TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2022//
TI  - Australian and New Zealand social workers adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic
JO  - British journal of social work
A1  - Alston, Margaret
A1  - Irons, Kelly
A1  - Adamson, Carole
A1  - Boddy, Jenny
A1  - Fronek, Patricia
A1  - Briggs, Lynne
A1  - Hay, Kathryn
A1  - Howard, Amanda
A1  - Rowlands, Allison
A1  - Hazeleger, Tricia
A1  - Foote, Wendy
SP  - 1859
EP  - 1877
VL  - 52
IS  - 4
N2  - In 2020, social workers across the world responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent strict lockdown procedures over several months. In many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, this virtual shutdown period necessitated a reframing of social work practice to incorporate factors including delivery of services via virtual means and more limited access for vulnerable clients. This article draws on the integration of two methods designed to address the research question: 'How has social work practice in Australia and New Zealand been affected by COVID-19?' These include (i) a narrative review of papers published during 2020 on social work practice and the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) an online survey, undertaken from October to December 2020, of Australian and New Zealand social workers. The questionnaire data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis. The findings of this article details include the significant impacts of COVID-19 on practice, the increased needs of clients, including a rise in health issues, violence, homelessness and financial concerns, and the resulting critical changes to social work workloads. Social workers also reported greater use of technologies to deliver services and fears for their families and themselves if exposed to COVID-19.<p />
LA  - en
SN  - 0045-3102
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab163
ID  - ref1
ER  -