Advocacy, group work, and individual counselling with “Helping Young People Achieve” : a field practicum report

Abstract

This report discusses the experience of a Master of Social Work (MSW) student from the University of Regina in his field practicum placement based at the social agency, Helping Young People Achieve (HYPA) in Adelaide, Australia. Formal group work and community development activities were incorporated in the placement. HYPA focuses on advocacy for young people and the development of opportunity, well-being, and community for marginalized young people in Adelaide. The practicum placement consisted of integrating the social work theory implemented by HYPA in their mission and individual case management approach. These approaches will be examined in this report in relation to ideology, theory, values, ethics, relationships, strategies, skills and encompassing conclusions which envisions future work in the social work profession.