Abstract This paper describes the role of the National Association of SocialWorkers, a US membership organization for social work students and practicing socialworkers. The primary functions of this organization include promoting the professional development of its members, establishing and maintaining professional standards of practice, advancing sound social policies, and providing services that protect its members and enhance their professional status. This paper additionally explores the topics of social work job opportunities, professional development opportunities, and the social work 'Code of Ethics'.
From the Paper "The social work Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines that social workers must adhere to. The Code of Ethics is broken
into two parts; ethical standards and ethical principles. Ethical standards pertain to different values that social workers must possess themselves in order to carry out the social work mission. The values include; service, social justice, dignity and worth of person, importance of human rights, integrity, and competence. Without these core values it would be impossible for a social worker to effectively help and empower his or her clients. Ethical principles refer to the rules that social workers must follow in regards to their relationship with clients, colleagues, and society, as well as, their responsibilities as a professional (NASW, Washington D. C. Chapter, 2007 Code of Ethics)."
Abstract This paper explores the attitude in the UK today, of socialworkers towards sexuality, noting that they are hesitant about even broaching the subject. The author discovers that, both in the United Kingdom and the United States, most of the attention for this subject has been directed at sexual abuse cases of children and vulnerable adolescents.
Outline:
Introduction
Sexuality as social construction
Marginalization
Same-sex couples and child adoption
Sexuality and the aged
Conclusions
From the Paper "Within the areas of social work sexuality needs to be debated more openly. But it needs to be done so based on a more sophisticated understanding of sexuality's meaning and power. Before the arrival of Michel Foucault, who as a French philosopher revolutionised our understanding of sexuality, the implications of maintaining attitudes as cited above - both open and hidden - had been scarcely realized. Most of the time people took it on trust, from both popular writers and medical experts, who convincingly based their explanations on a supposedly rigorous scientific footing, that sexuality was in the main a biological construct, with clear demarcations as to what constituted man and woman as well as the purpose of both in the evolutionary scheme of things. (Wilton, 2000, p.163) But more recently, people have come to appreciate how untenable and arbitrary this division could be. This misconception has been expressed by Ann Oakley particularly well."
Abstract This paper explores two very different professions which have one major similarity - they are both vitally important and can be considered not just jobs but a means to offer public service as well: that of an elementary school teacher and a socialworker. The paper begins with a look at elementary school teachers and their role in forming and educating the children. The paper then explores the role of the socialworker, who although not bound to the classroom format, is deeply involved in the development and ultimate education of the child as well.
From the Paper "Teachers must have undergraduate college degrees, and many have graduates degrees as well. All states require public school teachers to be certified in one subject or several related subjects, with a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits and supervisory practice teaching. Most states also require applicants for teacher certification to be tested in such basic skills as reading, writing, teaching skills, and proficiency in subject matter."
Tags: psychology, education, students, children, care, health, mental
Abstract This study critically examines the subject of play therapy. Results of this analysis determine the strengths and weaknesses of play therapy and the outcome of its use for treatment of sexually abusedchildren. These findings assist in the understanding of uses of play therapy and possible future directions that play therapy may be applied. A critical analysis of the play therapy technique, with the history of play therapy, current uses of play therapy, and treatment outcomes of play therapy, are examined.
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Statement of Purpose
Definition of Terms
Limitations of the Study
Outline of the Central Chapter
Introduction
History of Play Therapy
Counseling Children With Play
Play Therapy Defined
Uses of Play Therapy
Psychiatric Disorders
Neurological/Medical
Outcomes of Play Therapy for Sexually AbusedChildren Recommendation of Play Therapy for Sexually AbusedChildren Working Bibliography
From the Paper "Counseling children brings with it challenges that are unique and techniques are needed that are applicable to the needs of children (Erdman & Lampe, 1996, p. 374). Children are different from adults cognitively, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. They may lack abstract reasoning, may be egocentric, and establishment of rapport may take longer. Limited verbal skills may demand that the self be expressed through techniques of play therapy (Erdman & Lampe, p. 376). The use of play therapy has been documented as early as 1919, when H. von Hug-Hellmeth used play to analyze a child by translating her observations of a child at play into symbols designed to detect hostile and sexual wishes toward the child's parents (Guerney, 1984, p. 291). Play therapy has been used with many types of disorders, including psychiatric, and medical. An example of a psychiatric disorder treated with play therapy is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Miller, 1999). Nondirective play therapy has also been described as a preferred treatment for dissociative children (Cohen, 1999). Borrego, Urquiza, Rasmussen, and Zebell (1999) point out the importance of play therapy techniques for the promotion of a positive relationship between parents and children. There are many reported uses of play therapy in a medical setting, Billig and Weaver (1996) report the case of doll therapy used to help a child cope with limb loss. Pressdee, May, Eastman, and Grier (1997) report positive effects of play therapy to help young children become prepared for MR imaging. Zimmermann and Santen (1997) further report the effective use of a doll or teddy bear to reach children regarding their health needs."
Abstract This paper shows how counseling skills can be used in social work and what socialworkers can do to take these skills and ensure that as many people as possible are helped. The paper first defines counseling so that there is a clear understanding, albeit in general terms, of what is being discussed in the rest of the paper. Following that, the principles of counseling are discussed so that they too can be clearly understood. Next, some examples are given to illustrate how these counseling skills can be used by socialworkers. The conclusion ties together all of these issues and shows a cohesiveness between all of the main points that are presented throughout the paper.
Definition of Counseling
Principles of Counseling
Situations in Which SocialWorkers Would Use Counseling Skills
From the Paper "Counseling skills can encompass many different aspects of life, and they are of great use to those in social work. Unfortunately, many social workers do not realize just how important these kinds of skills are and therefore do not get the training in them that they really need. Since social workers are not counselors and do not usually see what they do as 'therapy' of any kind, they do not look to counseling as having a place in their work and the families that they often are called upon to help. However, much of what a social worker does for those that need help is actually counseling of a sort, and by learning more about counseling skills those that spend their time in the social work field can utilize what they already know, along with the counseling skills, to help many more individuals and families in new and better ways, which will ultimately be to the benefit of society."
Tags: families, abusive, take, children, homes, foster, care, therapists, advice, help, support
Abstract This paper covers the prevention techniques of child abuse with reference to socialworkers and depicts the manner and scope of the programs and their success in implementation.
Abstract This paper studies the particularly difficult social plight of children in Brazil. As the author explains, there are fifty five million children under the age of sixteen in the country, of whom as many as twelve million are homeless, living on the streets and/or working in child labor, including in extremely abusive situations. The paper provides a detailed assessment of the various problems (as shown in the below outline) and then discusses solutions to them, both governmental and non-governmental. The paper concludes with a number of case studies about non-profit organizations that have endeavored to change the situation for Brazil's children.
Introduction to Brazil
Introduction to Societal Problems Involving the Children of Brazil
Homelessness
Death Squads
Child Labor
Child Prostitution
Sexual Abuse from Working as Domestic Servants
Why the Children Work
Solutions
Solutions Regarding the Death Squad Killings
Governmental Assistance
Law and Enforcement
Education Initiatives by the Government
Children Working and Attending School at the Same Time
Specific Targeted Programs
Assistance from Various Organizations
Happy Family
Amizade
Goat-to-School Program
Eliminating Child Labor in the Shoe Industry
Hope for the Future
From the Paper "Surprisingly, for its rather quiet history, and in spite of its rapid industrialization and economic growth, Brazil has some very serious social problems today. Cities are polluted and crime is rampant. The gap between the rich and poor continues to grow. The gap, in fact, is among the most substantial in the world (1999 Country Reports). As the United States Department of State noted, in 1995, the richest twenty percent of the Brazilian population received 63 percent of the nation's income, and the poorest fifty percent of the nation accounted for only twelve percent of the nation's income. The widening gap between rich and poor also may be seen in the availability (or lack thereof) of food, education, medical care, and services such as water supply, sewerage, electricity, and other basic needs required for daily living (1999 Country Reports)."
Abstract This paper examines how child sexual assault is a wide spread problem in today's society that presents a severe risk to the victim's mental health, both during childhood and into adulthood. It shows how for many sexually abusedchildren, the effects continue long after the abuse has ended. It analyzes the variety of personality characteristics of sexually abusedchildren as the result of experiencing fear, such as hostility, guilt, shame, depression, low self-esteem, poor self-image, physical and sleep complaints and sexual behavior disturbances and looks at how child sexual abuse can have a major negative impact on a child's personality development, social development, psychosexual development and school functioning. It can lead to the development of chronic life adjustment problems, personality disorders and psychopathology.
From the Paper "The psychodynamic theory emphasizes the importance of internal mental processes in the way in which relationships unfold. Sigmund Freud's work forms the center of psychodynamic thought, arguing that children mentally adapt their instinctive drives to the demands and requirements of their social circumstances. Ultimately, they develop personality traits that often last throughout their lives and influence their relationships with others. Freud's belief was that the dominant human instinctual drive was libidinal or sexual."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues surrounding the role that the adoption socialworker plays in finding good families to adopt children. The paper also explains the qualities needed for this job and the challenges it involves.
Outline:
Social problem or human need focused upon and clients
Setting or types of agencies/organizations where practice takes place
Functions of adoptive social work: duties, responsibilities or specific assignments
Functions of adoptive social work: knowledge and skills necessary for the socialworker to effectively perform her/his duties
Challenges
From the Paper "As couples wait longer and longer to have children, the reality prospective parents often face is that their fertility has declined over the years. The increase in the number and range of options for adoptive parents, including interracial adoption and international adoption, has caused a corresponding increase in the need for and demand for adoption social workers. The primary goal of the adoption social worker is to find good families for children and to protect the rights of the children being adopted, along with the rights of the adoptive and birth parents as well. The clients of adoptive social workers may include birth and adoptive parents and extended families, private and public agencies, and also older children undergoing the adoptive process as adoptees. The social workers may have contact with international organizations in cases of international adoption ("Social workers," 2008, Encyclopedia of Adoption)."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining the profession of a socialworker and then looks at what characteristics are necessary for one to become good at the profession. The writer lists good advocacy skills, understanding and compassion as some of the characteristics. It also explains that socialworkers need to keep on top of trends in their profession in order to adapt with the society they deal with.
Introduction
Good SocialWorkers Understand the Basics of their Profession
Good SocialWorkers Understand Advocacy
Good SocialWorkers Understand the Need to Help Young People
Good SocialWorkers do their Research
Good SocialWorkers Stay Up-to-Date in their Profession
References
From the Paper "The CSCI's proposal calls for a CSCI "take over" of "the Independent (Panel) Stage of the complaints procedure from local authorities" which would, according to the BASW, "introduce a conflict with the regulatory and inspection roles of CSCI..." (Johnston, 2004). The impact of this proposal, if enacted, would be "increased delays" in the resolution of complaints and an "escalation in the number of complaints." Therefore, a good social worker should give input to this complaint revision procedure, since it may well affect every professional in the field at some point in time. Indeed, a good social worker is an investigator, and an avid reader, trying hard to keep abreast of all the issues surrounding the field. "
Abstract This paper relates that there is a delicate and complex balance between the socialworker's power and the right to self-determination of the client. The paper then discusses and examines this power imbalance and looks at how such power imbalance between the social work and client implies certain responsibilities on the part of the socialworker. The paper also demonstrates that the National Association of SocialWorkers (NASW) Ethical Standard 1.02, i.e. Self Determination, implies that the socialworker has some responsibility to empower the client so that the client is able to achieve self-determination. In addition, this essay also discusses a situation in which the socialworker may be relatively powerless, as well as situations in which it might be prudent for the socialworker to restrict the client's right to self-determination.
From the Paper "For example, the social worker should not try to dissuade a woman from becoming involved with a particular man on the basis that the social worker believes this man is not a good influence and should not be around the woman's children. In particular, if the social worker implies to the client that the social worker will withhold certain benefits from her if she does become involved with this man, this would constitute abuse of the social worker's power over the vulnerable client."
Abstract This paper examines a socialworker case in which the client's privacy and socialworker-client confidentiality are prevailing issues. The author assesses priorities and emphasizes that ethical considerations must be weighed against legal obligations and the client's overall welfare.
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of health care for the homeless and the duty of the socialworker in taking care of this need. The paper begins by identifying the social justice issue of health care for the homeless. It then discusses the implications for generalist social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. It further presents strategies for the individual socialworker and the social work agency.
From the Paper "Currently, there is not single jurisdiction or a single state in the entire United States of America in which a full-time worker earning minimum wage can afford what HUD has declared "Fair Market Rate" rent for housing in that area. Welfare payments almost universally fall far short of a minimum wage equivalent, and even unemployment benefits are generally set at 50% of one's prior earnings. In short, the minimum guaranteed income for an American worker or non-working citizen is less that what is necessary to prevent homelessness. Considering this simple fact, the number of homeless in America should not be surprising. On the contrary, it is a tribute to the ingenious nature of our working class that only an estimated 3 million individuals nationwide are chronically homeless. Yet despite the obvious need for some form of intervention, the existing support systems are grotesquely overburdened and overcapacity. Millions are condemned to live without even the inhospitable lodging of a public or private shelter organization. Such exposure to the elements, combined with a systematic legal persecution of homeless individuals, creates a situation in which medical problems and emergencies abound. For children and adults, homelessness has severe impacts on health. Rates of acute health problems are astronomically higher among homeless people and others in unstable poverty-stricken conditions."
Abstract This paper examines how socialworkers can include poverty concerns into their practice and not sideline them as political and policy issues. The writer looks at the community needs profiling being carried out in Great Britain . Further, the writer makes suggestions on what socialworkers need to do to address the needs of the increasing ranks of those living in poverty today.
From the Paper "Poverty is taking on a new face in the new globalized economy and with America shipping so many jobs overseas and current economic trends, many more people are being laid off and having difficulty finding jobs which pay as much as the ones they are losing, if they are lucky enough to find jobs at all. Traditionally, social workers have dealt with individuals or families and because the systems work so slowly, much of their time is spent in the more practical areas. Day Social workers are not ... "
Abstract This paper examines the role of the socialworker in society. The paper explains that the discipline and the field of social work is one that has to deal with numerous and often complex social issues and problems. The paper then looks at how social work helps others, improves living conditions in the society, and alleviates problems that are caused by poor and inadequate social environments. The paper also points out that, central to the role of the socialworker, is that he or she has to deal with problems in terms of the existing micro-system, meso-system, and macro-system in the society. The paper then analyzes the article "Celebrating Diversity" by Lorraine Gutierrez which highlights the issues and the complexity of the problems that face the discipline of social work.
From the Paper "Therefore, from the above discussion it becomes obvious that what is required from the professional social worker is more than just "helping others" in a simplistic way. Social work primarily involves a real concern for people and an involvement in the community. This entails a professional education. In short, deciding on social work as a profession is something that should not be taken lightly as it means years of professional training and commitment. Training in social work is uniformly standardized so to provide professional consistency. The accreditation of social work programs provides uniformity among all BSW and MSW degree programs. Together, these degrees include over 50,000 students at over 600 schools and provide a consistent, quality education recognized by society as preparation for social work. The support of professional associations aids students in becoming and maintaining themselves as social workers."
