Authors:Margaret E. Adamek Abstract: In the Fall 2021 issue of Advances in Social Work, we are pleased to present 16 full-length papers written by 30 authors from different regions of the U.S. including Puerto Rico as well as from Ghana. An underlying theme of many of these contributions is the opportunity brought about through various struggles: patriarchal systems leading to innovative women entrepreneurs, social distancing measures spawning new ways of learning virtually and new ways of practicing social work, and mental health challenges exposed among elite athletes leading to new frontiers of practice. The variety of social work contributions to wellness, advocacy, and social justice seem to be ever-expanding. Interestingly, despite the trend toward multiple-authored papers over time, 7 of the papers in this issue are solo-authored--perhaps an artifact of the pandemic. Each paper is introduced briefly below, followed by our annual recognition of reviewers for Advances in Social Work. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/26130 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Marciana L. Popescu, Dana Alonzo Pages: 1064 - 1082 Abstract: Escalating conflicts, climate change, rising inequality, a global pandemic: Complex emergencies are leading to a reconfiguration of the world as we know it. Rapid flow of information allows increased visibility and understanding of the impact of these crises on the most vulnerable. Yet at the same time, marginalized communities are rendered invisible, and their fundamental human rights are being erased. In such contexts, providing a framework that engages communities and ensures that they are at the core of any capacity building endeavor is an important professional mandate for international social work and social development. This paper introduces the Strengths and Participation to Accomplish Capacity and Empowerment (SPACE) conceptual framework for capacity building and community engagement in international social work practice. This conceptual framework builds on both the strengths perspective and empowerment theories, and promotes a rights-based approach for international social work and social development. SPACE was first used to design and implement a training-of-trainers program in two communities in Guatemala. The training’s effectiveness in building capacity was evidenced by the impactful networks strengthened or developed as a result of the training in developing COVID-related responses. Further applications of this framework can improve international social work practice and advance rights-based approaches to sustainable development. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25090 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Doris A. Boateng Pages: 1083 - 1099 Abstract: Social workers have been working to empower women of diverse backgrounds across several practice settings. However, for women entrepreneurs in Ghana generally and those in family businesses specifically, some socio-cultural factors have persisted to hinder their abilities to promote and sustain their businesses. This paper describes the ways in which women in family businesses in Accra, Ghana have identified and leveraged opportunities presented by structural, cultural, socio-economic, and technological changes to ensure the success of their businesses. The study employed a qualitative research approach with purposive and snowball sampling used to identify and interview 15 women in family businesses. Findings indicate that women in family businesses in Accra, Ghana have creatively made use of the changing socio-cultural and economic landscape of the country to promote their businesses through three main trends which are significant in business growth: the advent and increasing use of social media, innovative business practices, and weakening patriarchy. We recommend that social workers apprise themselves of contexts which have unequal consequences for women and mobilize around these changes to help women entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the opportunities that are being offered in Ghana’s emerging economy. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24196 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Mallory Funk, Stacey Shaw Pages: 1100 - 1123 Abstract: Recent U.S. refugee policy and political rhetoric have sanctioned anti-refugee sentiment, fostering beliefs of refugees as other, threatening, or less than. Following the transition into the Trump administration, interviews with 88 refugees resettled long-term in the U.S. were conducted to examine the impact of the post-2016 political climate. Major themes included feelings of uncertainty regarding refugee status and stability, changes in perception of U.S. citizenship, and a sense of unwelcome. The harmful effects of political environments must be recognized in order to appropriately support refugee communities through social service programming and advocacy. Social workers can elevate refugee voices while working to improve resettlement services and enhance supportive social policy. Increased attention to refugee perspectives may facilitate understanding and decrease stigma moving forward in a new political era. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25184 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Stephanie Lechuga-Peña, Felicia M. Mitchell, Charlene Poola, Mónica Gutiérrez, Lizette A. Rivera Pages: 1124 - 1140 Abstract: Photovoice is a qualitative community-based participatory research (CBPR) method used by researchers and communities to inform policy and advocate for community change. Photovoice was piloted within an established community-based intervention, Your Family, Your Neighborhood (YFYN), within a predominantly Latinx community. YFYN is a dual-generation, evidence-based, manualized curriculum supporting and strengthening bonds between parents and their children while fostering neighborhood social cohesion among families living in low-income communities. The photovoice project was conducted with five families (n=20 participants) in English and Spanish. Participants guided the photovoice process to uncover complex community issues from their direct perspectives to accurately capture the challenges and strengths they encounter in their community. Community challenges identified by participants included the dumping of trash in their neighborhood, inadequate space for their children to play, and heavy traffic that impedes their ability to walk their children to school safely. Participants identified three main community strengths: the local park, the Boys & Girls Club, and personal connections with other YFYN family participants. When participants guide the photovoice process, it helps stakeholders understand and uncover complex issues from community members’ direct perspectives to capture the meaning of the issues accurately. Production of knowledge from the community rooted in their lived experience can help reshape the narrative of Latinx families living in low-income communities and allows for social workers to more adequately respond to their specific needs. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24385 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Isabel Logan, Lirio K. Negroni Pages: 1141 - 1160 Abstract: Bilingual professionals are considered an asset in the workplace. However, bilingual professionals at times perceive their language skills as a liability. This paper examined bilingual professionals’ perceptions of their language skills and the factors that influence their views. Focus groups were used to capture the perspectives of 15 bilingual professionals who speak English and Spanish and work in a court system in the eastern region of the United States. Findings reveal challenges rooted in discrimination that convert bilingual professionals’ perceptions of their language skills from an asset to a liability. Participants highlight unfair practices affecting Limited English Proficiency (LEP) clients. These practices force bilingual professionals to become protectors and gatekeepers to prevent adverse outcomes and provide access to services in the court and across social service systems. Ultimately, bilingual professionals’ perceptions of their language skills depended on how others used their language skills in the workplace. To support bilingual professionals and provide quality services to LEP clients, social work administrators must evaluate structural supports and provide training specific to the cultural aspect of language for all employees. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25282 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Christine Bishop Pages: 1161 - 1177 Abstract: Marianismo is a term that refers to the prioritization of Latina mothers in regard to their children and families. In defining as such, this term acknowledges how selfless Latina mothers are. This study utilized an adapted version of Narrative Analysis to explore the insights of Latino adolescent mentees when it comes to their experiences living with a single mother. Specifically, the participants’ narratives included their highly positive relationships with their mothers who exhibit many admirable qualities, they spoke about their varying relationships with their biological fathers, and they also discussed helpful, supportive father figures (i.e., natural mentors) in their lives. The Discussion section relates the study’s findings to Attachment Theory and Social LeMarianismo refers to the prioritization of Latina mothers concerning their children and families. This term acknowledges the selflessness of Latina mothers. This study explored the perceptions of thirteen Latino adolescent participants following their experiences of being raised by a single mother. To study this relationship, an adapted version of Narrative Analysis was used. While the analysis focused on participants’ relationships with their mothers, relationships with their biological fathers and other father figures (i.e., natural mentors) in their lives were explored. The study’s findings are contextualized through the lens of attachment theory, social learning theory, and the relevant literature. This study shines light on the important impact of mothers and natural mentors on the lives of Latino male adolescents. Social workers from varying professional domains who are working with Latino families can take the marianismo cultural value into account in their own interactions and services with their clients. Additionally, just as the Latino adolescents in this study were keenly aware of their mothers’ many positive values, strengths, and contributions to their lives, it is vital for social workers to do the same. arning theory, as well as relevant literature. This study shines light on the great impacts that mothers and natural mentors can have on Latino male adolescents. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24620 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Susan Reay Pages: 1178 - 1192 Abstract: During the unprecedented early stages of COVID-19, few protocols were established to support overall student wellness in social work field placements. In response to the overwhelming need for a contextual framework to promote wellness and determine the next steps in mitigating health risks, faculty developed a unique solution in a dynamic situation. Rooted in the university-sponsored dimensions of wellness, BSW and MSW students developed wellness plans that were integrated into the field placement course. These plans were intended to enhance students' ability to evaluate their well-being and encourage them to plan wellness activities. The wellness plan was critical in determining a student's ability to continue their planned learning activities amidst broad systemic factors, which impacted their social work field placement experiences. Developing the wellness plan encouraged students to articulate unmet needs and provided a mechanism for faculty to offer relevant university-sponsored resources. This model provides a framework with implications for social work education. The prioritization of student wellness during field placement creates a road map for the future. Given that wellness is an essential component of social work practice, social work students must have the tools to evaluate and implement wellness strategies, which can be applied throughout the student's social work career. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24758 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Dana Holcomb Pages: 1193 - 1211 Abstract: Despite the numerous benefits of formal mentorship for all faculty, it remains underutilized within the academy. Specifically, this lack of critical support leaves historically marginalized groups, particularly women, underrepresented minorities, as well as part-time, intermittent, adjunct, or non-tenure track faculty, to struggle with navigating the challenging climate of higher education. To counter these inherent power differentials, this article asserts that formal mentorship is the responsibility of social work educators. This article presents a conceptual framework that integrates Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics’ core values, and the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) as a mechanism to support faculty through formal mentorship practices. This article advocates for an amendment to the EPAS to include formal faculty mentorship within accredited programs. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25213 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Lauren Beasley, Tarkington J. Newman, Robin Hardin Pages: 1212 - 1228 Abstract: Social workers are beginning to be hired in collegiate athletic departments to meet the holistic needs of student-athletes. The limited research that has examined social work practice in sport has not explicitly explored ways in which social work values manifest in practice. The current study explored how the values of the social work profession are applied when providing mental and behavioral health services in collegiate athletics. Using a qualitative design, nine licensed social workers employed in athletic departments were interviewed. Data were deductively coded using the NASW (2017) Code of Ethics’ six values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Social workers recognized student-athletes as a vulnerable population, worked on social justice issues, placed an emphasis on the diversity of student-athletes, built relationships with both student-athletes and sport staff, and advocated for social work values in athletics. They also called for more opportunities to increase knowledge of social work practice in sport settings. Results support the need for social work programs to prepare students for careers in sport through efforts such as offering elective courses related to social work practice in sport and providing sport-specific practicum opportunities. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25311 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Jade Presnell, John Keesler Pages: 1229 - 1245 Abstract: Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are isolated and lack meaningful opportunities to participate and develop social networks within their communities. Sharing membership with a community that fosters connection and belonging is essential to well-being. As a human rights profession, social work is uniquely situated to overcome the macro barriers that prevent full community inclusion for people with IDD. However, the experiences and needs of those with IDD have largely been left out of the profession’s discourse on diversity and oppression. This article presents a call-to-action for social work to engage in strategies and solutions to resolve macro barriers to community inclusion, to dismantle the injustices that people with IDD continue to experience, and to move the promise of community inclusion from rhetoric to reality. Social workers can promote community inclusion for people with IDD through a variety of approaches, including using a human rights-based framework, aligning with person-centered planning, fostering evidence-based practices, using participatory action research, increasing disability content in social work curricula, and engaging in community action and advocacy. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25512 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Cathy McElderry, V. Nikki Jones Pages: 1246 - 1260 Abstract: The U.S. has never fully addressed the legacy of chattel slavery and institutionalized racism. H.R. 40 – Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals/Processes for African Americans Act presents an opportunity to engage in a national discourse on the topic of federal reparations for the injustices of slavery and the present-day impact. The intent of the bill is to establish a commission to examine remedies for slavery and institutionalized discrimination. Enacting this bill is an important step in acknowledging the fundamental injustices of slavery. Social work, as a profession, has yet to acknowledge a position on this important issue. The historical context of reparations and institutionalized discrimination are presented to initiate a dialogue and call to action among social workers. Social workers are in a unique position to play an integral role in addressing the issues challenging passage of H.R. 40. The advocacy expertise of social workers situates them to support reparations as a policy priority that aligns with the cardinal values of the profession. Through capacity-building, the social work profession can dispel the myths and fears associated with reparations and move H.R. 40 forward. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24414 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Kylie E. Evans, Jennifer A. King, Megan R. Holmes Pages: 1261 - 1279 Abstract: Child trauma screening practices have advanced considerably as child-serving systems have increasingly incorporated early identification and intervention into trauma-informed models of care. While research points to the necessity of screening practices that attend to a child’s developmental capacities, cultural background, relational strengths, contextual details surrounding the traumatic experience, and complex trauma considerations, many of these features remain absent in common brief screening measures used in practice. Pictorial screening measures may offer an innovative opportunity to address attentional concerns and developmental capacities of young and complexly traumatized children, yet are understudied in this area. The purpose of this paper is threefold: 1) highlight areas for expansion within current brief trauma screening models, 2) propose an evidence-informed framework for a pictorial complex trauma screening tool for children, and 3) offer implementation considerations for piloting the proposed screening tool. Piloting and implementation considerations address the importance of cognitive interviewing, cultural sensitivity, development of a companion response and referral protocol, and embedding principles of trauma-informed care in the training and implementation process. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/24428 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Sarah Nightingale Pages: 1280 - 1299 Abstract: Sexual assault in the college context disproportionately impacts lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Title IX law requires that college campuses have a mechanism in place to respond to reports of sexual assault, and professional social workers are often embedded throughout this process as advocates on-campus and in the community. This study explores the experience and perceptions of LGBTQ survivors with the Title IX reporting process. A sample of 409 LGBTQ survivors of college sexual assault were recruited via social media. Results of bivariate analysis indicate that LGBTQ survivors who reported had less trust in college officials and a more negative perception of the reporting climate than those who did not. Further thematic analysis suggests that students who reported faced issues related to mandatory reporting policies and accountability in sanctioning. To improve the experience of survivors with reporting sexual assault to college officials, social workers can advocate for transparency at the institutional level and less stringent mandatory reporting policies. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25211 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Allan Barsky, Christine Spadola Pages: 1300 - 1315 Abstract: Although prior research has explored the types of sanctions imposed by regulatory boards on social workers for licensing violations, empirical investigations surrounding the impact of sanctions on social workers is limited. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 13 licensed social workers who participated in licensing investigations and received sanctions by a state licensing board for violating state laws, rules, or ethical standards. The researchers used a phenomenological approach to analyze the interviews and identify common themes. Participants described the impact of the investigation process and sanctions on their emotional well-being, reputation, finances, and careers. They also expressed concerns about the potential impact on their clients. Participants’ recommendations for licensing boards include greater use of corrective actions rather than relying on punitive measures, avoiding suspensions, and a more strategic use of supervision and consultation. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25190 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
Authors:Teri Kennedy Pages: 1316 - 1333 Abstract: This article presents the development of the Kennedy Model of Sustainability (Kennedy Model), a research-based model of sustainability, and its subsequent application to interprofessional practice and education (IPE) initiatives. The national mixed methods, multiple case study of Geriatric Education Centers that led to the development of the model and resulting four core components of sustainability and related strategies is described. The model is discussed in the context of implementation science and the know-do gap and applied to an IPE initiative and center. Finally, implications for further research are presented including opportunities to incorporate the model as a valuable tool in implementation science. Application of the Kennedy Model to IPE initiatives has provided opportunities for model testing, supporting the model’s core components, and providing additional strategies to foster sustainability of IPE initiatives. PubDate: 2022-02-26 DOI: 10.18060/25335 Issue No:Vol. 21, No. 4 (2022)
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