Social Work Office Of The Alternative High School Essay

Client comes to treatment because she has been mandated by the court to receive services for her drug and alcohol usage. Client self-reports an extensive history of drug and alcohol usage, as well as, issues with controlling and maintaining her anger. Client is more concerned with her anger issues then her drug and alcohol usage. Client feels that if she can control her anger then she will not have to turn to drugs and alcohol. Client appears to be self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

When working in a field of expertise the experts in that area need to know what defines that field. Social work, with its roots over a hundred years old, started out simply offering assistance to others, has grown and changed, and is currently reconnecting with its roots (Bisman, 2004). Bisman (2004) emphasizes the importance of being an advocate of justice and keeping the field focused on the “social” part of social work. This push to keep social work focused on the needs of others defines social work today. Social work focuses on providing aide to the needy and increasing awareness of those that are oppressed.

Social workers play a crucial role in many professional realms. With the focus on social workers in educational settings, I interviewed Erika Bougdanos who is a Dean of Students at Niles North High School, located in north suburban Skokie, Illinois. Bougdanos has been working at Niles North for over ten years as a Dean and holds her MSW degree and Type 75 certification (Illinois Administrative Certificate). Bougdanos mentioned that although the high school is highly ethnically diverse, the majority of the student population is White. While Bougdanos interacts with many students throughout her work week, she mentioned that the students she primarily sees in her office are those from low-income or minority backgrounds.

This section of the paper will discuss the definition of social work, values associated with social work and arguments for and against the use of systems theory in social work practice. Social work can be described as a field of study that encompasses individuals and their environment. Social work can be defined as work trained professionals do to elevate stressors of individuals so they may become more self-sufficient and empowered to live to their fullest potential.

I have always been passionate about working with and helping others. The social work program at Western Illinois University (WIU) has given me the opportunity to give back to my community and begin channeling my passion to help others. I look forward to the opportunities and experiences St. Ambrose University will bring me in the near future.

Mrs. Braxton was referred to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Center, in Marksville LA. Miss. Braxton is a 40-year-old, African American, single female. She was referred to the clinic on a court order after violating her probation. Before the interview took place, Miss. Braxton and I discuss the importance of confidentiality She lives in an apartment with daughter and a son. She is currently employed at Wal- Mart Super Center, in Marksville, LA. She has been employed for the same company for 15 years. Mrs. Braxton stated that she excessively drinks alcoholic beverages, preferably Gin due to her constant struggle of being a single and trying to make ends meet.

Ms. Apple is a 45 year old African American woman who has been a widow for about 4 years. Ms. Apple has three children, whose ages range from 5-12 years old. Ms. Apple has been struggling to keep her family afloat since the death of her husband. Ms. Apple convinced herself that she would not require the extra assistance. However, she realized in attempting to provide alone has not only become very strenuous, but also quite costly. Expenses have become overwhelming for Ms. Apple to maintain, since her husband took care of the finances and was the breadwinner for the family. Ms. Apple has minimal education as she is able to read and write at grade school level. Ms. Apple also has never been employed as she was a home maker. At this

I have known Haleigh Kushman for around a year and a half. She is my friend/my brother Ridan’s girlfriend; which is how I know her. I see her at least 2 or 3 times per week; almost always at each others homes, as we are neighbors. Her home is drug and alcohol free. I know Haleigh has not driven a motorized vehicle since 8/17/12. To my knowledge, the last time that she consumed alcohol was on 8/02/13. I have not seen, heard, or noticed anything unusual to lead me to believe that she has had an alcoholic drink since then. I have never heard that Haleigh has tried illicit drugs. Since her arrest, I am aware that she has been seeking treatment through her appointments with her alcohol counselor Dr. Melissa Sandeer. I know that she also

Sheena says she drinks a lot when she goes out with her friends, but that is only about once a week. She reports two injuries during the last six months that required medical care. Both happened while she was drinking. Her friends recommended she get some help. Sheena lives with her grandmother, who raised her. Sheena is the mother of four children (ages 11, 7, 4, and 2 years). She was 17 when the first one was born. The older two sons are living in foster care. The younger two daughters have health problems and developmental delays; they live with another relative. She is no longer in contact with any of the children's fathers (three men) and was only briefly married to the second man. She reports she often feels “down” and drinks to feel better.

The National Association of Social Workers conducted two research trips to Cuba in 2011, the first team focused on health and child welfare system and the second team focused on social services for older adults. Both groups were introduced to Cuban society and their achievements and challenges as a country, and social work in Cuba. Cuba has many great achievements, for example it “devotes almost a quarter of its gross domestic product to education and health care – nearly twice as the percentage of the United States” (Herman, Zlotnik, & Collins, 2011). While this is amazing and much needed, Cuba also has its challenges as a country. The economy in Cuba continues to weaken, due to the trade embargo with the United States but also with the fall of it’s former ally the Soviet Union. Therefore there is a shortage in housing, food, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, and other basic supplies (Herman, Zlotnik, & Collins, 2011). This becomes an issue with social workers in Cuba because The Cuban Ministry of Public Health is the largest employer of social workers, training them in health care (Herman, Zlotnik, & Collins, 2011). If there is a shortage amongst the health care system with medicine and medical supplies, how are the social workers taking care of their people. Another challenge that faces social workers in Cuba, one of the first groups who migrated out of Cuba was those who worked agricultural sectors. Therefore food rationing has been

Alice Green, a Caucasian, middle-aged female, is a school guidance counselor who seems to have a serious drinking problem. Alice is married to Michael, who is an airline pilot. Alice is most often lighthearted and loving. However, when Alice drinks alcohol she tends to be reckless and can be neglectful toward her family. Alice has two children, a nine-year-old daughter named Jess, from a previous marriage, and a four-year-old daughter named Casey, whose father is Michael. It is not until a serious accident, that Alice realizes that she has "hit rock bottom". She and Michael decide together that she needs help dealing with her alcohol addiction and Alice goes to a rehabilitation facility.

This essay will discuss social divisions; social exclusion and social inclusion, of which there are many definitions and interpretations. Social divisions and Social exclusion has been around for many years. Social exclusion was first noticed in France in 1970s in relation to people who fell outside the range of the social insurance system, such as disabled people, lone parents and the young unemployed (Townsend and Kennedy, 2004). Before 1997 Social exclusion was referred to as ‘poverty’, which means where people lack many of the opportunities that are available to the average person (Palmer; 2010). However for the purpose of this assignment, it will focus on homelessness as a social division, the relationship between exclusion and

Social Work is a field of interest to me because of the positive effort it contributes to society. Within the social work profession individuals are striving to improve the welfare of those in need of assistance. Social Workers assist a variety of individuals; from children, young adolescents, older adults, mentally ill, substance abuse individuals, and many other minorities; as in LGBT members, veterans, homeless people, and low socioeconomic status individuals. The broad mix population fascinates me because within this field one will always be able to work in a flexible environment. Social Work is used in multiple settings as in hospitals, nursing skilled homes, mental health and substance abuse clinics, schools, correctional facilities, community centers, child welfare agencies, employee assistance programs, and private practices.

As the saying goes, “Our children are our future” and who you are as a child can determine who you can be later on in life. It is important for a child to be in a safe, comfortable and loving environment during its development so that the child can have the full advantage to become the best he can be in his future. My future career as a social worker will ensure just that. I chose this profession because of my own history. Growing up, I’ve had my share of social workers in my house. I experienced them as people who helped my family during a hard time. This is a career where I can fight for people’s rights. I will also be able to protect

Today there is a great need for social service organizations. The population of a lot of cities and countries has grown, creating the need for more shelters, soup kitchens, and so on. Most of these organizations are church based and community founded. Then there are others that are funded by federal and state government.