Exploring the ethics of treatments for depression: The ethics of care perspective

This article explores the ethics of current treatments for depression through the lenses of social work values and ethics. As a vehicle for analysis, the approach associated with ethics of care will be utilized. Particular attention is paid to ethical dilemmas in the treatment of depression under the auspices of managed care companies. A case example is presented to help social workers understand these dilemmas in the context of practice. Adopting an ethics of care perspective would mandate that social workers become more politically active, and work toward integrating direct and indirect practice approaches in treating people who suffer from depression and similar problems.     

Book review

Enhancing Psychodynamic Theory with Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Terry Brumley Northcut and Nina Rovinelli Heller

Complex Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Developmental Approach to Clinical Practice, Vivian Shapiro, PhD, Janet Shapiro, PhD, and Isabel Paret, PhD     

Impact of Combat on the Mental Health and Well‐Being of Soldiers and Marines

This presentation introduces a summary of leading edge research and recommendations for a number of changes regarding mental health needs and services for Veterans. Those Veterans who experienced combat exposure and those who have perceived their leadership negatively have greater risks for developing subsequent PTSD. Research data provide support for the use of Battlemind Training as a useful approach to prevent mental health issues at all phases of the deployment cycle. The author also challenges the current use of DSM–IVTR diagnoses with combat Veterans.     

Utilizing Social Support to Conserve the Fighting Strength: Important Considerations for Military Social Workers

This article is a continuation of a conference panel dialogue that focused on providing individualized, culturally responsible treatment of secondary traumatic stress (STS) for military social workers. Key aspects of the roles and responsibilities, professional and ethical challenges of military social workers and social work officers serve as focal points for understanding the importance of social support. This article discusses ways social support might help to moderate the impact of STS. The “buddy system” describes a culturally unique protective factor, which is a well‐known and effective type of social support utilized throughout the military. This article provides valuable information on how the “buddy system” can serve as a blueprint for managing STS experienced by military social workers. The article concludes with research, policy, and practice implications.     

The Response of Schools of Social Work to the Return of Uniformed Service Members and Their Families

The following article is designed to provide an historical overview of the role that the Smith College School for Social Work has played in serving U.S. service members and their families throughout the past 91 years. Particular attention is paid to the building momentum of interest and activity at the School since 2005.     

Case Management with Displaced Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

Case management is a staple of post-disaster recovery, but there is limited research on this topic. Utilizing in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, based on 78 interviews and attendance at approximately 50 public meetings, this longitudinal case study examined case management with displaced hurricane Katrina survivors in one host community between December 2005 and December 2006. Case managers identified, assessed, planned, linked, monitored, and advocated for survivors. They described engaging survivors and understanding their backgrounds and experiences as challenging. Lack of jobs, transportation, and affordable housing coupled with survivors' trauma and preexisting needs presented barriers to long-term recovery. Despite these difficulties, case managers felt positively about their efforts and identified coordination as a critical element for successful human/social services responses to natural disasters.     

Recuerdos de Nuestro Pasado

Following is an interview with Erin Segal, group worker and coauthor of Recuerdos de Nuestro Pasado (Memories of our Past), a multivocal memoir about growing up in El Salvador and growing old in Washington DC, which emerged from a storytelling group at Mary’s Center’s Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center. The group members and coauthors are Angela Celaya, Sergio Guzmán, Jose Lovos, and Gloria Revelo. Using alternating English-language stanzas, the book expresses the life stories of four senior citizens and includes the images of their photographs and objects as well as illustrations by the book designer Julie Cho. Segal and Cho are cofounders of Thick Press. All profit from this book will go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.     

From the Editor

The impact of homicide on the families of the victims is investigated. Efforts by a voluntary agency to serve these families are described with particular attention to group work as part of an array of social services. A major consideration in the practice approach is the family's involvement with the criminal justice system.