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Authors:Tingting Hu, Yueying Wang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-11-20T07:27:19Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231207960
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Authors:Juan Mª Prieto-Lobato,
Pablo De la Rosa-Gimeno, Carmen Rodríguez-Sumaza, Alfonso Marquina-Márquez,
Jezabel A Lucas-García Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThis article examines the role of social workers involved in a pilot home care project undertaken to attend to the social needs of people at the end of their lives and their carers. Mixed methods approach and evidence-based, constructivist, and comprehensive evaluation were chosen to achieve this aim. Analyses are based on 235 responses from a survey addressed to professionals working in the project, 22 in-depth interviews with a selected group of these professionals, and 114 semi-structured interviews with the sick people and their caregivers. The analysis of the data has considered the theoretical development and professional experience systematized in the Spanish and international literature on social work in end-of-life care.FindingsThe results highlight the relevance that professionals, patients, and carers attribute to social care at the end of life and to the role, skills, and qualities of social workers. Their contribution has been valued in terms of the management of services and supports (speed, availability, kindness, sensitivity), the establishment of teamwork (coordination, facilitation), and the recognition of the basic principles of the care process (individualization, respect for privacy, confidentiality).ApplicationsFindings demonstrate that social work is a profession well placed to help in the recognition of people's dignity at the end of life, in the exercise of their self-determination, and in the humanization of the care process. Some challenges facing consolidation of this professional practice are also indicated within a framework constrained by a predominantly biomedical culture. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-11-07T07:48:24Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231206713
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Authors:Linda Kreitzer, Jessica Shurer, Elaine Book, Lisa Zerden, Ting Guan Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThe field of social work has seen increased recognition across many sectors in recent years. Evolving racial, political, and medical paradigms and the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of a person-centered approach to health and mental health. One such area of practice is neurology, specifically work with people with Parkinson's disease (PD), which is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, currently impacting more than 10 million people worldwide. While social workers have long played key roles in multidisciplinary teams in PD care settings, research and literature offering assessment and evidence in this area remain limited. This research study used a mixed-methods approach with additional in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with 11 social workers. This article presents findings from the 11 interviewees who are presently working with people with PD using thematic analysis.FindingsThemes emerging were an in-depth detailed role of the social worker, the importance of strong relationships working with people with PD and their families, multidisciplinary teams, and the community. Institutional challenges were highlighted concerning supporting social work positions and encouraging social work intervention from the beginning of diagnosis to the end stages of the disease. COVID-19 proved very challenging for social workers, multidisciplinary teams, and families, and yet positive practices were identified as well.ApplicationsThe impact of this study reinforces the essential role specialized PD social workers play in multidisciplinary PD teams and recognition needed to increase their role through early intervention reflected in increasing social work positions in neurology. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-11-01T06:59:34Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231207959
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Authors:S. Rama Gokula Krishnan, Jeffine J. Joseph Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryEver since the pandemic first broke out in 2020, there has been a swift shift from offline to online mode of education. The present study is aimed at examining the online learning experience among a sample of social work students in India (n = 202) in order to understand the crucial factors that can help improve their learning experience and so that they become effective social workers in the future.FindingsThe results have highlighted several independent factors such as the mode of connecting to the internet, number of hours of online classes per day, type of field work, rural/urban location of the students, and hours of sleep, among other variables, that are significantly associated with important indicators of the online learning experience of students.ApplicationsThe results point to the urgent need to reduce the number of hours of online classes, educate students on the importance of sleep, improve internet accessibility along affordability of learning tools such as laptops, especially for those residing in rural areas, and promote classroom discussion during online classes, so as to improve the online learning experience of social work students in India and to produce effective social work practitioners. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-18T11:13:45Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231207962
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Authors:Kathryn Frances, Matt Epperson, Briana Payton, Julian Thompson Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryEfforts to assess the risk of criminal legal system involvement among people with serious mental illness (SMI) often rely on strategies that locate the risk at the individual level. The present study examines environmental factors that contribute to criminal legal involvement for people with SMI in mental health treatment settings. Thirty-one people with serious mental illness and prior criminal legal involvement were interviewed in this qualitative study. Interviews focused on factors that contributed to and protected against criminal legal involvement. The research team engaged in inductive thematic analysis of interview data.FindingsFindings reveal that understanding of physical, social, and treatment environments is critical to risk assessment with this population. In highlighting the role of the environment, we offer findings that may lead to improved strategies for service delivery with this population. Complicating contemporary approaches to risk assessment, our findings suggest that mental health treatment systems that serve individuals with serious mental illness should engage in meaningful consideration of environmental factors.ApplicationsIdentification of protective and risk factors in clients’ physical, social, and treatment environments is critical for social work practice with individuals who have a history of criminal legal involvement and serious mental illness. Treatment settings can create opportunities for the development of protective factors by integrating wrap-around services, treatment services that follow an empowerment-participation strengths model, and post-incarceration services with clients. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-18T06:42:35Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231206715
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Authors:Andrew D Eaton, Sean B Rourke, Shelley L Craig, Barbara A Fallon, Charles A Emlet, Ellen Katz, Sharon L Walmsley Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryMindfulness and cognitive training interventions are promising models to address impacts (e.g., anxiety and stress) of cognitive impairment among older adults. Combining strategies may yield better outcomes than models offered in isolation. However, there are numerous uncertainties about these interventions, potential for combination, and implementation. Social workers are well placed to offer these interventions.FindingsFrom an initial search of 3,538 records, 13 studies were included in the final review. Mindfulness studies focused on stress reduction or cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive training studies applied stimulation or activity approaches. Results indicate that the field is still emerging, as most studies were pilot or feasibility trials. A combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities may offer the most promising model for older adults with cognitive impairment, based on outcome assessments and other factors. A common limitation among the reports was detailed on engaging older adults with cognitive challenges in the design and implementation of these interventions.ApplicationsThis realist review deepens the understanding of how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances a combination of mindfulness and cognitive training could be most successful for social workers to address intersecting cognitive and aging needs of older adults. Building evidence on combining mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities among older adults with cognitive impairment could yield promising results, and this review identifies implementation considerations. The review also found a need for psychometric scale development on the benefits of brain training activities. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-16T11:09:47Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231207961
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Authors:Sophia B Lau, Clifford S Bersamira, Yeonjung Jane Lee, Jaron Yamauchi Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThe rise in anti-Asian hate since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges that Asian Americans in the United States (U.S.) experience with xenophobia, racism, and the “model-minority stereotype.” The model-minority stereotype is a misleading myth that has been pervasively attached to the Asian American identity and experiences. Thus, it can serve as a useful framework to understand experiences in the current anti-Asian hate climate. In this exploratory qualitative study, the investigators interviewed Asian American social workers (N = 17), highlighting their perspectives and experiences during the anti-Asian hate climate, with attention paid to how the model minority stereotype was contextualized among participants.FindingsThe resounding tone underlying participants’ model-minority stereotype-related discussions was the need to counter the model minority stereotype. Notably, the model-minority stereotype was contextualized differently for participants and three themes were identified: (1) limbo between model minority and perpetual foreigner status; (2) impacts on the social worker role and in the organizational setting; and (3) impacts on advocacy work.ApplicationsStudy findings suggest a need for continued support and opportunities to unlearn and relearn the purpose of the model-minority stereotype and its broad sweep and attacks on various health dimensions (physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually) across Asian Americans ethnic groups. Countering the model-minority stereotype can play a pivotal role in transforming the narratives surrounding Asian American's identity and experiences in the U.S., in addition to organizational culture and dynamics to support Asian Americans social workers practice and advocacy work across practice levels. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-13T06:33:14Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231206727
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Authors:Shelagh Roxburgh, Megan Sinclair Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryDrawing on historical constructions of Indigenous peoples, this paper analyses the continued impact of settler discourses of Indigenous families, parenting, and children on child welfare policy in Canada today.FindingsIn this work, two provincial children's Advocate reports on the deaths of Indigenous children in care, Tina Fontaine and Alex Gervais, are critically assessed in order to explore the processes through which these colonial constructions operate to create adverse outcomes for Indigenous people. Through this analysis, a number of contemporary colonial narratives are made visible, including the belief that Indigenous parents are inherently incapable of caring for their children, and the gendered construction of Indigenous men and boys as criminal and deviant and Indigenous girls as sexually exploitable.ApplicationThese findings suggest that greater critical reflection is needed when working with Indigenous peoples, including greater awareness of the ongoing impact of settler colonialism and the necessity of engaging in anti-colonial work. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-11T06:48:51Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197988
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Authors:Shih-Ying Cheng, Elizabeth Taylor, Sherry Hamby Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryAccumulating evidence indicates the multifaceted nature of social support. Although support seekers may receive help, they may also encounter upsetting responses. It remains unclear how seeking and receiving social support, when differentiated, are associated with individuals’ strengths and well-being. This study collected survey data from 357 adults recruited from the southeastern United States. We classified participants using the factors of support seeking and support received into four groups: Interconnected (high on support seeking and receiving), Tended (low on support seeking, high on support receiving), Rebuffed (high on support seeking, low on support receiving), and Isolated (low on support seeking and receiving). We then examined the differences among groups.FindingsThe study found significant differences among the four groups in measures of regulatory strengths, meaning-making strengths, interpersonal strengths, and perceived well-being. In general, the Interconnected group scored highest among the four groups, followed by the Tended group, the Rebuffed group, and lastly, the Isolated group.ApplicationsThe finding that the Rebuffed group did not score significantly lower than the Isolated group underscores the importance of support seeking. Individuals may benefit from the support seeking process even though they do not obtain the support needed. Social work practitioners should facilitate and optimize their clients’ support seeking, including removing clients’ barriers to support seeking and addressing clients’ negative experiences in the support seeking process. Social work researchers should measure multiple aspects of social support, including support received and support seeking. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-09T06:50:52Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231206710
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Authors:Tingting Hu, Yueying Wang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-10-05T05:31:20Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231206714
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Authors:Daniel Burrows, Jen Lyttleton-Smith, Lucy Sheehan, Siôn Jones, Richard Kyle Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryUnpaid carers were profoundly impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and public health responses. In the UK, in March 2020, people identified as clinically extremely vulnerable and their household members were advised to “shield” for an initial 12-week period, which meant minimizing all contacts from outside the household and not leaving the house at all, unless in an emergency. In a modified form, shielding guidance remained in place until August 2020 and was reinstituted from December 2020 until April 1, 2021. This article, reporting on qualitative interviews with 47 unpaid carers in Wales, thematically analyzed using a coding framework, explores the experiences of unpaid carers affected by this shielding guidance and their wider implications for social work with unpaid carers in the future.FindingsParticipants in our study described ways in which their caring role expanded, due to the need to provide additional practical and emotional support for loved ones who were shielding, and who lost access to other avenues of support. Some also described their caring role as becoming more involved and complex due to the declining health or self-care capacity of the person cared-for as a direct consequence of shielding restrictions. Alongside the increase in their caring responsibilities, carers reported losing access to important avenues of support for their own well-being.ApplicationsWe draw on ecological systems theory to highlight the importance during care planning and management of exploring the carer's mesosystem to identify and optimize sustaining forces, and of attending to the microsystem involving the carer and person cared-for. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-27T08:13:41Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197628
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Authors:Chiara Corvino, Chiara D’Angelo, Caterina Gozzoli Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryAlthough the literature is rich in contributions analyzing the role of social workers in sports, there remains a lack of empirical research with respect to how these workers can be determinant in the development of inclusion outcomes in sports-driven interventions targeting socially vulnerable youth. The investigation analyzes the case of a sports-based program run by an Italian non-profit organization (NGO) from an ecological system perspective. Data from interviews and focus groups with youth involved in the program (21), parents (15), sport coaches (9), and the social workers of the NGO (15) were triangulated with the aim of exploring how social workers promoted inclusion through sport. Data were analyzed in a top–down thematic analysis.FindingsSocial workers promoted many social inclusion outcomes: (1) they linked sport clubs with the youth excluded from the sport system, thus sustaining access to sport; (2) they emotionally supported youth and their families in the program, fostering the relational dimension of social inclusion; (3) they formed alliances between the diverse systems of youth life, enhancing youth capacity to overcome their personal challenges in sports; and (4) they encouraged the integration of people coming from different socio-economic backgrounds within the sport context.ApplicationsThe case informs the practice of social workers in sport-driven interventions providing insights around the tasks they should achieve to promote social inclusion, including (1) recruitment of youth excluded from the sport system and linkage with sport clubs, (2) sport bureaucracy support, and (3) dialogue with diverse youth life systems. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-21T07:06:17Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197933
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Authors:Ayelet Gur, Maya Peled-Avram, Gili Itzchak, Sharon Megira, Ari Reich, Moshe Farchi Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummarySocial workers have had a pivotal role in handling the challenges faced by people dealing with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Supporting clients who have undergone traumatic experiences during a global pandemic may increase the risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress. This study examined two protective factors that may be key in the association between stress and social workers’ secondary traumatic stress: Psychological capital (internal protective factor) and satisfaction with supervision (external factor). The study sample included 104 Israeli social workers who worked in their profession during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A regression-based path analysis was conducted to test the moderation model with the PROCESS software.FindingsSelf-efficacy significantly moderated the association between perceived stress and intrusion; increasing self-efficacy decreases perceived stress's effect on intrusion. Although no significant moderating effect was found for the existence of supervision, the interaction between perceived stress and satisfaction with supervision was significant in predicting secondary trauma.ApplicationsSocial workers’ unions must work to improve the quality of supervision and raise awareness of the importance of supervision in general and particularly during times of crisis. Manageable workloads, a reasonable balance between work and home, and verbal and financial encouragement to seek professional psychological assistance would all be to the advantage of social workers at risk for secondary trauma. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-20T11:28:18Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197629
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Authors:Selwyn Stanley, Anand Jerard Sebastine Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryStress in social work is frequently experienced by practitioners and is attributed to a range of work-related factors. This study explored the manifestation of burnout, perceived social support, and work-life balance in 73 social workers in two cities in south India. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used. Data were collected based on survey methodology and three standardized instruments were administered to assess the manifestation of our key variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of burnout.FindingsResults indicated high levels of burnout and low levels of social support and work-life balance in respondents. No significant differences were seen in the key variables of the study based on selected sociodemographic factors. Both social support and work-life balance were extracted as significant predictors of burnout.ApplicationWe suggest that issues related to burnout and compassion fatigue are key aspects that need to be incorporated within the social work curriculum in educational programs in India. A focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the importance of self-care in maintaining good health and wellbeing are key elements that need to be emphasized. We make use of the literature to offer suggestive measures that can be taken to enhance the provision of social support, maintain better work-life balance and reduce the incidence of burnout in social work practitioners. This will in the long run bode well for the mental health and wellbeing of the professionals besides ensuring better quality of service provision to the community that they work with. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-20T10:45:57Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197930
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Authors:Torbjörn Forkby, Kristina Alstam, Henrik Örnlind Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryGangs are commonly presented in research as an attractive alternative for those who feel excluded and unrecognized in “ordinary” society. Gang life is volatile, however, and violence (open or suppressed) is more or less omnipresent. Exiting a gang seems to be motivated by both thoughts of a better life and disappointment in the gang's failure to meet hopes and expectations.FindingsFrom an analysis of former gang members exit processes, this article investigates what about gang life was stressful and motivated participants dropout, how they coped with tensions, and elaborates how social work could use this tension productively to support people exiting gangs. The data consist primary of interviews with 20 former gang members and 42 professionals. Organizational theory was used in combination with theories on liminality and identity reformation to understand how tensions occurred in gang life, how they were managed, and what caused exit.ApplicationsSocial workers may help members exit from gangs by supporting and strengthening their motivations to leave, stimulating their self-reflection, and reminding them of their past transformative. Most important, gang members should be helped to recognize the positive urges that drew them towards gangs and refocus those wishes for community to general society. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-19T12:57:48Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231194441
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Authors:Lauren A Ricciardelli, Dana R Dillard, Adam E Quinn, Jeff Skinner, Larry Nackerud Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThe present U.S.-based study adds to the ongoing discourse on the ethical use of digital technology in social work practice, made more urgent by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Following the achievement of Human Subjects approval, we obtained a stratified, random sample of 150 institutions of higher education with Council on Social Work Education-accredited undergraduate and graduate social work programs. Prior to COVID-19, we administered a 61-item, Likert-scale survey to social work program directors via email, who then communicated this information to student listservs. A total of 430 social work student responses were retained for analysis. The survey instrument included items related to the students’ social media use, their attitudes toward social media, and their knowledge of social media’s impact on society. Rao-Scott chi-square tests for independence were used to ascertain statistical relationships between U.S. social work students’ responses to the survey item, social media should be used as a treatment modality, and student demographic variables that include: Age, program level, course format, and social media use.FindingsStatistically significant relationships were determined to exist between social work students’ endorsement of social media as a treatment modality and: (1) Age and (2) program level. Conversely, no significant relationships were found regarding (1) course format and (2) social media use.ApplicationsImplications for social work professional education are discussed. Recommendations for future social work research are provided: (1) A national replication study; (2) qualitative studies; (3) a comparative study with social work educators and practitioners; (3) a global study; and (4) ongoing evaluation of direct practice methods. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-19T12:56:48Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197796
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Authors:Alys Young, Sarah Vicary, Rebecca Tipton, Natalia Rodríguez Vicente, Jemina Napier, Celia Hulme, Francisco Espinoza Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThis article concerns interpreter-mediated Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983) assessments where either a signed or spoken language interpreter is required. It reports data from 132 Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) in England who have direct experience of such circumstances addressing expertise, training, readiness, and potential influences on the outcome when interpreters are involved. Quantitative data were collected by means of an online survey analyzed descriptively with additional open-ended qualitative responses analyzed thematically.FindingsMore interpreter-mediated MHA assessments were reported as occurring in hospital than in community settings. Although AMHPs were confident in their expertise, nearly two-thirds felt they were less effective when an interpreter was involved. The vast majority had received only minimal training on how to work with an interpreter. Recording of language and interpreter use in the assessment was revealed as inconsistent. Most AMHPs thought incorrectly that interpreters were subject to mandatory registration with assured minimum standards of qualification and expertise. Practical problems associated with the timeliness of access to interpreters and complexities of using telephone interpreters instead of face to face were raised. AMHPs expressed a wish for more training and guidance including expectations of the interpreter role.ApplicationsConsistent standards of formal recording of interpreter use as part of annual monitoring of the MHA are required to understand any potential inequities of outcome resulting from language mediation. Joint training with interpreters is desirable with more specific guidance and resources for working AMHPs and interpreters to promote best practice. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-08T06:32:42Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197987
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Authors:Veronica Lövgren, Hildur Kalman, Katarina Andersson, Petra Ahnlund Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryAn interview study was conducted with persons receiving home care services and personal assistance in Sweden (13 individuals, 25 interviews) with the aim to analyze their experiences of managing personal and intimate care. The analytical approach was guided by phenomenologically informed research and Erving Goffman's theoretical work on self-presentation and social life as it differs in frontstage and backstage settings.FindingsA reflected approach to the complex challenges associated with becoming and being a person in need of personal and intimate care was revealed. This involved continuous adaptations and attuning to organizational and relational conditions of formal home care. Being a recipient of personal and intimate care does not mean being passive. It entails relating to and sustaining the care relation, where even choosing to accept suboptimal conditions is an act of agency. The recipients’ private homes were hybridized, transformed both into a waiting room, with the recipient on standby and into a workplace. The homes thus partly lost their character as a backstage realm where one could avoid the gaze of others. This also led to a hybridization of the personal sphere, in the form of marginal scope for true privacy, necessitating strategies for protecting one's own space.ApplicationsIt is important both to acknowledge the intrusive nature of personal and intimate care, which results in extensive hybridization of the home and personal sphere and to recognize care recipients’ agency in the relationship that care establishes. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-09-08T06:31:22Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231197920
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Authors:Jonathan Scourfield, John Carpenter, Nell Warner, Nina Maxwell, Laura Venn, Evgenia Stepanova, Chloe O’Donnell, Rebecca Jones, Martin Elliott, Roger Smith Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryTwo fast-track child and family social work training programs have been established in England — Step Up to Social Work and Frontline. Trainees’ financial support is far higher than for mainstream social work degrees. One of the reasons claimed for setting up these programs is addressing retention, although critics (of Frontline) predicted graduates would not stay in social work. A 4-year study assessed retention and reasons for leaving social work. Attrition rates from statutory social work were calculated from responses (n = 2543) to annual surveys, plus looking up non-respondents in the professional register. Interviews were conducted with fast-track graduates (n = 80) and employers (n = 29).FindingsThe overall rate of social work graduates not in statutory social work at 18 months post-qualification was 12% for fast-track programs, and Higher Education Statistics Agency survey data show attrition at 15 months post-qualification as 18% for all social work routes. Frontline's original national recruitment approach was less successful for retention than Step Up to Social Work's regional approach. Perceived local authority support and intrinsic job satisfaction were associated with attrition in longitudinal bivariate analysis. Fast-track graduates leaving statutory social work typically moved to work in social care (including policy roles), health, or education.ApplicationsEarly-career attrition appears to be somewhat lower from fast-track programs than from all social work graduates. Longer-term comparison is not yet possible. In promoting retention, employers should be aware of the importance of staff perceptions of the local authority as supportive, and of their intrinsic job satisfaction. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-08-30T07:05:24Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231194432
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Authors:Shunichiro Nakao, Yuji Fukumori, Yumi Takahashi, Hiroshi Ogura, Jun Oda Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryWhen elderly patients are admitted to a hospital, they may require support from medical social workers during hospitalization. This study examined the association between patient characteristics and support provided by medical social workers in applications for social welfare benefits during hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients aged 65 years or older between October 2018 and September 2021 who had involvement by a medical social worker during their hospitalization at a tertiary care hospital in Japan. We evaluated associations between background factors and support in applying for social welfare benefits by medical social workers using logistic regression analysis.FindingsAmong 485 eligible patients, 79 (16.3%) received support from a medical social worker in an application for social welfare benefits. Early elderly age (65–74 years) and living alone were independently associated with receiving support from medical social workers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–3.37, P = .012; 3.86, 95% CI 2.26–6.62, P Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-08-14T05:39:09Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231194439
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Authors:Kettil Nordesjö, Gabriella Scaramuzzino Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the possibilities for people to interact and communicate. This article examines Swedish social workers’ experiences of the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the use of digital tools in their work, and whether this use has affected the social worker–client relationship and their stress levels. The article draws on a web survey (N = 541) via a quantitative analysis of responses and a qualitative analysis of answers to an open-ended question.FindingsMost respondents agreed on experiencing increased use of digital tools in the relationship with the clients, increased skills in using digital tools, and a more positive view of digital tools in the social worker–client relationship. However, experiences on whether stress levels had increased and the relationship with the clients worsened, were divided. Age correlates positively with increased stress levels, and social workers working with social assistance, as well as women, are more likely to agree on that the relationship with the clients has worsened. Responses from open-ended questions highlight a rapid shift where social workers have gained a more positive view of digital tools, that video meetings can increase efficiency and flexibility, but also work environment problems.ApplicationsThis article contributes with useful insights into how the use of digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed and affected stress and the social worker–client relationship. It can support discussions on the future implementation of digital tools in social work after the pandemic. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-16T06:22:39Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180309
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Authors:Diana Cedeño Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryAlthough Latinx families comprise the largest growing population in the United States, research has not examined how the lack of social inclusion (e.g., multidimensional term comprising economic, political, and cultural dimensions, among others) influences the lives of low-income Latina mothers. Social inclusion, which is a term born as a counterpart to social exclusion, has been overlooked as an alternative construct that allows the development of personal agency. Contrary to social exclusion paradigms which often focus on deficits, social inclusion focuses on recognizing inherit strengths among vulnerable families. The first purpose of this research is to explore social inclusion (a strength perspective) as a much-needed alternative to social exclusion (deficit view). The second is to describe the experiences of low social inclusion among low-income urban Latina mothers via two interviews, a focus group, recollection of artifacts from participants, and reflective journaling, which were documented within a context of a feminist action research intervention. Participants consisted of 12 low-income Latina mothers (N = 12) who participated in a financial literacy intervention.FindingsVia thematic analysis, findings confirmed two new dimensions of low social inclusion not found in traditional literature: low language and technological inclusion.ApplicationsRecommendations for social work practitioners and future research include developing culturally relevant interventions among minoritized communities and families, for instance, by promoting bilingual curricula and implementing technology in current interventions, which can have significant positive effects on the social inclusion of vulnerable communities. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-16T06:21:31Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180280
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Authors:Samina Karim Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. SummaryThis article reviews the existing literature on power within a social work context and extends the analysis to broader sociological understandings through which to rethink the ways in which social work professionals understand and work with power within everyday practice.FindingsThe review argues that prevailing dichotomies, which feature so centrally in theoretical conceptualisations of power, offering binary positions of power as ‘good or bad’, ‘positive or negative’ and ‘productive or limiting’ are limiting in themselves. It is argued that power must also be recognised as a construct which operates in a synchronous way; whereby it can impact in limiting and productive ways at the same time.ApplicationsTo support this position, the Power-informed Practice (PiP) framework, which recognises power at the individual, professional and structural levels is offered. The utility of the framework in providing a clearer understanding of power is then presented in relation to working with children who have experienced abuse. As a tool, the framework enables social workers to structure their analysis of power within all areas of contemporary social work practice, in order to promote and support processes of empowerment. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-12T10:34:55Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180307
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Authors:Melanie Akello Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-02T07:01:29Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180290
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Authors:Yongjin Wang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-02T07:01:08Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180277
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Authors:Anwar Lubis Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-06-01T05:59:47Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231180269
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Authors:Edward H Taylor Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print. This article is designed to open a conversation about the place of spirituality in social work, highlight possible ethical issues, and question whether spirituality, as defined by social work and popular culture, is an immutable part of human development. Additionally, the role of social work in conducting spiritual assessments and interventions is specifically challenged, along with examples of how the misuse of spirituality can harm clients. The article also suggests that the profession would benefit from adopting an evidence-based concept of spirituality and establishing accountability standards. Findings: Until more is known about spirituality, social workers may want to consider: (1) placing a moratorium on using and developing spiritual assessment instruments until the concept can be accurately defined; (2) omitting words linked to religious symbols such as soul, anointing, blessing, etc. in social work practice; (3) conducting spiritual screenings rather than complete spiritual assessments, and (4) referring clients with spiritual questions or wanting spiritual support to experts known not to blame or harm clients and trained in the specific area of concerns expressed by the person. Applications. The time has come for social work to establish ethics, accountability, and limitations on the practice of spirituality. Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-04-10T04:07:41Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231166830
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Authors:Yongjin Wang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-29T07:03:39Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231165927
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Authors:Elizabeth Dalgarno Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-23T05:17:13Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231165925
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Authors:Qian Chu, Jing Zhang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-21T06:18:30Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231164876
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Authors:Tienga Ngale Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-06T08:11:53Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162555
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Authors:Juliana Osuebi Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-06T07:03:22Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162554
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Authors:Cameron Rasmussen Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-06T07:02:13Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162552
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Authors:Juhong Chen, Jiuxia Wang Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-03T09:47:24Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162533
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Authors:Jade Blake Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-03T08:46:17Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162569
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Authors:Dalbir S. Chana Abstract: Journal of Social Work, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Journal of Social Work PubDate: 2023-03-03T08:45:45Z DOI: 10.1177/14680173231162550