News Archive: January - June 2018
Congratulations to Ivana Pericin, recipient of Provost's PhD Scholarship Award
The School congratulates Ivana Pericin, recipient of a 4-year PhD Scholarship associated with the Provost’s Project Awards.
Ivana holds an MPhil in Race, Ethnicity and Conflict from Trinity College Dublin (2016) and a BA in Social Sciences (2015). Since 2017, Ivana has worked as a researcher in primary health care at the Irish College of General Practitioners, where she has been involved in a number of research projects on mental health, manpower planning, health equity, E-Health, educational needs assessments and health services research. She is the lead author of a recently published article in the British Journal of General Practice. Ivana was previously involved in research that focused on the health needs of, and improvement of health services for, vulnerable groups, including migrants. Her research interests and desire to be involved in projects committed to marginalised groups is also demonstrated through her volunteering experience in a number of organisations, including the Ana Liffey Drug Project and Our Lady's Hospice.
Ivana’s PhD research, which will examine migrant homelessness, is associated with a larger study entitled ‘Migrant Homelessness in Ireland: A Mixed Methods Study’. This research aims to explore the range of factors and processes that lead migrants into homelessness, influence their patterns of movement through service systems and impact their ability to access and maintain housing over time. Ivana will be supervised by Dr. Paula Mayock, Principal Investigator of this research, which was awarded funding under the Provost’s Project Awards.
June 19th, 2018
School Congratulates Recipients of '1252' PhD Awards
A three-year ‘1252’ PhD scholarship has been awarded to Katharine Schulmann, and Calvin Swords was successful in winning a one-year ‘1252’ PhD award – warmest congratulations to both! Below, you can read a short outline of their backgrounds and plans for PhD research.
Katharine Schulmann holds an MSc degree in Global Health and Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh’s Global Public Health Unit and a BA in English Literature from Davidson College in the US. Since 2013, Katharine has worked as researcher and policy analyst with the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna, Austria on numerous projects related to ageing and long-term care. Previously, Katharine completed a traineeship with the Pan American Health Organization’s Noncommunicable Disease Unit in Washington, DC and worked at the social policy consulting firm Abt Associates in Cambridge, MA. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, including the European Journal of Ageing, as well as in publications with an applied policy focus, including the European Commission’s Social Situation Monitor.
Katharine’s PhD research will look at the structural, organizational and interpersonal discrimination older women face in accessing long-term care services, and the extent to which existing international and national human rights standards enable or mitigate such discrimination. The project will apply intersectionality theory to the discussion of discrimination and will use qualitative methods. Katharine’s PhD will be supervised by Professor Virpi Timonen. Of note, Katharine’s was the highest-ranked application this year in the Faculty-wide ‘1252’ competition.
Calvin Swords graduated from Trinity College Dublin with his Master in Social Work degree in 2017. Prior to this, he studied Social Science in University College Dublin, majoring in sociology and social policy. During his time on the Social Science undergraduate programme, Calvin volunteered with a number of services including Dementia Ireland, Samaritans and HSE Mental Health Services. He has worked with people from across the lifespan in a number of settings, including Tusla Child and Family Agency, Primary Care, Disability Services and Medical social work.
Calvin’s PhD topic is Exploring the Concept of Recovery in Irish Mental Services – Moving from Policy to Practice. The research will be the first and most comprehensive assessment of the concept of recovery from an Irish context, with the current literature on the topic identifying the transition from policy to practice as being inconsistent and fragmented. Most importantly, the contribution of social work will be explored and evaluated in relation to recovery oriented services.Calvin’s PhD will be supervised by Professor Stan Houston.
Congratulations Katharine and Calvin, and all the best for your PhD journey!
June 13th, 2018
Congratulations to Eavan Brady on her recently published co-authored article in the International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience.
This article was co-authored with Eavan’s former colleagues in Practice and Research Together (PART) Canada. The article is entitled: The Role of Technology in Evidence-informed Practice: Uniting the Human and the Digital in Child Welfare.
June 10th, 2018
Asst Prof Dr Catherine Conlon is interviewed about her research on Crisis Pregnancy by Le Monde newspaper in advance of May 25th Referendum
View article here
May 25, 2018
Link to London Independent Video on Upcoming Referendum Featuring Staff member Dr Catherine Conlon
Dr Catherine Conlon talks about the upcoming Irish referendum in this video link from the London Independent.
May 22, 2018
Congratulations to Final Year Masters in Social Work Students who Presented Key Findings from their Masters Dissertations at the Annual Masters in Social Work Research Colloquium
The event was attended by School staff, first year Masters in Social Work students, and visiting staff and students from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Dissertations explored a wide range of social and psychosocial issues and presentations generated great interest and discussion.
May 21, 2018
Podcast of presentation by Professor Robbie Gilligan at University of Oxford.
Professor Robbie Gilligan presented a public seminar entitled “The Untapped Potential of 'Work' for Looked After Young People – Challenges and Opportunities” hosted by the School of Education in the University of Oxford recently. A podcast of the event is available here.
May 18, 2018
Research published last week by the HSE led by Dr Catherine Conlon with Prof Virpi Timonen and Georga Dowling features in Irish Times
Research published last week by the HSE led by Dr Catherine Conlon with Prof Virpi Timonen and Georga Dowling features in the Irish Times.
The research explored parents communication with younger children aged 4-9 years about relationships, sexuality and growing up and found that while different parents approach communicating with their younger children about relationships, sexuality and growing up in different ways, parents generally considered it to be a difficult or tricky topic and one that did not come easy to them, mostly due to the culture that prevailed as they themselves had grown up. Parents overwhelmingly reported wanting to be able to have open and honest conversations with their children but felt a lack of confidence in doing this. They want to have the skills to be an effective and reassuring source of information, guidance and support for their children, but many feel unprepared to do this and would welcome support.
The research report ‘Supporting Parents Communicating with Children Aged 4–9 Years about Relationships, Sexuality and Growing Up’ and associated research summary are also available to download here.
The HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP) also released a new resource for parents, ’Talking to Your Young Child about Relationships, Sexuality and Growing Up’ is available to download here.
May 16, 2018
Finnish National Broadcaster Features Pieces on Ageing and Demography in Ireland
Finnish national broadcaster features pieces on ageing and demography in Ireland, drawing on interviews with Professor Timonen.
The long blog post featuring data and interviews on ageing, fertility and immigration in Ireland (in Finnish) can be found here.
The TV news item can be viewed at 9:15 minutes to 11:30 minutes in this clip.
May 08, 2018
2nd Expert Advisory Group on Local Government Arrangements in Galway Report Published
The 2nd Interim Report of the Expert Advisory Group on Local Government Arrangements in Galway, chaired by Head of School, Professor Eoin O’Sullivan, was published on the 26th of April 2018.
The Report endorses and confirms the recommendation in 2015 the Galway Local Government Review Committee Report for amalgamation of Galway City and County Councils, and states that this is now all the more urgent in order to capitalise on the funding opportunities under the National Planning Framework and the Capital Programme and to have the capacity to engage in activity such as capital development funded by borrowings. The Group is unanimous in its view that amalgamation is required to drive the development of Galway, in the context of its regional, national, and international remit.
April 27, 2018
Congratulations to the Masters in Applied Social Research Class of 2017
Warm congratulations to the Masters in Applied Social Research Class of 2017 who graduated on Friday, April 20th. Photographed here (left to right from front row) are: Laurin Grabowsky, Kathyan Kelly, Isabelle Griffin, Michelle Reilly, Clare O’Toole, Natalie Johnson, Aisling Heary, Elizabeth Doyle, Ashleigh Gorman, Emma Burke, Nadia Binte Zailani and Course Director, Dr. Paula Mayock.
Wishing all of the class the very best in their future careers.
April 26, 2018
School of Social Work and Social Policy Hosts the First Cross-Border Event of the Northern Irish Branch of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG)
School hosted the first cross-border event of the Northern Irish branch of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG). Presenters from TCD were doctoral candidate Catherine Elliott O’Dare, and Visiting Research Fellow Dr Riikka Korkiamaki. The event was chaired by Dr Gemma Carney from Queen’s University Belfast (chair of the NI branch of BSG). For a blog post on the event, please see here.
April 24, 2018
Information About Doing a PhD in the School of Social Work and Social Policy
To hear more about doing a PhD in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, from current students and staff, please watch our video.
April 11, 2018
WE ARE HIRING: Teaching Fellow in Social Policy
The School is delighted to announce that we are hiring a full-time 3 year Teaching Fellow post in Social Policy. Full details on the post can be found here
April 10, 2018
Congratulations to Orla
The School of Social work and Social Policy would like to extend our congratulations to BSS Senior Fresh student Orla Keegan. Orla was one of seventy three new Scholars elected in 2018 on the result of the Foundation Scholarship examination held in Trinity term. The Foundation Scholarship is the most prestigious undergraduate award in the country, awarded to students of outstanding ability.
Orla Keegan (2nd from left) celebrating with her family following announcement by the Provost on Trinity Monday (9 April 2018) at 10.00 a.m. from the steps of the Public Theatre in Front Square.
Well done Orla!
April 10, 2018
Congratulations to Eavan Brady and Robbie Gilligan on their Article in Foster
Congratulations to Eavan Brady & Robbie Gilligan on their recently published co-authored article in the Irish Foster Care Association's journal, Foster. The article is entitled: Supporting the educational progress of children and young people in foster care: challenges and opportunities. The article can be read in full here.
April 5, 2018
Information Webinar for Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice, 25th April 2018
This fully online event will give you the opportunity to:
- Talk to the course director about the course
- Learn how the online programme is structured and delivered
- Experience how the Virtual Learning Platform interface works
The Online Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice looks at:
- The role social policy plays in solving the 'wicked' social problems that contemporary societies face
- The social policy issues addressed on the programme include crime, poverty, family violence and inequality
To register for this event click here.
The course is delivered through weekly online learning materials with live online tutorials and interactive discussions. It will be of interest to:
- Graduates without a social science undergraduate qualification who wish to convert ot Masters level study in the area
- Those working in social policy or advocating for social policy change
- Applicants from outside of Ireland, in particular outside the EU, who wish to study in Ireland's leading university
Over one academic year, this level 9 postgraduate programme offers students the opportunity to study:
- Social Policy
- Crime and Punishment in Irish Society
- The Family and Society
- Leading Human Service Organisations
- Disability and Human Rights
For further information please email Louise O'Brien.
April 04, 2018
Applications are now open for the ONLINE CPD Course in Legal Training for Child Protection and Welfare Practitioners, offered by Mason Hayes & Curran and Trinity College
Following the recent amendment to the Irish Constitution (Article 42A) and the introduction of a range of new Child Protection Legislation, such as the Children First Act 2015 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, Child Protection Practitioners have identified the need for further training to carry out their roles and responsibilities within the current legal framework. In response to this, Mason Hayes & Curran, in collaboration with the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, are pleased to announce a new ONLINE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course in Legal Training for Child Protection and Welfare Practitioners.
This four week online course, commencing on May 21, 2018 at a cost of €200, is relevant to Allied Health Professionals within the scope of Child Protection and Welfare including Social Workers, Social Care Workers, Family Support Workers, Public Health Nurses and Gardaí. Participants of the course will be able to access relevant and up to date online learning materials at their convenience over a four week period from May 21, 2018. The online course includes videos, interactive presentations, case examples, case law, and discussion. The closing date for course registration is May 6th, 2018.
March 26, 2018
INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILDREN AND CHILD PROTECTION
Friday 13th April 9.30-1pm, Robert Emmet Theatre, Trinity College Dublin
Tickets can be purchased here
Full itinerary of the event is available here
March 26, 2018
PhD Candidate Sarah Parker Wins Dean of Research Award at Multidisciplinary Research Showcase
Congratulations to PhD Candidate Sarah Parker, who won the first place Dean of Research Award at the Multidisciplinary Research Showcase held by the Graduate Student’s Union, Trinity College Dublin, as part of Love Research Week 2018. From the fourteen delegates chosen to present across all disciplines college-wide, Sarah’s poster entitled Making Sense of the Homelessness Crisis: Using a Mixed Methods Approach to Examine Patterns of Family Homelessness in the Dublin Region, was selected as the best entry by the newly appointed Dean of Research, Professor Linda Doyle. Sarah’s research is supervised by Assistant Professor Paula Mayock and supported by a Government of Ireland Scholarship awarded by the Irish Research Council. Using a sequential mixed methods approach, her study seeks to examine families’ trajectories through and out of homelessness over time. A core aim is to advance understanding of family homelessness and help bridge the gap between theory, research and practice in homelessness prevention, policy planning and service delivery for families experiencing homelessness and housing exclusion.
March 15, 2018
Important new publication on the Grounded Theory method by School staff and PhD graduate
Virpi Timonen and Catherine Conlon from the School, together with Geraldine Foley who is a PhD graduate from the School and now lecturing in the Department of Occupational Therapy in Trinity, have just published an Open Access article on the Grounded Theory method. This article is path-breaking as it offers for the first time a concise, freely available summary of the shared core principles of all strands of the Grounded Theory method. The article is intended to be particularly useful for those new to the method. Read article, titled ‘Challenges when using Grounded Theory: A pragmatic introduction to doing GT research’ can be accessed for free here
March 12, 2018
Congratulations to Dr Gloria Kirwan who was award her PhD recently
Congratulations to Dr Gloria Kirwan who was awarded her PhD recently
March 6, 2018
Upcoming Free Event: Third Annual Children in Care Research Forum, Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin, Monday 26th March, 2018.
Professor Robbie Gilligan & Assistant Professor Eavan Brady will convene the third Children in Care Research Forum in the Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin on Monday 26th March, 2018from 10am-1pm.
This half-day event is an opportunity to learn about completed research and research that is underway in Ireland related to children in care, care leavers, and carers. This is a free event. No registration required.
March 08, 2018
Applications for the Postgraduate Diploma in Child Protection and Welfare Now Open
The Postgraduate Diploma in Child Protection and Welfare is a multi-disciplinary, in-service course, sponsored by the Child and Family Agency, and is aimed at experienced, professionally qualified personnel who carry regular responsibility for management/training/ frontline delivery of child protection and welfare services under the Child Care Act 1991, the Children Act 2001 and related legislation. Course participants normally include service managers and supervisory/main grade professional (social workers, public health nurses, psychologists, doctors, Garda, child care workers, speech and language therapists, teachers, lawyers, youth and project workers, etc.) A second year leading to the M.Sc. in Child Protection and Welfare is available to eligible candidates who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma with 60% or better result.
All applicants must have a degree or equivalent professional qualification. In addition, a minimum of three years' professional experience working with some aspect of child protection and welfare is required. You must submit a 1500 word personal statement on why you wish to undertake the programme.
The course runs for nine separate weeks spread over the academic year, with full attendance in college for approximately one week in four. This involves classes Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm. Full attendance in College is compulsory.
The closing date for applications is 30th May and queries should be directed to Prof. Stephanie Holt.
March 07, 2018
Upcoming Free Event: Co-Hosted by the The British Society of Gerontology ( Northern Ireland) and the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College to share research findings on the importance of intergenerational friendship from a life course perspective
The British Society of Gerontology ( Northern Ireland) and the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College, Dublin are delighted to co-host an event to share research findings on the importance of intergenerational friendship from a life course perspective. Two researchers who have been examining intergenerational friendship amongst two very different cohorts (young people and older people) will present their findings on the meaning and experience of intergenerational friendship to individuals in two contrasting contexts. The seminar aims to promote knowledge exchange and insights about intergenerational friendship, ageing and older people among research and community organisations from across the island of Ireland.
Full details on the event can be found here
March 06, 2018
Congratulations to Catherine O'Leary and Michael Feely on the Publication of an Article in Disability Studies Quarterly
Congratulations to Catherine O'Leary and Michael Feely on the publication of the article Alignment of the Irish legal system and Article 13.1 of the CRPD for witnesses with communication difficulties in the Disability Studies Quarterly, 2018 Winter Issue. Catherine, a graduate of the MSc in Disability Studies (2015-2016), conducted this research as part of her Disability Studies dissertation under the supervision of Michael Feely, Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work and Social Policy.
March 06, 2018
Congratulations to Eavan Brady & Robbie Gilligan on their recently published co-authored article in the interdisciplinary and international journal, Children and Youth Services Review. The article is entitled: The life course perspective: An integrative research paradigm for examining the educational experiences of adult care leavers?
March 6, 2018
WOMEN’S HOMELESSNESS IN EUROPE NETWORK (WHEN) LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
The Women’s Homelessness in Europe Network (WHEN), founded by Dr. Paula Mayock, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work and Social Policy, has launched a new website. WHEN was established in 2012 in response to a lack of academic and policy attention to gender dimensions of homelessness and is currently Co-directed by Dr. Paula Mayock and Joanne Bretherton, Centre for Housing Policy, University of York.
WHEN’s new website makes available a range of resources (statistics and publications) on women’s homelessness. It extends membership of WHEN to researchers, policy makers and service professionals throughout Europe and beyond and also invites ‘Think Pieces’ on women’s homelessness.
WHEN seeks to enhance understanding of issues at the core of women’s homelessness and to highlight and address gaps in current thinking and research. A core aim of the Network is to foster international collaborative research on gender dimensions of homelessness.
WHEN’s new website aims to provide a platform for people connect and to share ideas, data and new research. It also aims to provide opportunities for people to collaborate in the development of scholarship on women’s homelessness.
Organisations that have awarded funding to WHEN include the Irish Research Council, University of York, Dublin Region Homeless Executive and Focus Ireland.
http://womenshomelessness.org/
February 26, 2018
The School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is seeking to appoint a fully funded PhD candidate under the newly established Provost's PhD Project Awards. The studentship covers tuition fees (EU or non-EU) and an annual stipend of €16,000 for four years
The School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is seeking to appoint a fully funded PhD candidate under the newly established Provost PhD Project Awards. The studentship covers tuition fees (EU or non-EU) and an annual stipend of €16,000 for four years. See Provost PhD Project Award for full details
February 22, 2018
Sonic Methodologies for Social Justice Research - Public Seminar by Prof Walter S. Gershon
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Kent State University Wed 21st February
6-7pm Boydell Music Room, TCD
This talk performatively speaks to the potential for sound theories and methods as tools for research for more socially just work with vulnerable populations. Because, if sound studies can queer overly-ocular understandings in education, might they not do the same for normalized, everyday processes that we might hear them and listen differently?
Walter S. Gershon is author of Sound Curriculum: Sonic Studies in Educational Theory, Method & Practice (Routledge 2018). He applies sonic methodologies to questions of justice about the ways in which young people make sense, the sociocultural processes that inform their everyday sense-making, and the qualitative methods used to study those processes.
Supported by the Faculty of AHSS Visiting Professor Fund
February 20, 2018
Introduction to the new Horizon 2020 project on co-creation of care services with School of SWSP connection through Irish project partner Prof Timonen
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February 13, 2018
One of the most read articles published in 2017
Congratulations to Dr.Stan Houston, whose article published in Families Relationships and Societies was one of the Journal's top five most read articles published in 2017.
Stan Houston’s article entitled 'Towards a critical ecology of child development in social work: aligning the theories of Bronfenbrenner and Bourdieu ‘can be downloaded here or accessed on the Families Relationships and Societies twitter feed https://twitter.com/FRSjournal
February 7, 2018
Upcoming Free Public Lecture ‘Reforming the Child Care Act 1991 - What should be priority issues in improving provision for children and young people in care?’
Professor Robbie Gilligan will deliver a lecture entitled ‘Reforming the Child Care Act 1991 - What should be priority issues in improving provision for children and young people in care?’ at 6.15 pm on Monday 12th February in Thomas Davis Theatre (Room 2043), Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin. Lecture open to all – members of College and public.
February 1, 2018
Congratulations to the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies Class of 2017
Congratulations to the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies Class of 2017, who graduated today.
We wish them all the best in their future careers.
January 25, 2018
Congratulations to Dr Gloria Kirwan
Congratulations to Dr Gloria Kirwan who has been elected to the Board of the Human Services Information Technology Association (husITa). Details of the work of husITa are available at the following link:
http://www.husita.org/about-us/
February 20, 2018
Applications are now open for the ONLINE CPD Course in Legal Training for Child Protection and Welfare Practitioners, offered by Mason Hayes & Curran and Trinity College
Following the recent amendment to the Irish Constitution (Article 42A) and the introduction of a range of new Child Protection Legislation, such as the Children First Act 2015 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, Child Protection Practitioners have identified the need for further training to carry out their roles and responsibilities within the current legal framework. In response to this, Mason Hayes & Curran, in collaboration with the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, are pleased to announce a new ONLINE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course in Legal Training for Child Protection and Welfare Practitioners.
This four week online course, commencing on February 26, 2018 at a cost of €200, is relevant to Allied Health Professionals within the scope of Child Protection and Welfare including Social Workers, Social Care Workers, Family Support Workers, Public Health Nurses and Gardaí. Participants of the course will be able to access relevant and up to date online learning materials at their convenience over a four week period from February 26, 2018. The online course includes videos, interactive presentations, case examples, case law, and discussion. The closing date for course registration is February 12, 2018.
January 8, 2018
New article on young adults’ visions of the future of the family in Ireland – collaboration between Professor Hannele Forsberg (Tampere University) and Professor Virpi Timonen (TCD) published in the Journal of Youth Studies
Analysis of texts written by young adults indicated a strong orientation to a future where religion plays little or no role, and tolerance and freedom to choose govern family formation. However, the fear was expressed that some groups may be deprived of the freedom to marry and have children on grounds of economic inequality. These two visions create a tension between more freedom in choosing partners and whether to have children on the on hand, and less freedom due to inability to afford the ‘luxury’ of family life on the other hand, reflective of the post-Catholic, economically exposed context of contemporary Ireland.
Article can be accessed here:
http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/nEkTFqcVCkHCjiiK9Wpc/full
January 8, 2018
Information Webinar for Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice, 22nd February 6PM
This fully online event will give you the opportunity to:
- Talk to the course director about the course
- Learn how the online programme is structured and delivered
- Experience how the Virtual Learning Platform interface works
The Online Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice looks at:
- The role social policy plays in solving the 'wicked' social problems that contemporary societies face
- The social policy issues addressed on the programme include crime, poverty, family violence and inequality
To register for this event click here.
The course is delivered through weekly online learning materials with live online tutorials and interactive discussions. It will be of interest to:
- Graduates without a social science undergraduate qualification who wish to convert ot Masters level study in the area
- Those working in social policy or advocating for social policy change
- Applicants from outside of Ireland, in particular outside the EU, who wish to study in Ireland's leading university
Over one academic year, this level 9 postgraduate programme offers students the opportunity to study:
- Social Policy
- Crime and Punishment in Irish Society
- The Family and Society
- Leading Human Service Organisations
- Disability and Human Rights
For further information please email Louise O'Brien.
January 4, 2018