Dr Dimitra Lattas is a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She holds a PhD in Social Work, a Master of Social Work, a Master of Arts (Research), and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology. Her doctoral research focused on the development of forensic social work as a specialisation within Australian social work education.
Dimitra was awarded the 2024 AASW National Social Work Researcher of the Year and received the Albert Roberts Scholarship from the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (USA). She is the 2025–2026 Fulbright Queensland Scholar, hosted by the University of Tennessee, to investigate workforce development and practitioner education for professionals supporting justice-involved young people.
Dimi is also a board member for It’s Sunny Somewhere. A charity that uses a holistic outdoor activity model to support young people who are at risk of coming in contact with the justice system
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- Australian Association of Family Therapy
Professional Social Media Profiles
Awards
- 2025-26, Fulbright Australia: Queensland Scholarship, Strengthening Support for Young Offenders in Forensic and Police Social Work
- 2024, Social Work Researcher of the Year, Australian Association of Social Workers National Excellence Awards
- 2024, Albert Roberts National Organisation of Forensic Social Work Student Presenter Scholarship, Exploring Simulation-Based Learning in Forensic Social Work Education
Research interests:
- Forensic Social Work
- Social Work Education
- Using Technology in Social Work Education
- Simulation in Social Work
- Simulation in Forensic Social Work Education
- Hearing Voices
Research areas:
• Child and Families
• Paradigms of Hearing Voices
Research areas
- Child and Families
- Paradigms of Hearing Voices
Teaching areas
- Forensic social work
- Social work theories
- Simulation and experiential based learning
- Applied social work practice