As Johnny Cash resonates in my mind...I only have one day to go before I finish my 4th Year Social Work placement in Alice Springs...  The words of Johnny Cash don't exactly fit into the scenario of me ending my tenure here, but the line is very close to walking on, as I near completion of my studies.  And as I prepare for Melbourne:

Forecast for Friday in Alice Springs
One or two showers and a gusty storm, clearing during the afternoon. Moderate
northwest winds turning southwesterly during the day.  Max 28 Degrees

Forecast for Saturday in Melbourne

Cloudy. Heavy rain, easing to areas of rain around midday, becoming more widespread and heavy during the afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms from the morning. Winds northeast to northwesterly averaging up to 30 km/h tending southwesterly up to 55 km/h during the afternoon.  Max 21

Boya!!

And for those who would like to keep updated on latest NT Weather observations, here you go!!

http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR253.loop.shtml

This morning I went around to pick up the two young kids to drive them to the airport, and 45 minutes later they where ready.  Routine for the day starts with them being woken up, and then either going back to the office to get them a food voucher, or waiting around for them to get ready.  So, given that they had a flight to catch, I had to hang around to make sure that they got into the car with all their personal belongings and everything was set for them to leave Alice in one piece.  We made it to the airport without a problem, and with two carers accompanying them, given their volatile nature, and also thrown into the mix, them going to a family funeral, there was a need for the young kids to be supported.  I do think that the carers will be earning their money while they are away with them

The role of the professional parent, asking them to get a move on or else they will miss the flight, mixed in with their adolescent humour and a care free attitude, knowing they had a lift, is something that I have become use to with these kids, and eventhough professional boundaries are very clear with them, and needed, there is still a level of human interaction that you can't avoid when working with kids.  And given the clients that are referred to the team that I have been working in, they are very use to the system, and to give that human touch to an environment that is driven by policy and protection I feel can only add to someones self-respect, which also brings the opportunity, as a worker, to plant a few seeds. no matter how scattered they are at first..So, with realistically expecations, but also hoping for a couple of those seeds becoming routed into their soil of thought, there is a chance for some of them. But, consistancy, is always difficult when worker move on!!  This is the nature of the work..

So the two siblings made the flight, and after having to drive back to the office (to pick up some last minute things for the kids), they where on there way.  I will not be checking afterhours, but I am hopeing that there is no contact with them tonight. 

For me, it is my last day tomorrow, and with a lunch being organised, and the Christmas party in the evening, I will be doing my best to stay focused until 4:21.  Then I am back to Melbourne, just in time for Christmas and family.

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Today, I have taken a day off.  With the bush trips and an overnight stay in previous weeks plus an overnight stay out bush tomorrow night my student hours where clocking up..  The end of the finishing line is very close, and with Learning Agreements being signed, and only having 2 days to go, the day of becoming qualified has finally arrived.  More of a ticking of the box's, but it is refreshing to know that with all this study and recent reflection during my final placement, the mix of theory through education with practical experience through working in the area, is very beneficial for anyone, I feel, no matter what the profession is!!

Today was a day of finalising last minute preparations, and with my room inspection going to plan (as expected).. I am ready to hand the keys in.  So, catching up with friends before I left there was an added sense of excitement that I am leaving a place that for the last 14 weeks has impacted me in a positive way.  And bumping into my Team Leader, as I was going to get something to eat this evening, we will not going out bush.  Therefore I will be spending my last hours in Alice Springs.  Tomorrow I will be driving to of the young kids to the airport, where they are going to a funeral of a relative of theirs.  So with full emotion, I hope it all goes to plan, which I am sure it will.

It's 29 degrees and the clock strikes 7:26 in Aaaalice Spriiiings......doo da doo I rememberrrrrrrr (repeat)...Alice is going leaps and bounds..  Ahhhh, good morning all... As the kangaroo hops across the desert plain's, the heat starts to take over Central Australia.  As you can tell I am getting excited about my return trip to Melbourne town, and the smell of the coffee beans down Lygon Street already start to overpower my senses.

Today I have spent some time organising my final bush trip.. And for the first time we are crossing the border to S.A and therefore permits are needed.  The filling in of forms and liaising with local communities over the boarder takes time, so it will good to get on the road on Thursday once everything is organised.

Later in the afternoon another young person attached to our service came in, and informed us that one of his parents had left the state, and they thought that they where not coming back.  So, the initial response of frustration and yet another child coming under the care of the Minister was hemmed back when calling the parent, and asking them to please explain what is happening.  It ended up being that eventhough they had gone over a boarder they where coming back.  But, talking to the parent, and getting an idea of the situation, makes us all think of the situatin that the young child is in, and for it to get all too hard, there must be a breaking point.  My personal views of having a child is unconditional can't come into the way I deal with the situation, which is difficult for me, especially when you see a minor, who eventhough has their own issues and behaviour that is not acceptable at times, they are left with no one to nurture them, through a choice made by the parent.

Today there is a hearing for one of the young kids, that has the potential to have them sentenced to juvenille jail in Darwin..  As I have reflected on in previous journal entries, this may be there only hope, but who am I to judge.  In a world of confusion, for these young kids, attempting to not only understand there own adolescent emotions and boundaires of street like behavour, but to also survive in a world that I can only pressume, would encompass them trying to understand or rather comprehend what it is being caught in a system, that is bigger than them..  Where is this sanctuary for these kids and many more that are experiencing such difficulties when trying to get by.

The young person who I talked about (above) earlier in the day, didn't end up going to jail, but this is their last chance.  So with them getting community service they have a life line that will either cement them into the punitive system of rehabilitation or give them an opportunity to make a difference with the limited opportunity that is presented to them.  But, with them not wanting any involvement with the organisation I am with, doesn't breed much hope.. It is sad to see someone so young, try and deal with such strong emotions due to the situation they are in.  Because not only have they had court today, and are now facing the reality of going to juvenil jail, but one of their family members has also passed away last week.  The pure emotion expressed with these kids and having no apparent rational coping skills is something I have seen time and time again them reverting back to victim mentality and therefore allowing themselves (not through obvious choice, but from what they know) to be placed in yet another situation of vulernability that exuberates volatile activities of behaviour, for example, drug use. 

Their older sibling, who I have also journalled and self reflected on has today started identifying with his own mental health through the identification of not being able to do his artwork.  I have been very impressed with this young persons continual maturity in wanting to do something with their life.  And I have been continually pushing them about their art and gauging their enthusiasm by the art that they have periodically shown me, and also them purchasing materials; so for them to identify that they are having blockages and they don't know what is happening, because they cannot drawl at the moment is another level of awareness that they have shown.  And therefore requesting to see a Mental Health worker, is a great positive for them, and as a worker, I feel that I have had some influence, even though, minute, in their awareness raising.    So, building on strenghts of an individual can have some impact (debatable I know), so time will tell.

Charles Perkins

(1936 to 2000)

Charles Perkins was born in Alice Springs; his mother was Arrente and his father Kalkadoon. He was removed from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Aboriginal Reserve when he was 10 and educated at St Francis House, a school established by Father Percy Smith in Adelaide to educate Aboriginal boys. He trained initially as a fitter and turner but, being a gifted soccer player, he played professionally for the English club, Everton, then on his return to Australia with the Adelaide Croatian and the Sydney Pan-Hellenic Clubs.

Perkins first attended the Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement annual conference in Brisbane in 1961. He spoke with passion about his visit to Mungana reserve where he saw a double standard in action: attractive homes for the white staff and tin shanties for the Aboriginal residents.

In 1965 Perkins, one of two Aboriginal students at the University of Sydney (the other was Gary Williams), was keen to find a way to publicise the Aboriginal cause. This led to the formation of Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) and the decision to organise a bus tour of western New South Wales towns. About 30 students, led by Perkins, travelled to Walgett, Moree, Kempsey and other towns exposing discrimination in the use of halls, swimming pools, picture theatres and hotels. In a number of towns Aboriginal returned servicemen were only permitted entry to the Returned Service League clubs on Anzac Day. This trip became known as the Freedom Ride and assumed iconic status as the students ensured that they had press coverage for the conflicts which occurred in these towns. Their effective use of television brought the issue of racial discrimination in country towns to national attention. Perkins' role in this action propelled him to a position as a national Aboriginal leader and spokesman, a position he held until his death.

In the post-referendum period, Charles Perkins was critical of the Federal Council, believing it had not done enough to share power with Aboriginal members. In 1965 he became the manager of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs in Sydney, and in 1969 he moved to Canberra to begin work in the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, which was set up by Prime Minister Harold Holt. By 1984 Perkins was Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the first Aboriginal Australian to attain such a position in the bureaucracy. In his post-public service life Perkins played key roles on the boards of Aboriginal arts, sport and media organisations. As well he was a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Commission (ATSIC) and of the Arrente Council of Central Australia.

Charlie Perkins was an independent spirit who gave much to the cause of his people, and also to Australian soccer. His independence of mind meant that he was no stranger to controversy. He was given a state funeral in recognition of his dedicated work for Indigenous Australians.

Further reading

Charles Perkins, A Bastard Like Me, Ure Smith, Sydney, 1975

Peter Read, Charles Perkins: A Biography, Ringwood, Victoria, 1990

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Yothu Yindi - Rock Band

Albert Namatjira - Artist

Numerous AFL Footballers - Michael Long, Davies, Gavin Wangerneen...the list goes on!!

There was a catch up on case notes today, and the town kids where very quiet.  Which meant that I had time to not only catch up on case notes, but also follow up on Care Plans for when I leave.

There was a meeting that I had with a NGO that organises medium term accommodation for clients, so it was really interesting and worthwhile for me to be able to gain an understanding of how their service worked and then drawl up some guidelines that the team can use for future reference when finding suitable accommodation for kids that are linked into the team that I am currently with.

Red Kangaroo Dreaming

The Krantji Kangaroo clan, northern Aranda Aboriginal people, trace their spiritual lineage to the red kangaroo - this is their totem. To them, the powerful kangaroo is a beloved ancestor, shaper of the landscape, an immortal being of that timeless, instructive, and never-ending epoch of creation and earthly transformation widely known as the Dreamtime.
The most sacred place to the Red Kangaroo clan is a small natural spring known as Krantji. It has long been the traditional duty of each generation of the Red Kangaroo Clan to honour ceremonially this place. This spring is the birthplace and everlasting home of Krantjirinja their Original Ancestor, the leader of their Red Kangaroo clan.

In December 1980, A E Newsome, a wild life biologist and respected authority on the natural history and ecology of the red kangaroo published an article in the journal "Mankind" reporting that the Red Kangaroo Dreaming may in fact have an underlying ecological rationale.

Relying upon living Aboriginal elders and T G H Strehlow's' classic Aranda texts, Newsome meticulously pieced together segments of the meandering dreaming trails evoked in certain red kangaroo stories. He matched sacred Aranda sites mentioned in accounts of the mythological journeys of the ancestors with actual physical locations.

Newsome found that Aboriginal tales of the Dreamtime travels of Krantjirinja and other kangaroo ancestors during the Creation Time, revealed a sophisticated grasp of red kangaroo ecology. A map of the ancestors overland trek near Krantji - breathing life and form into the landscapes as they went - corresponded with uncanny precision to maps of the preferred habitats of red kangaroo which Newsome had assembled by scientific studies. Conversely, a map of the subterranean portions of the ancestors Dreamtime journeys, during which their radiant powers diminished, corresponded neatly with expanses of desert land largely inhospitable to red kangaroo populations.

Newsome concluded that the ancient Aborigines must have been well acquainted with the ecology of the red kangaroo, and appear to have passed that knowledge into the mythology to be hidden by allegory

A taboo against hunting red kangaroos in areas surrounding sacred-clan totemic sites like Krantji is, in effect, a potent conservation tool. These sacred places are often located along the overland Dreaming trails of the ancestors, corresponding to prime red kangaroo habitats.

Embedded in ancient Aranda spiritual knowledge of the origins and eternal fecundity of the red kangaroo is a potentially powerful environmental ethic that must have ensured, wrote Newsome, that the red kangaroo were protected near their best habitats.

Such a poignant marriage of spirit and ecology is inconceivable without a profound, enduring sensitivity to the real workings of the natural world over great expanses of time.

Source:  http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum-old/posts/topic6037.shtm

Not until mid morning did we manage to leave the office to venture out bush, due to a couple of the other local kids coming in, and communicating that they had been involved in altercations with other youth last night, which eventuated in infringement notices and fines.  Again, I don't like to say this, but going to a juvenile detention centre may be the best thing for one of the young kids.  There has been continual setting of boundaries and clear guidelines of engagement with them, but it appears that when there is drug and alcohol involved they revert back to the behaviour that they are use to.  And in a world of no structure and respect for rules of engagement and indiividual respect, it is difficult to see any short term change, when they are in an environment that exacerbates their issues.  As, I didn't have time to deal with this situation because I had to go out bush, I only had time to clarify events with a police officer before leaving the office for the day.

Anyway, it was a time of reflecting on my trip out bush, where I have been spending every fortnight visiting to check in on and escort the bush kids out to community, who are part of the organisation I am working with.  And building community contacts and trying to gain an understanding of a culture that before this trip, was so foreign to me, takes effort and a considerable amount of energy by all parties involved.  But before, I go on, this is the nature of the work, and everyone is aware of it, eventhough it is difficult to recognise at times.  So, with a carer explaining to me today, the interelationships between certain communities and their connection to the young people in our care, it is easier to recognise the strong affect of family and kinship amongst the aboriginal people, I mean, when removing myself from the situation, and the reason that the kids are in the care of the Minister. 

In one of the communities that I have had the opportunity to vist on a regular basis, there is now Christmas lights hanging on some of the houses, and when we where there at night one of the houses had their whole front porch littered with lighting, representing Christmas.  So there is celebratiion in the communities, of course, and I can only imagine the festivities when getting everyone together to celebrate Christmas day and religion has it's influence in thes communties, so the birth of jesus, I can only speculate would be celebrated also.

To have more time to explain about the family structures would be ideal, and I am going to attempt to start a genogram of the families that we are working with, which I hope will make our work a little easier in the future, and hopefully more sensitive to the families themselves in being able to recognise connections between groups.

It has been a long day, and it always is, travelling out bush, with a 5 hour journey of skating across sand and rolling over naturally made rivines in the road, there is a lot of concentration.  And today was around 41 degrees, so with the dryness of the heat, and having to intently listen to conversation with community, it does become draining.  But what a beautiful place it is in Central Australia, one of god's wonders where in full force today with the rains that have been through the area within the last month.  So, to see the contrast of colours, and to be able to actually listen to bird life, brought a different feel to the normally dry and sparse desert feel.

My first meeting today was to be an observer at a signing up of a potential carer that is looking after one of the bush kids down South, and I was the only male worker in the team at the time, so due to cultural sensitivities I was the token male present.  And eventhough, I was not indigenous, it was a recognition of the awareness required when working in a cross-cultural environment.

With the potential carer being of the generation, where they were involved in the 50's initiative of placing children in care under missionaries, it was really interesting to observe and in part, be involved in some of their dialogue and interactions with white staff members.  And as one of the workers was Indigenous herself, it was a significant learning for me, to be able to debrief with them after the meeting.

It was really interesting, being a little nieve to the interplay that was going on between the potential carer and the worker who was running the meeting.  I could sense that there was certain angst between them and when it was made clear by "are you eye balling me", comments made by the potential carer, I knew that something was up.  Playing the white fella welfare worker can be disheartning and I have only had a minute glimpse of how it feels, and I will never know how it feels to be on the receiving end.  But, today communication by the person who was going to be the carer of one of the young people in our team, was of animosity towards a system, that from all accounts they had been involved in for a long time, and by no choice of their own.. I could only observe and attempt to emphafise without not much understanding.  As part of the process of excepting the carer into the organisation they must also have certain checks.

Points to extrapilate on: Reference to lost ethnicity and the persons recognition of the stolen generation, the appearence of needing assistance from workers and/or the defiance of a white man's system.  These two points were two area's during the meeting that were significant to me, which I was able to reflect on afterwards and will continue to do so......  I guess, because I am working with young people I haven't had this experience during my placement, and when I am talking with adults it is in reference to their sons, daughters, cousines...family member and these conversations have tended to stick to the situation that we are dealing with.  But, it was interesting that the observations of the meeting where made by an Aboriginal person towards another and the interplay involved the different countries that they had come from..what I mean is, the worker's country is Arrernte, and the person that came into the office's country was Luritja &  Pitjantjatjara.  So, within Australia there are many different countries of the aboriginal people, and this brings with it different tribal groups (traditionally), different language(s), different totems, from my understanding, but I am sure there it is more complex than this.

http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/downloads/syllabus/indigenous_res012_0804.pdf

We may have to go down to visit the carer next week and check in on the young person that is under legal guardianship with the organisation.. So, given it is the start of men's business, a certain level of respect and sensitivity I reckon will have to be managed when visiting.  Because my placement is with a government organisation, we are able to visit during these times.

Totemism

Each member of a Mantharta language speaking group belongs to a patrilineally defined clan. Associated with each clan is a clan territory and sites of significance in that territory, including sites called "thalu", referred to as "local totem centres" or "increase sites." Each clan has associated with it a number of totems, which are generally animal or plant species and within the clan territory there will be places, which are associated with particular totems. These places are usually a pile of stones or a tree at which members of the group perform ceremonies to maintain or increase the totem species. Such ceremonies may be carried out to ensure the well being of the group, or to relieve a temporary state of affairs, for example, a shortage of water or food.

Totemic affiliations are also inherited patrilineally. Each person belongs to a named totemic class with which certain totems are associated

Source: http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum-old/posts/topic6037.shtm

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The care of the 2 young kids, and the continual role of a professional parent.

Well, with a random meeting of one of the young persons family members in the street, while I was on my way to post a birthday present to my niece in Melbourne, I was informed that the young person that we have been looking for in Alice Springs was sleeping at one of the houses that we have been to on numerous occassions, but haven't had the tracking device close enough to our radar, so on all occassions we have just missed them, when visiting previously.  Building up rapport and family networks has proven to be very important when attempting to locate these young kids, as my previous journal entries have indicated, and this time, I was hoping that the bush telegraph was going to be successful.

When going to visit the house that the family member told us where the young person was sleeping at, we where fortunate to find them there and apart from the usual waiting for the word to get around that we where there (and they are getting quite use to our faces now), a young person wonders to the door half asleep.. Today's experience was another learning for me, in regards to communicating with this young person, where body language appeared to be a major part of them feeling comfortable.. What I am attempting to articulate is, that when I was facing away and not face to face with them, there was more of an open dialogue between us (mind you the conversation lasted for around 5 minutes, but that is 5 minutes longer than we have managed in the past, when we have been able to find them).  So, when broaching with them that we where driving out bush today and that we would strongly suggest that they come out with me for their own safety and avoiding being taken to the magistrate for the potential of being breached of their court order brought a defiant response of  "White fella's rules" with the apparent lack of understanding of regulations that they are under.  But this did make me think about their comprehension of the conversation versus (again) defiant adolescent behaviour. 

So whether it was family or their legal guardian trying to inforce them to return out bush, would this warrant a similiar response.  This young person appeared quite intelligent and aware of what was going on, in regards to the reasons of why they where being asked to return out bush, so I spent a couple of minutes just sitting with them, attempting to gain some reason for their defiance to a situation that I wasn't familiar with, but just sitting I am finding another approach that comes as non-confronting and gives the person an opportunity to communicate in their own time, a different way of thinking from our Western culture, but in saying this, there is also time constraints, and you can't sit there all day, of course.  So, offering voluntary assistance in an involuntary service role, felt a little contrived, but again the options had to be presented to them, and to a degree it is about covering yourself and being seen to be acting as a proper legal guardian when putting in place the appropriate support for their welfare. 

It is getting to the time of year when aboriginal way business begins, both for males and females as I understand, so my own feeling is that it is best to have the kids out bush as soon as possible before the start of December.  But again, being government workers we are allowed out bush during these periods, but my practice and other members of the team is to be respectful of this when travelling to any bush community, for example, calling before hand and working with the community in regards to having suitable days for our visits.  Because at the end of the day the kids are under the legal guardianship of the minister and therefore the organisation I am with.

The weekend has now officially begun and only two more weekends before I head back South.  Maybe another bush adventure this w/e. 

Heading out bush this morning, our first stop was at a couple of the town camps to check in on 2 of the bush kids to see, first of all, whether we can find them, and secondly, the hope of getting them voluntarily in the vehicle with us, so that we are able to take them back out to their bush community.

Our first visit to one of the town camps, was unsuccessful and trying to find this young person is proving very difficult, so eventhough the bush telegraph is working quite well, we are still one step behind.  But when visiting the second camp, the young person was ready for us, as well as one of their other siblings, whom we took back out with them.  There was another stop to a fast food outlet, for some sustenance and then we where on the road.  The pull of these fast food outlets is something that I have never taken to (accept for my short stint when working night shift many years ago), but I did try a breaky wrap, and admittedly it wasn't bad....Ahhh you laugh...

It has been an interesting observation, that at the moment, football season has finished in Central Australia (surrounding Alice Springs) and this is when the bush kids have tended to wander back into town (Alice Springs).. so I would be interested to see whether this happens every time football finishes for them, as they allegidly have nothing to do.. More research for me is, what are the A.F.L doing to promote australian rules football in the bush communities and provide alternate avenues for the young people during and outside their football seasons!!

On the road, and admiring the greenery of the desert landscape and seeing Red Tailed Black Cockatoo's in flocks was amazing.. It is incredible to notice the contrast from when I first ventured out bush to now, where there is a certain lushness that is given to the natural desert environment.  It would of been hard going forging your way as an early settler through this land, not knowing how to survive in a tradtional sense, like the aboriginals of the area.  I will try and get some pictures to include on a blog entry before I depart Alice.

We dropped off this young person and after another relatively short conversation with Centrelink, they had their forms filled in, and where back on the gravy train of Centrelink.. We have managed to get a couple of the bush kids to agree that we act as guardians with Centrelink for them, so that they do not slip between the paper cracks of filling in forms and missing requirements that impede them getting money.  It has been interesting seeing a minor effect of the intervention, and the impact that Income Management has on families in the bush communities.  On the whole the response has been positive, as far as, the money going to the local store to guarantee that food and hygiene items are bought, and that families do not go hungry, as money isn't spent on other items, for example, alcohol.  But getting your head around the system and how it works, I am getting the impression, has been difficult for many of the families that are affected.  Especially when there level of understanding of where the money is going, and what requirements need to be fullfilled to maintain these payments are not fully understood, and the concept of individual freedom of money is not embraced in their own culture.  So, in affect, trying to play catch up football with these young people, can only be made a little easier when the organisation that I am working with (that has trained Social Workers) have some power sharing with the clients in assisting them in getting their regular payments. 

Well, I mentioned that we where able to drop one of the young people back out bush, but when we got their and attempted to locate the others, we found that 2 of them where back in Alice Springs... Do'h...  I have mentioned this in the past, and having the regularity of presenting a face to the community every 2 weeks, has proven to be valuable in tracking these young kids, and even if we are seeing (not literally) slip through the radar, we are knowing atleast that they have been sighted and on the whole they are doing OK.  It sounds a little like, P.I work, and at times if feels like it... What service are we providing, when being seen as monitoring their every move?  And I guess this does come down to the child's protection, which is a very interesting area to have the opportunity to finish off my Social Work degree in.

On the way back to Alice, it was great to be able to take one of the back roads, and test out the 4WD..Because of the rain that just came through, there where many puddles and changes in road conditions that allowed us (myself and another worker) to have some fun.. I wasn't driving, but maybe I will get a chance next time I am out there, which will be my last time at these communities.  Getting the mud flying up and the desert sand soaked water spraying onto the windscreen was awesome.  I can affiliate with the adrenalin of going out bush in a 4WD and experiencing the opportunity of being able to venture into some remote places at the same time.. 

 Yesterday I met up with one of the Senior Social Workers at the Alice Springs Hospital and the inevitable conversation around boundaries versus therapuetic interventions came up, and the ethical responsibility of a worker.

It is interesting to be able to talk to a Senior Social Worker with many years experience about the level of accountability and adherance to the AASW's (Australian Association of Social Workers) Code of Ethics; because my feeling is that eventhough the Code of Ethics are there for SW'rs, they are not closely monitored in your work, eventhough you have a certain level of Ehtical standpoints to be in this field...  But, given that the SW'er that I met up with came from the Medical system, and the level of accountability and operation at the hospital is, from my limited understanding closely monitored, and within a multidisciplinary team having to be closely scrutinised, there is going to be closer affiliation to the industries Code of Ethics.  So, even if it is just to cover your self in the prevention of medical negligance (which I don't necessarily agree with) or to justify your position in regards to a patience care, whom a doctor is wanting to discharge, due to lack of beds to cater for further admissions, for example, it can't be a bad thing for the Social Work profession.  There is the potential to have an over regulated profession, where everything has to be justified and the creativity of work is sapped out, due to mandates; but given the lack of resources, and monies budgeted towards this area of welfare (Social Work) in comparison to other area's of health, I can't see in the near perceivable future a strangle hold being put around the SW'er profession, but who knows!  But more importantly, I feel that the AASW's Code of Ethics is their to protect the client/patient/consumer/person and hopefully give them rights also!

The importance of defining roles with clients and other organisations when making boundaries of engagement clear.

I have reflected on a couple of situations, where it has been important for me to be clear to clients and other organisations, what we are able to provide as far as service is concerned.  In multidisciplinary team roles they are clearly defined, and in the medical model it would be very confusing if a patient was given advice on surgery procedures from a Social Worker, or an Orthopeadic surgeon was to give a diagnosis to a patient in regards to Mental Health, so therefore, it should in theory at an operational level be no different outside of the medical model of health.  But, maybe as the environment witinin the Community setting isn't as controled and Code's of Ethics aren't as apparent, there is leniency given, due to practical reasons, which need to be exercised at times for reasons of being flexible, due to the unpredictable nature of the environment and the lack of resources.  But clear roles are always needed, I feel, in any environment, even if flexibility is given..because situations do arise that require common sense.

This morning another worker and i where on the lookout for one of the bush kids, who had been in town for a couple of weeks now, and when working with legal authorities and an NGO it has been very valuable in keeping each other in the loop of communication, when attempting to track the young persons whereabouts.  Eventhough responsibility appears to be continually placed back on our organisation, maybe this is how Alice Springs works, but maybe other disciplines in other states have become too focused on what their job descriptions are; focusing back on Alice Springs it has been a continual effort when having to liaise with other organisation and communicate with them when responsibility lye's back with their organisation in relation to certain tasks, for example, my reflection yesterday of being asked to inform the young person of their breach of their court order conditions when it isn't our role.  But, there is recognition from me in my reflection that we are more likely to find them, so maybe there should be a coordinated approach, similiar to what was adopted when going out bush with an employment agency.

Today we managed to find the young person, who when found was obviously under the influence of sniffing, so we gave them a lift back to their house at one of the camps due to their state, and due to them being dehidrated, because not only had the affects of the sniffing caused this, but where they were lying would of escalated to a temperature of around 40 degrees.  It can be frustrating at times, when eventhough, you can be compassionate to the situation that these young kids families members are in, there is still a lack of responsibility given, because of their own issues.. I have continually attempted to communicate in my reflection an objective perspective on the situation here (from my perspective, which can't help but be a little subjective), but at times the complexities have to be cut through with a sharp knife and decisions have to be made on factual information.  And if a child is unsafe in an environment that they are living, they have to be removed due to their vulnerabilities and issues of safety, if there is any hope of rehabilitation.  Again, it is not as clear cut, as a simple decision, without assessments and an understanding of the situation.

The situation with the young person that we are taking out bush tomorrow, is one of sniffing and alcohol abuse, and there have been allegid incidents of drunken violence and threats made towards family members, when they are in search of more alcohol.  This appears to be problem that is not isolated to this young person and also not isolated to aboriginal society, eventhough it is prevalent amongst certain communities here in Alice.  The pull of alcohol really amazes me, and the reason for this I am not sure, but maybe it is that the aboriginal bodies are maybe, I can only pressume, more natural and not as tolerant to the affects of alcohol, which gives them a stronger potential of becoming addicted, I don't know.  And maybe more research needs to be done across the board involving other communities nationally and internationally (and I am sure it has, which I am not familiar with), because it appears that other cultures have had similiar reactions to alcohol and the negative influences of Western culture that take a strangle hold on many.

Being asked what and responding with why??

 Legal change and the convuluted process...and keeping people employed

After polishing off a grand Christmas dinner, with the kind hospitality of a friend (who supplied the venue) and the other folk of the study group (supplying a plate/bowl of food) that I am attending, I am feeling...officially very full yet content that the celebrations have begun.  Not shaw if we can call today the birth of Jesus, but who really knows the date anyway.

And how can I forget the game of spoons!! I think that is what it is caused

Going to check on one of the young kids that are staying in accommodation with a carer, we found out today through the landlord that they have been evicted.  It has been approximately 3 weeks that they have managed to hold down this accommodation, so it hasn't been too bad. And there was no damage, so it is a positive (if you can see it like that).  The reason for them being evicted was due to a friend of theirs being found drinking on the premises or rather, they where seen with alcohol, and from all accounts the young person under our care, took some responsibility in removing them from their place once they found out, but subsequently joined them, but it was too late, by the time we arrived this morning the landlord had made up their mind.  You quickly become realistic in regards to outcomes, and 3 weeks is a long time, in context to the young persons previous breakdowns in housing..

I must admit that the young person took the news that they had to leave from the place, quite well, and given that the situation in affect eventuated from friends of theirs drinking (not sure if any responsibility was taken by them, which I hope was).   But, we where able to have the young person stay with their younger sibling, whom I have mentioned previously, which has worked out well, considering...Why does it always happen on a Friday, atleast it was in the morning, which gave us enough time to organise the appropriate carer's and move all their gear.

Due to the younger sibling having to move from their original stay the courts had to be informed, and after informing the police and then finding out that it was a matter for the courts, we managed to see the magistrate this afternoon to inform them.  But, yep, there was a but..The young person had to sign the change in bail conditions, so legally the change of address hasn't taken effect, eventhough the courts and police are aware of the change in circumstances.  Another learning experience for me, getting my head around the legal system and what is required to change a persons bail conditions.  This is my first experience of working directly with the legal system, so I am not sure how it works in other states, but being a small town, it was beneficial being heard so late on a Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, back out bush, two of the bush kids have found themselves back in town, so we are also on the look out for them...but this will have to waite until next week...

So, back to the drawing board in finding accommodation, but it looks like that a house will become available, fingers crossed.

* Working with young adolescents is difficult enough, but when you throw in homelessness, drug and alcohol issues, cross-cultural issues and no family.. the complexities intensify.  And with these tangible yet shifting problems, there is the inevitable personal issues that are attached to the situation that they (the young person) are in .. So, when you are presented with not having enough resources to support these young kids, mixed in with a changing individualistic society that bases growth on economic values, you can start to unpack the complexities that each case being presented to you (as a worker) presents.  But again, this is their situation, not mine

Being empathetic with the experiences of many of the young people, which as a worker means being wary of their Human Dignity and Worth, whilst coinciding under the umbrella of the Minister, therefore can prove to be a balancing act when placing your own values in the context of your working environment and the organisation that you are working with.

 It is easy to play your role and forget that the young people that you are working with are more than just clients of the service, but I am finding that basic levels of human dignity, can extend far beyond, the reaches of a basic statutory service, when looking at another level of therapuetic intervention.  At this stage, I am winning, with one of the young kids and potentially with another, and to give them choices, that may just be a simple question of asking them what they think, rather than just doing, can bring a different of level of interaction with the clients.  I have learnt a lot about setting boundaries with these young kids, and by doing this, you are then able to extend the rope little by little in giving them more responsibility, which is individually based.  A lot of my time (in between bush trips) has been taken up by two particular young kids, and to have a human side to my approach with them, has presented a different level of dynamics into our professional relationship.  And without becoming too available (with boundaires being clear) for the most part, there has been positive engagement.. I cannot over simplify my reflections, because the interactions with the kids go deeper than this, but by presenting myself into my work I have found very valuable. 

In reality, situations change with these kids like the wind, but catering for Mezlo's hierachy of basic needs of housing has assisted with persistance and affirming positive behaviour through guideance.. So, can the power of a welfare in a government organisation (at this level) be used for the ultimate benefit of the person you are working with??  In my short stint in Alice, I would like to think so, and some of me believes so.  But, 3 months is only a short time in someone's life, especially when they have been in the system for most of their life, and I think that it re-iterates that change is within everyone, because I can't over honour the importance of my role..

Defining of roles and being clear on expectations

- We are not mental health workers, but a government regulatory authority.

Recently it has been very interesting for myself, as a worker, in an environment that plays legal guardian, compared to the roles that I have been use to, where you are the NGO worker with no power, in regards to upholding legal/statutory obligations.  Playing the statutory role has it's authoritaring points, where what ever is said or communicated to you, is documented and potentially can be used in court.  Also, with your power it is important to be clear in what is your role and what is left to the NGO's to sort out.  Some may perceive that you are seen as a controller, rather than a doer in trying to assist a situation rather than fix it, and this is a difference that I am experiencing working at a higher level of governance in a welfare role..What's next?? Policy maybe..mmm not too sure.  I will give a couple of examples to illustrate...

The Courts - I have mentioned previously about a young person that was staying in a refuge and had to be timed out, well, they had sent us (the organisation), but in particularly me, a letter stipulating there time out period.  And without them having full awareness of our role maybe, this letter was used in the courts to identify that the young person cannot stay in the refuge for a certain period of time when they are released on bail, due to the NGO's regulations imposed upon the young person.  So, I get a phone call from the refuge, basically asking why the letter was used in the courts, as it was a general letter of correspondance and communication.  It is a difficult situation that NGO's are placed in, when they are building relationships with other agencies, but it is also important to know what one's role is, when assisting the clients.  Playing the right arm of the law, can seem to be dissolving levels of trust on the surface, and I cannot assume, but this is how I perceived it to be when talking to this particular NGO.  So I think it was a learning for them, in defining the difference in organisations and the roles that they play in providing welfare for the most vulnerable.  And at the end of the day, you are there to do your job, and not win friendships, and as harsh as this may seem, it makes it easier and less confusing for everyone involved.  A learning curve for me also, as I have come from the other side of the fence in my thought and understanding, and now in my different role my level of responsibility potentially has legal ramifications.

Referring responsibiity to another organisation - The affects of not being seen to be collaborative..again, on the surface.  Yersterday I mentioned that I called the CAT team regarding a young person in our care, and not being overly familiar with how the Mental Health teams work in Alice, I was not aware of how they would respond.. Yet, with my limited background in Mental Health, I was under the assumption that the referral would be responded to in a way, that I have been use to down South.  So, without divulging any detailed information (as the client is safe and in the end my assessment was OK), the onus was placed back on our organisation, as to what to do next.  Again, when I made it clear that this isn't our role, to assess a clients threats of suicide, and it would be unprofessional if we where to do so, proved to get the organisation that I was dealing with unhappy with the response that myself and my team leader gave..  When being asked by a Mental Health service, what do we do Now, brings with it concerns.. Initially I can appreciate the lack of resources that are in town here, and therefore some guideance is needed, but not necessarily from us.  This position I find difficult, but when prioritising what  you can and cannot do, and what is within your role, it is crucial to be clear in your level of responsibility to a client.

I am not sure if my two examples above are making sense, or I am making assumptions on what I already am aware of, but a significant learning for me, has been the level of toughness that I have had to exercise, when being clear to other agencies, what my role is.  And this has put a couple of peoples noses out of joint; and in context, this is the nature of the beast, and at the end of the day, I am sure it will all be understood, and appreciated.. But respect also needs to be gained from not only the clients but other services that you liaise with.

On another note, it was Nacho's at the local Todd Tavern tongith and not being able to escape more sour cream for the week, I would recommend them..Until next time!!

Well, after yesterday and preceeding events of last week, I was beginning to be prepared for any behaviour from the clients.

Yesterday, I didn't mention that one of the other young kids, who i had a stand off with last week, had been involved in an incident with an authority figure a couple of nights agao and therefore sustained damage to a part of their body, and therefore was on crutches from yesterday.  The constant mood changes of these young kids is something to be wary of when assisting them, and as mentioned before, it is even more difficult to gauge their behaviour, when there is the influence of drugs.  But this morning, they where needing our assistance at where two of the young kids where staying.

This morning, when myself and another worker went to check in on two of the clients, who where residing in accommodation together, there was an argument, which only siblings could have, and knowing very well what repocussions could potentially eventuate (having 2 brothers of my own) I was there to listen and attempt to calm down both parties..  So at the end of it, the youngest of the clients we had to try and move into different accommodation, but also arrange a carer, for their own safety and for the eldest's piece of mind, who mind you is doing really well at the present moment, and is still working.

Hearing both sides of the story and playing the role of professional parent once more, we allowed the youngest to stay in the accommodation until they calmed down and I was able to (fingers crossed) T up alternative arrangements for them over the next 10 or so days until they where going to be accepted back into their other accommodation, which they where given a time out period for.  There was also the threat of suicide, which eventhough I assessed as not being critical (given my short stint in Mental Health) I was still concerned for their safety and had to call the CAT Team to register the young person as a potential threat of suicide.  When visiting them this afternoon, they where OK, apart from obviously being shaken up from this mornings argument with their older sibling.

The best thing for these young kids, is independance from a Government run service, that has such control over them.  But, in reality this cannot be done, as there is no other family member that will assist in their welfare and stable up bringing.  So, it is argued that with the care under the Minister they are under a blanket of safety, even if not apparently realised by the young kids.

Eventhough I have only been in Alice Springs for 10.3 weeks now, which in reality is very short term, there has been the building up of communication between a particular agency that arranges carer's for our clients.  From continual e/mails and phone conversations due to teething problems in arranging carer assistance, which have been associated with lack of training and grey area's of accountability being explained to the carer's, a relationship of rapport, I think, has been forged.  So, today this has worked in our favour in being able to arrange for a carer at the last minute for the youngest of the clients that we had to move to alternate accommodation tonight. 

It looks like now, that the two siblings will work things out for tonight, but seperate accommodation has been organised for tomorrow night.  The issue of appropriate welfare services, raises it's head again, and with the lack of resources, you have to make do with what you have available to you.  And it is fortunate that everything fell into place today.

For the young kids under the care of the organisation, it appears to be like they are tredding water and are constantly having to clamber up from drowning when gasping for air.  No opportunity to go freestyle in their pool of life that is full of many obstacles and slippery rocks that may appear stable from observation, which they find themselves slipping on and then swallowing more water.  So, no wonder trust is such an issue with them.  I am amazed at the courage they show in surviving, not dismissing the situations that they find themselves in through misguided choices.  Their human resiliance is still inrcredible and at the end of the day they do need a service like the organisation I am with to provide a spring board for them, even if it only keeps them dry for short periods of time.

Reflecting on what myself as a worker/student can do in my own day to day work, when rationalising that the position I am in is only a position, which comes with choices, indeed assists me in coping with the day when coming up against situations of conflict and constant boundary setting.  The clients have no position in all of this, except for their engagement with a convoluted system that they are immersed in based on their personal situation, which arguably has choices attached to it. 

But when looking at developmental responses based on a young persons maturity in a situation that requires choices, drugs, can only inhibit the neurological pathways in deciding which way the brain will go in recognising and forging responses to the situation that they (the young clients) find themelves in.  I am no child psychologist nor have any background in the developmental stages of children, but psychosocial factors I can only start to speculate on, and how important they are, in moving a child on from the situations that they are in.

The position of power with, when recognising the strengths of the individual is a method (that has been talked about and coined into a model of intervention) that is being used more and more, and to challenge the situation that presents to the young person takes time and rapport, and trust is required from not only the client but also the worker..  And when working in the context of having a certain role within the organisation that you are working with, there has to carry certain ways and philosphies that as a worker, you have to abide by.

The above dialogue is inrelation to a client that appears to of started to divulge in methamphetimenes and because of their circumstances and situation has from all considerations continued to abuse the situation of care that they have been placed in, and the question I pose to myself is; "With what choices are they making these decisions", or is their developmental delay so great that their decisions do not reflect someone of that age, who has had a middle class healthier background, of course is my initial response.  I would say that the majority of the clients that are involved involuntary with the service that I am working in have low self esteem and no sense of belonging, so peer pressure and substance use is prevalent.

The situation for this young person, is that the only option, which may curve their behaviour is the punitive system, and therefore jail.. And as harsh as a reality that this may present, in reality this may be their only hope.  To have structure and basic needs meet in a structured environment, arguable, assists us all to thrive, but I am only making assumptions if I think that this will work for the client that I am referring to, and it would be another assumption for me to think that this type of system works for all vulnerable adolescents who need direction.   I also think that sport is another approach, as well as any hobby that keeps someone occupied with enthusiasm...

As I come closer to the end of my tenure in Alice Springs, I can hyphothesise all I like knowing that I am in a position, where I can remove myself from this situation, where as the client group have difficulty in doing so.  This is the challenge and I hope that my time here assisted some of the clients, again, even if only on a micro level. But in reality I am still gaining more than I think I can give.

So, as I continue to reflect and quote from my many  readings during my time in the NT, I will quote a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, which I hope may plant a seed in other peoples minds who persue their work in whatever they do:

"...continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work..."  2 Timothy 3:14-17.

Good afternoon to my daily blog... Would you like sweet chilli sauce and/or sour cream with those Nachos.  As hunger slowly pulls me away from my concentration (and dinner awaites) I am reminded of today' s events involving a young client that is attached to the service where I am doing my placement.

You may be getting the theme of today's adventure, when I mention food.  Yep, my Team Leader and I managed to get in the firing line of some flying objects and fortunately for us, it was only food.  Initially my Team Leader had some sweet chilli sauce thrown their way as they where walking back into the office, and then when I came out to assist and help them clean up there was another small container thrown our way, which was sour cream.  The young person came in wanting to be involved in a case conference with the carers, who where staying with him, and when they wheren't allowed to be involved, they started to throw food.  It appeared that the young person was under the influence of a substance, which in part explained their irrational behaviour. 

So, when empowering a client, I am of the firm belief that they should be involved in the process, when there welfare is being discussed, and given their age, especially.  But this was not my client and I was not involved in the discussions, so I am not privy to discuss my practice dilemma's with how the situation today eventuated..And there is far more experienced workers than me, that are in the team.  But this doesn't excuse the young persons behaviour.  And it was also made clear to them that they can be involved in another meeting with the carer's if they wish to instigate the process.

It wasn't until after they where told to leave the building, after the first plastic tumbler of sauce was thrown, and when they refused the police where called that the second lot of condiments was thrown, and eventhough this incident wasn't anything major, they where still told to leave the premises and when they didn't and the police eventually came, we had to press charges and put a tresspass order on the young person.  The young person wasn't in the foyer when the police came (and they left so fast there wasn't any time for the dust to settle), so it will be very interesting when they next appear..

It may seem a little forth right pressing charges against the young person, but to set boundaries around behaviour that is unexceptable can be difficult, given the persons ability to get away with inappropriate behaviour.  So, this was I think a step in the right direction in showing the young person and others that are attached to the service what they cannot get away with.  So with bemusement and a ittle humour between us (the team leader and I) and the police, we all knew that the matter had to be taken seriously.

Tomorrow I will need to go down to the police station to lodge a statement, and I can't help but see the humourous side of having to write down that I was hit by sour cream as I was cleaning up sweet chilli sauce....  Maybe when I dug a little more into the bottom of the nachos/situation I was overcome with some chilli beans or quacamolie...

In seriousness the situation that eventuated wasn't something to be taken lightly, given the the young persons vulnerabiities, eventhough they where acting completely irrational and their behaviour had to have repocussions that could be seen as not warranting such behaviour.  There has been a culmination of incidients with this particular person that have led to the events of today, so it is important for my reflection today, to also reflect that this isn't the whole story that I am portraying.  And when working with such a vulnerable client group there is always potential for such incidents (so I am beginning to gather)..

On a brighter note, after visiting the Hire Car Company about the vehicle that we took out on our bush trip last week, they replaced the spare tyre free of charge and added the appropriate tools.  After much persistance mind you, but it did bring up work practice issues of having proper procedures around O,H&S issues concerning bush trips and double checking tools and equipment before leaving for a bush trip.  And maybe I do need to do the 4WD course, but not on this stay.

The rain has been consistant for 3 days now and it looks like it will continue for another few or so days.  2 down and 1 more flow to go, before destiny takes it's course.  In all seriousness, it is really great to see the amount of water, which is much needed, filling the banks of the river Todd..And this means that the honey ants and grubs will be in abundance, so it is bush tucker hunting, I hope, with some local church members before I head back.

And just in case you didn't believe me!!

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2008/11/08/2414213.htm

Satelight phone - check

Water - Check

Spare tire inflated - To check

List of community contacts - To check

Ring Community members before hand

 - Police

- Council offices

- Local bush contacts

Food shop - To Do

Bedding

- Swag - To check

It is now Saturday afternoon, and the clouds are looking a little grey, so the Todd River may flow again before I venture back to Mexico.  It has been a long couple of days (Thursday & Friday) travelling first of all SSW about 250km and then North West about 280km, to visit some of the communities where there are a number of clients staying.  The usual fortnightly visits are becoming more regular, which is I think, making a difference, especially having your face known and it gives you the opportunity to stop the bush kids from slipping between the gaps, as far as filling in and lodging the appropriate Centrelink forms.  The bureacracy of another Government institution that stipulates the one size fits all model, but gently modifies it to control the recipients money through Income Management, is like fitting a square peg into a round hole.  My views are mixed about the Gov't Interventions Income Management, and one thing that I can see as positive, is that part of the persons money does gets spent at the local store on food and household items, even though the local stores prices are inflated and over priced.  But the issue of power over and having no education around money management can only present long term issues of dependancy, that have been within the communities since the introduction of the welfare payment system to the aboriginals in the 70's.

In the first community that we visited a lot of our day was spent on the phone to Centrelink trying to understand how the young person's payments worked and what forms they needed to lodge, to recommence their payments, due to them being stopped.  And it was really hot (approx, 40 degrees outside), so there I am in the office of the local arts centre with the young person and my other work colleague, waiting on the phone with Centrelink, with no power, because they were waiting for an electrician, so it was really hot inside because of no air-condiationing.. But it did give me an opportunity to look at the art that they have for sale, and some of the art I think is really good and maybe I will be able to purchase a piece before I go.  And then on the second morning before making the trek North, we were on the phone again to Centrelnnk in regards to another young person, which we managed to get put back onto payments and also ring back at work to get a purchase order sent through to the local General store so that their family could purchase some food. 

The two communites we visited on the Thursday afternoon are approximately 35km apart (around 45 minutes drive), so we didn't get into our resting place for the night until about 5pm, after being on the road since 11am.  Both times, that I spoke with Centrelink, I had to get the young person to verify that they gave me permission to speak on their behalf, which in theory, is something relatively straight forward to do.  But, in practice proved very difficult, and I can only speculate as to the reasons for the young kids not wanting or more to the point feeling uncomfortable when speaking on the phone...  A stark contrast to the town kids from Alice Springs..These kids are shy and the experience of talking through a hand held plastic device that enables you to hear someones voice that is expecting a response, I can only start to imagine how difficult it is for them.. So, with much shyness and apparent anxiety, there where mumbles and softly spoken responses to the person on the other end of the phone at Centrelink in between me trying to make them feel more comfortable and putting their ear to the phone when the on hold music was playing and having a laugh...  The questions asked from the Centrelink staff and the responses, where continually confirmed by myself, so after a lengthy 3 person response, we eventually made it through.. But, getting the Centrelink officers to understand the situation of these young kids, is frustrating, and the lack of empathy that I am experiencing when working with them over the phone is at times bewildering, but eventhough education appears to be lacking, surrounding cross-cultural issues, they are quite helpful and eventually you are able to make headway through a convoluted and complicated system, with not much understanding...Next time I will ask for an interpreter in the young persons language, but I am not sure what languages they cater for, in this young persons community it is Luritja but down the road the first language may be Arrende.. And this may cause more delays in getting the appropriate service...  So, lack of resources mixed in with the need for education creates the inevitable.

Issues experienced; Lack of empathy (maybe understanding through education) for the situation of remote income management by the Centrelink staff and getting different stories depending on the staff member (not isolated to this situation). The limited understanding of, my perceived anxiety and nerviousness that the young people experience when attempting to communicate over the phone without their signifant other i.e. Famly member.  Policy driven without apparent community education and consultation surrounding the intervention (more research needed), Lack of opportunities to look for work, but being forced to place this information on the forms lodged.

I will extrapalate on the above points, when I have time later, and I have done my own research, but it is really interesting the way of life out there in the bush communities and the model of welfare that they are having to adjust to, which from all accounts and brief observations through my contact with family members and children, is highly complicated and juxtaposed to their own social system of family welfare. 

The bush communities that we have visited on the trip are relatively clean, and the ghetto like feel that resonates with some of the town camps, isn't there.  The introduction of OPAL fuel has had much to do with the change in some of the communities, and it is evident tha there is a cleaner healthier atmosphere when you visit.  But, what is there for these young kids to do?? From appearances (again) not much, and from conversations with a couple of respected community members, there is a situation of trying to keep the young fellas busy.

The bush community that we travelled to North of Alice Springs was again relatively clean when comparing them to some of the town camps.  The young person that we visited was pregnant so we came up to check on her living conditions, because they were staying with their inlaws.  It all appeared relatively OK, but a proper assessment will be needed by another welfare department to check on the safety of where they are staying, and because I am positioned in the Youth team, specifically our concerns are more in regards to the safety and welfare of the young person.

On the way back last night (getting back in the tumbling rain at around 8pm), we (another work colleague and I) where happy to see the lights of Alice Springs.  We had a very interesting experience on our drive back... At approximately 110 km's North of Alice Springs we had a tyre blow out, but because it was on the right back wheel it was easy to control, so without much hassles I grounded to a stop.  OK, this should be relatively easy I was thinking (I will attach a photo of the wheel later).  But I was to be challenged of this thought, because when checking the tool kit (which I assumed would have all the appropriate tools included, therefore neglecting to check before I left, and we know what assumptions do) there was no socket set to take off the wheel nuts and the jack was not appropriate for the vehicle... So, there I am with jack in hand winding it up to the under wheel (axle) of the vehicle not seeing much movement of the wheel off the ground.... So, after calling the satelite phone (which fortunately had coverage at this time) we rang into work to give them a progress report..  It was then that a vehicle pulled up behind us to offer some much needed assistance.  They where able to supply us with another jack, which in the end greatly assisted me in getting the wheel replaced (fortunately for us, we had two spare wheels)..  The person in the vehicle was the supervisor of road works that were happening about 10km or so North of where we stopped, and they had set up a make shift camp site, so fortunately for us there was plenty of tools at our use, with the much friendly offerings of the person, but they did not have the appropriate star socket tool for the wheel nuts either, but they did leave us the jack and then left to get the appropriate tools but left us with a jack and no metal attachment to wind it up!!!!!  So, thinking to ourselves, what the ..... do we do next, another work vehicle turned up.. This time with the right tools.. he was the friendliest bloke, I guess a stereotypical good Aussie bloke with the thongs, shorts and bluey... And also a shovel too, if needed, to dig around the tyre to get it out..And I forgot to mention that another local from the area who was working on a bush community pulled over (with the appropriate star socket) but departed once the other guys turned up.  It proved for great conversation, and I was relieved once we got the spare tyre on, which only took about 10 minutes once we had the right tools...  Ahhhh, what to do, a report to the hire car company and some negotiations around a price I feel. So, a word of recommendation to check the tool kit when taking a 4WD vehicle from a hire company, not something that I thought to do. All in a days work, and the amazing hospitality of the people that stopped to assist us was amazing, and without much fuss..

 On the road again, the clouds started to open up, and having never driven through rain of such intensity, at times it was difficult to see where the road was..All smooth sailing, and with the first work vehicle following us to make sure we got back into Alice OK we where looking forward to a hot shower and something to eat, because a dinner for the staff at work had been organised, because another social work student had their last day on Friday.. But, the adventure didn't end there... The vehicle's first tank was running low and we had the sub tank full (spare tank) in reserve to switch over to for when the main tank is empty.. So, at round 10km from Alice Springs, I was waiting for the main tank to switch over to the sub tank (and given my limited experience with 4WD's the Prado that the work had did this automatically).  Well, suddenly we lost all power and not knowing what the issue was we called the 24hr assistance, and also another work coleague, because no way we where going to make the dinner now.  After lengthy conversations with the 24hr assistance, that couldn't really assist, I was clear that this switch to the sub tank is instigated by the push of a button..mmmm... Finding that button took a couple of minutes, and as as the main tank was low, I was hopeing that we could still switch over to the sub tank without having to bleed the tank and repair the engine....Fingers crossed and it was OK... So, as the clock struck 8pm and the rain continued to get heavier we arrived back.

I hope that you have enjoyed the laugh and the situations that presented to us on our travels back South to Alice Springs.. We could laugh about it once we returned, and we where also impressed with the way that local people came to assist.  Thank you Alice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Management ------------

ABC Alice Springs - Income Management in Yuendumu -

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/03/04/2179322.htm

Australian Government - Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians -

http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/budget/budget2008-08_indig_fs11.htm

Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law Website Project on Northern Territory Intervention -

http://www.gtcentre.unsw.edu.au/resources/docs/irlg/Evaluation_Sheet_Income_Management_March08.pdf

After the last couple of days, today was the calm of the eye of the cyclone.. Everything was relatively OK today, accept for the usual requests for food vouchers and demanding behaviour..   It has been really interesting watching the development of my ownself, as well as the individuals that I have been working with, and getting to know my own responses to situations of conflict.  To be a better Social Worker I feel that it is important to know thy self.  The tests of someones mettle is not something you go looking for necessarily (well, maybe some do, that choose to work in certain fields), so the opportunity that I have had to be able to be working with young adolescents, I have enjoyed.  

To be an affective Social Worker, I believe it pays to place yourself in as many different roles that allow you to be able to hone in on your skills and learn new types of interventions.  My current placement has allowed me to do this, which has extend myself even further.

Today, I spent the end of the day organising a 4WD vehicle for our bush trip tomorrow, and this will be the first time, that I will have the opportunity to stay overnight at one of the communities.  So, last minute ringing around to make sure that we had a 4WD with a bullbar and manual gears led to our preparations to be rather last minute..  To be able to spend time with community members out bush will be very valuable, and give us (another worker and myself) an opportunity to maybe view some local art.

Feeling a little jaded, and fatigued from today’s events, it is important for me to place the example that I will give of an altercation that I had with a young person in perspective, for there to be an objective view portrayed.

The work that I am doing is involved within the confines of a government agency and the team has a client load of probably some of the most vulnerable and challenging young adolescents within the NT.  There are not only issues of long term homelessness and always the potential of Domestic Violence, but also cross-cultural issues (when relevant to the client) of having some of these young people being under the legal guardianship of a system which is ever changing, for as long as they can remember. 

As I have identified before today, it is very difficult to set boundaries for the majority of the clients that are attached to the service (involuntarily) when either it be their own home life or street life that carries no boundaries and the only rules of engagement is survival of the fittest.  In an ever-changing world of decision makers (on a policy perspective) and workers (from a grassroots, working with the clients context), confusion breeds rife amongst everyone.  There has been a young person that in reality will be going to juvenile jail and their hearing is later this week, so I can only imagine the amount of anxiety facing this young person.

It has been a choice that I have made to come here to Alice, and immerse myself into a highly complex world of issues that even the best and longest serving workers find troubling and difficult to gauge, when deciding where to go next.

Within the confines of the office that I am working, there was a situation where I was confronted by a young person, where we ended up standing toe to toe, with threats of a box on and the raising of the fists, where there was much testosterone floating in the air..   Given my capacity as a worker and my professional standpoint, of course this behaviour was not going to be mirrored, and when trying to understand the situation, there came the time when standing toe to toe was the only option that could calm the situation down, especially when an item was thrown by them in my direction (intentialy missing me), showing their anger and frustration.  So, with me, as a worker (which I cannot dismiss) carrying the baggage of the young person being in a system for many years and the built up anger, all I could do in fairness to the client was stand up, and not give them an inch in showing any retaliation to their anger.. So, continually being clear as to what options they have with them now, and what we (I) could do within the confines of my role, we eventually (another worker was in the background also) had the opportunity to hear the young persons story, in short, which I am sure has been continually told.  And there eventual backing off from a situation of potential physical conflict

It was diss-heartening to hear the situation of someone being so angry but beyond control of being able to comprehend what has happened to their life, and having no one to blame, but everyone else.  This young persons only option now is the juvenile jail, which as sad as it is, may be their only hope, if the appropriate support mechanisms are put in place.  Seeing the young person on the verge of tears, and not knowing what to do next, they eventually left the office knowing that they had been heard.  And with my clear directions that they have the option of going to the law enforcement agency to sign the papers for their court report and it couldn't be done on another day, they agreed to meet myself and another worker at the Law enforcement agency building.   Empathy and compassion was pouring out for this young person, but playing the game, as far as, not backing down in entertaining their threats was something that I felt in reflection, I handled quite well, and adopted strategies of di-escalation.  A poker face with calmness and control, is a mode of engagement that I am learning quite quickly, and to be a strong role model, that can deal with these situations, where I reckon, the client is at their most vulnerable must be part of your strategy, when they are expecting the other person to lash out and disbandon them.   And from a professional stand point some control needs to be shown, maybe my reaction would of been different, if this situation occurred in a different setting..  The cllients will always test the boundaries, and especially in the area that I am involved with.

Appropriate role models, is something that I feel is lacking in their lives, so to come across, as someone that won't give them an inch when playing their game, but also standing up and not letting their bullying mentality get them what they want has to be part of the rules of engagement with these clients..  And this can only make for a better professional relationship of respect.. 

So, after meeting this young person at the law enforcement agency and getting the appropriate forms signed and the other worker (female) to dissolve any testosterone issues, the young person came back into the office later with a more polite and subdued manner.  Maybe, they felt as if they where still listened to and they weren’t seen only for their behaviour (that is clearly not tolerated and this has been made clear previously), but I must reflect on my own ability to rationalise and stay calm, when these clients haven't had the peer support or the opportunity to learn such behaviour.  Maybe a seed was planted to reinforce positive behaviour and the correct response to conflict, but I cannot be naive in thinking this, as in the streets this may not work, but I will never know if a difference was made, but gauging their response when they returned later, it appeared that they had thought about the events earlier today.

One of the young person's that is under a Court order has been legally enforced to stay at a certain refuge, and as breifly mentioned previously, the organisation that they are staying at have certain guidelines that the residence must adhere to.  The situation that has eventuated with this young person, is that they are getting, to somewhat of a degree conflicting information.  The organisation that they are staying with has a time out policy, in that, if you do not return to their residence a certain amount of times in a week you are then exited from their service for a time that is stipulated by them, depending on the length of stay that you where out for.  The contradicting situation arose, due to the court order and therefore the organisation I am with, having, as part of the young persons criminal court order, regulations stating that they must reside in the organisations refuge until the next court review.  And what has happened is that the young person, has been exited from the refuge (due to them not being there for certain amount of nights in a week), which has been a result of repocussions of their own choice, but now they have breached their court order conditions      So, having two agencies try and work in conjunction with each other in looking after a young persons wellbeing can be quite difficult when they are governed by a different set of rules. The continual conflict when working with Government departments and NGO's that have a different set of rules and obligations.  The young person has a court appearance at the end of the week, and the chance are that they could be detained and sent to a juvenille jail for a period of time.

Therefore, eventhough the situation was explained and re-explained to the young person, there was conflicting information being communicated..  But, after liaising with the other agency and advocating for them to stay, it was agreed that they will house the young person atleast until the court hearing.  Time will tell, how this will pan out.

The young person and two others then later in the morning came into the office requesting more food vouchers.  And after conversations with this young person, who has court this week, they where left in an interview room, where they proceeded to attempt to bash down one of the doors that opened up into a different part of the building.  Being the only male worker at the time, from the team in the office, it was time to assert some authority on the situation.  This is never easy and laying down the law, as far as what is acceptable and not acceptable can be difficult due to the clients already having a street awareness about them, which doesn't have any boundaries.  So, I was placed in the situation of having to say in no uncertain terms that the clients in the interview room have to leave now, and that they are banned from any service for the next week because of their behaviour that is not acceptable.  I think that they got the message, and as I am usually quite calm in my approach they where a little scared by my response to their unruley behaviour.   Mind you though, this presented another game for them, with them making idle threats of wanting to box me and calling me the kung fu master...It was quite funny when reflecting on the situation afterwards, but of course, I had to show some restraint when dealing with the situation, and I wasn't as calm when it was happening..  At the end of the day they are young kids, wanting attention and appropriate responses to their behaviour that fuel their need for acceptance and acknowledgement..well, this is only from my perspective, and I don't want to show that I am making assumptions in quite a complex situation, which I have only been assisting with as a worker for a very short period of time.

This is the second time now that I have had to be clear in asserting boundaries for the one client, and I will be interested to gauge how they respond tomorrow when we have to drive them to corrections, to sign the appropriate paper work, due to the organisation I am working with having legal guardianship over them.

My experiences up here in Alice has allowed me to have the opportunity to not only mix with, but also experience a unique place and culture, well cross-cultures, when working alongside other welfare workers and communicating with a group of people that have been here for many many years prior to European existance. This oppportunity has allowed me to become richer in my own personal experience and challenge my own assumptions.

The work that I have been performing up here, has taken me on a roller coaster of emotions, yet still remaining on the rail's.. It hasn't been about me, as a worker in reality, but more an attempt to try and analyse how I can make change in an ever changing environment of need, where my influence (in part) has the potential to make some difference in this big pond of issue saturated agenda's, even if only on a micro level.

A philosophy of intervention that has been bled into me since my days of commencing my work in Mental Health has been the Strength Based Approach, and I feel that in this line of work, there are interventions and methods of work that naturally resonate with your own philosophy and worldview of how the world could better operate..  The Strength Based Approach (even though very middle classed, and Western modeled) has been useful when i have attempted to work/walk in these young kids shoes..Not that I am attempting to part the sea, and do away with the negative agenda's whilst making way for salvation for those who I am able to plant that seed with.. I have only been here for 9 weeks, and my stay is only short lived for this stay.. So with another 5 weeks to go with my placement, the situation of need versus greed, and survival versus having choices will continue to be here, so is this a part of my work that I wish to persue; working with a minority group that where once the majority, only time will tell, but I do feel that I have been given much more than I have imparted whilst here in Alice.

As you can gather, from my writings, this is a moment of personal reflection on my own stay here, as I drawl closer to the end and I am only a small fish; which is humbling, because I/we can all have the potential to get carried away with the amount of worth that you are imparting, when doing this work.

It was amazing to see the Todd River, in full flow, with everything from tree limbs to road signs floating down the ephemeral river bed.  I am not sure what else was amongst the flowing debris making it's way south, but a thought must go out to those locals that didnt have a place to sleep last night..

Find attached a link to some photo's that I took of the river last night!