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Social Work in the News - July 22, 2008


July 22nd, 2008


Source: Google News

Moving mother in right direction
MetroWest Daily News - Framingham, MA
By Debbie Gitner, LCSW, and Linda Sullivan, RN Q: My mother agreed to move to an assisted living facility. However, when we begin to talk about details of …

UI Social Work building construction set to start in September
Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette - Champaign, IL
The UI Board of Trustees in January approved $4 million for the School of Social Work project, and on Thursday will consider bumping up the budgeted amount …

Social workers lobby for additional benefits
Philippine Information Agency - Philippines
by L. Lopez Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) — Social workers employed with the provincial and municipal governments in the province are lobbying for …

Aging gracefully: As boomers age, career opportunities arise for …
The News-Press - Fort Myers, FL
Social workers may specialize in medical social work, working in hospitals, home health, long-term care facilities, or hospice settings. …

The trouble with when they get into trouble
Chicago Tribune
“Babies quickly learn how much they have to cry to get their parents to pick them up,” says Melissa Webster, a clinical social worker at the University of …

DC Child Agency To Borrow Staff, Hire Workers
Washington Post
Wells, chairman of the council’s Committee on Human Services, said Gerald needs more social workers and should hire outside management experts. …

GOP picks social worker to face Carson
Indianapolis Star
Campo, an Indianapolis social worker, will replace Jon Elrod on the ballot. Elrod dropped out of the race in June to focus on retaining his Statehouse seat. …

Prescription for addiction: Abuse of painkillers fastest-growing …
The Missoulian - Missoula, MT
“What’s strange is how the opiate overdoses have really slipped under the rug,” said Melody Barnes, a licensed clinical social worker who, since 2001, …

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, advocacy, aging, children and families, clinical, education, school social work | No Comments »

NASW & CMSA Seek Comments on Caseload Concept Paper & Caseload Matrix


July 11th, 2008

Caseload Work Group Completes First Steps Toward Development of a Caseload Calculator

NASW invites you to review and comment on the updated version of the caseload matrix and the accompanying caseload concept paper. NASW, along with the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and other members of the Caseload Work Group, is pleased to present these documents, which provide the foundation from which a calculator to determine appropriate caseload size and case mix for case managers working in health, behavioral health, and workers’ compensation settings can be developed.

The updated caseload matrix, first posted for member and public review in August 2007, incorporates the input of social workers, nurses, and other health care professionals, administrators and planners, and labor and consumer advocates. The concept paper expands upon the elements in the caseload matrix, presents research supporting the significance of the matrix elements and the need for a caseload calculator, and documents the recommendations of the Caseload Work Group as it concludes the first phase of its work.

The caseload matrix and concept paper are available for review and comment through August 4, 2008. Please visit http://www.cmsa.org/CaseloadCalc to read the documents and submit your feedback.

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Workers, career, clinical, research | No Comments »

NASW Press Journals Online - Social Work- July 2008


July 10th, 2008

Volume 53 Number 3 July 2008

Editorial
197 The Presidential Election Jorge Delva
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.197-198
Articles
199 Child Welfare Worker Characteristics and Job Satisfaction: A National Study Richard P. Barth; E. Christopher Lloyd; Sharon L. Christ; Mimi V. Chapman; Nancy S. Dickinson
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.199-209
Abstract
The education, recruitment, training, and retention of a quality child welfare workforce is critical to the successful implementation of public policy and programs for the nation’s most vulnerable children. Yet, national information about child welfare workers has never been collected. The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a study of children who are investigated for child maltreatment that also offers information about the child welfare workers (unweighted N = 1,729) who serve them in 36 states and 92 counties. These cases represent the national population of child welfare workers, estimated at more than 50,000, serving children approximately 12 months after a case was opened. Child welfare workers having any graduate or social work degree in a nonurban setting were more satisfied than their peers. Regression results indicate that worker satisfaction is associated with quality of supervision and urban setting but does not have a clearly independent relationship with having a degree in social work. Practice implications are discussed.
211
 Available Supports and Coping Behaviors of Mental Health Social Workers Following Fatal and Nonfatal Client Suicidal Behavior Laura Ting; Jodi M. Jacobson; Sara Sanders
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.211-221
Abstract
Research indicates that mental health social workers risk being confronted with fatal and nonfatal client suicidal behaviors during professional practice. Although reactions to client suicidal behavior have been documented, there is little empirical evidence about coping behaviors and available supports following client suicidal behavior. This study explores types of supports available, perceived effectiveness of support resources, and coping behaviors of 285 mental health social workers who experienced either fatal or nonfatal client suicidal behavior. Factors predicting positive and negative coping were also explored. Predictors of positive coping included increased levels of secondary traumatic stress, the availability of family and friends, group therapy, religion, older age, and male gender. Predictors of negative coping were increased levels of secondary traumatic stress, male gender, having support from family and friends, and the lack of administrative support. Future research recommendations and implications for social work administrators and practitioners are discussed.
223
 What if the Spirit Does Not Move Me? A Personal Reconnaissance and Reconciliation Carlos A. Hoyt
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.223-231
Abstract
The burgeoning recognition of the influence of religion and spirituality in personal, cultural, and political affairs has spurred discussions regarding the need for social work practice to be sensitive and responsive to the presence of spirituality in the lives of clients. However, though attending properly to clients’ coping styles involving religion or spirituality is indeed crucial, discourse on spirituality and practice too often involves unclear definitions and problematic assumptions about the prevalence and relevance of spirituality in the lives of clients. This article considers spirituality from the perspective of a nonspiritual social worker who is nevertheless committed to practice that recognizes the importance of spirituality in the lives of many clients. This article discusses some problematic aspects of dominant discourse on spirituality and offers recommendations, pedagogy, and assessment for spirituality in clients’ lives that should work well for all social workers, no matter their personal views on the subject.
233
 Conation: A Missing Link in the Strengths Perspective Karen E. Gerdes; Layne K. Stromwall
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.233-242
Abstract
Conation is action derived from instinct, purposeful mode of striving, volition. It is a conscious effort to carry out self-determined acts and, as such, may result in the same goal being approached by different individuals through the use of different actions. It is a critical, yet neglected aspect of the “tripartite” human mind, which is composed of cognitive, affective, and conative elements. Because most social workers are not familiar with the concept, client behavior that represents action toward a goal might not be understood or might be misunderstood. A true strengths-based approach to social work requires this understanding. The authors use case studies to describe conation and to demonstrate its applicability. They present examples of how clients’ and social workers’ conative ability are important to the assessment and intervention process and describe implications for research.
243
 Notation of Depression in Case Records of Older Adults in Community Long-Term Care Enola K. Proctor
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.243-253
Abstract
Although significant numbers of social service clients experience mental health problems, virtually no research has examined the responsiveness of social service agencies to mental disorder. This article examines the extent to which client depression is reflected in records of a public social service agency, community long-term care (CLTC). Researchers assessed new, consenting CLTC clients for depression using standardized research criteria in a telephone interview. Agency case records were abstracted to determine the extent to which client depression was noted. Sensitivity and specificity of depression notation were 25.21 percent and 92.80 percent, respectively, indicating that agency records reflected depression for about one in four clients meeting depression criteria. Factors associated with accurate depression notation included cognitive impairments, low social support, psychotropic medications, and mental health treatment. The depression notation rates found are comparable to those in medical settings. Structured screening and assessment might enhance detection of mental disorder for social service clients.
255
 Social Work with Religious Volunteers: Activating and Sustaining Community Involvement Diana R. Garland; Dennis M. Myers; Terry A. Wolfer
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.255-265
Abstract
Social workers in diverse community practice settings recruit and work with volunteers from religious congregations. This article reports findings from two surveys: 7,405 congregants in 35 Protestant congregations, including 2,570 who were actively volunteering, and a follow-up survey of 946 volunteers. It compares characteristics of congregation volunteers and nonvolunteers. Volunteers tended to be married, older, more highly educated, longer term congregational members, and to score higher on all measures of faith maturity and faith practice than did nonvolunteers. Volunteers perceived their involvement as meaningful, important, and challenging. A large majority of volunteers (80 percent) reported changes in faith, attitudes and values, and behavior as results of their volunteer work. Findings provide insights into how religious individuals begin and continue to volunteer in service settings and how congregations promote high levels of community service among their members. These findings have implications for effective social work practice with congregation volunteers.
267
 Low-Wage Maternal Employment and Parenting Style Aurora P. Jackson; Peter M. Bentler; Todd M. Franke
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.267-278
Abstract
This three-year longitudinal study investigated whether low-wage employment was associated with improved psychological and parenting outcomes in a sample of 178 single mothers who were employed and unemployed current and former welfare recipients both before and subsequent to the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Participation in employment predicted fewer depressive symptoms and less negative parenting style over time. Employment at time 1 was associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving welfare in the interim between times 1 and 2, less financial strain at time 2, and (through these) a decrease in mothers’ depressive symptoms at time 2. Fewer depressive symptoms at time 2, in turn, predicted less negative parenting style, net of the mothers’ earlier demographic, mental health, and parenting characteristics. Mothers with higher education attainment were more likely to be employed (and to earn more) at both time points. Implications of these findings for welfare policies are discussed.
Practice Update
279
 Training Students for a Shared Traumatic Reality Orit Nuttman-Shwartz; Rachel Dekel
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.279-281
Commentaries
283
 The Immigration Debate: Lessons for Social Workers Rich Furman; Nalini Negi; Ana Liza M. Cisneros-Howard
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.283-285
286
 Whither the Social Workers? Why the Silence? Alice Skirtz
Social Work, Vol. 53, No. 3, July 2008 pp.286-288

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Workers, aging, children and families, clinical, health, mental health, research | 2 Comments »

Social Work in the News - July 9, 2008


July 9th, 2008

Source: Google News

Kids’ rights: Plan of action
TODAYonline - Singapore
These proposals were welcomed by some 250 participants, which included social workers and educators, at a forum to discuss Singapore’s progress in promoting …

Flora Wallace
Baltimore Sun
Age 86 The social worker and ex-music critic for The Sun created a scholarship for students at Peabody. By Jacques Kelly | Sun Reporter Flora Wallace, …

Will Rainford is Idaho “Social Worker of the Year”
IdahoStatesman.com
Will Rainford, an associate professor in the Boise State University School of Social Work, has been named the 2008 Idaho Social Worker of the Year by the …

BUSH’S FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS TO REMAIN
San Francisco Chronicle
… choice was expanded, with faith-based offices set up in 11 federal agencies to assist religious charities with government funding for their social work. …

Child Abuse Can Even Shock Cops
Officer.com
… police officer, social workers, nurses, and chaplains makes the work bearable because of the support from your peers,” says Catherine Harrison, LCSW. …

Chance To Make Friends
Burke Connection
… so we teach it,” said Chilbert, who is also the special needs coordinator for the JCCNV and has a master’s degree in social work. …

Food Assistance In High Demand
WFMY News 2
Alamance County social workers took 300 new applications for food stamps last month. It’s the highest number in at least five years. …

Two women find themselves officially ‘in charge’ after lives of …
Waukegan News Sun
A licensed clinical social worker, Petersen, a self-described late-bloomer, became a certified spiritual director through the Institute of Spiritual …

Texts, e-mails and chats increase contact but can have pitfalls
East Valley Tribune
Robert Scuka, a clinical social worker and executive director of the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement, sees both sides of the coin. …

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, children and families, clinical | 2 Comments »

Social Work in the News - July 3, 2008


July 3rd, 2008

Source: Google News

Supervise children closely around fireworks
Statesman Journal - Salem, OR
Bill MacMorris-Adix, MSW, LCSW is a social worker with Salem-Keizer Public Schools and a member of the Marion County Juvenile Firesetter Intervention …

Obama backs faith-based social work
AFP
WASHINGTON (AFP) — A day after vowing to fight slurs against his patriotism, Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama on Tuesday turned to faith, …

Support Groups Relieve Stress, Help Those Dealing with Cancer
CastroValleyForum.com - Castro Valley,CA,USA
Sharon Fernekees-Jeans, a licensed clinical social worker, is manager of social work services at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. …

Posted in Social Work, Social Workers, advocacy, children and families, clinical, health | No Comments »

2008 Medicare Bonus Incentive Program for Clinical Social Workers


July 2nd, 2008

Clinical Social Work Practice Update

Mirean Coleman, LICSW, CT
Senior Policy Associate
June 2008

A quality reporting system for Medicare providers was established by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (TRHCA). The program is known as the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and was first implemented during the period of July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.

The final rule of the 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule continues the PQRI for 2008 and includes a 1.5 per cent bonus incentive payment of total allowed charges for Medicare covered services. To receive the bonus payment, providers must report quality measures on claims and correctly file these claims for reimbursement. Participation in the PQRI is optional at this time for clinical social workers and other Medicare providers. Since Medicare is moving towards a pay-for-performance system, all Medicare providers may eventually be expected to report quality measures to receive payment.

For 2008, there are a total of 119 measures available for use by Medicare providers. Six of these quality measures are for use by clinical social workers. Three of the six new measures were developed by Quality Insights (QI) of Pennsylvania, a Medicare contractor, in consultation with NASW and the American Psychological Association. NASW members participated in alpha and beta testing to validate the appropriateness of the measures in social work practice. The three measures are:

  • screening of depression
  • screening of cognitive impairment
  • co-development of treatment plan.

An additional three measures were developed through the American Medical Association Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) and the American Psychiatric Association. They are:

  • patients who have major depression disorder who meet the DSM-IV criteria
  • patients with major depression disorder who are assessed by suicide risks
  • antidepressant medication during acute phase for patients with new episode of major depression.

Reporting for the 2008 Medicare bonus incentive program has been simplified through the development of reporting tools which have been designed by the AMA and several other groups including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). There are three reporting tools for each of the six quality measures to assist clinical social workers in successfully reporting the measures for reimbursement. (more…)

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Workers, career, clinical, practice, workplace | 1 Comment »

Social Work in the News - July 2, 2008


July 2nd, 2008

News Source: Google News

Series on child abuse was excellent, but portrayed social worke
Post-Bulletin - Rochester, MN
When child sexual abuse was torn out of the dark corners because a few brave women told their stories, social workers responded to the challenge and found …

Not optimistic? Actions a gateway to happiness
The Coloradoan - Fort Collins, CO
Marcia McConnell Ranch, LCSW, is an intentional optimist who takes delight in promoting positive change in individuals and organizations. …

Social-worker shortage strains department
abc7.com - Los Angeles, CA
Especially acute is the need for bilingual social workers. Click in the Eyewitness News Story Window above to watch the accompanying video to this story. …

Campbell’s longest-serving social worker retires
Lynchburg News and Advance - Lynchburg, VA
So social workers would file pre-trial motions and cases would be heard in the general court, King said. The department was housed in four small rooms …

Making Peace with Your College Student
Newswise (press release)
“Often when young adults come home for their first extended leave from college, there can be some conflict in the family,” says Heather Stewart, LCSW, …

What addict’s spouse should do … or
Lancaster Newspapers - Lancaster, PA
“They have a hard time telling someone about it, so the woman is isolated,” said Carol Emerson, a licensed clinical social worker with Samaritan Counseling …

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, children and families, clinical, workplace | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - June 27, 2008


June 27th, 2008

News Source: Google News

DIANE STAFFORD: Time to take control
San Luis Obispo Tribune - San Luis Obispo, CA
He has a law degree and she is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in ecopsychology. The Edwardses were pioneers of a sort in writing their first …

Black, Native American kids more often in foster care
Seattle Post Intelligencer
… vice chair of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and Marian Harris, associate professor of social work at the University of Washington. …

Rutgers University Receives $200000 Grant From the Verizon …
Earthtimes (press release) - London, UK
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ , June 25 — Rutgers University’s School of Social Work and its Center on Violence Against Women & Children received a $200000 grant from …

New mothers getting some support
Connecticut Post - Bridgeport, CT
Portnay is a licensed clinical social worker, and Weinstein said between the two of them they’re able to cover the whole spectrum of family life. …

Ah Summertime! A Time To Recharge Our Batteries.
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Newark, NJ
by Maureen P. Tillman, LCSW When the days get warm, the flowers bloom and the aromas of grills are in the air, my memories flash back to summers when I was …

Social work council accredits MSU school
News-Leader.com - Springfield, MO
The School of Social Work at Missouri State University has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education after making progress on reorganization …

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, children and families, clinical, education, practice, school social work | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - June 24, 2008


June 24th, 2008

News Source: Google News

Sahara stands up against domestic violence
IndiaPost.com - Union City,CA,USA
Founding board member LCSW Sheela Mehta is still on the Sahara board and continues her dedicated efforts with a focus on client empowerment and mental …

UB School of Social Work Students Receive Awards
UB News Center - Buffalo,NY,USA
Rebecca Green of Buffalo, the Terese M. Eusanio Memorial Scholarship recognizing and supporting a continuing part-time MSW student who demonstrates an …

A PORTRAIT OF CHANGE
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Newark,NJ,USA
Two social workers showed up at the Hightstown apartment, and later returned with two carloads of shopping bags filled with canned tuna, cereal, tea, …

Families get gift when seniors accept help to handle grief
BurlingtonFreePress.com - Burlington,VT,USA
According to Rebecca Brooks, a licensed clinical social worker with Networks and a hospice social worker for the VNA, “Losing a partner can be difficult due …

Keep pop cool and safe this summer
Daily News Tribune - Waltham,MA,USA
By Debbie Gitner, LCSW, and Linda Sullivan, RN Q: My father does not drink a lot of liquids and I am worried with the warm weather that he will become …

Posted in NASW, Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, aging, children and families, clinical, global, international, school social work | No Comments »

Social Work in the News - June 18, 2008


June 18th, 2008

News Source: Google News

University trains social workers to meet challenges of elder care
Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL
The University of South Florida at Sarasota-Manatee’s School of Social Work is actively involved in numerous efforts to better meet the comprehensive health …

Seeking a few good men
Baltimore Sun
Boys are quite influenced by having a male figure around, said Richard Barth, a professor and dean at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. …

PU Social Work students present anti-dowry skits
Daily Times - Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab University Social Work (PUSW) students presented different skits against dowry and illiteracy at the annual dinner of the department on …

Stress remains long after disasters
Indianapolis Star
“It’s been eerie quiet,” said Roger Brinkman, a licensed clinical social worker in Columbus who has been visiting shelters there. …

Ending cycle of crime: Ex-cons get helping hand
Arizona Republic - Phoenix, AZ
Parole officers team up with state social workers, working out of the same offices, to make it easier for former inmates and their families to get services …

Summer Harassment
Bangor Daily News - Bangor, ME
Dr. Fineran, who teaches in USM’s School of Social Work, has researched peer-to-peer sexual harassment in schools and decided to extend her inquiries into … (more…)

Posted in Social Work, Social Work in the News, Social Workers, advocacy, aging, children and families, clinical, global, practice, school social work, social justice, women | No Comments »
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