Dr Jemma Venables

position: Lecturer, Program Lead

department: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work

Dr Jemma Venables is a social worker with 15 years’ experience in frontline practice, research and teaching. She is currently employed in a teaching and research position within the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at the University of Queensland. Jemma engages in applied qualitative research with strong translational impact, as evidenced by research contracts and partnerships with multiple Queensland Government Departments, peak bodies and leading service providers in the social services sector. She has expertise in working with marginalised and disadvantage groups regarding sensitive topics. Her program of research explores the policy-practice interface in child, youth and family practice related to three key areas: 1) enhancing service responses to young people transitioning from out-of- home care to adulthood; 2) helping to ensure the rights of children and parents are upheld during child protection interventions; and 3) improving outcomes for women, children and young people experiencing violence. Her work captures the experiences of service users and practitioners involved in these service systems to inform more responsive policy and practice approaches that will enhance outcomes for children, young people and their families.