Reaching Isolated Older People

In the second part of a paper reporting a unique single day a week adult day program, the service methodologies developed in the program are described as well as a study of outcomes in four areas: success in reaching the target group, attendance, length of participation, and resolution of psychosocial and health related problems. Outcomes, illustrated by statistical and case material, indicate success in achieving the overall goal of maintenance and enhancement of the participant's life and functioning as a whole. Such a resource is recommended as a vital one for the target population of isolated older people described in the paper.     

Abused Elders

No abstract available for this article.     

Supervision in Social Work with the Aged and Their Families

This paper focuses on the educational and supportive functions of the long-standing practice tradition of supervision in social work with the aged and their families. It examines the way in which educational supervision extends the clinician's knowledge and deepens his or her perceptions, feelings, and self-understanding of geriatric practice. It also explores supportive supervision as a means of helping supervisees cope with job-related stress and the ethical issues and value conflicts that are likely to occur in geriatrics. A case study illustrating some of these conflicts is included.     

Am I Still a Social Worker? Reflections on Child Protection Practice

Social workers alone appear to be held accountable for failures in child protection. However, social workers operate within a broader contextual environment. The protection of children does not occur in a vacuum, divorced from social and political influences. This discussion examines this issue and considers critical influences that appear to have eroded the social work perspective on child protection.     

Social Vulnerability to Toxic Risk

SUMMARY

A model of social vulnerability to toxic risk from fugitive chemical releases is tested in 8 southeastern U.S. states. Using structural equation modeling techniques, population density emerged as the critical factor driving exposure to toxic risk. Results indicate that: social vulnerability varies across types and sources of toxic risk; social factors, such as race, that increase risk in some circumstances may buffer risk in others; and that toxic risk has both social justice and social welfare components. Practice and research implications include the importance of community planning and economic models that enhance environmental quality and health along with economic security.     

Modes of Practice and the Dual Mission of Social Work

Abstract

This study examines the commitment of social work in various countries to its declared dual missionenhancing individual well-being and promoting social justice. It does so by examining the mode of practice preferences of graduating BSW students from seven countries. Based on cluster analysis, three distinct subgroups of students with particular patterns of preferences were found: a generic group, a direct/micro group, and a macro group. The distribution of students among these groups differs between country cohorts. While each of the clusters was to be found in all the countries studied, in three country cohorts, a majority of students belonged to the generic group and a considerable number sought to engage in macro practice, reflecting a commitment to the profession's dual focus. The majority of the students within the remaining country cohorts preferred micro practice and were far less willing to adopt macro level practices.     

THE SOCIAL GROUP WORK METHOD

No abstract available for this article.     

THE PREPARATORY INTERVIEW

An educational approach to preparing clients for group is a widely held concept delineated throughout the literature and research studies on group work practice. The author is suggesting an important additional component as part of any preparation model, focusing on the client's perceptions, expectations, fantasies and concerns about what it means to be a member of an organized group. This client focused process can have a positive impact on each individual's experience within the group as well as accelerating the formation of group cohesion. This is illustrated in forming groups for children of Holocaust survivors.     

Practicing What We Preach: Creating Groups for Ourselves

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on the professional isolation faced by social group work practitioners and educators. It identifies the need for peer support and connection in an environment of limited opportunities for professional development. The paper describes and assesses long-term peer support groups initiated and developed by each of the authors, one for group work educators and the other for practitioners. It discusses the potential for expanding the development of such groups, which could benefit individual group workers as well as strengthen efforts to ensure the survival of group work.