Dear Reader,
As I write this, it is March, National Social Work Month! To tell the truth, I have spent a good bit of this month actually receiving the services of some social workers. A close family member was in the hospital, and during that time, I came into contact with two social workers whose help was invaluable. So, I would like to personally thank those social workers. Also, when walking through the halls of the hospital, I was pleased to see a “National Social Work Month” bulletin board, telling about the many social workers on staff there. Social workers help people every day, and it’s important to recognize this with a special month that tells others about what we do. See page 22 of this issue for reports on what some social workers and social work students did to celebrate Social Work Month.
In the last issue, we began our focus on bullying and bullying prevention. We continue this focus in this issue with Seth Rockman’s article about one large high school’s response to what he calls the “new normal.” It is sad to think that violence and meanness are part of anything “normal” in high school or anywhere else. But Rockman’s school is taking a positive approach that can serve as a model for others. Check it out on page 14.
On page 4, Allan Barsky presents an ethical dilemma involving reporting of sexual abuse that has happened years in the past. What does the Code of Ethics say? What does your state law say? These are all questions that need to be considered.
Can clinical work continue outside of session? Yes, it can, and Meredith Ruden discusses this on page 6.
Good leadership can sometimes be a riddle. Barry Nazar’s article on page 12 brings back memories of my graduate school groupwork class, as he discusses the various stages groups go through and how leadership develops.
Be sure to read Marson, Kersting, and DeAngelis on what to do if you fail the social work exam (see page 16). However, if you are taking the exam for the first time, this article will be of great assistance, as well, as you prepare for the big testing day.
This issue is filled with these articles and much more. And again, during Social Work Month and every month, thanks for all you do.
Until next time—happy reading!
Linda May Grobman
Table of Contents Student Role Model:
Shammrie Brown
Meet Shammrie Brown, a social work student at Aurora University.
by Barbara Trainin Blank
page 3
Ethics: To Report or Not to Report: That Is the Ethical Dilemma
Social workers are mandated to report child abuse. But what about when the abuse happened years ago, and the client does not want it reported?
by Allan Barsky
page 4
Field Placement: Can Clinical Work Continue Outside of Session?
The break between therapeutic sessions can have a valuable therapeutic function. This function varies depending on the client’s needs and preferences.
by Meredith Hemphill Ruden
page 6
Changes: A Student’s Reflections
A student reflects on how she has changed since going back to school for her BSW and MSW degrees.
by H. Loretta Williams
page 8
Promoting Identification With School Among Latino Youth
Much of the research on academic achievement among Latino youth presents data that document low levels of school success, high drop-out rates, and low levels of college completion. Social workers play an important role in helping Latino youth identify with school, thereby strengthening their academic achievement and social success.
by Yvonne Ruiz
page 10
The Riddle of Good Leadership
It is inevitable that MSWs will be pressed into leadership positions. Will you be ready for this puzzling role?
by Barry Nazar
page 12
Influencing Thousands: Creating a “New Normal” in Large Schools
Sometimes, what has become “normal” shouldn’t be. Read about one school’s response to the rampant bullying that has become so commonplace in today’s world.
by Seth Rockman
page 14
What Do I Do When I Fail the Social Work Exam?
Failing the ASWB licensing exam is a common fear among new social workers. Experts provide some essential test-taking tips.
by Stephen M. Marson, Robert Kersting, and Donna DeAngelis
page 16
A New MSW Graduate? 14 Ways to Stand Out in the Crowd!
A job is easy. A career takes time. Here are some tips to launch, maximize, and promote your social work career today.
by Natasha Nalls
page 20
SW 2.0: (Ctrl + C) + (Ctrl + V) = Homework NOT Finished
It seems there are more and more options these days to use technology to cut corners on assignments, posing a host of ethical problems and concerns about social work practice quality. However, to improve your writing, practice, not Google, makes perfect.
by Karen Zgoda
page 24
Serenity Prayer: It’s Not Just for Addictions
A medical adaptation of the Serenity Prayer.
by Jayne Brown
page 27
Socio-Cultural Determination of Adaptation of Children in Difficult Life Situations in Russia
Social work students at Penza State Pedagogical University in Russia receive practical lessons in working with children.
by Alexander Tugarov and Artem Dudkin
page 28
Kryss Meets Career: 10 Things I Learned In My Job Search
Kryss has started her first social work position. Here she shares some practical tips for the professional job search.
by Kristen Marie (Kryss) Shane
page 30
On Campus page 22
Letters to the Editor page 23
Reviews page 26
Classified Ads page 32
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