Families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds can experience another layer of complexity and vulnerability when engaging with child protection authorities. The need to support these communities and see them receive the same level of guidance as others has always been the underlying reason Thao Hoang (MSW ’21) embarked on a career in social work, or better put, a fight for social justice.
Thao can still remember her first social work lecture at Flinders University and instantly feeling a spark of inspiration to do good for the community, human rights, and the underlying ideology of social work practice.
“Everything just fit in so naturally, to the point that I had to ask myself why I hadn’t done it earlier,” Thao said.
“For an international student who will be studying overseas, away from family like myself, an inclusive and hospitable environment is one of the crucial factors in choosing an academic institution and Flinders had ticked that box.
“Dr Michele Jarldorn particularly left a strong impression on me, probably because of her special interest in international students and their lived experience, as well as students who are the first in their family to attend tertiary education – it all clicked with me!”
It was through Thao’s final university placement that she gained her initial employment with the Department for Child Protection (DCP) SA.
As a social worker in the Multicultural Services team, Thao supported vulnerable CALD communities and families both at individual and systemic levels. Her team worked closely with internal and external bodies and those involved in the care of children, in order to advocate for the additional needs of CALD children and families.
“The diversity of topics covered during my time at Flinders has actually came in very handy for my time with the DCP and also now in my current role,” Thao said.
“Sometimes while studying, you can have a feeling of, ‘Why am I studying this?’ but it all comes together when you’re out in the professional world.”
Last year, Thao was awarded a 2022 Premier’s Excellence Award under the Individual category of Excellence in Service Delivery. The awards themselves acknowledge South Australian public sector employees and teams who demonstrate excellence in their work. Thao was recognised for her Social Work in the Vietnamese community within the Department of Child Protection.
Thanks to her strong connections with the community and her valuable guidance, children have been able to maintain their cultural links and thrive within their local community.
Thao was also recognised for providing valuable advice to staff to help better understand the Vietnamese community, family functioning, and cultural child-rearing practices. Some of the difficulties encountered that she helps provide understanding on include language barriers, social isolation, racism and discrimination, and settlement challenges.
“I want to further strengthen and enhance my skills and knowledge in this particular field of working with CALD communities,” Thao explained.
Currently a Senior Child Protection Practitioner at Territory Families, Housing and Communities in the Northern Territory, Thao is making an impact within Indigenous communities in the Territory using her learnings from Flinders and advocacy work to ensure culturally safe practice with Aboriginal children and families.
“One day, I might try my luck with a tutoring role at a university as I want to support other students, especially those from a similar background, to thrive in their chosen field,” Thao says.
“I still keep in touch with my classmates after graduating. We have formed a close community since university to share any employment opportunities or updates in the field.”
Thao Hoang (MSW ’21) was awarded a 2024 Early Career Alumni Award for significant service in the field of child protection, focusing on families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.