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Showing papers in "Advances in social work in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The importance of human sexuality as a critical subfield within social work has been discussed in this article, which suggests that the mechanisms, namely textbooks, journals, and national conferences, for stimulating human sexuality social work scholarship are limited.
Abstract: Human sexuality is of vital importance to social work practitioners, educators, and scholars. Yet historically, the profession’s leadership around it has waxed and waned, impacting practice. This article discusses the importance of human sexuality as a critical subfield within social work. It suggests that the mechanisms, namely textbooks, journals, and national conferences, for stimulating human sexuality social work scholarship are limited. The authors assert that the taboo of human sexuality limits the advancement of a cohesive professional discourse and contributes to the continued oppression of marginalized populations. Recommendations for providing better support for those who study, teach, and practice in the arena of human sexuality are offered.

36 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Strengths Model/Perspective was developed by social workers and the profession continues to be the leader in its practice, research and refinement as mentioned in this paper, and it has been widely used around the world.
Abstract: The Strengths Model/Perspective was developed by social workers and the profession continues to be the leader in its practice, research and refinement. This article traces the three decades of evolution of this approach and the continuing expansion of its use around the world. Cautionary notes are provided and an agenda for future development is proposed.

27 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper provided an historical account of how the profession of social work met or failed to meet its mission in the provision of services to those who were poor, oppressed, and vulnerable to societal injustices from the mid-twentieth century, including the turbulent Civil Rights Era, to the early twenty-first century.
Abstract: This article provides an historical account of how the profession of social work met or failed to meet its mission in the provision of services to those who were poor, oppressed, and vulnerable to societal injustices from the mid-twentieth century, including the turbulent Civil Rights Era, to the early twenty-first century. The profession’s growth and expansion and the challenge of mediating resistance to change are highlighted based on eyewitness accounts.

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study shows that students identify a range of experiences, challenges and opportunities in placements with external supervision, and the potential benefits of receiving supervision external to the agency and the lack of relationships between the parties involved.
Abstract: Social work placements are vital to the students' learning regarding the application of theory to practice. Placements with external supervision are becoming more prevalent, but may be considered to be less desirable than placements with internal supervision. Literature on student placements with external supervision emphasises the importance of establishing and maintaining the triad relationship of student, on-site and off-site supervisor and the provision of continued support. This article reports on a recent study exploring student perspectives on placement involving external supervision. The study shows that students identify a range of experiences, challenges and opportunities in placements with external supervision. From the students' point of view placement preparation, the matching of students to placements and supervisors, the potential benefits of receiving supervision external to the agency and the lack of relationships between the parties involved may need to be considered more carefully in placements with external supervision.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of social work in the context of the special political, economic, cultural, and historical background in China is analyzed and a historical perspective is used to understand the evolution of the Chinese welfare system and explain the timing of reintroducing the social work profession.
Abstract: This article analyzes the role of social work in the context of the special political, economic, cultural, and historical background in China. A historical perspective is used to understand the evolution of the Chinese welfare system and explain the timing of reintroducing the social work profession. A pluralistic perspective is adopted to define social work relating to different stakeholders in social welfare and services. The government starts to diminish its role as a direct service provider. The traditional family and community have less capacity to take care of people. Yet, the social work profession is not ready to take over. Finally, a social development perspective is used to illustrate why economic growth is prioritized by the Chinese government and social work as profession is supposed to work to promote social stability and prosperity. Implications for social work research and practice are discussed.

19 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Review(s) of: Disaster concepts and issues: A guide for social work education and practice, by Gillespie, D. F., and Danso, K. (Eds).
Abstract: Review(s) of: Disaster concepts and issues: A guide for social work education and practice, by Gillespie, D. F., and Danso, K. (Eds.), Alexandria, Virginia: Council on Social Work Education Press, ISBN-13: 978-0872931374, ISBN-10: 0872931374, $28 AUD.

15 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated a drug court located in a metropolitan area of Indiana (United States), focusing specifically on identifying variables that predicted recidivism among drug court participants.
Abstract: This study evaluated a drug court located in a metropolitan area of Indiana (United States), focusing specifically on identifying variables that predicted recidivism among drug court participants and comparing criminal recidivism patterns among drug court and probation participants. Drug court participants were most likely to recidivate if they were younger, had a violation within the first 30 days of the program, had a previous criminal record, and were terminated unsuccessfully from the program. Furthermore, drug court participants were less likely to recidivate than probationers who had similar offense and demographic characteristics. Implications for drug court practice, policy advocacy, and future research are discussed.

14 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: This paper presents a rationale for the inclusion of disaster knowledge within the social work curriculum and argues for a broad, population-based structuring of knowledge-fordisaster within the generic curriculum.
Abstract: This paper presents a rationale for the inclusion of disaster knowledge within the social work curriculum and argues for a broad, population-based structuring of knowledge-fordisaster within the generic curriculum. An exploration of the social work knowledge base is conducted which argues that the strengths and recovery focus inherent within our research, teaching and practice provides social work with a working mandate for working in disasters. Some key principles for curriculum design are established and a model curriculum is presented.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the personal experiences and insights of a child welfare practitioner and professor derived from 20 years of involvement in IV-E agency/university partnerships are described, focusing on the importance of communicating the complexity of work in child welfare particularly by the students.
Abstract: This article describes the personal experiences and insights of a child welfare practitioner and professor derived from 20 years of involvement in IV-E agency/university partnerships. The author describes perspectives from her work in IV-E programs in multiple contexts (federal, state, and local). Included are descriptions of important historical events and changes in IV-E programs that have served to facilitate or impede successful child welfare practices and the education of IV-E students. Emphasis is given to the importance of: (a) communicating the complexity of work in child welfare particularly by IV-E students; (b) the challenge of sustaining effective IV-E partnership programs; (c) designing and implementing sound IV-E program evaluation procedures; and (c) understanding the political and policy-driven contexts framing current CW practices.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors provide a brief background of the obstacles confronting same-gender adoption including the role of adoption agencies and parenting issues, discuss the current legal status of the 15 countries which have approved same gender adoption without restrictions, and explore the implications for social work practice including social advocacy and social policy implementation.
Abstract: Globally, little progress has been made toward the legalization of same-gender adoption. Of the nearly 200 United Nations members, only 15 countries with populations of 3 million or more have approved LGBT adoption without restrictions. The objectives of this paper are, first, to provide a brief background of the obstacles confronting same-gender adoption including the role of adoption agencies and parenting issues; second, to discuss the current legal status of the 15 countries which have approved same-gender adoption without restrictions; third, to report on recent public opinion regarding the legalization of same-gender adoption and parenting, drawing from previously published surveys conducted in 16 countries; and, fourth, to explore the implications for social work practice including social advocacy and social policy implementation.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The inclusion of policy practice as one of the ten core social work competencies in the 2008 Council on Social Work Education EPAS as mentioned in this paper was a key player in elevating policy practice particularly at the state level, in light of the increasing devolution of social policy decision-making to the states.
Abstract: Many people and events have contributed to a renewed focus on policy practice in social work and social work education, culminating in the inclusion of policy practice as one of the ten core social work competencies in the 2008 Council on Social Work Education EPAS. Robert Schneider, founder of Influencing State Policy, was a key player in elevating policy practice, particularly at the state level, in light of the increasing devolution of social policy decision-making to the states. Other social workers and educators created opportunities for policy scholars and practitioners to collaborate, including Leon Ginsberg and the Policy Conference that he and others initiated. Now a new generation of policy practitioners will continue to educate social workers in policy practice skills in the pursuit of social justice

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study was conducted to explore interactions among parents and professionals in dependency court hearings, finding that a lack of reciprocity hinders the development of collaborative relationships that could support and assist families.
Abstract: In child welfare, the relationship between worker and client is viewed as the mechanism through which families may be engaged. Certain settings may complicate the development of a helping relationship and require workers to counter these pressures by developing more effective means of engaging families. Utilizing a social exchange framework, this qualitative study was conducted to explore interactions among parents and professionals in dependency court hearings. Findings revealed that a lack of reciprocity hinders the development of collaborative relationships that could support and assist families. Implications for social work practice are examined.

Journal Article
Bob Pease1
TL;DR: Men's privilege, rural masculinities, men experiences of trauma, men's violence and men's gendered experience of disasters, especially in relation to bush fires have been examined in this paper.
Abstract: Disaster studies have been slow to address gender issues in the management of disasters Given the neglect of gender in the previous scholarship on disasters, most of the recent writing on the gendering of disasters has understandably focused on women's experiences in relation to risk management, emergency responses, post-disaster recovery and reconstruction There has been little interrogation of the ways in which hegemonic masculinity and men's privileged positioning in patriarchal gender regimes impact on the various stages of disaster management In this paper I draw upon my experience in researching men and masculinities in Australia to draw connections between men's privilege, rural masculinities, men's experiences of trauma, men's violence and men's gendered experience of disasters, especially in relation to bush fires The paper relates insights arising from these studies to men's responses to disasters, their involvement in disaster management and their post-disaster experiences The implications of this analysis for a disaster curricula in social work education is outlined

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that preparation and ongoing training of rural geriatric social workers should include attention to topics such as substance abuse and strengthening social support networks that often exist in these regions.
Abstract: This paper uses qualitative methodology to explore the experience of growing old in rural Appalachia. Given the growing population of older adults seeking and utilizing services, it is important to understand the challenges and specific needs related to aging. Within the context of rural Appalachia, these challenges and needs may be different than those in urban areas or areas outside of the region itself. From interviews with 14 geriatric service providers in rural southeast Ohio, the authors were able to identity three prevalent themes associated with aging in rural North Central Appalachia: scarcity of resources, valuing neighbors and family, and the prevalence of drug use. These findings suggest that preparation and ongoing training of rural geriatric social workers should include attention to topics such as substance abuse and strengthening social support networks that often exist in these regions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings from a student survey that was collected for two years to assess perceptions of the effectiveness of writing across the curriculum (WAC) strategies on writing skills and social work knowledge acquisition in an introductory social work class that is taught every semester at a school of social work located in southeastern Florida.
Abstract: Effective social work practice requires strong writing and communication skills; however, social work students often experience difficulties performing academically at expected levels. This article presents findings from a student survey that was collected for two years to assess perceptions of the effectiveness of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) strategies on writing skills and social work knowledge acquisition in an introductory social work class that is taught every semester at a school of social work located in southeastern Florida. Students reported that WAC strategies substantially improved their abilities to write in the discipline and learn course content. Based on our findings, it is recommended that schools of social work infuse WAC throughout their curriculum, a process that requires cross curricular collaboration, intra-departmental support, and faculty commitment to course development and implementation.

Journal ArticleDOI
Peter Nilsson1
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that empathy and compassion are not bad for the professional social worker in the sense that too much of one or the other will lead to compassion fatigue.
Abstract: Recent studies have shown that social workers and other professional helpers who work with traumatized individuals run a risk of developing compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. Some researchers have hypothesized that helpers do this as a result of feeling too much empathy or too much compassion for their clients, thereby implying that empathy and compassion may be bad for the professional social worker. This paper investigates these hypotheses. Based on a review of current research about empathy and compassion it is argued that these states are not the causes of compassion fatigue. Hence, it is argued that empathy and compassion are not bad for the professional social worker in the sense that too much of one or the other will lead to compassion fatigue.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of faculty and librarian collaboration in the integration of a library and research data management curriculum into a social work URE research team is presented, including reflections on the content and learning outcomes, benefits of a holistic approach to introducing undergraduate students to research practice, and challenges of scale.
Abstract: The undergraduate research experience (URE) provides an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful work with faculty mentors on research projects. An increasingly important component of scholarly research is the application of research data management best practices, yet this often falls out of the scope of URE programs. This article presents a case study of faculty and librarian collaboration in the integration of a library and research data management curriculum into a social work URE research team. Discussion includes reflections on the content and learning outcomes, benefits of a holistic approach to introducing undergraduate students to research practice, and challenges of scale.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors chronicles over 50 years of change in the profession with an emphasis on the author's professional experiences and the shift in practice paradigms from the medical model to an interactional model.
Abstract: This article chronicles over 50 years of change in the profession with an emphasis on the author’s professional experiences and the shift in practice paradigms from the medical model to an interactional model. A number of key phases in this shift are identified and illustrated drawn from the author’s work over time.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The nature of social work education has changed dramatically over the course of my academic career: From the degree(s) required for a faculty position to the number of years of practice experience; from expectations for research and publication, to criteria for promotion and tenure; from residential instruction to distance education; from an emphasis on foundation curriculum to practice competencies and outcomes; and, from a commitment to service to a quest to be the highest “ranked” program within the highest ranked institution as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The nature of social work education has changed dramatically over the course of my academic career: From the degree(s) required for a faculty position to the number of years of practice experience; from expectations for research and publication, to criteria for promotion and tenure; from residential instruction to distance education; from an emphasis on foundation curriculum to practice competencies and outcomes; and, from a commitment to service to a quest to be the highest “ranked” program within the highest ranked institution. Given that change is an ongoing phenomenon, it is difficult to anticipate curriculum direction or plan one’s career path with a high degree of certainty. The future is often determined by external events, fate, where you are at a specific time, the assistance of others, and the opportunities that are presented. These changes and the evolution of social work education as a field of professional practice can best be demonstrated by reflecting on my own experiences in becoming a faculty member and serving in various academic positions over the last 45 years. The contrast between my personal experiences and those of the typical student in 2014 may help demonstrate some of the changes that have occurred in social work education over the intervening years.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A journey over the decades to address some of the needs of children and families in the child welfare system is depicted and it is argued that workforce development is one key to improved outcomes for abused and neglected children and their families.
Abstract: This article depicts a journey over the decades to address some of the needs of children and families in the child welfare system. Recounting a few key milestones and challenges in the past 40 years, it is argued that workforce development is one key to improved outcomes for abused and neglected children and their families. Major events and several turning points are chronicled. Emerging workforce needs in aging are also cited as lessons learned from child welfare have implications for building a gero savvy social work workforce. Funding streams involving IV-E and Medicaid are discussed. It is argued that workforce development can be a life and death issue for some of these most vulnerable populations. Thus, the workforce development agenda must be at the forefront of the social work profession for the 21st century. Key funding streams are needed to foster investments in building and sustaining the social work workforce.

Journal Article
TL;DR: There is an increase in placements with offsite supervision, where qualified social workers situated outside the placement organisations provide the social work supervision additional to supervision provided internally in the organisations.
Abstract: Social work field education focuses on preparing students for professional practice. It relies on experienced social workers facilitating the socialisation of social work students into the profession. Generally this socialisation is assumed to take place through an apprenticeship-type model where students are placed to work alongside experienced social workers. However, providing placement opportunities for social work students with social work qualified supervisors on site is becoming more difficult. There is an increase in placements with offsite supervision, where qualified social workers situated outside the placement organisations provide the social work supervision additional to supervision provided internally in the organisations. Previous research has illuminated some of the context of off-site supervision, but little is known about external supervisors' experience of supporting social work students on placement.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: For instance, this paper found that social workers, whether faculty or not, who had participated in collaborative research were more civic-minded than new graduates and other practitioners, and that there was no significant differences between groups based on number of community service courses completed.
Abstract: This study examined civic-mindedness among a sample of social work educators, community practitioners and new graduates. Using a web-based survey, researchers administered Hatcher’s (2008) Civic-Minded Professional scale. Results indicated that traditional and field faculty were more civic-minded than new graduates and other practitioners. Social work educators who focused on raising civic awareness in courses were more civic-minded than colleagues. New graduates who had participated in club service events were more civic-minded; however, there was no significant differences between groups based on number of community service courses completed. Social workers, whether faculty or not, who had participated in collaborative research were more civic-minded. The authors conclude that how social workers view their commitment to civic engagement has implications. Social workers need to be vigilant in our commitment to well-being in society. Intentional practices could be implemented to strengthen the partnership among groups.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The integration of community development as a field of social work practice into disaster management and response is occurring globally as discussed by the authors, and there are questions over how social workers are engaging in disaster response contexts and why they are largely absent from present disaster response research.
Abstract: The integration of community development as a field of social work practice into disaster management and response is occurring globally. While community development is often undertaken in divergent environments, its role and practice in a post-disaster context is a relatively unexplored field that can create particular tensions and challenges. In this article we respond to the question of whether the experience of disasters and recovery link social work back to its community work and community development identities. Our response is based on a research project examining a state-wide, post-flood recovery program, following the natural disasters that devastated Queensland, Australia, in 2011. The conclusion we draw is that responses to disaster and recovery work certainly have the potential to link social work back to its CD identity. However, we contend that there are two fundamental issues that need to be engaged with. We argue that, firstly, attention must be given to how social work and CD broadly engage with each other. Secondly, there are questions over how social workers are engaging in disaster response contexts and why they are largely absent from present disaster response research. Our conclusion is that perhaps social work can be linked back to its CD identity—but it depends on the outcome of these two considerations and how we imagine the implications of these conversations for the social work and community development curriculum.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a first-person account of seminal events that have helped shape the rich history and cultural heritage of the social work profession is presented, where the author has provided some personal history as a Mexican American growing up in South Texas that provides a historical and value context for his participation in these events.
Abstract: This is a first-person account of seminal events that have helped shape the rich history and cultural heritage of the social work profession. In examining these events, the author has provided some personal history as a Mexican American growing up in South Texas that provides a historical and value context for his participation in these events. He also discusses his leadership experiences in serving on the national staff of NASW and volunteer leadership experiences in a number of professional organizations during critical times for the profession.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: For instance, the authors found that older adults were less likely to find same-sex marriage important than younger adults and older adults did not differ significantly in voter registration, political party affiliation, awareness of LGBT political issues, or voting on social issues.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes of older versus younger lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals regarding marriage equality. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires from 350 LGBT adults in a mid-size city in the southern United States. Older and younger LGBT cohorts did not differ significantly in voter registration, political party affiliation, awareness of LGBT political issues, or voting on social issues. Older LGBT adults were less likely to find same-sex marriage important. Yet, age cohorts did not differ significantly on legalizing same-sex marriage. Social work implications are discussed regarding this policy area.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new measure of self-efficacy is reported from a sample of 395 child welfare workers that can be used to identify vulnerable workers who may be especially in need of strong supervisory support as well as understand who to target for recruitment.
Abstract: Child abuse and neglect in the United States resulted in 676,569 reports in 2011 (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2012). Workers in this field struggle with low pay, high caseloads, inadequate training and supervision, and risk of violence, all of which contribute to worker burnout and poor worker retention rates. Worker self-efficacy is predictive of worker retention, job performance, and persistence in this difficult field. This paper reports the development of a new measure of self-efficacy from a sample of 395 child welfare workers. Factor analysis revealed two domains of self-efficacy, direct practice and indirect practice, which can be modestly predicted by worker characteristics upon hire and the training program the workers attend. Worker self-efficacy can be used to identify vulnerable workers who may be especially in need of strong supervisory support as well as understand who to target for recruitment. A review of the literature of self-efficacy in child welfare workers is included.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Professional disciplines and educators should put efforts in offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration practice and building curricula to promote positive attitudes toward interdisciplinary teamwork.
Abstract: Interdisciplinary collaboration is an effective and satisfying way to provide health care services and learning across professions. This study aimed to explore interdisciplinary collaboration experiences amongst social work and allied health sciences graduate students and examined factors that contributed to their interdisciplinary collaboration. An interdisciplinary survey was conducted in a Mid-Atlantic public university. Analysis was conducted using hierarchical regressions from 112 health sciences and social work students. Students with positive attitudes toward interdisciplinary health care teams and part-time students compared to full-time students presented higher flexibility of interdisciplinary collaboration. Students with positive experiences of interdisciplinary collaboration demonstrated higher levels of interdependence, compared to those with no and negative experiences of interdisciplinary collaboration. Students in medicine were less likely to show interdependence, compared to those in social work. Professional disciplines and educators should put efforts in offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration practice and building curricula to promote positive attitudes toward interdisciplinary teamwork.

Journal Article
TL;DR: An innovation in community-engaged learning undertaken between a major public hospital and a university, where a team of social work and law students contributed to a focused inquiry into a socio-legal practice challenge faced by the hospital, namely the use of Advanced Health Directives.
Abstract: There is ongoing interest in strategies for enhancing the reciprocal benefit derived from social work placements by students, host agencies, and universities. There is also recognition that interprofessional learning is an important aspect of social work education, and that field education placements have a role to play in this learning. This article reports on an innovation in community-engaged learning undertaken between a major public hospital and a university, where a team of social work and law students contributed to a focused inquiry into a socio-legal practice challenge faced by the hospital, namely the use of Advanced Health Directives (AHDs). Various collaborative processes involved in the early phase of the AHD project are reflected on by participants, with particular attention paid to the university-industry collaboration and interprofessional, student-learning aspects of the project. A preliminary evaluation of the process of establishing the AHD project supports the value of taking a systematic approach to university-industry engagement where interprofessional collaboration occurs vertically and horizontally within and across university and placement hosting agencies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The implications of social work being an ethics-based profession are explored in this article, where an examination of daily practices in the workplace and suggested remedies to enhance ethical conduct, including a series of questions we can ask ourselves are offered.
Abstract: The implications of social work being an ethics-based profession are explored. Conduct toward colleagues in the discharge of ethical practices is a focus of this article. The author’s view is that other disciplines involved in mental health, for example, psychiatry, family physicians, psychology, nursing, pastoral services, education, and rehabilitation therapy, share these values. As such, these themes are relevant across many professional disciplines. The article’s intent is to promote discussion as to how we cultivate a collective demeanor as social workers that is congruent with our most hallowed values and principles, namely, social justice, ethical practice, fairness and respect for all people. An examination of daily practices in the workplace and suggested remedies to enhance ethical conduct, including a series of questions we can ask ourselves, are offered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors describe a series of events over several years that made them a witness to the birth of baccalaureate social work and reflect the perspective of one person engaged in these events and may differ from the observations of other participants.
Abstract: We are occasionally privileged to observe an important event in the history of some aspect of life, but one is rarely an eyewitness to the birth of a profession—or even a specific division of a profession. Nevertheless, along with others, I had the privilege of participating in a series of events over several years that, with hindsight, I realize made me a witness to the birth of baccalaureate social work. This article reflects the perspective of one person engaged in these events and may differ from the observations of other participants. Yet, it represents my best recollection of events that began nearly fifty years ago.