Introducing Dr Fiona Oates
Dr Fiona Oates (PhD; BSW; GCResMeth; Cert IV Training & Assessment) is an experienced Social Work trained practitioner, consultant, educator, author and researcher with expertise in working in urban & rural settings. Known for her no-nonsense down-to-earth style, Dr Oates has a passion for supporting the mental health and well-being of practitioners who work in trauma-laden environments including those working in the child & family, housing & homelessness, health, education, legal and justice service settings.
Dr Oates is the developer of the TISS (Trauma Informed Support & Supervision) model, a trauma-informed, practitioner-centered, systems aware framework designed to assists professionals working in trauma laden environments. The TISS model acknowledges the challenging occupational environment practitioners work in and has context specific strategies embedded within.
Dr Oates' book first book about the TISS model, ‘Trauma Informed Support and Supervision for Child Protection Professionals: a model for those working with children who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect and their families” was published in 2022 and has attracted praise in Australia and internationally for its evidence base, practical application and adaptability to suit the needs of individual practitioners as well as organisations. Dr Oates' book about the TISS model can be purchased here:
www.routledge.com/Trauma-Informed-Support-and-Supervision-for-Child-Protection-Professionals-A-Model-For-Those-Working-With-Children-Who-Have-Experienced-Trau/Oates/p/book/9780367458959
Dr Oates' second book about the TISS model, 'Trauma Informed Support and Supervision for those working with children at risk: implementing the TISS model in practice', focuses on how practitioners can design their own TISS plans for implementation in their own workplace environment. Tools, activities and learning vignettes are included. This publication is available for pre-order currently and will be released 12 March 2026
https://www.routledge.com/Trauma-Informed-Support-and-Supervision-for-Those-Working-with-Children-at-Risk-Implementing-the-TISS-Model-in-Practice/Oates/p/book/9781032842158
Dr Oates is an Adjunct Research Fellow with the Cairns Institute situated at James Cook University, is a member of the AASW National Research Committee and is a regular reviewer for national and international journals, conference abstracts and manuscripts for Routledge.