THAT CAN’T BE RIGHT …?

By Mickey Skidmore, AMHSW, ACSW, FAASW

Earlier this year I became rather self-conscious that as I grow older, I seemed to be increasingly irritable. My initial reflection about this was to chalk it up (at least in part) to developmental sequencing. There is a part of me that reluctantly is confronted with and fearful of becoming a cranky, curmudgeon as I advance in age. I would rather chose to NOT to become a living stereotype of being a grumpy old man (I don’t want to be angry or irritable all the time). So I set out to make a list of some the things that seem to trigger my frustrations ….

-I can’t explain why the overwhelming mindset and attitude of the Australian people hold the view that only Psychologists can provide mental health counselling/treatment; I just know that can’t  be right …?

-Even in organisations where Psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have essentially the same job description (serving the same populations); managing the same risks; and essentially do the same job; the Social Worker in virtually every case is paid a lower wage. I don’t understand or know why the AASW seems to be silent on this issue, I just know that can’t  be right …?

-Despite not having enough adequate field placements, Social Work MSWQ programs continue to accept increasing numbers of students. While everyone understands the draw of international student fees, this still can’t be right …?

-Even though Social Work is not held to the same level with other allied health professions (i.e. Psychology) they have the highest professional organisation dues and credential fee structure than any other medical profession in Australia. And considering what members of the AASW receive for this (including indemnity insurance), I just know that can’t be right …?   

-And when the new Social Work Registration Board in Adelaide takes effect in 2025, it would appear that SA Social Workers will have to pay an additional Registration fee — in addition to the multiple fees they already are require to pay the AASW. While not surprising, SA Social Workers must be thinking this can’t be right … ?

-I have no idea why the National Redress Scheme (NRS) professes to abide by trauma-informed practices, however, even the most preliminary review on this matter highlight several issues within their day-to-day processes that are clearly not aligned with trauma-informed principles; I just know that this can’t be right … ?

Clearly this is not an exhaustive list. 

Don’t get me started about the disregard of basic social mores (like walking and driving on the left) … or how social media is rotting everyone’s brain (and adversely impacting the mental health of our youth in particular) … or how people vote increasingly for fascist, authoritarian regimes that contradict the very popular policies they favour against their own self-interests … or the hypocrisy of suggesting enlightenment regarding human rights and social justice while clinging to colonised power.

The list above represents a small number of items that have been on the radar of my professional practice which I continue to reflect upon. Perhaps as 2024 winds down, you can add to this list, or make one of your own.

Fortunately, my previous self-consciousness appears to have been a phase that I was able to successfully pass through. Part of that I believe is because of my conscious, intentional attitude to not hold on to my anger unnecessarily. Another may be due to a shifting more towards academia, where my focus is relating some of my professional experiences to students undergoing education and training in preparation for professional Social Work practice.

Even in this regard however, my reflections have led me to the realisation that we are attempting to prepare Social Work students to face an increasingly toxic, dysfunctional and broken system. 

Take a moment … 

Can you think of a single institution, organisation, or system in our society that is not under-funded; under-appreciated; inadequately designed; poorly managed; inept; dishonest; disingenuous; unfair; inconsistent; hypocritical or otherwise corrupt?

Health Care (any level: youth; aged care; disability; substance use; mental health; etc)

Legal System (including corrections; jails; prisons; etc)

Housing (Homelessness; affordability)

Social Welfare (Centrelink)

Education (K-12)

Tertiary Education (International students)

Immigration (Refugees; asylum seekers; migrants; xenophobia)

Human Rights (gender inequality; racial inequality; ethnic inequality)

Employment

Finance (Banking)

Religion (fundamentalism; patriarchy)

Military (Suicide; inadequate readjustment to civilian live)

Politics (partisanship; gas-lighting; misinformation; disinformation; lying; lack of accountability)

If I ask the question another way: do you think any of these systemic institution are functioning well? … or even adequately?

It is a daunting prospect — for all of us. But especially for a profession tasked with addressing or at least improving the day-to-day management of these enormous challenges. Thus, in my tutelage, it is imperative that students are appropriately exposed to this reality and encouraged to evaluate, reflect and be clear what their own personal and individual values and motivations are for this work. As it is not for everyone. 

Perhaps a different type of list, underscored with an attitudinal shift is required for a fresh start in the New Year … a list of why the dignity of each and every individual and genuine social justice remains a worthwhile enterprise.

I could challenge readers to develop such a list. However, I would prefer to consider it a holiday gift if you were so inspired to send me such a list which could be posted here in the New Year.

Happy Holidays!