Her advice to others? Don’t be afraid to embrace research. “Even small-scale or practice-based research can inform policy and improve systems. Research isn’t separate from practice, it’s a powerful extension of it.”

Outside work, Dimitra finds joy in motherhood, nature and travel. “I love exploring how different cultures approach justice and care. It keeps me grounded and inspired.”

As for the future, she hopes to establish a dedicated forensic social work specialisation in Australia and contribute to global research partnerships that elevate the field. “Social work is becoming more specialised and more integrated into interdisciplinary spaces like justice reform and forensic mental health,” she says. “But we must hold onto our core values, social justice, advocacy and person-in-environment thinking.”

What happens when theory isn’t enough? If you’re Dimitra Lattas, you build a bridge between theory and action, helping others cross it with the confidence and skills to create real change.