Abstract
This paper addresses key issues in clinical social work, centering on the interview and case management process, and also discussing the use of time, silence, and information in the social work process. It defines interviewing skills that a social worker must have, as well as describing the environment that would be ideal for therapeutic work or interviewing. Foremost among the issues that interviewing raises are trust and responsibility in the client-social worker relationship.

Tags:PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING, SOCIAL WORK, social work relationships

Abstract
This is a narrative essay about the beginnings of social work. It discusses the students' work in Curlew Jobs Corp Center and how it has enhanced their personal understanding of social work issues. It is written from the point of view of the potential social worker and looks at the issues they will face and an awareness it has provided of other people's misfortunes.

From the Paper
"The Curlew Job Corps program serves young adults between the ages of sixteen to twenty-four years. The objective of the program is to provide educational, vocational, and counseling services to these individuals. My introduction to social work began with my employment with the CCC which hired me to assist one of its social service supervisors. This position required me to provide counseling to students without the aid of my supervisor. The work shop and training that I received have helped me gain the skills I needed to counsel young adults at the CCC in addition to my own children. While in this position, I gained valuable and effective communication skills that included listening attentively to students. I have learned how to concentrate on what is said .... I know that, most of the time, students just want someone to listen to them; some of their stories are quite sad."

Tags:social work, sociology

Abstract
The paper reviews John Harris' book, "The Social Work Business," and examines a number of issues in order to substantiate John Harris' ultimate conclusion that "social work is a quasi business activity based on managerial principles." The paper briefly illustrates the development of social work and social welfare policy in general from 1945 up until the mid 1970s. Then, the paper contrasts the post war political settlement with the legislative changes brought about in the 1980s, and New Labour's actions since 1997. The paper concludes that through such illustrations the extent to which the underlying ideological principles of welfare provision altered during the latter half of the twentieth century will be exemplified.

From the Paper
"Whether such changes and developments allow us to accurately term social work as a quasi business activity based on managerial principles will be clearly shown through the discussion outlined below. However, at the outset I will proffer my own conviction. This is that modern social work can indeed be viewed as a quasi business where management principles dominate. Now Harris does fail to fully appreciate the extent to which New Labour polices have in some measure attempted to allow for greater public and non market forces to develop in wider social policy. However, on the whole little has been done to reverse the ideological measures of the 1980s. This fact above all allows us to conclude that Harris' perception is indeed the correct one."

Tags:changes, developments, modern, dominate

Abstract
The purpose of this work is to assess and examine one particular aspect of social work; critical social work. The writer explains that critical social work assumes an important position in the study of social work practice in general. The paper is formed on the structural basis of two sections. Section one offers an analysis of the theoretical underpinnings which form the foundation and basis of critical social work theory. In doing so a variety of different areas are discussed including; definitional parameters; theoretical perspectives, along with potential strengths and weaknesses. Section two then considers how critical social work theory can be applied in relation to practice, particularly group based social work. Finally, section two concludes by examining how adopting a critical social work 'lens' would influence and impact upon a particular form of practice.

Outline:
Part One: An Account of the Theoretical Underpinnings of Critical Social Work
Part Two: The Practical Application of Critical Social Work

From the Paper
"Let us then begin by offering a definitional assessment of critical social work. Above all, critical social work is concerned with combating the injustices that exist in society (Adams et al, 2002). Therefore, in this sense critical social work should be distinguished from other variants that aim to offer support and assistance solely to the individual. Naturally, critical social work does understand the position of the individual in terms of analytical importance (indeed, later we will see how this fact acts as a distinct benefit); however the primary focus of the approach is centered on the social functions that allow for injustice and unequal circumstances to pervade society (Allan et al, 2003). Now in general, the social work profession has a commitment to ensuring greater levels of equality and justice in society. However, the difference with critical social work practice lies in the radical credentials that form much of the theoretical foundation. Thus, critical social work acts as a radical form of analysis in support of those who are marginalised in social terms. "

Tags:support, practice

Abstract
This paper discusses the use of theories within social work in order to inform practice. In particular it compares two popular theories, cognitive behavioural therapy and task-centred work. It attempts to show some of the positive and negative aspects of the theories involved, in relation to service user's feelings at being the beneficiary of such work. It also looks at how the use of theories can influence the levels of empowerment, an anti-oppressive practice within social work, and the level of service user participation attained by the use of such theories.

From the Paper
"Task-centred theory has five states to its approach which are exploring problems, reaching an agreement, identifying and objective, task achievement and finally termination of the work (Howe 1987). It is an approach which focuses on how individuals interact within their own environment, in order for improvements to be made in their current circumstances, by the accomplishment of negotiated and easily achievable tasks. This method relies on the service user making decisions about what they want changing and enables them to identify resources they already have in order to achieve this. This approach can increase the awareness and self esteem of service users and is in direct contrast to the theory of labelling (Coulshed and Orme 1998).
"

Tags:empowerment, oppression, tasks

Abstract
The paper examines the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling in relation to a broad range of credentialing and regulatory processes for professional counseling. Specifically, the current study begins by providing general information concerning the location, dates, and times of public meetings at which credentialing and complaint activities are conducted. The mission of the board is also presented and discussed briefly. In greater detail, the current study examines the activities of the board with respect to the statutes and rules that govern the board's activities, the disciplines regulated by the board, and the scope of the board's authority to regulate professional practice. Discussion next turns to an examination of board/committee structures through which the board performs it functions, that is, committee names and responsibilities, frequency of meetings, and the like. Next, a description of the credentialing/licensing process is provided. This is followed by a description of the complaint process from the initial receipt of a complaint to its final adjudication.

From the Paper
"The following discussion examines the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling in relation to a broad range of credentialing and regulatory processes for professional counseling. Findings of the current study reveal that the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling has a broad authority over many issues related to professional counseling. Specifically, state legislation provides the board with authority to preside over professional counseling activities with respect to licensing, credentialing, disciplinary actions, practitioner record keeping..."

Tags:counselling, psychology, apa ethics

Abstract
This paper presents a delineation, discussion, and comparison of two therapeutic approaches used in clinical social work. These first method is person-centered therapy, which is described at length. The second approach, psychoanalytic therapy, is also discussed in-depth. Other topics examined include the general approach, the assumptions and beliefs of each approach and the therapeutic processes associated with each. The writer's preference is also explored.

From the Paper
"As noted by Yalom there is almost no human psychoemotional problem, difficulty or conflict that cannot at minimum be helped by therapy. However in contemporary times therapeutic models, methods, skills, goals, assumptions and practices are exceedingly diverse. This paper presents a delineation discussion and comparison of two therapeutic approaches: person-centered therapy and psychoanalytic therapy"

Tags:psychotherapy, therapy, person-centered, psychoanalytic

Abstract
The paper refers to "Towards and Theory of Social Work Expertise" where authors Fook, Ryan and Hawkins question what social work professionals need in order to achieve and maintain competency. The paper describes the authors' study and their most important conclusion that "rules" do not rule social workers; they are only used in the early stages of social working and then creativity and adaptability come into play. The writer also describes her current social work and the need for her to go beyond theory and use personal expertise in intervention situations.

From the Paper
"No one can ever negate the importance of research to the field of the social sciences. Since studies began to be conducted in the area of psychology last century, social scientists from all areas have benefited from the results of quantitative and qualitative studies. It has allowed these professionals to learn more about human nature and the world in which people live. In most cases, it is hoped, that the research helped improve the lives of most people or, at least, not changed their lives for the worst. The studies that are being conducted now continue on in this tradition."

Tags:knowledge, experience, competency, creativity

Abstract
The paper discusses leadership as it pertains to social work and an intervention to improve leadership at the Department of Children and Family Services.

From the Paper
"The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is a public agency whose mission is to provide quality child welfare services and support to assist children in growing up safe, healthy, educated and with permanent families. Three key goals are addressed by DCFS in all of its activities, including improved performance, improved safety and reduced reliance on out-of-home care. Specifically, DCFS seeks to shorten the timeliness for permanency for children who are removed..."

Tags:social work, leadership, Department of Children and Family Services

Abstract
This paper analyzes a critical incident in social work in which a client could not speak English and therefore the social worker had to use an interpreter. It talks about crosscultural communication, the use of interpreters, and how the social worker felt about the incident, and what he learned from it.

From the Paper
"This paper describes a critical incident and its outcome. A critical incident here is defined as any incident which was witnessed or participated in and led to reflection and a learning event about oneself and others, or about the particular social work task about the process of learning to be a social worker or organizational policies and procedures. The incident in question was when I, as a student social worker, had to interview a client who had very little understanding of the English language. Not being a skilled..."

Tags:critical incident, social work, client, cross cultural communication