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Social work and children

Perhaps one of the most well-known of the specialties in the social work profession, working with children can be one of the most challenging – yet rewarding – career paths students who are pursuing their master's in social work (MSW) can choose. Cases involving the welfare of children present the social work professional with a unique set of considerations and problems, and social workers who choose to specialize in these types of cases should be aware of the tremendous responsibility they are accepting.

Since children cannot protect themselves, social workers are often all that stands between a child and dangerous situations, and social work professionals have to maintain an attitude of professionalism. Such an attitude is important, even in the face of overwhelming emotional conflict or duress due to the sensitive and demanding nature of the work.

What child, family and school social workers can expect

Social Work Professional Overview An overview of the social work profession from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some of the information is generalized to encompass all specialities of the profession, this summary contains information relevant to child, family and school social workers.

Sample Child and Family Social Worker Job Description A detailed breakdown of what a social work professional who wants to specialize in cases involving children and their families can expect. This reference briefly outlines educational expectations, in addition to potential salaries.

Social Work Practice With Children A comprehensive text preparing students and inexperienced social workers for the unique challenges and approaches they may face when dealing with cases involving children.

Handling cases involving children and their families

Social Work Practice with Families and Children This book provides students who are earning their MSW degrees with a range of useful material. Subjects covered in the text include dealing with cases involving children and their families, and cultural considerations when handling cases involving the economically disadvantaged, racial minorities and recent immigrants.

The Role of Social Work in Cases of Child Maltreatment A landmark paper by Peter and Teresa Lyons focusing on how definitions of child maltreatment and social work are often interrelated, and approaches to evidence-based practice and their impact on child malpractice cases.

Social Skills Group Therapy for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems A study covering various approaches to dealing with cases of emotional difficulties in children, within the context of group therapy sessions. Case studies are utilized to provide specific, real-world examples of strengths and weaknesses of group therapy practices.

Issues in the Study and Application of Social Support A paper examining the impact of social work and human services on the health and wellbeing of people since the 1970s. Although this text deals with the topic in a general manner, there is significant material included that could be useful to practicing child, family and school social work professionals, as well as those who are pursuing MSW degrees.

Cultural Competence When Working With Children and Families A resource page for human services professionals for dealing with children and their families in a culturally sensitive manner. This text offers a range of publications for specific ethnicities and cultural groups.

Cases of child abuse and neglect

Cases where children suffer abuse are perhaps the most challenging and, sadly, most common cases facing child, family and school social workers. Cases involving child abuse and neglect can be the most difficult issues a social work professional can face, and must be handled in an individualized manner.

Legal Requisites for Social Workers in Child Abuse and Neglect Situations A study examining how social work professionals who are dealing with children are subject to increasing scrutiny from a legal perspective, including the additional responsibilities of testifying in court cases.

Child Protective Services: A Caseworker's Guide A list of recommended practices and guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on handling cases where child abuse or neglect is suspected.

Social Workers and Child Abuse Reporting A publication from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) detailing correct and timely procedures for reporting instances of child abuse from a social worker's perspective.

Ethical Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect An article first published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, this paper investigates the unique ethical challenges faced by social work professionals in cases involving the abuse or neglect of children. Particular emphasis is placed on the far-reaching implications of reporting cases of suspected child abuse without the use of evidence-based practices.

Primary Prevention of Child Abuse An article detailing how primary care physicians and clinical social workers can work together to correctly identify cases of child abuse, and how medical professionals can often be the first step in reporting such cases.

Child Protection in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence Children are not always the primary focus of domestic abuse. In many cases, they are the secondary victims in such situations. This manual from the DHHS outlines suggested practices for handling such cases.

Social Workers' Views on Differential Outcomes in Child Sexual Abuse Cases An article examining the prevalence of sexual abuse cases involving children in the U.S. and the varying outcomes of a variety of intervention strategies.

Law Enforcement Response to Child Abuse Guidelines published by the Department of Justice outlining procedures for law enforcement professionals when dealing with cases of child abuse. This text may be of significant value to students who are pursuing MSW degrees, as they may become aware of the wider implications of reporting cases of child abuse and neglect in real-world scenarios. 

POSTED BY: ec_admin - August 31st, 2011 at 03:51pm ( 0 )

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