DARE Conference 2024

International DARE conference with research contribution from the department of Social Work

The biennial DARE conference (Decisions, Assessment, Risk and Evidence in Social Work) recently took place at the ZHAW in Zurich. The DARE conference brings together researchers and practitioners in Social Work to exchange ideas on decision-making, risk assessment and evidence-based Social Work. This provides the opportunity to strengthen networks and initiate new research and the development of initiatives in Social Work. The focus is on the further development of knowledge, skills and competencies that contribute to supporting clients and vulnerable groups in order to counteract social ills and problems in society.

Experts from all over the world shared the latest findings from international research projects in keynotes, workshops, and other formats:

For example, Rhema Vaithianathan (University of Auckland, NZ) presented new research findings from New Zealand and Australia in the context of risk assessment models and their potential to reduce discriminatory components in Social Work practices. In addition, Cheryl Regehr (University of Toronto, USA) spoke about the stress experienced by social workers in the workplace and how computerized assessment tools can support decision-making in situations of risk and uncertainty.

Moritz Reisberger (research & teaching assistant at the Department of Social Work) presented research activities in DARE focus areas at MCI to the scientific community during the poster session at the conference. The presentation dealt with a current research project at the Department of Social Work, which records current developments in Social Work in times of multiple crises in Tyrol and thus reflects valuable insights into the practice of Social Work.

This summer's presence at the DARE Conference 2024 was another important opportunity for international networking to exchange ideas on exciting focal points and topics, to deepen these at the Department of Social Work and thus to contribute to the further development of the discipline and profession of Social Work through research activities.