Framework For Social Work Practice Research Articles

An Entervention Ethical Framework of Social Work Practice with Indigenous Communities

Archives > Volume 19 (2022) > Issue 2 > Item 07 DOI: 10.55521/10-019-207 Angelito B. Meneses, RSW, DSDAssociate Professor, Department of Social WorkUniversity of the Philippines Dilimanabmeneses@up.edu.ph Meneses, A. (2022). An Entervention Ethical Framework of Social Work Practice with Indigenous Communities. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 19(2), 78-100. https://doi.org/10.55521/10-019-207 This text may be freely shared among individuals, but […]

Social work competence in disaster management: an integrative review

ABSTRACT This integrative review provides an overview of the core competencies (i.e. knowledge, values and skills) of social workers in each phase of disaster management (i.e. mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery), using the core competency framework for social work practice. A total of 183 items, including 77 journal articles, 97 book chapters, 8 editorials and 1 dissertation, were retrieved from seven academic databases and their content analysed. This paper shows that reflective practice is an important resource for social work training and provides evidence of social work competencies in disaster management. In addition to supporting disaster response and recovery, social work can contribute significantly to disaster mitigation and preparedness. This paper identifies three important competencies for social work practice in disaster contexts: community resilience building, localisation and environmental sustainability.

Introducing a Conceptual Framework for Assessing Existing Models, Frameworks, and Approaches for Navigating Encounters Across Difficult Differences

Despite the Biblical account that God purposely created people to be different, multidisciplinary research suggests that people tend to struggle to positively encounter those who hold difficult, disagreeable, or contentious differences. Social work professionals have turned to a variety of frameworks, models, and approaches for pragmatic or paradigmatic recommendations for improving difficult encounters. However, there is not a vehicle for assessing these frameworks or to consider how they might positively or negatively influence encounters. Consequently, this paper proposes a new conceptual framework meant to assess and deconstruct existing frameworks. This article describes the Encountering Contentious Differences Conceptual Framework including an overview of its five sensitizing concepts. Illustrations are provided for how to utilize this Conceptual Framework in practice by applying it to three existing frameworks: the anti-oppressive practice/Intergroup Dialogue, inclusion/exclusion, and Christian hospitality frameworks. This article concludes with implications of the Conceptual Framework for social work practice, education, and research.

Against the Odds: Developing a Core Competence Framework of Social Work Practice for the Field of Disaster Management in China

Disaster plans are complex and the role of social workers can become lost amidst plans and processes. Although social workers' skill sets are desperately needed during disasters and recovery, in many disaster management strategies their roles are not acknowledged. In order to maximise their value, specific training for social workers in disaster management needs to be reinvigorated. Associate Professor Timothy Sim, Singapore University of Social Sciences, believes that current social work research in disaster management is underdeveloped, and other professionals are unclear about social workers' roles in it. His project to examine the core competence of social work in various stages of disaster management was funded by the General Research Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government. He and colleagues from China and around the world devised a new competence framework that is unique from previous attempts. The framework comprises five dimensions: knowledge, values, skills, roles and tasks, in four specific disaster management phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The thinking behind this novel structure is that it will help social work professionals clarify related concepts and comprehend competencies, roles and tasks for each phase of the disaster management cycle. The approach is also more comprehensive and precise than has been seen previously and will improve collaboration between social workers, governments and non-government organisations. Furthermore, the team used rigorous research methods when designing the framework, including an integrative review, in-depth interviews and a Delphi study. In addition, the team is confident the framework will have a long-term impact and could be applied to other countries and contexts.

Spiritual Wounding and Affliction

This paper explores the writings of metaphysical philosopher and social activist Simone Weil on spiritual wounding and affliction, as well as implications for the development of a spiritually-grounded and -sensitive social work practice. The nature of spiritual affliction is considered, challenges to discerning spiritual trauma discussed, and barriers to receiving help for those in the midst of such wounding revealed. A framework for social work practice based on a spiritual foundation is articulated, which embraces social justice as focused on human needs and social obligations, toward the goal of spiritual transformation in cases of spiritual wounding. The perspective of those experiencing spiritual affliction in the area of hard drug addiction is discussed as a case study.

Book Review

This textbook is a helpful addition for Social Work curriculum. It highlights the application of theory to practice and chooses some interesting theoretical models that support social work practice. The book is divided into three parts: Understanding Theories and Tools for Translation; Models, Metaphors, and Maps Applied; and Theoretical Integration. Like many HBSE texts, this one begins with a discussion of theory and theorizing. In addition, Forte adds a number of methods for understanding or translating theoretical models, including the use of core metaphors, theoretical maps, and role models from theorists and practitioners associated with each model. This introductory section describes the theoretical foundation for the discussion that follows. Ten theoretical models are presented: Ecological, Systems, Biology, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Behaviorism, Symbolic Interactionism, Social Role, Economic, and Critical theories. The chapter titles all start with the word ‘Applied’ denoting the emphasis of understanding each model as a framework for social work practice. Each model is presented using the same structure: Introduction, Exemplary Models, Root Metaphors, Core Assumptions, Approach to Human Development, Selective Propositions, Mapping, Limits, and an example of Theory Application to a problem area of interest to Social Work. In addition each chapter ends with a number of Learning Activities suggestions which could be used for in-class exercises or for homework assignments. The final part of the book discusses a number of methods for integrating theoretical models and describes the author’s preference for a Dialogical Approach in which theoretical discussions compare, match, challenge, sequence, or synthesize different approaches.

The Role of Social Work in Supporting People Affected by Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (CJD): A Scoping Review

Social work practice in England and the wider United Kingdom is curiously under-informed about its own practice in supporting people affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). This paper reports the findings of a scoping review undertaken in 2018 of what is known about social work support for people with CJD and their families. Conceptual and thematic analysis of the limited literature identified in the review enabled us to develop a consensus on reported themes: rapid decline and the need for quick responses; families’ need for support; and the use of case studies and case reports. The review identified significant gaps in the evidence, particularly as the literature currently published pre-dates the contemporary legal framework for social work practice in England. We therefore argue that there is clear scope for further research, investigating the specific social work role in supporting people affected by CJD, potentially providing the profession with greater confidence about its potential contribution, and evidence of its potential and actual effectiveness.

Muslim women and domestic violence: Developing a framework for social work practice

ABSTRACTThere is a great deal of research on domestic violence, but few studies investigate the role of religious values on intimate partner violence or faith-based prevention and intervention strategies in Muslim community. This article draws on a study of 14 abused Muslim immigrant women in Australia and aims to contribute to the understanding of how religion intersects with culture, gender, and immigration. The contemporary climate for Muslims in the West, including Australia, has become increasingly volatile since September 2001 and more recently with the emergence of the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS). In this context, the Muslim community has been stereotyped as a violent community whose religious teachings and cultural beliefs support and enforce violence, especially against women. Yet abused women’s narratives provide a different view of the effect of religious values and spirituality on the experience of domestic violence. The findings of this study of abused Muslim immigrant women focus on four themes: positive role of religion and spirituality; negative role of religious leaders; perception of the relation between religion and domestic violence, and the intersection of culture and religion.

Promoting Actively Aging: Advancing a Framework for Social Work Practice with Older Adults

The United States is experiencing a growing aging population, and the profession will need to increase the number of gerontological social workers. However, the social work profession has been relatively quiet in the debate on theories of aging as well as the development of approaches to social work practice with older adults. This article aims to further advance social work practice by critiquing existing aging theories or frameworks against social work values and ethical principles and by presenting the development of actively aging as a framework to guide practice with older adults. Actively aging considers the interplay between individuals' experiences; their meanings of aging; and their social, environmental, political, and cultural structures. The five principles of actively aging are presented, as well as considerations for future research and theory development on aging.

The plight of international child support enforcement

AbstractArising from the landscape of global development and fueled by the demographics of increasing rates of mobility and divorce, the international enforcement of child support is a challenging and growing problem. Current initiatives to rectify this critical problem cut across geopolitical divides and have resulted in the creation of uniform procedures for child support enforcement that are awaiting ratification in the USA: the 2007 Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. In the following paper, we will trace the evolution of these efforts and extrapolate a framework for social work practice illustrated by examples drawn from a case study of a family's plight with international child support enforcement. While thousands of families are impacted by this issue, there is a gap in the social work literature about this critical issue.

Professional Ethics: Complex Issues for the Social Work Profession

A code of ethics is a contract between professionals that emerges when an occupation becomes recognized in a formal manner and individuals share moral ideals regarding their contribution to the common good. Since the first code of ethics was approved by the National Association of Social Workers in 1960, ethics have provided an important framework for social work practice. This article presents a brief overview of the history of social work ethics and poses areas for future thought and consideration as the challenges and risks to practitioners continue to increase in what has become a litigious environment.

A Gestalt Approach to Social Work Practice

Although there is a body of literature that applies Gestalt therapy techniques to clinical practice, little has been written about the use of Gestalt therapy theory as a comprehensive framework for social work practice as a whole. Gestalt therapy theory unifies social work's ecological and strength perspectives and is highly consonant with the core values of the profession. Four major theoretical aspects of Gestalt therapy that are highly applicable to social work practice are described: field theory, “I-Thou” relationship, creative adjustment, and the phenomenological perspective. Case examples are provided to demonstrate a Gestalt approach to social work practice.

Social work and the shadow father: lessons for engaging fathers in Northern Ireland

AbstractThe legislative framework of social work practice has consistently highlighted the need to work in partnership with parents, with far‐reaching implications for families. However, the importance of engaging fathers in social work practice is an issue that has received limited attention within academic debate and research. A research study undertaken across six family centres, investigated paternal involvement in family centre social work in Northern Ireland. The study involved 46 semi‐structured interviews with social workers, fathers and mothers. This paper presents the views of 22 social workers on the barriers to paternal involvement in family centre interventions. A range of factors were identified which served to inhibit or promote engagement of fathers. There were substantially more deterrents than promoters, a clear indicator of the problematic nature of paternal involvement. The findings highlight that both attitudes and practices of social workers influence the engagement of fathers. Recommendations drawn from the findings are presented for the development of father – inclusive social work practices and research.

Management of HIV Treatment and Prevention: Indian Experiences

Serving people with HIV encompasses the traditional social work role of advocate for an under-served client population and poses professional challenges for all social work professionals. This issue makes social work practice more distinct in an Indian setting, due to the complex multi-pluralistic nature of society and the need for multi-pronged interventions. The current paper begins with a brief introduction of the contemporary scenario of HIV in an Indian setting. It then examines the multiple levels of intervention at the grassroots. Citing various case studies from the field, the paper analyses social work roles, tasks, and challenges in the field of HIV. The uniqueness of the paper lies in its analysis of several models being implemented by non governmental organisations to deal with the issue. Adopting the theoretical framework of social work practice, it explores the role of social workers in HIV testing, crisis intervention, counselling, building support groups, awareness generation with various stakeholders e.g. schools, community, formation of advocacy groups, developing innovative programmes. The paper also seeks to critique several micro and macro-level field projects. In addition to these, the author develops an indigenous framework for building effective strategies in working with HIV from a social work perspective.

Locating Empowerment in the Context of Indigenous Australia

Empowerment provides a potentially useful framework for social work practice with Indigenous Australians. However, there is little systematic research on what empowerment actually means in this context. This study sought to examine the concept of empowerment for Indigenous Australians through a grounded theory analysis of the stories of people who experienced empowerment, having participated in the Indigenous developed Family Wellbeing empowerment program. The emergent theoretical model delineates central interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements that enabled people to effect life changes, even where many aspects of their social context remained constraints. The elements involve particular beliefs and attitudes, and skills and knowledge manifested in agency and leading to achievements. All of the elements correspond with theoretical literature pertaining to empowerment. However, the proposed emergent theory places a greater emphasis on attributes associated with a belief in God, strong personal values, and having the skills to help others. These attributes resonate with Indigenous concepts of culture and spirituality. The findings provide a valuable conceptual model for social workers engaging with Indigenous groups, communities, and organisations, whether through policy, planning, research, or practice.

A Framework for Healing from Loss

ABSTRACT Many behavioral problems of youth may be viewed as complications with their grieving. This study investigates defenses which emerge in the face of repeated losses and trauma early in life and proposes a framework for understanding what is happening intra-psychically with youth who have such defenses. Inter-subjective and relational theory, early trauma theory, and social constructionist theory each inform this integrated framework for social work practice. Included is an extended cross-cultural case study of therapeutic work with a Latino youth in a community-based setting. Also included are clinical considerations for working with protective defenses emanating from early loss and trauma.

Designing Interventions for Grandparent Caregivers: The Need for an Ecological Perspective for Practice

Grandparent caregivers confront multiple issues and challenges in their efforts to raise their grandchildren. The nature of these concerns suggests the relevancy of the ecological perspective as a framework for social work practice and for the design of interventions. This paper identifies the areas of stress faced by these grandparents and the ways in which the use of this perspective is particularly relevant to addressing their specific needs. A case study of services provided to one grandparent is presented. In working with these caregivers, social workers must be ready to assume a plethora of roles and interventions ranging from counselor and therapist to advocate and policy developer to ensure that the needs of grandparent caregivers are met and that stress is reduced.

From counselling to community work: Developing a framework for social work practice with displaced persons

This paper represents the outcome of a process of reflection during and following a practice experience with 400 displaced persons from Kosova who were accommodated in southern Tasmania in 1999. Engaged to provide counselling services, the authors experienced misgivings from the outset that this alone would be an effective and appropriate response to people in circumstances of continuing displacement and uncertainty. The paper describes the evolution of services from counselling to community work, discusses emergent practice issues and identifies key principles for future practice.

From counselling to community work: Developing a framework for social work practice with displaced persons

This paper represents the outcome of a process of reflection during and following a practice experience with 400 displaced persons from Kosova who were accommodated in southern Tasmania in 1999. Engaged to provide counselling services, the authors experienced misgivings from the outset that this alone would be an effective and appropriate response to people in circumstances of continuing displacement and uncertainty. The paper describes the evolution of services from counselling to community work, discusses emergent practice issues and identifies key principles for future practice.

A Conceptual Framework for Social Work Practice with Black Children and Adolescents in the United Kingdom

Summary: In this article, the first steps towards the development of a conceptual framework for social work practice with black children and adolescents in the UK are proposed. Social work in the UK and USA has turned to the social sciences, particularly psychology, for accounts of child development which can be applied in practice. In support of the development of a conceptual framework, this article argues that traditional Euro-American developmental psychology assumes cultural universality, which has often resulted in the use of Euro-American developmental norms as the standard of measurement for black child development. There is a need for a conceptual framework that incorporates cross-cultural and black perspectives for social work practice with black children and adolescents in the UK. Specifically, the concepts of individualism-collectivism and racial identity development are discussed. Findings: An understanding of cross-cultural and black perspectives will enable social workers to come up with more accurate and comprehensive explanations of black child development. Applications: This article aims to contribute to the development of antiracist and culturally-sensitive social work practice with black children and adolescents. If social workers are to work effectively with black children, much more must be written, researched and published on black child development.