Stephen Hicks

Biography

Before qualifying as a social worker, I worked in community mental health services, initially for a voluntary organisation and then for Manchester Social Services. After studying for an MA and Diploma in Social Work at Manchester University, I worked for the Manchester Family Service Unit as a social worker for children (11 years and under) and their families/carers. I did child protection and preventative casework, comprehensive assessments for courts, direct work and play therapy with children, groupwork with service users and with parents and young children, was a practice teacher for social work students and did a summer playscheme. At this time, I also studied for a PhD in Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, looking at the social work assessment of lesbian and gay people who applied to foster or adopt children. I also did voluntary work for Manchester Aidsline/George House Trust as a counsellor and 'buddy'/befriender, for the Albert Kennedy Trust (working with young, homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people) as a manager and social work supervisor, and was a founder member and Chair of the Northern Support Group (1994-2010) for lesbian, gay and bisexual people who were involved in fostering or adopting children. For about 3 years, I was also a registered foster carer and looked after a boy with autism on a part-time basis.

Research Interest

Social Sciences