Overview
Background
Professor Karen Healy AM is Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at the University of Queensland. A leading social work academic, she is deeply committed to health equity, family inclusion, and social justice. Her research centres on community-based integrated care for people facing adversity, with a particular focus on maternity, mental health, and housing insecurity.
Karen has led award-winning initiatives such as Young Mothers for Young Women, a midwifery-social work-peer support program for young parents. She has also contributed to integrated care models for people experiencing homelessness, combining physical, mental, and maternal health services.
She is the author of several influential books on social work theory, family inclusion, and health equity. Karen serves as Research Advisor to Micah Projects, a pioneering community and health service, and she chairs Clinical Care and Governance for Anglicare Southern Queensland, which provides health and community services across the life-course.
In 2016, Karen received an Order of Australia (AM) for her contribution to social work in child protection, higher education, and research. In September 2018, Higher Education Academy (UK) appointed her as a Principal Fellow.
Availability
- Professor Karen Healy is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Graduate Certificate of Applied Statistics, Swinburne University of Technology
Research impacts
Karen is skilled in research co-design with people with lived experience of health and human service systems and with government and non-government service agencies. Karen collaborates with these partners to co-design and conduct research, and to translate findings into accessible resources for policymakers, practitioners, and communities. Her outcomes include novel approaches to integrated midwifery and family support with young parents, community-based mental health support and homelessness prevention, and improving family participation in child protection decision-making.
Professor Healy is an experienced research supervisor. She has supervised 31 Research Higher Degree students to completion of their projects in wide range of health and community service concerns.
She holds senior advisory positions in industry and in her professional community. She is Community Services Commissioner and Chair of Clinical Care and Governance for Anglicare Southern Queensland. She has a well-established partnership with Micah Projects, an innovative health and commuity service agency dedicated to supporting people and families experiencing severe and persistent disadvantage. In her partnerships with Micah, Karen has contributed to major social health initiatives, particularly the establishment of Young Mothers for Young Women (an integrated midwifery, family and peer support program), and supported parents to work with the Child Safety Minister and Executive to develop a Parents' Rights Charter, founded on Human Rights Principles.
Karen's track record of leadership includes as: National President of the Australian Association of Social Workers (2011-2017); National Director of The Benevolent Society (2011-2019); National President for the Australian Association of Social Work and Welfare Education (2005-2009).
Works
Search Professor Karen Healy’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Conference Publication
Young people’s experiences of voice and choice in decisions about their lives when self-placing: an under-explored transition from out-of-home care
Venables, Jemma, Cullin, Joel, Ellem, Kathy and Healy, Karen (2024). Young people’s experiences of voice and choice in decisions about their lives when self-placing: an under-explored transition from out-of-home care. Journal of Youth Studies Conference, Belfast, United Kingdom, 3-5 September 2024.
2024
Book Chapter
Theoretical And Value Base Of Research In Child And Family Social Work: Three Epistemological Approaches
Healy, Karen (2024). Theoretical And Value Base Of Research In Child And Family Social Work: Three Epistemological Approaches. The Routledge Handbook of Child and Family Social Work Research: Knowledge-Building, Application, and Impact. (pp. 27-39) Abingdon, Oxon United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003241492-3
2023
Journal Article
Navigating the Australian child protection system: the importance of formal and informal support for carers to effectively provide care to children in out‐of‐home care
Venables, Jemma, Povey, Jenny, Boman, Madonna, Healy, Karen, Baxter, Janeen, Austerberry, Sophie and Thompson, Kate (2023). Navigating the Australian child protection system: the importance of formal and informal support for carers to effectively provide care to children in out‐of‐home care. Child and Family Social Work, 30 (2), 237-250. doi: 10.1111/cfs.13106
2023
Journal Article
Looked after children's right to contact with birth parents: an Australian study
Healy, Karen, Walsh, Tamara, Venables, Jemma and Thompson, Kate (2023). Looked after children's right to contact with birth parents: an Australian study. Child and Family Social Work, 28 (3), 659-668. doi: 10.1111/cfs.12992
2023
Journal Article
Supporting birth parents’ relationships with children following removal: a scoping review
Healy, Karen, Venables, Jemma and Walsh, Tamara (2023). Supporting birth parents’ relationships with children following removal: a scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 149 106961, 106961. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106961
2023
Journal Article
How do sector level factors influence trust violations in not-for-profit organizations? A multilevel model
Gillespie, Nicole, Anesa, Mattia, Lizzio-Wilson, Morgana, Chapman, Cassandra, Healy, Karen and Hornsey, Matthew (2023). How do sector level factors influence trust violations in not-for-profit organizations? A multilevel model. Journal of Business Ethics, 191 (2), 373-398. doi: 10.1007/s10551-023-05429-6
2023
Conference Publication
Optimising outcomes for children in out-of-home care: strengthening social support systems for carers
Povey, Jenny, Venables, Jemma, Bowman, Madonna, Healy, Karen, Baxter, Janeen, Austerberry, Sophie and Thompson, Kate (2023). Optimising outcomes for children in out-of-home care: strengthening social support systems for carers. Anglicare Southern Queensland Research Forum, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 10 May 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Comparing apples with oranges? Practitioner perspectives on the inconsistencies between family law and child protection
Walsh, Tamara, Healy, Karen and Venables, Jemma (2023). Comparing apples with oranges? Practitioner perspectives on the inconsistencies between family law and child protection. Australian Journal of Family Law, 36, 154-172.
2023
Conference Publication
Family socioeconomic status and socio-emotional well-being in middle childhood: a life course perspective
Kolesnikova, Iryna, Povey, Jenny, Baxter, Janeen, Healy, Karen and San Martin Porter, Macarena (2023). Family socioeconomic status and socio-emotional well-being in middle childhood: a life course perspective. 2023 Australian Social Policy Conference (ASPC): Social Policy for Social Change, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 11-13 September 2023.
2023
Journal Article
The use of a constructivist grounded theory method - a good fit for social work research
Clarke, Annaley, Healy, Karen, Lynch, Deborah and Featherstone, Gerald (2023). The use of a constructivist grounded theory method - a good fit for social work research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22. doi: 10.1177/16094069231186257
2023
Conference Publication
Family socioeconomic status and socio-emotional wellbeing in middle childhood: insights from Australia
Kolesnikova, Iryna, Povey, Jenny, Baxter, Janeen, Healy, Karen and San Martin Porter, Maca (2023). Family socioeconomic status and socio-emotional wellbeing in middle childhood: insights from Australia. 2023 SLLS Annual International Conference: Life Courses in Times of Uncertainty, Munich, Germany, 9-11 October 2023.
2022
Journal Article
Working with families of adults affected by eating disorders: uptake, key themes, and participant experiences of family involvement in outpatient treatment-as-usual
Fleming, Carmel, Byrne, Jacqueline, Healy, Karen and Le Brocque, Robyne (2022). Working with families of adults affected by eating disorders: uptake, key themes, and participant experiences of family involvement in outpatient treatment-as-usual. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10 (1) 88, 88. doi: 10.1186/s40337-022-00611-z
2022
Journal Article
Are human rights ‘toothless’ in Australian child protection matters? Perspectives of lawyers and social workers
Walsh, Tamara, Healy, Karen, Venables, Jemma and Thompson, Kate (2022). Are human rights ‘toothless’ in Australian child protection matters? Perspectives of lawyers and social workers. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 36 (1) ebac028, 1-16. doi: 10.1093/lawfam/ebac028
2022
Book
Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice
Healy, Karen (2022). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. 3rd ed. London, United Kingdom: Bloomsbury.
2021
Conference Publication
The right to family contact following child removal: Will the Human Rights Act make a difference
Healy, Karen, Venables, Jemma, Walsh, Tamara and Thompson, Kate (2021). The right to family contact following child removal: Will the Human Rights Act make a difference. 26th Asia-Pacific Regional Social Work Conference (hosted by IFSW & AASW), Online, 11-13 November 2021.
2021
Journal Article
Mind the gap: incorporating writing skills into practice simulations
Healy, Karen and Drayton, John (2021). Mind the gap: incorporating writing skills into practice simulations. Social Work Education, 41 (8), 1-19. doi: 10.1080/02615479.2021.1962270
2021
Book Chapter
Diversifying inclusive research with young people
Healy, Karen (2021). Diversifying inclusive research with young people. Involving methods in youth research: reflections on participation and power. (pp. 261-266) edited by Trine Wulf-Andersen, Reidun Follesø and Terje Olsen. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-75941-4_11
2021
Journal Article
How are families included in the treatment of adults affected by eating disorders? A scoping review
Fleming, Carmel, Le Brocque, Robyne and Healy, Karen (2021). How are families included in the treatment of adults affected by eating disorders? A scoping review. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54 (3), 244-279. doi: 10.1002/eat.23441
2021
Journal Article
Mind mapping as a pragmatic solution for evaluation: A critical reflection through two case studies
Avdagic, Elbina, May, Fiona, McClean, Tom, Shackleton, Fiona, Wade, Catherine and Healy, Karen (2021). Mind mapping as a pragmatic solution for evaluation: A critical reflection through two case studies. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 26, 1-19. doi: 10.7275/sqqw-ht68
2020
Journal Article
Preparing students to respond to heightened emotions in field practice: a multi-disciplinary study
Healy, Karen, Tower, Marion and Hawley, Glenda (2020). Preparing students to respond to heightened emotions in field practice: a multi-disciplinary study. Advances in Social Work Education and Welfare, 22 (1), 64-80.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Karen Healy is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Peer parent and family advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families within the child protection system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tracey Bunda, Dr Jemma Venables, Dr Krystal Lockwood
-
Doctor Philosophy
Decision-making in an Adults Emergency Department regarding protection concerns.
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Hepatitis C Nurse Practitioner led integrated model of care: An innovative response to a chronic health concern
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cameron Parsell
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of leaders in mitigating and responding to psychological injury risks in socio-legal services.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jemma Venables, Dr Dorothee Hölscher
-
Doctor Philosophy
A Trauma-Informed Clinical Approach to Supporting Peer-Parents and Family Advocates in the Child Protection System.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gabrielle Campbell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Socio-emotional wellbeing of children in out-of-home care: A life course approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter, Dr Maca San Martin Porter, Associate Professor Jenny Povey
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
A Qualitative Exploration of Child Development Clinical Practice: Conceptualising and Integrating Psychosocial Perspectives Within Assessments of Developmental and Behavioural Functioning in Children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Carmel Fleming, Dr Robyne Le Brocque
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Carer and Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Cultural Identity and Connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in Out-of-Home Care
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jemma Venables
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Stability in Statutory Kinship Care : A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study of Placement Stability.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Debby Lynch
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Good Work, Decent Wages - A case study of the 2009 Pay Equity Campaign in Queensland's community services sector
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Sense of Coherence in Late Adolescence Following Involvement as a Child in Decision-Making During Parental Separation
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Valuing complex and diverse career pathways: The career trajectories and career-related choices of early career practitioners
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Master Philosophy
Life satisfaction in young immigrants and Australian young people: Change with socioeconomic status and time.
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
A study of non-government child welfare services in Taiwan focused on children in need of child welfare service intervention
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Collaborative practice in statutory child protection practice: Parental agreements and procedural justice
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Willing But Not Able? The experiences of mothers with intellectual disabilities in relation to the Queensland child protection system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Henman
-
-
2013
Master Philosophy
Finding a Voice: The Fee-for-Service Social Work Experience: Insights from Practitioners.
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
`I wouldn't want my kids around him' : How men who use violence in their intimate relationships perceive themselves as fathers.
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
A systems science analysis of the context/s of child protection reform in Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Unheard voices: A study of parent participation in statutory child protection policy processes in Queensland
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
The Twisted Helix: a technology of "truth" A study of DNA paternity testing in child protection practice
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Henman
-
2007
Master Philosophy
Frontline Service Workers' conceptualisation of their Client's Anger and how it shapes their Practice
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Implementing and Evaluating Family Inclusive Practice in Adult Eating Disorders
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Robyne Le Brocque
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
It's Never Too Late. Older Women and Sexual Violence: The Search for Therapeutic Solutions
Associate Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Redress for the Forgotten Australians. Assessing the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Care.
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brian Head
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Parent and Staff Perceptions of Bereavement Support Surrounding Loss of a Child
Associate Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Building Knowledge for Policy and Practice in Out-of-Home Care: Exploring the Boundaries of Systematic Mapping
Associate Advisor
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Attachment Theory and Family System Theory: Conceptualisation of the Relationship Between These Theories and An Application to Permanency Planning
Associate Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the emergence, diffusion and continuance of intercountry adoption from South Korea to Queensland, Australia
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Karen Healy directly for media enquiries about:
- Child abuse
- Child protection systems - national and international practice
- Child protection work
- Education - social work
- Professional identity
- Social welfare organisations
- Social work
- Social work education
- Teaching social work
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