Editor's Eye

 

 

Riding the Mutual Aid Bus and Other Adventures in Group Work: A “Days in the Lives of Social Workers” Collection, edited by Linda May Grobman and Jennifer Clements. Groups come in all kinds. Therapy groups. Support groups. Task groups. Psychoeducational groups. Online groups. Play groups. Experiential groups. Art groups. Drumming groups. Co-facilitated groups. Child groups. Adult groups. Family groups. The list goes on. Regardless of what setting you are in, if you are a social worker, you will work with groups at some time in your career. Read 44 stories of social work with groups. Available now at: http://shop.whitehatcommunications.com/riding-the-mutual-aid-bus-and-other-adventures-in-group-work/

 

Are you or someone you know applying to social work graduate school? The Social Work Graduate School Applicant’s Handbook is now available in Kindle format and print format! Order it from Amazon here for the Kindle edition or here for the print edition.

 

Check out all of our social work and nonprofit books, social work greeting cards, social work buttons, and more. All of our books and products are available through our secure online store at: http://shop.whitehatcommunications.com.

 

You can also download our catalog in PDF format at:

 

 

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Job Corner

 

Featured Excerpt

by Andrea Tanguay, BSSW

 

Cancer was once a word that people were afraid to speak, and individuals rarely admitted to being a cancer survivor. The disease was often seen as a certain death sentence by those who were diagnosed.

 

Now, many cancer survivors openly discuss and share their cancer experiences. As a recent graduate with my bachelor’s in social work, I have kick started my career in the field of women’s oncology. In the time I have spent as an oncology social worker, I have learned the critical importance of continually responding to contexts that shape our practice. Because 65% of adults who are diagnosed with cancer will now be alive after at least five years, perceptions of cancer have begun to change. The view that cancer cannot be cured and the fears that have historically been attached to it are slowly changing. Because more and more people are surviving cancer, there is increased attention and focus on the quality of life and long-term outcomes of cancer survivors. Researchers are working to learn more about the challenges survivors face. Survivors have many unique needs that are not well understood. Some of these obstacles are medical, such as permanent side effects of treatment, the possibility of second cancers caused by treatment, and the need for long-term treatment and medical follow-up. Other challenges are emotional or social, like getting health insurance, discrimination by employers, relationship changes that may result from life-threatening illness, or learning to live with the possibility of cancer coming back.

 

To react to the emerging trends, we must first ask: Who is a cancer survivor? And what is survivorship?

 

The definition of a survivor is dynamic, and has been evolving with the current trends in cancer. The traditional definition of a cancer survivor requires that a patient be cancer free for at least five years. A more recent description considers someone a survivor after completing the first phase of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination. The most current definition has progressed to consider a patient a survivor from the moment of diagnosis until death. This means that a patient becomes a survivor as soon as he or she is diagnosed with cancer, and remains a survivor through the phases of treatment and afterwards until the end of life. Today, the definition professionals use to describe a cancer survivor includes an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of when that diagnosis was received, who is still living. Some patients do not feel comfortable calling themselves survivors, while others embrace the term. Each patient defines his or her own path, and navigates through the changes in his or her experiences.

“Surviving” Survival

Many cancer survivors I have encountered admit that while they felt they had a large amount of information and support during their illness, once treatment stopped, they entered a whole new world—one filled with new questions. The end of cancer treatment is often thought of as a time to rejoice. Patients are usually relieved to be finished with the demands of treatment and are ready to put the experience behind them. Yet at the same time, they may feel sad and anxious. It is common for a patient to be concerned about whether the cancer will come back and what they should do after treatment. When treatment ends, most people expect life to return to the way it was before the cancer diagnosis, but it can take time to recover. One of the hardest things after treatment is the unknown—the fear of what happens next.

 

Those who have gone through cancer treatment describe the end of treatment as a time of change. It is not so much “getting back to normal” as it is finding out what is normal for them now. People often say that life has new meaning or that they look at things differently now. Things may keep changing throughout recovery. The patient’s new “normal” may include making small or even drastic changes in everyday life. The shift to survivorship can be extremely challenging, and patients need support and assistance to make a successful transition. In some ways, moving from the period of “active treatment” into survivorship is one of the most complex aspects of the cancer experience, because it is different for every person.

Challenges Unique to Survivorship

Every survivor has individual concerns and challenges, but overall, there are some common experiences. Understanding and anticipating such challenges are important pieces for social workers and other professionals, so they can successfully assist patients in the transition. To successfully transition, patients need consistent and specific support from their doctors, nurses, social workers, and any other components of their professional support team. Patients can receive the much needed support during this adjustment period from survivorship services offered by professionals. That being said, there is an ever-growing need for cancer treatment centers to offer services specific for survivors and promote sustainable changes in the services available.

 

Survivors can face unique psychological challenges along the way. Fear of recurrence is very common among survivors, and minor physical problems can often trigger the feeling that the cancer has returned. For patients, knowing what is “normal” and what should be reported to a doctor can be difficult. Typically this fear lessens over time; however, certain events such as a diagnosis anniversary or follow-up exams can heighten anxiety. For some survivors, the feeling of uncertainty can become overwhelming and lead to struggles with depression and anxiety. They may also struggle with feelings of anger, isolation, guilt, and low self-esteem. Support groups and counseling can help survivors cope with these and other difficult emotions.

 

Read the rest of this article at:

 

Articles from the Spring 2013 issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER include:

 

...and much more!

 

Features

The Intersection of Foster Care and Mental Health

May is recognized as both National Foster Care Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. What most people do not realize is the overlap that often comes with membership in these populations.

 

In the United States, there are more than 400,000 children and teens in foster care.  Research reveals that children and teens in the foster care system have disproportionately high rates of psychiatric disability. 

 

One study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly half (47.9 percent) of youth in foster care were determined to have clinically significant emotional or behavioral problems. Likewise, researchers at the Casey Family Programs estimate that between one-half and three-fourths of children entering foster care exhibit behavioral or social competency problems that warrant mental health services.

 

Youth who have “aged out” of foster care also show high rates of psychiatric disability.  According to a study by the Casey Family Programs and Harvard Medical School, a high number of former foster children have psychiatric disabilities as adults. Over half of foster care alumni had diagnoses compared to 22 percent of the comparison group.  

 

The disproportionate level of diagnoses is perhaps most evident with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Thirty percent of foster alumni are diagnosed with PTSD, which is about twice the rate of U.S. combat veterans.

 

In 2008, the National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policy, issued a comprehensive report Youth with Disabilities in the Foster Care System: Barriers to Success and Proposed Policy Solutions.

In that report, NCD found: “While the federal investment in the multiple systems with which these youth come in contact is significant, the disconnectedness and lack of coordination across programs and agencies call into question the effectiveness of government efforts.” 

 

Five years later, the problems remain. The mental health needs of children and teens in foster care continue to be overlooked and inadequately addressed, often with detrimental consequences.

 

A significant number of the estimated 20,000 young people who leave foster care each year face inordinately bleak futures. According to researchers, just over half of these young people – 54 percent – earn a high-school diploma and a quarter of them become homeless.  On average youth aging out of the foster care system with psychiatric disabilities fare even worse.

 

In 2003, researchers at Georgetown University estimated that only 42 percent of students with mental health diagnoses graduate from high school. As such, foster care youth with psychiatric disabilities find themselves at a double disadvantage.

As we acknowledge both National Foster Care Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, NCD renews its call to action. We urge legislators, policymakers, and service providers to direct significant attention to the needs of children and teens with psychiatric disabilities in the foster care system by making these recommendations:   

 

 

Further, NCD applauds the President’s new budget proposal to fund mental health initiatives. The proposed $205 million to help identify mental health problems, improve access to mental health services, and support safer school environments, if adopted, will fill an important void for many children and teens in foster care with psychiatric disabilities.

 

The goal for America’s foster youth to live healthy, happy lives and to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society is achievable, but we should not—and cannot—forget those young people who face significant barriers to reaching these goals. 

Our nation must make a strong commitment to support children and teens with psychiatric disabilities throughout their time in foster care and take the steps necessary to ensure that a safe, healthy, and positive transition to adulthood is planned for as the end goal.

 

This can only happen if we include youth with psychiatric disabilities in the planning process and in our communities going forward. The foundation we, as a society, build for children and teens in foster care during their formative years will likely become the basis for the future they create. Let’s build it on solid ground.

 

 

 

 

 

If Cuyahoga County Calls Them Social Workers, That’s Good Enough for The Plain Dealer

 

Social Work Professor Combines Love of Horses With Research

 

Social Work Can Be Difficult But Incredibly Rewarding

 

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Suicide deaths have surpassed deaths from motor vehicle crashes in recent years in the United States. In 2010, there were 33,687 deaths from motor vehicle crashes and 38,364 suicides. Suicide rates among middle-aged Americans have risen substantially since 1999, according to a report in thr CDC journal, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

"Suicide is a tragedy that is far too common," said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "The stories we hear of those who are impacted by suicide are very difficult.  This report highlights the need to expand our knowledge of risk factors so we can build on prevention programs that prevent suicide."

 

CDC investigated suicide trends among U.S. adults aged 35 to 64 by sex and other demographic characteristics, state of residence, and mechanism of injury from 1999 to 2010, using data available through CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). Annual suicide rates for this age group increased 28 percent over this period (from 13.7 suicides per 100,000 people in 1999 to 17.6 per 100,000 in 2010), with particularly high increases among non-Hispanic whites and American Indians and /Alaska Natives. Increases in suicide rates among males and females were also observed from suicides involving hanging/suffocation, poisoning, and firearms. The suicide rates for those aged 10 to 34 and those aged 65 years and older did not change significantly during this period, the report said.

 

Suicide rates among those aged 35 to 64 increased in all states, with statistically significant increases occurring in 39 states.

 

"The findings in this report suggest it is important for suicide prevention strategies to address the types of stressors that middle-aged Americans might be facing and that can contribute to suicide risk," said Linda C. Degutis, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

 

Most suicide research and prevention efforts have focused historically on youth and the elderly. This report’s findings suggest that efforts should also address the needs of middle-aged persons.

Suicide prevention strategies involve enhancing social support and community connectedness, improving access to mental health and preventive services, and reducing the stigma and barriers associated with seeking help. Other prevention strategies include programs to help those at increased risk of suicide, such as those struggling with financial challenges, job loss, intimate partner problems or violence, stress of caregiving for children and aging parents, substance abuse, and serious or chronic health problems.

The full report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and visit online at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

News & Resources

 

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has developed this Web page to provide resources for professional social workers who work with or are interested in learning more about working with veterans and military families

 

 

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I am seeking articles for upcoming issues of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine. I am especially interested in articles in the following categories:

 

 

Our style is conversational and educational, and articles typically run 1,500-2,000 words for feature articles (considerably shorter for news items).

 

I also welcome submissions of poetry, photographs, illustrations, artwork, and other creative work depicting social work and related topics.

 

Please contact Linda Grobman, editor/publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER, at: lindagrobman@socialworker.com

 

 

 

 

CAREGIVERS is a documentary, currently in production, that aims to shed light on the oft-overlooked and under-represented issue of secondary trauma in professional caregivers. When an unexpected death happens on one's caseload or some other tragedy has occurred to a client or patient whom the professional caregiver is assisting, the helper, no matter how "objective," may be deeply affected by exposure to the trauma. Indeed, empathy can be a genuine occupational hazard in the phenomenon known as secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, or compassion fatigue. Through the depiction of caregivers in their professional worksites and in candid interviews, this broadcast-quality documentary will share the inspiring ways in which caregivers learn to cope and to thrive, as they rediscover the deep meaning and satisfaction of their service. The producers welcome your comments at http://www.caregiversfilm.com, including any blog notes you would like to share about your experiences in social work.  

On Our Web Site

 

The Spring 2013 issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is available now! It is available to download in PDF format at:

 

 

THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER’s Web site at http://www.socialworker.com includes the full text of hundreds of articles from past issues of the magazine. The current issue is featured on the site’s main page. Past issues can be found under “Magazine Issues” in the right column of the page. For selected full-text articles from issues prior to Spring 2006, click on “Feature Articles Archive” on the left side of the page. The magazine is also available for FREE download in PDF format.

 

In addition to the free PDF and Web versions of the magazine, the magazine is available in PRINT at http://newsocialworker.magcloud.com! Order it today!

 

You can also purchase bound volumes for 2011 and 2012 at Amazon.com. Search for “The New Social Worker” (in quotes).

 

Our online discussion forum/message board is a place for open discussion of a variety of social work-related issues. Join in our discussion at http://www.socialworker.com (click on the “Forum” link).

 

 

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The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics is a free, online, peer-reviewed journal published twice a year, in full text, online.

 

The journal’s archives from 2004-2012 can be found at: http://www.socialworker.com/jswve

 

Beginning January 1, 2013, the Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics is published by the Association of Social Work Boards. See http://www.jswve.org.

In Print

White Hat Communications, publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and the Social Work E-News, has published several books about social work. These books make great gifts (for graduation or other occasions) for yourself, or for your friends, students, and colleagues in social work!

 

Briefly, those currently in print are:

 

DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS: 58 Professionals Tell Real-Life Stories From Social Work Practice (4th Edition), edited by Linda May Grobman

 

MORE DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS:35 Real-Life Stories of Advocacy, Outreach, and Other Intriguing Roles in Social Work Practice, edited by Linda May Grobman

 

DAYS IN THE LIVES OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORKERS: 44 Professionals Tell Stories From Real-Life Social Work Practice With Older Adults, edited by Linda May Grobman and Dara Bergel Bourassa.

 

 

IS IT ETHICAL? 101 SCENARIOS IN EVERYDAY SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE: A DISCUSSION WORKBOOK, by Thomas Horn

 

THE FIELD PLACEMENT SURVIVAL GUIDE: What You Need to Know to Get the Most From Your Social Work Practicum, 2^nd Edition, edited by Linda May Grobman

 

THE SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICANT’S HANDBOOK: The Complete Guide to Selecting and Applying to MSW Programs, by Jesus Reyes

 

We also publish books on nonprofit management. Want to start your own agency? Check out THE NONPROFIT HANDBOOK: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization (6th Edition) and IMPROVING QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE IN YOUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, by Gary M. Grobman.

 

 

All of our books are available through our secure online store at:

 

You can also download our catalog in PDF format at:

 

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