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To mark World Social Work Day on Tuesday 18 March, the Department for Child Protection is celebrating and recognising its social workers.

This includes Social Woker Eva Huang, who works in the department’s Port Pirie office.

Working as a School Support Officer (SSO) at an Adelaide primary school, Eva Huang was struck by a yearning to support children through a different lens.

“I realised I was only helping these children in one way, and that was at school. I started to think about how I would like to look at things through a different lens, what other support could I provide?”

It was this realisation that led Taiwanese-born Eva to her current role as a Social Worker in the Guardianship Team at the Department for Child Protection’s Port Pirie office. She started in January 2024.

“To be honest it’s not an easy job, but what I love about it is that no day is the same, you’re always learning and you are able to make positive outcomes.

“For me, these outcomes are things like improved school attendance, involvement with the local community and helping to keep a connection to a child’s biological family where possible.”

“I see our role as being a bit like a bridge that helps the children in whatever way they need, you become their advocate, you champion their voice.

She uses her unique skill set, which has included completing a Masters of Social Work at Flinders University, a degree in sociology and work as the head teacher at an English language school in Taiwan, to connect with children and young people, and those who support them.

“The most important part of my role is building a relationship with children and young people, building their trust and also being creative in the way that you engage with them.”

Ahead of World Social Work Day, Minister for Child Protection and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard thanked the Department for Child Protection’s more than 700 social workers, the hundreds who work across the child protection and family support system more broadly and those empowering women affected by violence.

“The professionalism and expertise of the social workers who undertake one of the most difficult and challenging but most rewarding jobs is remarkable” she said.

“World Social Work Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on the vital role social workers undertake daily in helping children to feel safe, healthy and supported to meet their goals and families and women facing really challenging circumstances to know they are not alone.

“Social workers are highly skilled, dedicated, wise and compassionate and walk alongside people when they face really difficult times, empowering them to traverse new paths. I wholeheartedly thank social workers for everything they do to support children, young people, women and families.  They make such a positive difference in the lives of many.”

This year’s theme is: Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing.