I began my social work journey over thirty-five years ago. I have always worked with tamariki and whanau, in statutory and NGO settings both in Aotearoa and the UK. For the last thirty years I have worked in supervisory/ managerial positions developing an approach to engaging with kaimahi that acknowledges those working in the helping professions are at risk of absorbing and wearing the hurt and trauma of those they tautoko. Understanding trauma and the impact it has on practitioners is critical to Child Protection social work. I love being a social worker, despite all the hard stuff and hurt, there is no greater professional thrill than when a well thought out plan comes together, and despair moves to hope.
