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Background: Childhood adversity is linked with mental health concerns, including complex trauma (CT), whereas positive experiences may be restorative. Treatment for CT with adolescents commonly uses therapies administered indoors. Yet outdoor adventure, being rich in positive experiences, may also be appropriate. Purpose: This article examines how adventure practices may be healing for adolescents with CT. Methodology/Approach: A scoping review of literature since 2014 on adventure therapy (AT) for 12- to 18-year-olds with CT was undertaken. Refining searches from six databases identified six texts which met inclusion criteria. A seventh paper was added manually. Findings/Conclusions: CT-informed adventure tended toward a tri-phasic approach: safety, processing, and integration. Adventure benefits included improvements in attachment, skills, schemas, and stress management. An ecological approach was identified, through the analysis, as were some well-intended but harmful practices that a human rights-based practice framework may help avoid. Implications: Adopting an ecological and human rights-based approach as frames for AT research and practice may yield new insights and enhance program effectiveness for youth with CT. This should apply to adventure generally and specifically to AT; however, more research is needed given the paucity of available texts.

This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated parents' perceptions of the quality of family-centered practice in an early intervention service for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing through the use of the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC-56). The results indicated that the majority of families accessing the service were satisfied with the family-centered practices they were receiving. Consistent with previous studies in different disability settings, families were least satisfied with the provision of general information regarding the child's disability, identifying further access to unbiased information and resources is needed. This highlighted a tension in the role of organizations operating within individualized funding models in regard to who is responsible for the dissemination of reliable and evidence-based general information. As the MPOC-56 has not been used in deaf or hard of hearing populations previously, this study found it was an appropriate measure for caregiver perceptions of family-centered practice within this population.

Purpose: This paper aims to explore challenges and opportunities associated with young carers' employment in Australia. Design/methodology/approach: Using a multi-stakeholder approach, this study captures the reflections of stakeholders (n = 8) and young carers (n = 10) about opportunities for, and experiences of, paid employment for young carers. Findings: Despite many organisations internationally increasingly pushing diversity agendas and suggesting a commitment to equal opportunity experiences, this study found that young carers' work opportunities are often disrupted by their caring role. For young carers to be successful in their careers, organisations need to provide further workplace flexibility, and other support is required to attract and retain young carers into organisations and harness their transferrable skills for meaningful careers. Practical implications: The paper highlights important implications for human resource management practitioners given the need to maximise the participation of young carers as workers, with benefits for young carers themselves, employers and society. Originality/value: The research adds to the human resource management and work–family conflict literature in examining young carers through drawing on Conservation of Resources theory to highlight resources invested in caring leads to loss of educational and work experience resources. This leads to loss cycles and spirals, which can potentially continue across a lifetime, further contributing to disadvantage and lack of workplace and societal inclusion for this group of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health Lived Experience workforce (also referred to as peer workforce) is growing rapidly internationally and within Australia. Peer workers are increasingly employed within multi‐ and inter‐disciplinary teams, often directly supervised by mental health professionals such as nurses. Professional supervision has been identified as fundamental for implementing a sustainable peer workforce, but significant gaps in the literature remain, in particular, an understanding of appropriate supervision practices. This scoping review synthesized academic and grey literature on Lived Experience supervision in Australia, exploring current thoughts on best practices. Four electronic databases were searched, and grey literature was located via Google Advanced searches, contacting Lived Experience experts and conducting web‐based desktop searches of key mental health organization websites. Thematic analysis identified and described key characteristics in relation to how supervision is conceptualized and operationalized. Eight peer‐reviewed and 46 grey literature documents describing supervision and supervisory practices were analysed. Of these studies, 26 were Lived Experience‐led. Analysis revealed four key themes: (i) defining peer supervision, (ii) variability in understanding the purpose of supervision, (iii) approaches to supervision and the need for choice and flexibility, and (iv) qualities and skills of the supervisor. Additionally, the establishment of a national professional organization for peer workers was highlighted to protect the authenticity of Lived Experience roles and develop an effective workforce. Clearly, a sustainable Lived Experience workforce cannot develop in isolation, and mental health nurses, as important allies in mental healthcare, need to work alongside, plan and advocate for appropriate supervision practices for this emerging workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood adversity is linked with mental health concerns, including complex trauma (CT), whereas positive experiences may be restorative. Treatment for CT with adolescents commonly uses therapies administered indoors. Yet outdoor adventure, being rich in positive experiences, may also be appropriate. Purpose: This article examines how adventure practices may be healing for adolescents with CT. Methodology/Approach: A scoping review of literature since 2014 on adventure therapy (AT) for 12- to 18-year-olds with CT was undertaken. Refining searches from six databases identified six texts which met inclusion criteria. A seventh paper was added manually. Findings/Conclusions: CT-informed adventure tended toward a tri-phasic approach: safety, processing, and integration. Adventure benefits included improvements in attachment, skills, schemas, and stress management. An ecological approach was identified, through the analysis, as were some well-intended but harmful practices that a human rights-based practice framework may help avoid. Implications: Adopting an ecological and human rights-based approach as frames for AT research and practice may yield new insights and enhance program effectiveness for youth with CT. This should apply to adventure generally and specifically to AT; however, more research is needed given the paucity of available texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from an investigation of nature-based practices, from the perspectives of 10 academics/educators from six nations. Participants engaged in a focus group exploring the prevalence and inclusion of nature in social work practice and education. While the study focused on individual members' experiences and perspectives, the findings highlight important context-specific factors for including nature within social work to reconnect humans with nature for health, well-being, healing, and justice. An Integrative Environmental Model for social work is proposed to assist future practice and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multi-site study evaluated facilitator perspectives of a group-based program that brings together the common elements of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) with the knowledge and values of the peer led hearing voices networks (HVN). Twenty-two group facilitators were asked to complete a 58-item online survey which measured the usefulness, most important skills, benefits, acceptability and effectiveness of the Coping with Voices program. Aligning with a mixed-methods approach the survey consisted of open and closed-ended questions. The closed-ended questions were analysed using descriptive analysis and open-ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis. The majority of facilitators reported the overall normalisation of voices and the use of a range of normalising strategies as the most useful aspects of the program. The most important skills used by facilitators were being understanding, non-judgemental and respectful and creating a safe space to discuss topics. The least important skills used by facilitators were using personal disclosure and motivational interviewing. Facilitators' comments illustrated a strong interest in using digital technologies in the preparation and delivery of the program. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence that suggests hearing voices groups are beneficial, feasible and worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second of two papers that investigated the effectiveness of a group-based program known as 'Coping with Voices'. The first paper reported on the group facilitators experience of delivering the program. This second paper reports the findings from the participants. Of the 61 participants that gave informed consent to participate in the study 19 did not attend a group, so this provided a natural quasi-control group. The study compared pre and post primary measures for the 42 participants who attended a group. 29 group attendees also provided qualitative data. Secondary measures were measured longitudinally for all 61 participants. Individuals who participated in the program were compared to those individuals who did not. For the 42 voice hearers who attended Coping with Voices, the quantifiable data showed a significant reduction in negative beliefs about voices, voice severity, distress about voices and the perceived power of the voices. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The secondary measures show a significant reduction in the number of hospital admissions and an improvement in basis life skills for group attendees versus non-attendees at 12 months follow up. Overall, these findings suggest 'Coping with Voices' is feasible, acceptable and worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical supervision is essential for ensuring effective service delivery. International imperatives to demonstrate professional competence has increased attention on the role of supervision in enhancing client outcomes. Although supervisor competency tools are recognised as important components in effective supervision, there remains a shortage of tools that are evidenced‐based, applicable across workforces and freely accessible. Design: An expert multidisciplinary group developed the Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT) to assess supervisor competencies across a range of professions. Initially the GSAT consisted of 32 items responded to by either a supervisor (GSAT‐SR) or supervisee (GSAT‐SE). The current study, using surveys, employed a cross‐sectional design to test the reliability and construct validity of the GSAT. Methods: The study consisted of two phases and included 12 professional groups across Australasia. In 2018, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken with survey data from 479 supervisors and 447 supervisees. In 2019 survey data from 182 supervisors and 186 supervisees were used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results were used to refine and validate the GSAT. Results: The final GSAT‐SR has four factors with 26 competency items. The final GSAT‐SE has two factors with 21 competency items. The EFA and CFA confirmed that the GSAT‐SR and the GSAT‐SE are psychometrically valid tools that supervisors and supervisees can utilise to assess competencies. Conclusion: As a non‐discipline specific supervision tool, the GSAT is a validated, freely available tool for benchmarking the competencies of clinical supervisors across professions, potentially optimising supervisory evaluation processes and strengthening supervision effectiveness. Practitioner points: Supervisor competency tools are recognised as important components of safe and effective supervision provision yet there is a dearth of valid, reliable and effective measures.The Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT‐SR and GSAT‐SE) are unique psychometrically valid, and reliable measures of supervisor competence.The GSAT‐SR and the GSAT‐SE can enhance translation of evidence‐based supervision competency skills into regular practice.Validated with a broad cross section of professionals in diverse practice settings the GSAT provides a comprehensive conceptualization of supervisor competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated parents' perceptions of the quality of family-centered practice in an early intervention service for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing through the use of the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC-56). The results indicated that the majority of families accessing the service were satisfied with the family-centered practices they were receiving. Consistent with previous studies in different disability settings, families were least satisfied with the provision of general information regarding the child's disability, identifying further access to unbiased information and resources is needed. This highlighted a tension in the role of organizations operating within individualized funding models in regard to who is responsible for the dissemination of reliable and evidence-based general information. As the MPOC-56 has not been used in deaf or hard of hearing populations previously, this study found it was an appropriate measure for caregiver perceptions of family-centered practice within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the accessibility, usability, reliability and readability of those websites most likely encountered by Australian mental health consumers when using the internet to find information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Websites were systematically identified with 127 deemed relevant for assessment in 2018. The LIDA instrument, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level were used to evaluate the quality of information provided to mental health consumers. The study identified mediocre results for the accessibility, usability, reliability and readability of websites as they pertain to the needs of mental health consumers. Furthermore, it was identified that mental health support websites did not provide a more appropriate online experience for mental health consumers than general information websites, despite their focus on this demographic. These findings suggest a lack of understanding regarding the needs of mental health consumers and their experience of the online environment, which may in turn affect their access to information, agency and, ultimately, their uptake of the NDIS. The establishment of guidelines around enhancements to the online environment for mental health consumers would provide an experience that instils confidence, returns dignity and aids this group in realising their personal recovery journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural environment is increasingly used in therapeutic psychosocial interventions for young people who have experienced trauma. However, as the research in this area has yet to be synthesised, very little is known about the types and outcomes of interventions. This prevents the optimisation of social work interventions in outdoor settings. Consequently, a scoping review of peer-reviewed research published from 2008 to 2018 was undertaken to examine how nature is being used in psychosocial interventions with young people aged ten to twenty-four years who have experienced trauma and the impact of these interventions on young people's mental health. The database search identified 5,425 records; however, only ten papers met the inclusion criteria. These papers suggested that positive changes across a range of mental health outcomes for young people were achieved in psychosocial interventions which were situated in, or made use of the natural environment, although it is unclear whether the environment influenced the outcomes. The scoping review also highlighted the need for conducting further research that examines how environmental factors contribute to clinical change for young people who have experienced trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]