Read the publisher's column and Table of Contents from the Spring 2006 print edition of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine. You will find articles from this issue in the "Current Articles" of this online edition. Publisher’s Thoughts
Dear Reader,
Happy Spring! As I write this, we are in the midst of Social Work Month. So (even though you’re getting this after the month is over), pat yourself on the back for choosing to be a part of this important profession!
Violence is a fact of life for many clients who find themselves in a social worker’s office for one reason or another. John Mooradian presents some ethical questions for those in our profession who work with clients who are dealing with what he calls “everyday violence”—situations in which signals of abuse or potential abuse exist, but in which decisive action or legal procedures are not immediately mandated.
One of my favorite TV shows is Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and one of my favorite characters on that show is Detective Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. But now I know why! If that show had been made a few decades ago, “detective” Benson may very well have been “social worker” Benson. Read Dwayne Walker’s article on page 8 for an interesting history of the connection between policewomen and social workers!
In this issue, Ann McLaughlin concludes her 3-part series on international social work. She asks social workers who want to go abroad to take a good, hard look at themselves, their qualifications, and their goals before attempting international work. With her many years of experience, she has an insider’s perspective. If you’re thinking of doing social work in another country, don’t do it without reading her article on page 11.
Social workers don’t prescribe medications, but they are in the position of discussing them with elderly clients. Charles Niven provides 10 tips for social workers in his “tentative guide” on page 16.
If you are graduating soon, I want to wish you congratulations right now. Don’t forget to visit our online job board and career center at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com as part of your social work job search.
Until next time—happy reading!
Linda May Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
Table of Contents, Spring 2006 (Vol. 13, No. 2), THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER FEATURES Student Role Model: Alisha Ellis
In this issue, Barbara Blank provides a close-up look at Alisha Ellis, recipient of NASW’s LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship for 2005-2006 and a student at Smith College School for Social Work.
by Barbara Trainin Blank
page 3
Ethics: Better Together or Safer Apart? An Application of Ethics to Everyday Violence
Professional social workers operate in the context of human relationships and often encounter situations in which clients live with patterns that signal abuse, even if decisive action or legal procedures are not immediately mandated. These patterns are conceptualized as “everyday violence.” This article outlines the ethical issues involved in such situations.
by John K. Mooradian
page 4
Field Placement: What Do Faculty Liaisons Have to Offer? Or Do Faculty Really Know What is Happening in the Real World?
What is a faculty field liaison, and why do you need to contact this person? What does he or she have to offer you in your practicum placement?
by Denice Goodrich Liley
page 6
Lost and Forgotten: Early Police Social Workers
Did you know police departments once had social workers? Lost and forgotten are hundreds of social workers who worked as policewomen from 1910 to the mid-1950s.
by Dwayne Walker
page 8
Perspective: Journey Through a Locked Ward
A social worker’s first person account.
by Rebecca B. Mervis
page 10
International Social Work III: Rising to the Challenge
Part 3 in Ann McLaughlin’s eye-opening look at international social work, this installment provides a realistic view of getting into international work.
by Ann McLaughlin
page 11
A Tentative Guide to the Use of Psychotropic Medication in an Elderly Population
Social workers provide the major share of mental health treatment and are in a position to be their elderly clients’ “best friend” regarding the use of psychotropic drugs. This article outlines 10 guidelines for social workers.
by Charles Niven
page 16
Career Talk: Career Transitions
Historically, social work is, in and of itself, a multi-disciplinary field. It only makes sense that such a diverse profession would attract a diverse group of people. Social work is such a broad field that people often transfer to it from other fields, or transfer from one area of social work to another. Making such a change may seem daunting. It is actually a lot easier than it seems.
by Regina Trudy Praetorius and Laura Lawson
page 22
Electronic Connection: Back Up? Why? Back Up What? How?
Where, how, and why do you need to back up the data on your computer? Our technology expert answers these questions and tells you, step-by-step, how to do it.
by Marshall L. Smith
page 26
DEPARTMENTS On Campus page 19
News You Can Use page 19
Association Spotlight page 20
Books page 30
Classified Ads page 32
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