
Dr Tamara Blakemore
Senior Lecturer
School of Humanities and Social Science (Social Work)
- Email:tamara.blakemore@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 2085
Taking practice to policy
Dr Tamara Blakemore's framework for social work practice is grounded in an understanding of the complex and connected contexts that prompt, facilitate, and constrain the wellbeing of children, families and communities.
"I am interested in people's lives and the links between and within experience - children in families, families in communities, the ties that bind and the ties that break," Tamara explains.
"What keeps people in, what helps people get by and what helps people get ahead."
A social worker, Tamara sees her practice extending further into the three arms of teaching, research, and policy.
Tamara is a social work lecturer and, until recently, the coordinator of the social work field-education program at the University of Newcastle. She has received several awards for her innovative endeavours around work integrated teaching models.
As a member of the Families and Children Expert Panel and Industry provider list for the Federal Department of Social Services, Tamara's work for the Federal Government has informed national social policy including the Family Support Program, the Paid Parental Leave scheme and Child Support Policy reform.
She was closely involved in the design and development of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and is acknowledged as a leading expert on its use to inform social policy initiatives.
CONTEXTUALISING ABUSE AND IMPACT
A conjoint researcher with the University of South Australia, Australian Centre for Child Protection, Tamara is working in collaboration with Professor Fiona Arney. They are currently engaged in research for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and recently submitted work regarding the context and impacts of abuse in institutional settings.
"Institutions can be schools, sporting organisations, the church, childcare or day care, out of home care, justice settings, detention or juvenile detention, so a range of institutional settings," Tamara conveys.
"This work is around exploring the contexts in which abuse occurs and how the contexts in and through which abuse occurs contributes to the impact."
To be published in the coming months, Tamara has submitted a review, identifying information gaps in the existing literature.
She explains that we know very little about peer on peer abuse in institutional settings, and that the bulk of existing literature around experiences of abuse in institutional settings is historic.
"There is a real need to be acknowledging contemporary experiences, by learning from the past but finding out what that looks like now," says Tamara.
"The Royal Commission has expressed great interest in continuing to build that evidence base for practice and for policy, which is encouraging."
OBSERVING LONG TERM OUTCOMES
Inspired by her clinical work, Tamara's doctoral thesis explored the occurrence and outcomes of child sexual abuse in a large scale, longitudinal study of mothers and children in Queensland.
"When looking at the impact of child sexual abuse, it is important to understand how the situations and settings in which abuse occurs influence the impact of abuse, and what that looks like," Tamara says.
Her study expertise was then called upon for Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
Collected biannually, information on 10,000 children and their families will give Australian researchers and policy makers concrete insight into the contribution of children's social, economic and cultural environments to their adjustment and wellbeing.
"I'm a quantitative researcher; and while the social work discipline is heavily committed to the use and production of evidence – many social workers are more familiar with qualitative methods," Tamara notes.
"Survey design, longitudinal studies and quantitative assessment are therefore a bit unusual as a primary research method in our field. But those skills can be utilised to uncover need and ensure practice remains relevant."
During the first semester of 2016, Tamara will be transferring those skills to practitioners who are delivering federally funded social work programs across Australia, through her role on the Families and Children Expert Panel.
"This will involve going into practice and supporting practitioners around identifying the evidence base that can inform their practice; how to locate it, implement and articulate its value and relevance."
"How do you know if the program you chose is the right one to run where you are? And then how do you implement that? How do you know if you are achieving your aims? How do you evaluate that so that your service continues to work well?" Tamara questions.
"The Federal Government is investing in building up the service sector from within. It shows a real recognition of the importance of up skilling the sector in a way that will foster sustainable and better outcomes for children, families and communities."
CONNECTIONS TO COMMUNITY
Soon after returning to live in Newcastle for the first time since her primary school years, Tamara put up her hand to become Chair of KidSafe Hunter.
She also continues to practice social work alongside her teaching and research roles, maintaining a casual position with Hunter New England Area Health.
"Practice can be lots of things; practice can be policy, research, practice can also be teaching, training, mentoring and supervising. All of those things are still practice," Tamara affirms.
"But having the opportunity to work with clients is important to me, it helps me remain connected to the community and to my discipline, or trade, in an authentic way."
Since arriving at the University of Newcastle, Tamara has worked closely with Dr Amanda Howard on a suite of community focused local projects that have national impact and implications.
"The first project was about parents understanding and preparation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme when they had a very young child with a disability," Tamara explains.
"We then worked with another local organisation around the financial sustainability and service provision in the disability sector and the value of supported playgroups potentially at risk under the NDIS."
"We've also done some interesting research locally around preparation, planning and recovery around natural disasters."
Tamara's passion for community engagement and commitment to social justice has been recognised in her appointment to the role of University of Newcastle, Equity Ambassador for Community Wellbeing.
In 2016 Tamara herself will be the beneficiary of a University of Newcastle Faculty of Education and Arts Equity Scholarship redressing some of the barriers faced in her academic career as a single mother of two.
WORLD LEADING EXPERIENCE BASED LEARNING
Tamara's innovation in action-learning approaches has been recognised by Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the year awards in 2014 and 2012 and a Highly Commended award for the same in 2013.
The social work program at the University of Newcastle has an evidence-based focus, and is unique in its employment of an experience-based model.
"It's all about that idea of bringing practice into the classroom and classroom into practice," Tamara says.
Looking at ways to extend this teaching model, Tamara and Dr Howard introduced a hands-on project to the research component of the undergraduate course.
"Amanda and I worked together to reshape that research course to become a course where students did research in the community for the community," Tamara says.
"It encourages students and new practitioners to have the confidence and know-how to use research as a way to tell the stories of the people and the places they work with."
Tamara is also vital to an innovative collaboration with the University of Newcastle Legal Centre. Working alongside law students, social work students gain valuable practical experience through supporting clients during summertime Law at the Beach clinics.
Noted by local MP Sharon Claydon in a speech in Federal Parliament and lauded at international conferences, this cross-disciplinary mode of problem solving is gaining traction as the way forward to address major social issues.
"We are leaders in teaching in a way that's likely to meet future job market needs much quicker than a textbook, but also addresses those big social demands."
Taking practice to policy
Dr Tamara Blakemore's framework for social work practice is grounded in an understanding of the complex and connected contexts
Career Summary
Biography
Tamara's framework for social work practice is grounded in an understanding of the complex and connected contexts that prompt, facilitate and constrain the wellbeing of children, families and communities. Her research interests focus on the lived experience of trauma and the impact this has on intra and inter-personal processes, including the development of empathy, critical thinking and capacity for connection. In collaboration with Dr Amanda Howard, she has brought an awareness of the interconnected contexts of experience to build the evidence base for practice in relation to work with families with a child with a disability, individuals, families and communities in the context of natural disaster, and together with Ms Kerrell Bourne at the Family Action Centre, the moments of connection that matter for young people in getting by and getting ahead. Tamara is engaged in multidisciplinary collaborative work addressing best practice in family law contexts and the role of violence in the lives of young people.
Prior to her employment at the University of Newcastle, Tamara’s work for the Federal Government was integral in the design and delivery of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, and the ABC documentary series ‘Life at One’ and has informed national social policy including the Family Support Program, the Paid Parental Leave scheme and Child Support Policy reform. Tamara’s doctoral thesis, inspired by her clinical work explored the occurrence and outcomes of child sexual abuse in a large scale, longitudinal study of mothers and children in QLD. Tamara is a conjoint researcher with the University of South Australia, Australian Centre for Child Protection and a member of the Families and Children Expert Panel for the Federal Department of Social Services. In collaboration with Professor Fiona Arney and the Australian Centre for Child Protection is currently engaged in research for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
An experienced, creative and innovative social worker, Tamara brings practice wisdom; academic rigor; and a strong knowledge of practice to her teaching and academic role. Her innovation in action-learning approaches has been recognised by Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the year awards in 2014 and 2012 and a Highly Commended award for the same in 2013. Tamara was awarded mid career researcher award recognition in 2018. Tamara remains actively involved in clinical practice locally, facilitates regional practice forums, and is an engaged participant in local community events raising awareness and advocating for holistic responses to social issues. Tamara's passion for community engagement and commitment to social justice has been recognised in her recent appointment to the role of University of Newcastle, Equity Ambassador for Community Wellbeing.
Research ExpertiseResearch interests centre around the lived experience of trauma for children and families, institutional child sexual abuse,
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), University of Queensland
Keywords
- child sexual abuse
- clinical skills
- community wellbeing
- connection
- empathy
- family disadvantage
- female violence
- research
- resilience
- social work theory and practice
- youth violence
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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440902 | Counselling, wellbeing and community services | 30 |
440901 | Clinical social work practice | 40 |
440903 | Social program evaluation | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science Australia |
Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2008 - | Adjunct Appointment | University of South Australia Australia |
1/1/2010 - | Conjoint Appointment | University of Newcastle Family Action Centre Australia |
1/6/2011 - | Honorary Associate Appointment | Macquarie University Australia |
1/1/2005 - 1/12/2007 | Visiting Fellow | Australian National University Australia |
Membership
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2011 - | Membership - Kidsafe Hunter | Kidsafe Hunter Australia |
1/1/2011 - | Membership - Family Action Centre University of Newcastle | Family Action Centre University of Newcastle Australia |
1/1/2011 - | Membership - Grow Strong Project Advisory Board | Grow Strong Project Advisory Board Australia |
1/1/2008 - 31/12/2010 | Membership - New Investigators Network : Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth | New Investigators Network : Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth Australia |
1/1/2004 - 31/12/2008 | Membership - Design Team : Longitudinal Study of Australian Children | Design Team : Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
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2017 |
Dean's Award for Excellence : Collaboration Excellence (Team Award) ~ BA Working Group University of Newcastle |
Recognition
Year | Award |
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2014 |
Work Integrated Learning Staff of the Year Award University of Newcastle |
2013 |
Work Integrated Learning Staff of the Year - Highly Commended: University of Newcastle |
2012 |
Work Integrated Learning Staff of the Year Award University of Newcastle |
Invitations
Participant
Year | Title / Rationale |
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2013 |
"I’m not really sure but I hope it’s better": Early thoughts of parents and carers on person and family centred care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Organisation: Australian Social Policy Conference, Description: Invited conference presentation with Amanda Howard, Lou Johnston, Darleen Taylor and Rahni Dibley |
2011 |
Research in a complex world: Reflections on research in a social policy setting Organisation: Australian Social Policy Research Centre Description: Blakemore, T., Shipley, M., & Esler, M. (2011) “Research in a complex world: Reflections on research in a social policy setting” to be presented at the Australian Social Policy Conference, Sydney. |
2010 |
Family wellbeing and responding to disadvantage: A strengths perspective Organisation: Family Strengths and Assets Summit Description: Esler, M., & Blakemore, T. (2010) “Family wellbeing and responding to disadvantage: A strengths perspective” presented at the Family Strengths and Assets Summit, Newcastle. |
2010 |
Trajectories of family disadvantage in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Organisation: Australian Institute of Family Studies Description: Blakemore, T., Shipley, M., & Zubrick, S. (2010) “Trajectories of family disadvantage in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children” presented at the Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne. |
2009 |
Measuring family disadvantage in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Organisation: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Conference Description: Blakemore, T., Shipley, M., Zubrick, S., Waters, S. (2009) “Measuring family disadvantage in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children” presented at the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children conference, Melbourne. |
2009 |
Parenting in place: exploring parenting behaviours and socioeconomic position in the context of neighbourhoods Organisation: Australian Social Policy Research Centre Description: Shipley, M., & Blakemore, T. (2009) "Parenting in place: exploring parenting behaviours and socioeconomic position in the context of neighbourhoods" presented at the Australian Social Policy Research Conference, Sydney. |
2009 |
“Whom do we reach?” Exploring the health and community service utilization of Australian families with young children, Organisation: Australian Social Policy Research Centre Description: Blakemore, T., & Shipley, M. (2009) “Whom do we reach?” Exploring the health and community service utilization of Australian families with young children, presented at the Australian Social Policy Research Conference, Sydney. |
2008 |
Capital in context: Profiling the developmental contexts of children across a socio-economic gradient Organisation: Children, Communities Connections Conference Description: Blakemore, T. (2008) Capital in context: Profiling the developmental contexts of children across a socio-economic gradient, presented at the Children, Communities Connections Conference, Adelaide. |
2007 |
Profiling child care arrangements over time, presented at the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Organisation: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Conference Description: Blakemore, T. (2007) Profiling child care arrangements over time, presented at the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Conference, Melbourne. |
2006 |
Measurement of the socio-economic position of families in LSAC and HILDA Organisation: Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated Description: Blakemore, T., Gibbings, J., & Strazdins, L. (2006) Measurement of the socio-economic position of families in LSAC and HILDA, presented at the ACSPRI Methodology Conference, Sydney. |
2005 |
Examining the relative influence of social, economic, environmental and family risk factors associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, Organisation: Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth Description: Blakemore, T. (2005) Examining the relative influence of social, economic, environmental and family risk factors associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, presented at the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) conference. |
2005 |
Examining potential risk factors, pathways and processes associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children * full report, Organisation: Australian Social Policy Research Centre Description: Blakemore, T. (2005) Examining potential risk factors, pathways and processes associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children * full report, presented at the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) Conference, Sydney. |
2005 |
Examining potential risk factors, pathways and processes associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (preliminary findings), Organisation: Australian Institute of Family Studies Description: Blakemore, T. (2005) Examining potential risk factors, pathways and processes associated with childhood injury in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (preliminary findings), presented at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Conference, Melbourne. |
Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
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2014 |
What is happening to our Youth? Sturm und Drang & Adolescent Crisis Organisation: The Mater Hospital Description: Invited Presenter The Mater Hospital - Psychiatry Grand Rounds |
2014 |
Contexts Matter Organisation: ANZATSA Description: Invited Presenter - ANZATSA Symposium - Parliament House Focussed on the issue of institutional sexual abuse as a complex and varied problem that in recent times – with much support from the Royal Commission – has come to the forefront of Australian society as opposed to remaining hidden, covered up or simply ignored. This symposium will bring together a variety of speakers covering numerous topics and sectors, ranging from: ? perpetrators in positions of authority ? young people who engage in sexually abusive behaviour in residential care ? the role of institutions and organisations not only as enablers of abuse, but also being held accountable and responsible for the prevention of abuse. |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2016 |
Howard A, Katrak M, Blakemore T, Pallas P, Rural, Regional and Remote Social Work : Practice Research from Australia, Routledge, Milton Park, Abingdon, 129 (2016) [A1]
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2011 | Outreach and Integration in Family Services : Enhancing the Capacity of the NGO Sector : Colloquium Report, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, 80 (2011) | ||||
2011 | Outreach and Integration in Family Services : Enhancing the Capacity of the NGO Sector : Colloquium Report, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, 80 (2011) |
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2020 | Herbert JL, Bromfield L, Arney F, Blakemore T, 'Impacts of institutional child sexual abuse: What we have learned from research and the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse private sessions', Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Issues in Evidence, Impact, and Management, Academic Press, London, UK 221-239 (2020) [B1] |
Journal article (17 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2020 |
Heinsch M, Agllias K, Sampson D, Howard A, Blakemore T, Cootes H, 'Peer connectedness during the transition to secondary school: a collaborative opportunity for education and social work', Australian Educational Researcher, 47 339-356 (2020) [C1] The Creating Meaningful Connections project is a longitudinal study that resulted from a partnership between social work academics at the University of Newcastle and educators at ... [more] The Creating Meaningful Connections project is a longitudinal study that resulted from a partnership between social work academics at the University of Newcastle and educators at a regional secondary school in NSW, Australia. It seeks to better understand the relationship between school connectedness and youth mental health. In stage 1, focus groups were conducted with 99 students 9¿months after their transition to secondary school. The shift to secondary school created a range of social and academic challenges for young people. It often resulted in limited¿or no¿contact with friends from primary school, requiring the negotiation of new friendships. While this process was relatively trouble-free for many students, others described it as risky and challenging. Positive peer relationships appeared to increase happiness, feelings of safety, offer support during difficult periods and facilitate secondary school adjustment. This paper offers a unique perspective by capturing student voice and commentary about the nature and importance of peer relationships during transition. It also highlights the potential for social work and education to work collaboratively to enhance peer relationships, mental health and school connectedness during transition.
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2020 |
Blakemore T, Agllias K, 'Social media, empathy and interpersonal skills: social work students reflections in the digital era', Social Work Education, 39 200-213 (2020) [C1] This paper examines second-year social work students¿ (n = 19) reflections on empathy as part of an interpersonal skills course at a regional university in Australia. Students wer... [more] This paper examines second-year social work students¿ (n = 19) reflections on empathy as part of an interpersonal skills course at a regional university in Australia. Students were asked to consider their personal, online and classroom experiences, before responding to a reflective learning prompt: ¿Online communication is killing connection: (the Facebook Like symbol) does not equal empathy¿. Qualitative analysis of their responses identified tensions between students¿ engagement with social media and their developing understandings of empathy. Students reported an ease and confidence in the use of social media, but were also aware of the risks associated with perceived anonymity, shifting boundaries and an absence of audial and verbal cues in establishing context and quality of communication. Their reflections also suggested that the range of stimulus material used in the interpersonal skills course¿including podcasts¿had increased their social media awareness and their desire to improve their online interpersonal skills. The implications for professional and pedagogical objectives, as well as curriculum design are discussed.
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2020 |
Agllias K, Pallas P, Blakemore T, Johnston L, 'Enhancing child protection practice through experience-based simulation learning: the social work big day in', Social Work Education, 1-14 (2020)
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Agllias K, Howard A, McCarthy S, 'The service system challenges of work with juvenile justice involved young people in the Hunter Region, Australia', Australian Journal of Social Issues, 54 341-356 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Agllias KB, 'Student reflections on vulnerability and self-awareness in a social work skills course', Australian Social Work, 72 21-33 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Agllias K, Pallas P, 'What you need to do is : Social work students reflections on an advice giving audit exercise', Journal of Social Work Practice, 33 67-80 (2019) [C1]
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2018 |
Howard A, Agllias K, Bevis M, Blakemore T, 'How Social Isolation Affects Disaster Preparedness and Response in Australia: Implications for Social Work', Australian Social Work, 71 392-404 (2018) [C1] Natural disaster impacts on populations already experiencing significant health, income, and social disadvantage, are both more intense and longer lasting than for the general pop... [more] Natural disaster impacts on populations already experiencing significant health, income, and social disadvantage, are both more intense and longer lasting than for the general population. The intersection of social isolation and poverty for some groups often results in significant risks during the immediate crisis of a disaster and ongoing challenges for recovery. This article reports on qualitative research examining natural disaster preparedness with five ¿at-risk¿ populations in regional Australia. The research was undertaken as part of a project sponsored by a regional organisation of local councils in New South Wales to map and understand spatial and social factors shaping natural disaster risks and responses. Seventeen focus groups were held with 111 participants; older people, people with disabilities, families with children under five, low-income households, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Findings illuminated participant experiences of the intersection between sociogeographic disadvantage with social isolation in the context of natural disaster preparation and response. IMPLICATIONS Social isolation¿or the intersection of social and geographic disadvantage¿appears to be a complex contributor to vulnerability in disaster preparation and response. Disaster risk needs to be assessed as part of social work support for vulnerable people.
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2018 |
Blakemore T, Rak L, Agllias K, Mallett X, McCarthy S, 'Crime and context: Understandings of youth perpetrated interpersonal violence among service providers in regional Australia', Journal of Applied Youth Studies, 2 53-69 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Howard A, Agllias K, Bevis M, Blakemore T, 'How Social Isolation Effects Disaster Preparedness and Response in Australia', Australian Social Work, 71 392-404 (2018) [C1]
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2017 |
Howard A, Blakemore T, Bevis M, 'Older people as assets in disaster preparedness, response and recovery: Lessons from regional Australia', Ageing and Society, 37 517-536 (2017) [C1] This article reports on findings from a qualitative research study on natural disaster preparedness in 'at risk' population groups in regional Australia, and in particul... [more] This article reports on findings from a qualitative research study on natural disaster preparedness in 'at risk' population groups in regional Australia, and in particular on findings highlighting the key, and often unrecognised, role played by many older people in developing and maintaining local informal networks, activated repeatedly before, during and after natural disasters. The article outlines major themes in recent literature on community resilience and social capital in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, the design and implementation of the current study in which, 17 focus groups were held with 'at risk' groups across three communities and findings in relation to the role of older people. The implications from these findings are discussed in the context of community-based disaster preparedness strategies. Findings point to older people as critical, community assets in local neighbourhoods, contributing both their experience and relationship-building capacity to prepare themselves for natural disasters. In addition, there was clear evidence of older people sharing resources and experience in support of others of all ages in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. Older people in the research were found both to generate and mobilise social capital at a local level in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
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2017 |
Blakemore T, Herbert JL, Arney F, Parkinson S, 'The impacts of institutional child sexual abuse: A rapid review of the evidence', Child Abuse and Neglect, 74 35-48 (2017) [C1] While awareness of institutional child sexual abuse has grown in recent years, there remains limited understanding of its occurrence and outcomes as a distinct form of abuse. Draw... [more] While awareness of institutional child sexual abuse has grown in recent years, there remains limited understanding of its occurrence and outcomes as a distinct form of abuse. Drawing on research commissioned by the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, this article presents a rapid review of available evidence on the impacts of institutional abuse on victim/survivors. Literature searches identified 75 sources spanning international peer reviewed work and reports to Government that document or quantify the impacts of mostly historical child sexual abuse occurring in religious, educational, sporting and residential or out-of-home care settings. Consistent with child sexual abuse in other contexts, institutional child sexual abuse is found to be associated with numerous, pervasive and connected impacts upon the psychological, physical, social, educative and economic wellbeing of victims/survivors. Further, institutional child sexual abuse is associated with vicarious trauma at the individual, family and community level, and with impacts to the spiritual wellbeing of victims/survivors of abuse that occurs in religious settings. The identified literature suggests the trauma of institutional child sexual abuse may be exacerbated by the interplay of abuse dynamics in institutional settings, which may reduce or impede circumstances supporting disclosure, belief, support and protection from future harm. Acknowledging the limitations of the present study and the available evidence, this narrative synthesis provides insights into the complex impacts of institutional child sexual abuse.
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2017 |
Howard A, Agllias K, Bevis M, Blakemore T, ''They ll tell us when to evacuate': The experiences and expectations of disaster-related communication in vulnerable groups', International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 22 139-146 (2017) [C1]
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2015 |
Blakemore T, Howard A, 'Engaging undergraduate social work students in research through experience-based learning', Social Work Education, 34 861-880 (2015) [C1]
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2015 |
Howard A, Blakemore T, Johnston L, Taylor D, Dibley R, ' I m not really sure but I hope it s better : early thoughts of parents and carers in a regional trial site for the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme', Disability and Society, 30 1365-1381 (2015) [C1] The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant initiatives in Australian social policy history. Its complexity has been compounded by a fast-paced ... [more] The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant initiatives in Australian social policy history. Its complexity has been compounded by a fast-paced introduction and ongoing refinement throughout the initial trial phase. Parents and carers of very young disabled children face particular challenges accessing and navigating NDIS systems. This article presents findings from a mixed-method pilot study examining the perspectives of parents and carers of disabled children in one NDIS trial site ¿ the Hunter Region of New South Wales. The research highlights a number of policy assumptions potentially impacting on NDIS take up for young disabled children and their families in regional contexts. Based on research findings a number of policy suggestions and improvements for disabled children and their families entering the NDIS and other individualised funding schemes are outlined.
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Show 14 more journal articles |
Conference (23 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Steffner J, McCarthy S, Howard A, 'Sand, Surf, Social Work and Law: Inter-professional Learning and Practice', Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide South Australia. (2019)
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Rak L, 'Name, Narrate, Navigate: A pilot program for young people who perpetrate family and domestic violence.', Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide South Australia. (2019)
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2019 |
Blakemore T, Rak L, McGregor J, 'Name, Narrate, Navigate: A pilot program for young people who perpetrate family and domestic violence', University of Newcastle, Australia (2019)
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Show 20 more conferences |
Other (25 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2019 | Blakemore T, 'Trauma Past, Present, Cumulative and Current -', (2019) [O1] | ||
2019 | Blakemore T, 'Reflections on Trauma : Lessons Learned and Emerging', (2019) [O1] | ||
2019 | Blakemore T, 'Reflections on Trauma : Lessons Learned and Emerging for Social Work Practice', (2019) [O1] | ||
Show 22 more others |
Report (15 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2020 |
Blakemore T, Stuart G, Hardacre S, 'UNITING CLIENT EXPERIENCE & OUTCOME Statistical Analysis of Survey Results.', UNITING, 47 (2020)
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2020 |
Blakemore T, Stuart GRAEME, 'BEST PRACTICE AND TRENDS IN COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES IN NSW: A COLLABORATIVE CASE STUDY OF UNITING SUMMARY & SYNTHESIS REPORT', UNITING, 40 (2020)
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2020 |
Krogh CHRIS, Stuart GRAEME, Blakemore T, 'UNITING S POLICIES AND PRACTICE DOCUMENTS Review of Uniting Documentation', UNITING, 15 (2020)
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Show 12 more reports |
Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2009 | Blakemore TJ, Child sexual abuse occurrence and outcome: Investigation of prospective longitudinal data for a birth cohort, University of Queensland (2009) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 22 |
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Total funding | $1,575,731 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20212 grants / $27,482
Redress, Response and Restoration: Examining the implementation process of the recommendations from the Child Abuse Royal Commission with regard to child safety and trauma related injury$13,982
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Dr Kathleen McPhillips (Lead), Dr Tamara Blakemore, Dr Michael Salter and Dr Cathy Kezelman |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Public Cultures of Female Violence$13,500
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Dr Tamara Blakemore (Lead); Dr Chris Krogh; Dr Xanthe Mallett; Dr Louise Rak and Mr Shaun Mallett (FBL) |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20201 grants / $49,900
Development and evaluation of an effective assertive outreach model for women in the Hunter region$49,900
Funding body: Nova for Women and Children
Funding body | Nova for Women and Children |
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Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Doctor Graeme Stuart, Doctor Joel McGregor, Professor Elizabeth Sullivan |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G2000921 |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | Y |
20192 grants / $11,988
(i) Hunter Women's Financial Literacy and (ii) 16 days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence$9,988
Funding body: Janet Copley Bequest
Funding body | Janet Copley Bequest |
---|---|
Project Team | A/Professor Trisha Pender and Dr Tamara Blakemore |
Scheme | School of Humanities and Social Science - Copley Bequest Pilot Research Fund |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
2019 International Research Collaboration Scheme$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA IRCS |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20182 grants / $1,026,995
Perpetrator Package - Young Perpetrators activity$872,361
Funding body: Department of Social Services
Funding body | Department of Social Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Doctor Kylie Agllias, Doctor Graeme Stuart, Mr Shaun McCarthy, Doctor Chris Krogh, Ms Louise Rak, Professor Penny Jane Burke, Steve Larkin, Doctor Joel McGregor |
Scheme | Community Grants Hub |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1800632 |
Type Of Funding | C2210 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Own Purpose |
Category | 2210 |
UON | Y |
Best practice and trends in family counseling and mediation services in NSW: A colloborative case study of Uniting$154,634
Funding body: Uniting (NSW, ACT)
Funding body | Uniting (NSW, ACT) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Doctor Chris Krogh, Associate Professor Amanda Howard, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Mr Shaun McCarthy, Doctor Graeme Stuart |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1800349 |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | Y |
20171 grants / $13,700
Rural Land Use and Community Research Network - Rural neighbours in Times of Change$13,700
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA Strategic Networks and Pilot Projects (SNaPP) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20167 grants / $264,825
Live Learn Grow$136,037
Funding body: Department of Education
Funding body | Department of Education |
---|---|
Project Team | Ms Louise Rak, Ms Belinda Munn, Doctor Tamara Blakemore |
Scheme | Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1600142 |
Type Of Funding | C2110 - Aust Commonwealth - Own Purpose |
Category | 2110 |
UON | Y |
Post Disaster Research and Innovation Project$35,000
Funding body: NSW State Emergency Services (SES)
Funding body | NSW State Emergency Services (SES) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Jason Von Meding, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Doctor Tamara Blakemore |
Scheme | Post Disaster Research and Innovation Project |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1600505 |
Type Of Funding | C2220 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Other |
Category | 2220 |
UON | Y |
DSS: Family & Child Expert Panel: Outcomes Measurement Project$27,878
Funding body: Department of Social Services
Funding body | Department of Social Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Professor Fiona Arney, Professor Sharon Dawe, Profesor Leonie Segal, Professor Leah Bromfield |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1600384 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
DSS: Family and Child Expert Panel: CAPS Programme Planning & Implementation Project$20,910
Funding body: Department of Social Services
Funding body | Department of Social Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Professor Fiona Arney, Professor Sharon Dawe, Assoc. Prof Leonie Segal, Professor Leah Bromfield |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1600380 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
Juvenile Justice and Education Equity in the Hunter Region $20,000
This research project was instigated by industry and sought to strengthen the evidence base for effective intervention with children and adolescents charged with a criminal offence in the Lower and Upper Hunter Region. The Children’s Court Magistrate identified that many of the children presenting before her have poor educational engagement and evidence significant educational disengagement. The project represented a first step in building a baseline of information about the schooling experience of young people who come before the courts for criminal offences, by consulting with a diverse range of professionals in the local area and undertaking a systematic literature review of current evidence for practice.
Funding body: Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE)
Funding body | Centre for Excellence in Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) |
---|---|
Project Team | Tamara Blakemore, Amanda Howard, Maree Grupetta, John Lester, Shaun McCarthy, Nicola Ross |
Scheme | Seed Grant Funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
FEDUA Early Career Fellowship$15,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA Internal Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
DSS: Industry Panel: Central Australia Aboriginal Congress$10,000
Funding body: Department of Social Services
Funding body | Department of Social Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Professor Fiona Arney, Professor Sharon Dawe, Assoc. Prof Leonie Segal, Professor Leah Bromfield |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1600382 |
Type Of Funding | C2120 - Aust Commonwealth - Other |
Category | 2120 |
UON | Y |
20151 grants / $15,000
Hunter Prelude Supported Playgroup Program Evaluation$15,000
Funding body: Hunter Prelude
Funding body | Hunter Prelude |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Mrs Miriam Bevis |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1500564 |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | Y |
20145 grants / $162,091
Social Work$90,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Project Team | Emeritus Professor Mel Gray, Doctor Kylie Agllias, Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Doctor Leanne Schubert, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Doctor Kate Davies, Ms Tiani Hetherington |
Scheme | Research Programme 2014 |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1400923 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Identifying risk perceptions, level of preparedness and communication channels / barriers for `at risk’ communities in respect to natural disasters$35,000
Funding body: Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy (NCCREMS)
Funding body | Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy (NCCREMS) |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Tamara Blakemore |
Scheme | Natural Disaster Social Research |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1400534 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Local |
Category | 2OPL |
UON | Y |
Impacts of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on Victims / Survivors: A Rapid Review of Research Findings$20,000
Funding body: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Funding body | Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |
---|---|
Project Team | Consultancy Appointment |
Scheme | Tendered Funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
Evaluation of Financial Sustainability Project: Hunter Early Childhood Intervention Services$9,091
Funding body: Department of Family and Community Services
Funding body | Department of Family and Community Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Doctor Meaghan Katrak, Mrs Miriam Bevis |
Scheme | NSW Organisation Transition Fund |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1401007 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - State |
Category | 2OPS |
UON | Y |
PASSPORT Disability Program Evaluation$8,000
Funding body: Port Stephens Council
Funding body | Port Stephens Council |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Amanda Howard, Doctor Tamara Blakemore, Mrs Miriam Bevis |
Scheme | Port Stephens Community Options |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1400815 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Local |
Category | 2OPL |
UON | Y |
20121 grants / $3,750
Getting by and getting ahead: Applied Social Work research in practice$3,750
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Tamara Blakemore |
Scheme | New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G1201028 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | PhD | Narratives on the Perception Duality of Victim/Offender Status in Young Females who Perpetrate Domestic and Family Violence. | PhD (Social Work), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | PhD | Use of Self in Social Work: Practitioners’ Perceptions | PhD (Social Work), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
News
Investing in Women grant to fund financial literacy workshops for Newcastle women
August 2, 2019
Alternate pathways for young people who have perpetrated violence
July 6, 2018
Intergenerational placement project: from pen to pal
June 18, 2018
Rural Land Use and Community Research Network
June 22, 2017
Rural Neighbours in times of change: a two day symposium
May 26, 2017
Symposium to examine psychiatry, trauma and history in a global age: the view from Australasia
May 10, 2017
2016 FEDUA Fellows
May 12, 2016
Preparing communities for natural disasters
May 6, 2014
Dr Tamara Blakemore
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Humanities and Social Science
College of Human and Social Futures
Focus area
Social Work
Contact Details
tamara.blakemore@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 2085 |
Office
Room | w230 |
---|---|
Building | Behavioural Sciences |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |