Dear Reader, Happy New Year! We have a lot in store at The New Social Worker for 2009. So let’s get started! Starting with this issue, I am happy to introduce our new MSW student columnist, T.J. Rutherford. T.J. will be sharing her experiences with us as she journeys toward a new career in social work. Her first column (page 14) reflects on her experiences as a non-traditional White student in a historically Black university.
Also, with the introduction of T.J., I am excited to introduce The New Social Worker’s new blog! In between issues of the magazine, you can read about (and communicate with) T.J. on a more frequent basis at http://blog.socialworker.com. I will also be posting social work news, information, and thoughts on the blog. Watch as it continues to develop each day. In the last issue, Barbara Trainin Blank introduced us to hip-hop social work. In this issue, she continues her series of articles on creative arts therapies, with a focus on music therapy and therapeutic music. This topic is near and dear to my heart, as I just completed my own certification as a Certified Music Practitioner in October 2008. The coming issues will feature other creative arts therapies, so stay tuned! Two of our columns are coming to an end with this issue. Amanda and Lyndal wrap up their 4-part series on social work careers (see page 12) with a look at cultivating your purpose. If you have not had a chance to read parts 1-3, see page 13 for links to the previous installments in this series. Thank you, Amanda and Lyndal! Marshall Smith is retiring from writing the Electronic Connection column. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Smith has covered a wide variety of technology topics. In this issue, he looks into his “LED ball” to see into the future of social work and technology. He has gathered the predictions of some of the top leaders on this topic for his farewell aloha column. Read it on page 30. Thank you, Marshall! Don’t forget, if you are looking for a social work job, or looking to hire a social worker, check out our online job board at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com. We have a new look—check it out! Until next time—happy reading!
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW Table of Contents FEATURES Student Role Model: Jason Luey In this issue, Barbara Trainin Blank provides a close-up look at Jason Luey, a recent MSW graduate of the University of British Columbia. by Barbara Trainin Blank page 3
Ethics: Client Relationships and Ethical Boundaries for Social Workers in Child Welfare When working with clients, social workers must maintain clear boundaries to assure professional integrity and responsibility. This article focuses on client relationships and ethical boundaries for social workers, with a particular focus on child welfare. by Rose M. Handon page 4
When Students Plagiarize A social work professor wonders why good students plagiarize, risking getting an F. Ask questions. Turn in rough drafts. Go the extra mile when citing sources. All that hard work really does pay off. by Marian L. Swindell page 6
Field Placement: Inspiration, Coping, and Hope: South African Student Reflections During Field Work This article shares the use of photography, written reflection worksheets, and participation in photo-elicitation interviews as alternative techniques to garner students’ impressions and perceptions of the field work experience. by Dianne J. Orton page 8
What’s On Your Social Work Horizon? Creating YOUR Social Work Career, Phase 4: Cultivating Your Purpose In this fourth installment of their 4-part series, Lyndal and Amanda help readers to stay connected to why they are social workers and build on their “bigger picture” purpose. by Lyndal Greenslade and Amanda Vos page 12
An MSW Student’s Life In this issue, we introduce our new MSW student columnist, T.J. Rutherford. In her first column, she reflects on being a White student in a historically Black university. by T.J. Rutherford page 14
David’s Harp: Bringing Healing Through Music Music therapy and the use of live therapeutic music at the bedside are growing in popularity. Some professionals are combining training in social work with music-related training, bringing a unique blend of skills and services to their clients. by Barbara Trainin Blank page 15
Impact of the Internet on Self-Injurious Behaviors: Psychological and Social Contributors and Consequences A number of individuals who self-injure are drawn to the Internet. This article examines the benefits and dangers of self-injury related Web sites. by Michelle Lanham page 18
On Campus: Empowering the Student Voice A report on the Graduate Student Social Workers’ Association at New Mexico State University. by Gina Bryant page 22
Theory or Bust: A Doctoral Student’s Insight on the Role of Theory in Education and Research A doctoral student’s journey on the way to a theory. by Michael A. Robinson page 24
An Internship in Nuremberg, Germany A student from Turkey describes an intergenerational project. by Gizem Arat page 28
Electronic Connection: What My “LED Ball” Reveals About the Future of Technology and Social Work: A Farewell Aloha Marshall Smith, in his final column, predicts what is to come in the social work/technology arena. by Marshall L. Smith page 30
DEPARTMENTS Reviews page 34 Classified Ads page 36 Letter to the Editor page 36
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