For many people who see a social worker, it is because they are already involved in our health or community services system, and they are referred by another professional.  This means they have to make contact with our formal service system, and this is something that doesn’t suit everyone.  What if it was possible to walk into a public place like a library, and see a social worker? Even if you didn’t live in that local area?  Who would fund a program like that? Is there a sufficient level of need for a library social worker?  What difference does it make to the community?  Erin McKeegan has the answers.



MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 
https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/libraries-offer-a-safe-haven-for-melburnians-in-need/

Launch housing 
https://www.launchhousing.org.au/

City of Melbourne’s initiatives to prevent and end homelessness: 
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/homes-melbourne/ending-homelessness/Pages/ending-homelessness.aspx

Review of the trial project: 
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01616846.2020.1825917



FURTHER READING

An international perspective: 
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/03/1063985757/why-your-local-library-might-be-hiring-a-social-worker#:~:text=Art%20%26%20Design-,When%20the%20answers%20are%20not%20in%20books%2C%20some%20libraries%20hire,finding%20mental%20health%20and%20more.

For a contrast to this inclusive approach, see this example of a policing and security-based approach:

In the Library with the Lead Pipe: 
https://apo.org.au/node/271231

For many people who see a social worker, it is because they are already involved in our health or community services system, and they are referred by another professional.  This means they have to make contact with our formal service system, and this is something that doesn’t suit everyone.  What if it was possible to walk into a public place like a library, and see a social worker? Even if you didn’t live in that local area?  Who would fund a program like that? Is there a sufficient level of need for a library social worker?  What difference does it make to the community?  Erin McKeegan has the answers.
 
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  <a href="https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/libraries-offer-a-safe-haven-for-melburnians-in-need/">https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/libraries-offer-a-safe-haven-for-melburnians-in-need/</a>
Launch housing  <a href="https://www.launchhousing.org.au/">https://www.launchhousing.org.au/</a>
City of Melbourne’s initiatives to prevent and end homelessness:  <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/homes-melbourne/ending-homelessness/Pages/ending-homelessness.aspx">https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/homes-melbourne/ending-homelessness/Pages/ending-homelessness.aspx</a>
Review of the trial project:  <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01616846.2020.1825917">https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01616846.2020.1825917</a>
 
FURTHER READING
An international perspective:  <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/03/1063985757/why-your-local-library-might-be-hiring-a-social-worker#:~:text=Art%20%26%20Design-,When%20the%20answers%20are%20not%20in%20books%2C%20some%20libraries%20hire,finding%20mental%20health%20and%20more">https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/03/1063985757/why-your-local-library-might-be-hiring-a-social-worker#:~:text=Art%20%26%20Design-,When%20the%20answers%20are%20not%20in%20books%2C%20some%20libraries%20hire,finding%20mental%20health%20and%20more</a>.
For a contrast to this inclusive approach, see this example of a policing and security-based approach:
In the Library with the Lead Pipe: <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/271231">https://apo.org.au/node/271231</a>

Social workers play a significant role collectively and individually dedicating themselves to achieving social justice, promoting inclusion and improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups and the most vulnerable members of our communities. AASW – Social Work People explores the diverse world of social work and connects listeners to the people driving change and providing advocacy on the issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

Social workers play a significant role collectively and individually dedicating themselves to achieving social justice, promoting inclusion and improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups and the most vulnerable members of our communities. AASW &ndash; Social Work People explores the diverse world of social work and connects listeners to the people driving change and providing advocacy on the issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

AASW – Social Work People Podcast

Social workers play a significant role collectively and individually dedicating themselves to achieving social justice, promoting inclusion and improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups and the most vulnerable members of our communities. AASW – Social Work Stories explores the diverse world of social work and connects listeners to the people driving change and providing advocacy on the issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

Social workers play a significant role collectively and individually dedicating themselves to achieving social justice, promoting inclusion and improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups and the most vulnerable members of our communities. AASW &ndash; Social Work Stories explores the diverse world of social work and connects listeners to the people driving change and providing advocacy on the issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

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