The nature and shape of Australian families has changed significantly in recent decades (Smit 2005; Berlyn et al., 2008). Even with these changes, there have been many contested understandings about what constitutes fatherhood (Fletcher et al., 2008; BBC, 2000). There has been an emerging trend internationally to understand fatherhood (Scourfield, 2006; Milner, 1993; O’Hagan, 1997; Featherstone, 2003; 2006; Daniel et al., 2005). Despite this interest, there is still more need for research to be undertaken in Australia about the attitudes of professionals towards fathers, male input into family life and, in particular, the experiences of fathers who are described as being absent from family based services. This will result in a greater understanding and application of ‘father inclusive practice’ (Berlyn et al., 2008; King, 2009).

The COPMI national initiative in Australia has developed an on-line workforce education resource in association with parents with mental health problems and their carers (including young people), called ‘Keeping Families and Children In Mind'. The involvement of consumers of mental health services and their carers was pivotal to the success and ‘user friendliness' of the resource and it contains a large number of video and audio clips of parents and carers. Although not a UK resource, may be of use in teaching.

Westmead Hospital is a major teaching hospital in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. A student unit exists within the large social work department. As part of the social work practicum, students on placement design and implement a program known as Careers Day. Senior secondary school students attend an interactive day in order to explore the option of social work as a career. This paper will discuss my role as student educator in guiding the social work students to develop and facilitate this unique and evolving program. A multi-layered learning process takes place involving the educator, the social work students and the participants. Social work skills are facilitated and enhanced through the use of role play, groupwork, teamwork and organisational activities. A variety of creative techniques are used to demonstrate and discuss the nature of social work. Students on practicum learn while they teach. Data will be provided about the success, challenges, methods, effectiveness and outcomes of this program for all involved.