Social workers advocate for policy changes to promote fairness and well-being, and they conduct research to better understand wider social issues. It is a day to focus on the human side of society and upholding ethical standards to strive for positive social change and empower individuals and communities worldwide. 

Social Work as a profession is guided by the Australian Association of Social Workers practice standards 2023 (recently updated) and aligns with the Code of Ethics 2020. The purpose is to promote trust and confidence in the profession for the public and service users.  

Redkite social workers support families throughout the challenging times when there is a child diagnosed with cancer. Our team of social workers are childhood cancer specialists and have been there for countless families and children throughout their cancer experience. They work closely with Redkite’s Support Team who provide the behind-the-scenes support such as; answering your calls or email queries, listening and empathising with your situation, making sure you get connected with a social worker when you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, sending you supportive and helpful resources, and ensuring vouchers are sent out or a bill is paid.

This collaborative approach social workers adopt also goes beyond the ‘behind the scenes’ and is represented by our Redkite Psychosocial Support Framework addressing areas that represent many of families throughout the challenges, worries and feeling overwhelmed as they navigate the heaviness of a childhood cancer diagnosis.  

Here is a closer look at the Redkite Psychosocial Support Framework and the many hats our social workers wear: 

Client Centred

Our Social Workers listen and work closely with families, aiming for genuine collaboration built on respect, understanding and trust. They acknowledge that clients are experts in their own experience and lives. Examples include: 

Strengths based

Our Social Workers acknowledge and enable the strengths of the individuals they support while also sharing their knowledge, skills, and options to link in with other support services. Examples include: 

Responsive to needs

Our Social Workers ensure they are responsive to a families’ needs and risks, with a focus on their wellbeing. They support families based on their current challenges, without labelling, judging, or defining them solely by those challenges. Social Workers separate the challenge from the person. Examples include: 

Strengthening Social Contexts

Our Social Workers are focussed on improving cancer support and community services better by working together, having an influence, building skills, and advocating for families dealing with childhood cancer and the community they live in.  

Providing fair access

Social Workers acknowledge the value of diversity and the uniqueness of each family dealing with childhood cancer. Treating families equally and fair and walking alongside them as they overcome any obstacles that may exist between them and the support they need. Examples include: 

High quality and constantly improving

Our Social Workers base Redkite’s services on research and assess them regularly. They adhere to strong professional ethics and aim to provide families useful knowledge, skills, and resources.