Social work in rural areas: a personal and professional challenge

Author: Green R.

Source: Australian Social Work, Volume 56, Number 3, September 2003 , pp. 209-219(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Australians live in diverse areas, city and country, coast and hinterland, desert and rainforest, urban and remote areas. While much social work practice is located in large population centres, the problem of providing a social work service in rural and remote areas is a challenging one. This article examines some of the issues for rural social workers practicing where networks are small and multilayered, anonymity, privacy and safety for the social worker cannot be guaranteed, and a broad range of knowledge and skills are demanded. As a profession, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of delivering an ethical, responsive and appropriate service in rural areas. For rural social workers, this challenge impacts in both their professional and personal roles.

Keywords: confidentiality; rural; visibility

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.0312-407x.2003.00082.x

Affiliations: 1: Rosemary Green is currently the Head of School of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Ballarat. Associate Professor Rosemary Green, School of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Ballarat,

Publication date: 2003-09-01