You need to address the following questions in your response:
- Reflecting back on this semester/course, what are your impressions of the field of Social Work?
- What are one or two things that you learned that had an impact on you? How will what you have learned inform your future career and/or life?
- What are strengths and weaknesses you find in the field of social work?
- How has your ideas, beliefs, and thoughts about the social work profession changed throughout the course? Reflect back to your Introduction discussion from week 1.
- How would you describe social work to someone else?
- How would you describe the role of advocacy in the social work profession?
Requirements
- Posts should be no less than 300 words.
- Thoroughly addresses the prompt,
- Adheres to due date
SWU 171 Intro to Social Work
Dr. hilary Haseley, phd, msw, acue
Overview
Chapter 6 Family and Child Welfare
Today’s Diverse Family
Family: A social unit where people form relationships and make a commitment to live together as a defined family group and provide for the group’s social, emotional, and economic needs, including care of children
Families may or may not be based on kinship
Kinship: Common ancestry, marriage, or adoption
Today’s Diverse Family
Traditional image of a family is changing.
Nuclear family: One or more parents living with their dependent children, apart from other relatives
Extended family: Relatives beyond the nuclear family live together
Families may now live in multiple dwellings
Transnational migration- family members maintaining lifestyles across separate countries and cultures
Certain family types face unique scrutiny and disproportionate judgment:
Transgender, lesbian, and gay parents
Today’s Diverse Family
Divorce:
Stigma has been decreasing
Many reasons for divorce.
Irreconcilable differences- Disagreements and differences between spouses that cannot be resolved; neither spouse is blamed for the breakdown of the relationship
Not necessarily negative event
Divorce rates have held steady between 40% and 50%; lower for college graduates
Today’s Diverse Family
Separation
Legal separations may or may not lead to divorce
Remain legally married and can retain legal and economic benefits of marriage
Some states mandate a period of separation before divorce
Blended families
Partners in a committed relationship with children from previous relationships and possibly children together
Defining relationships with new parental figures and various siblings can be a challenge
Children may be splitting time between multiple homes as well
Social workers may help families define roles for both parents and kids
Today’s Diverse Family
Single-parent households
Traditionally, these are single-mother households
Often a challenge to care for and financially support children
Today’s Diverse Family
Same-sex marriage and parenting
The United States recognizes marriage equality; 2015 Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges
Need for social workers to openly recognize and appreciate same-sex marriages and parenting
Gay parents can raise very healthy kids; the quality of a family unit has nothing to do with the parents’ sexual orientation
Today’s Diverse Family
Many couples live together before (or in lieu of) marriage
Cohabitation has been very popular in recent history in the United States
Many reasons for this choice (lack of commitment, finances, legal issues, conflicting responsibilities)
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Predominantly committed by men.
Usually an issue of power and control.
Domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV) is viewed by many professionals as a public health crisis in the United States
IPV has been shown to impact women of reproductive age and to have both short-term and long-term traumatic effects on female sexual and reproductive health
Child Trafficking
Subset of human trafficking, a global problem involving the exploitation of humans through the threat or use of mistreatment, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, and/or deception
Children facing vulnerabilities are particularly at risk
Women and girls constitute a major target group
Difficult to collect data concerning human and child trafficking
Efforts from UNICEF to protect the lives of exploited children across the globe
1 (888) 373-7888 National Human Trafficking Hotline
Child Welfare
Child Welfare
Public child welfare agencies are funded by tax revenue and run by federal/state governments
Often include services such as adoption, family life education, child protective services, in-home family-centered intervention, and residential services
Private child welfare agencies rely on pay for service, serve smaller populations, and are less bureaucratic and may be more specialized
Public agencies may pay more, while private agencies offer smaller caseloads, more autonomy, and less bureaucracy
Child Maltreatment
Child protective services programs respond to reports of child maltreatment
Varying names for agencies by states and counties
Child welfare policies promote well-being and safety of children
Child protective services workers are trained to look for signs of abuse and to identify suspicious or illogical explanations for injuries
Child Welfare History
1800s- concern about treatment of children led to the first public child welfare institutions
1900s- child abuse became criminal; states began to recognize their duty to protect children
1960s- battered child syndrome was identified by Dr. C. Henry Kempe, who advocated for doctors reporting child abuse suspicions
The syndrome can be physical or psychological in nature and involves persistent injuries usually caused by a caregiver
Shaken baby syndrome: Serious brain injury to infants and toddlers as a result of being physically shaken
By the end of the 1960s, child abuse became a mandated reporting situation for professionals working with children
Child Maltreatment
Child physical abuse: Deliberate use of physical force that injures or could injure a child June 2022, 943
Child sexual abuse: Engaging (or attempting to engage) sexually with a child or exploiting a child for sexual purposes June 2022 121
Child Maltreatment
Child neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic needs June 2022- 1840
Child psychological maltreatment includes public embarrassment, verbal cruelty, intimidation, threats, and deprivation of love June 2022- 21
Parental vs Child Rights
Family service agencies aim to protect and aid families in difficult situations and transitions
Parents have wide allowance to discipline children as they see fit
Discipline that harms children becomes a violation of their rights
Child welfare agencies promote children’s needs, safety, and rights
The best interests of families may at times be in conflict with the best interests of children
Child Protective Services
Child protective services investigate and adjudicate reports of child maltreatment
Family-based services
include counseling, therapy, skill building, advocacy, educational, and other services
Common areas examined: Parental conflict, loss of family members, mental health issues, substance use, domestic violence, development of gender, race, ethnic, and/or sexual orientation identity, transgender issues, and challenges for same-sex and single parenting
Child Protective Services
Family preservation services
Family preservation services aim to help at-risk families prevent child removal through comprehensive aid and services
Family foster care
Family foster care: Trained and licensed parents can provide homes for children removed from their homes
Child Protective Services
Family reunification services
Family reunification services aim to reunite children in the system with their families
Adoption services
Adoption services: Permanent rendering of parental rights to a new set of parents
https://www.childrensheartgallery.org/
Child Protective Services
Residential care
Residential care: Group homes that serve as alternative placements for children removed from their families
Independent living services
Independent living services help children who are “aging out” of the system to transition to living on their own
Attitudes
Public Attitudes Toward Services for Children and Families
Institutional/Primary view: Humans generally try to succeed but may struggle to do so in the face of challenges and negative factors outside their control; communities should help whenever possible
Residual/Secondary view: People are responsible for their own situation and should escape problematic circumstances through their own efforts without government intervention whenever possible
Attitudes
Social Workers’ Attitudes Toward Child and Family Services
Services help children move toward positive lives
Diversity factors contribute to risks
Right to self-determination
Hope that services and programs will help children move toward more positive lives overall, rather than being temporary fixes
Recognition that diversity factors contribute to increased risks for family health and mental health
Belief in the family’s and child’s right to self-determination and their inherent dignity and worth
Intersection of Diversity
Class
Poorer children have limited access to resources
Gender and sexual orientation
Children raised by same-sex parents do just as well as other children
Same-sex parents my face oppression and discrimination
Women continue to be seen as primary caretakers of children
Ethnicity
Different cultures have different attitudes about education and work
Age
Young children may struggle to express and pursue their needs
Current Trends in Advocacy for Child and Family Services
Children’s advocacy centers (CACs)
Improve coordination of services for families with children, and for children themselves
May employ/coordinate a wide range of professionals for this purpose
Assist in investigations of child maltreatment
https://www.childhelp.org/advocacy-centers/childhelp-childrens-center-of-arizona/
Dynamic Advocacy
Economic and social justice
Children’s perspectives often unheard and undervalued
Guardian ad litem: Court-appointed lawyers who act on children’s behalf
Social workers can seek to improve services for children and make sure their voices are heard
Supportive environment
Location of home impacts many aspects of a child’s life
Human needs and rights
Social workers need to speak on behalf of children who cannot adequately describe or pursue their needs
Social workers must be well versed in human development
Political access
Politicians’ view of social welfare policy depends on their overall perspective
Social workers advocate for a voice for the disenfranchised and increased funding for child and family services
Social workers may also serve as elected officials themselves
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SWU 171 intro to social work
Dr. Hilary Haseley, phd, msw, acue
Overview
Chapter 8
Physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges
61 million adults, 1 in 4 have a physical, cognitive or developmental challenge
Disability- temporary or permanent reduction in function
Prefer to use asset-promoting language like physical and cognitive challenges and abilities rather than disability
Strengths first
defining Physical, Cognitive, and Developmental Challenges
Criteria to meet definition of disabled:
Condition substantially limits major life activity
History of chronic condition
Severe impairment lasting at least 12 months. that is severe and interferes with normal functions of living
Types of Physical, Cognitive, and Developmental Challenges
Co-occurring disabilities-having more than one disability
Categorical challenges- significant sensory impairments or mental illnesses, coupled with developmental delays
Functional challenges- limits to a person’s ability to perform daily activities, and can often be helped with assistive devices/technology
Adults with functional challenges are more likely to have obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
Types of challenges
Categorical disabilities- significant sensory impairment or mental illness and have developmental delays
Most likely need long term care
Eligible for special education instruction
Types of challenges
Functional disabilities- limit a person's ability to perform physical activities and can be improved with assistive devices or technology
Percentages of adults with functional disabilities
13.7% mobility- unable to walk or climb stairs
10.8% cognition- unable to concentrate or remember or make decisions
6.8% independent living- unable to do errands alone
5.9% hearing- deafness or serious difficult hearing
4.8% vision- blindness or serious seeing difficulty
3.7% self-care- unable to dress or bathe one’s self
Leading disease/disorder contributing to disability in the u.s.
Developmental challenges
A severe chronic condition that manifests before the age of 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely
May be caused by a genetic predisposition or an issue before, during or after birth
Increased attention for invisible disabilities- non-visible or non-apparent challanges, but careful to call it a disability, could be a chronic illness
autism
Neurobiological developmental disorder
Generally, appears before age 3
Affects normal brain development
May have trouble with nonverbal and verbal communication, social interactions
Asperger’s syndrome is now part of the ASD
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
Chronic condition affecting control of the body and or limb movement, muscle tone and coordination
Caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain as the brain develops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KGhVwyQc5M&t=14s
Cerebral palsy
Trisomy 21
Chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome
Impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth
Distinctive facial features
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7zIJAPFgOM
Down syndrome
Epilepsy
Brain disorder that causes a person to have recurring seizures
More prevalent than autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease combined
65 million people globally have epilepsy
70% of cases the cause is unknown
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAS- a pattern of physical and mental defects that develops in some unborn babies when their mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy
One of the most common intellectual disabilities that is 100% preventable
Lifelong effects
Most common cause of inherited mental incapacities
Most prevalent intellectual disability inherited through generations
Very subtle and difficult to diagnose
‘autism-like’ behaviors
Behavioral features and delays in speech and language
FRAGILE X SYNDROME
Most common genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children
Uncommon genetic condition
Low levels of sex hormones, poor muscle tone, constant feeling of hunger
Usually floppy babies
PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
Physical challenge: limits one or more basic physical activities
Mobility challenge: Limits function of moving
Highly individualized conditions
Orthopedic problems
Diseases/defects of muscle/bone that cause impaired movement
Can be caused by genetics, injury, disease, other disorders
Can cause problems with standing, sitting, walking, using hands
Physical or Mobility Challenges
Physical or Mobility Challenges
Hearing and vision problems
Range widely from minor impairment to being legally blind
Hard of hearing: Mild-to-moderate hearing loss
Deaf: Moderate-to-severe hearing loss
Deaf people may be considered to have a medical problem or to consider themselves members of deaf community
Mental/Cognitive Challenges
Neurocognitive impairments block the cognition process
Examples
Intellectual disabilities/challenges
Characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior
Previously called mental retardation
Range from mild to profound, based on IQ
Learning differences
Neurological disorders, skill-based
Dyslexia-reading, writing and spelling, dysgraphia- putting thoughts on paper, dyscalculia, hinders math are examples
Caused by a blow to the head or penetration of skull
Can have many physical and intellectual effects
Some may appear immediately, some may be delayed effects
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
Traumatic Brain injury
Stigma and Discrimination
Discrimination due to social stigma
Stigma- a “stain” on the way a person is perceived that leads to them being shunned by others
Can occur at work, in health care, within families
Goffman’s theory is that discrimination is due to social stigma, due to one of the three factors:
Visible or outer deformations
Deviations in personal traits (e.g., alcoholism, criminality)
Imagined or real traits of an ethnic group, nationality, or religion
Goffman’s theory has been criticized because it focuses more on the stigmatized than the stigmatizers
Kids typically know disability stereotypes by age 10
In the past, people with challenges have been seen as pariahs, to be pitied, feared, ignored
Inspirational stories in media may exaggerate deficiencies in what has been termed “inspiration porn”
In the 1800s, treatments were often gruesome
Historical Background of Services
Historical Background of Services
Post Revolutionary War—people were sent to prisons, and asylums
Industrial revolution led to increase in physical and cognitive challenges
Progressive Era led to reforms in institutions
Increase in challenges after the industrial revolution was due to workplace accidents and exposure to harmful substances
Deinstitutionalization
Community Mental Health Act of 1963
Removing people from institutions and integrating them into the community
From 1965 to 1980, 60% of people were moved from asylums into the community
Civil rights movement argued that people with special needs are disadvantaged as much by discrimination as thy are by their physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges
Deinstitutionalization
Independent-living centers emerged in the late 1960s
Deinstitutionalization left some people without the level of assistance they actually needed, leading to homelessness/incarceration
Community Living Initiative in 2009 increased opportunities for meaningful community living
Person-first language example: “Person living with schizophrenia” over “schizophrenic person”
Person with a special need rather than “disabled person”
Avoid stigmatizing language like “differently-abled” “cripple” or “Victim”
“inspirational Porn” language
Person first language
Inspiration porn
https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?language=be
Services for Persons with Physical, Cognitive, and Developmental Challenges
Civil Rights—Social workers can advocate for clients who many be protected by acts that acknowledge the civil rights of people with challenges
Income support—Many people living with challenges cannot earn enough to support themselves financially. Social workers can assist with getting them public assistance
Can also help with four specific issues for this population:
Civil rights
Income support
Education and rehabilitation
Genetic counseling
class
Cost of assistive technology can be a barrier
People with challenges often lack health insurance or coverage for necessary services
similar needs regardless of class but receive different services
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Disability often associated with asexuality
Women with challenges at a higher risk of gender-based violence
LGBTQ+ people with challenges are marginalized
Women with challenges are treated differently in health care system
Women with challenges are Less likely to have weight checked or to be screened for breast/cervical cancer than women without challenges
Race and ethnicity
AGE
Adults with functional abilities are more likely to develop diabetes
Aging process begins earlier for some people with challenges
Adolescents with physical, cognitive or developmental challenges are more likely than children without to be excluded from vital sexual and reproductive health education programs
Economic and Social Justice
Equipment, devices, respite care, acute care, and chronic caregiving assistance are covered by the insurance industry and the law but with limits
Social workers advocate for clients to fight against discrimination
Social work must advocate for clients as the private, for-profit services sector becomes more powerful
Supportive Environment
Public accommodations required by law, but could be absent- ADA
Private companies doing better job of making spaces inclusive
Social workers need to focus on what the client wants and make no assumptions about services, as well as advocate for clients when services are lacking
Human Needs and Rights
Institutionalization can be devastating, but people need access to institutions
Self-determination key
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SWU 171 Intro to Social Work Dr. Hilary Haseley, PhD, MSW, ACUE
Overview
Chapter 12
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
2
Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Criminal justice system: A large network of organizations (e.g., courts, police departments, prisons, jails, probation agencies) dedicated to the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice
Crime: An act or behavior that is prohibited by criminal law and punishable by negative sanctions (e.g., probation, fine, jail term)
Laws: Legislative acts passed at local, state, and federal levels by corresponding political entities to define and regulate acceptable and unacceptable behavior and action
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Criminals: People who have been found guilty and as a result are classified as having committed a crime
Subject to biases of people who influence the writing, enacting, and enforcing of laws
Based on assumptions about right and wrong
Challenging and controversial area of practice for many social workers
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Types of Crimes:
Misdemeanor: Relatively minor crimes (e.g., traffic violations) that are punishable by a fine and a small amount of time
Felony: Serious crimes (e.g., murder) that are punishable by extended imprisonment and sometimes death
Classifications of crime
Violent crimes: Crimes against people that involve the use of force or threatened force
Robbery: Stealing from another person
Aggravated assault: Attacking another person physically
Rape: Sexual penetration through the use of force
Homicide: Illegally causing the death of another person
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Classifications of crime
Violent crimes: Crimes against people that involve the use of force or threatened force
Robbery: Stealing from another person
Aggravated assault: Attacking another person physically
Rape: Sexual penetration through the use of force
Homicide: Illegally causing the death of another person
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Types of Crimes
Property crimes: Crimes involving the taking of money or property
Larceny: Stealing of property
Arson: Malicious burning of property
Burglary: Breaking into a house or building to steal
Victimless crimes: Illegal acts that (arguably) do not have a readily identifiable victim, such as gambling
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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on behalf of a corporation and with its support
7
Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Hate crimes: Crimes that involve intimidation and the intent to hurt people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, ability differences, and other forms of diversity; these include the use of verbal threats, acts of violence, fear, physical attack, and explosives
https://www.matthewshepard.org/
White-collar crimes: Acts that occur in the course of employment or normal work activities, such as fraud or theft
Corporate criminals: People who commit crimes on behalf of a corporation and with its support
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
The Contextual Nature of Crime
Laws change over time and from place to place (e.g., prohibition, same sex marriage, weed)
Crimes are perceived differently depending on the criminal (e.g., criminal vs. juvenile delinquent, race)
People with resources may be able to avoid convictions and consequences others cannot
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
The Correctional System
Probation is given in lieu of imprisonment and carries requirements like community service, treatment, regular reporting, and/or drug testing
Parole is early release from prison under certain conditions; violations may result in reimprisonment
Prison is a last-resort option that is quite expensive; incarceration costs over $26,000 per year per prisoner
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Juvenile Justice and Corrections
Juveniles (people under 18) are viewed differently;
Emancipated adults are under 18 but recognized as independent by the court
Status offenses are crimes due to the individual’s age, meaning that they would not be criminal offenses for adults (e.g., underage drinking)
Juvenile offenses impact not just the juvenile, but their families and communities
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Central Concepts in Criminal Justice and Crime
Diversion programs: Programs designed to help offenders address behaviors and problems contributing to an arrest with the goal of preventing subsequent criminal activity
Juvenile corrections: Intervention, services, and programs for minors as a result of their involvement in the criminal justice system and courts
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Conflicting Attitudes about Those Who Commit Crimes
Attitudes toward Punishment
Conflicting values regarding criminal justice
Need for transgressors to take individual responsibility
Need for society to punish behaviors that violate laws and norms
Attitudes toward punishment
Intended functions of the correctional system
Social protection: Only temporary protects society, as people may commit more crimes once released from jail, especially if they’re lacking support needed to succeed outside of jail
Deterrence: Based on the idea that fear of punishment will prevent future criminal activity but it’s not clear if this is the reality
Rehabilitation: There are too few rehabilitation programs so many people are released from prison without having addressed the underlying factors associated with their incarceration
Retribution: Based on the belief that penalty or punishment should match the severity of the crime
Our criminal justice system focuses more on retribution
The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country
As a result, jails and prisons are overcrowded
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Conflicting Attitudes about Those Who Commit Crimes
Attitudes Toward Rehabilitation
Recidivism is very high in part because reintegration is difficult
Being labeled as a criminal makes it difficult to find a well-paying job after release
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Social Workers and the Criminal Justice System
Forensic social work: Application of a social work outlook to legal issues and litigation
Include evaluations, counseling, mediation, probation/parole services, correctional services, domestic violence services, and more
Aims to correct imbalances and injustices within the justice system and to analyze the social factors that lead to crime
National organization of forensic social work: A nationally recognized professional organization dedicated to the advancement of education in forensic social work
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Social Workers and the Criminal Justice System
Social Work Values Regarding Criminal Justice
Prevention—Should be the first goal
Justice—Advocating for fair and equitable access to info, services, resources
Dignity—Treating people with respect and taking into account their challenges
Best practices and quality services—Legal representation and rehabilitation services must be available
Restorative justice—Acknowledging guilt and performing restitution
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Social Workers and the Criminal Justice System
Interactions with the Criminal Justice System
Police
Police officers: Sworn and authorized officers recognized by local, state, county, or federal authorities to enforce and uphold laws
Includes city officers, county sheriffs, state highway patrol officers, and federal enforcement agents
Varying policing approaches
Broken windows: Maintained that smaller problems in communities of color lead to a breakdown of public order and the rise of more serious crimes
Community policing: Suggests that police officers must develop trust and respect in communities being served
May work closely with social workers, especially with child neglect and abuse investigations
Police officers are increasingly being scrutinized for racial bias and racial profiling
There are additional concerns about police force with disabled individuals
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Social Workers and the Criminal Justice System
Courts
Judges and magistrates: Attorneys elected or appointed to lead and rule over court and its processes
Courts don’t have the capacity to hear all cases, which may lead to plea bargaining, or a negotiation with the prosecution for a reduced charge or sentence
Attorneys
Prosecutors: An attorney representing a government entity and arguing that the accused is guilty
Defense attorney represents the accused and argues their innocence
Corrections officers
Hired to oversee inmates and maintain order
Enforce jail and prison rules among inmates
Author, Title and Edition. © 20XX SAGE Publishing.
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Contemporary Criminal Justice Topics for Social Workers
Victim Assistance Programs
Perpetrators and victims (the term survivor is often preferred)
Aiding survivors of crime through the legal process as an advocate
Restorative justice principle applies here as well
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Contemporary Criminal Justice Topics for Social Workers
Deviant Behavior and Social Status
Criminality of a behavior is based on social norms, which may shift
Welfare fraud is often more reviled than much more destructive corporate crimes
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Contemporary Criminal Justice Topics for Social Workers
Mental Health and Criminal Justice
Many people in jail/prison have mental illnesses and their behavior has been criminalized
Mental health options need to be available in communities to help reduce crime and recidivism
https://www.azdhs.gov/az-state-hospital/index.php
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Contemporary Criminal Justice Topics for Social Workers
Issues Affecting Children and Youth
Exposure and desensitization to violent behavior
Repeated exposure to violence can cause desensitization
This can lead to greater proclivities toward violence as well as decreased fear about dangerous acts
Exposure to violent media has been a concern of social work as well
Parental imprisonment
Effects on children include loss, trauma, embarrassment, frustration, stigma, and more
Children need to be reassured they are not at fault
https://nicic.gov/projects/children-of-incarcerated-parents
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Criminal Justice
Class
Poor people are more likely arrested and imprisoned because they are more likely to be caught and not to have the resources to fight conviction
Social workers advocate for quality legal services for all
Policing, the court system, and incarceration take a heavy toll on economically challenged communities
Different legal system and court experience for people of high social-economic status
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Criminal Justice
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Victims of hate crime often feel stigmatized and may be unsure whether to report
Women are more likely to be victims of crime
They are less likely to report rape in rural areas
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Criminal Justice
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Gender disparities in the criminal justice system
Population of women in prison is increasing, including pregnant women
Maternal and infant health must be properly addressed in correctional settings
Human trafficking particularly targets women
Social workers can challenge the patriarchal status quo to give victims a voice
Social workers can help to advocate for proper treatment of LGBTQ+ citizens and work to eliminate barriers to their reporting of crime victimization
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Criminal Justice
Race
African Americans have higher arrest and incarceration rates
They also see the CJ system quite differently than Whites, impacting interactions with that system
Skepticism and concern about police is not the same as being antipolice
Ethnicity
African Americans and Latin Americans are overrepresented in crime rates
Whites and Asian Americans (“the model minority”) are underrepresented
Asian American and White criminals are also punished less severely than other groups
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Diversity and Criminal Justice
Age
Crimes peak in teen years and decline rapidly thereafter
Developmental issues influence criminal behavior among the young
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Criminal Justice
Economic and Social Justice
The poor need advocacy for their rights to be respected
Cannot afford quality legal representation, increasing risk of conviction
Accused people with mental illnesses must be properly assessed to stand trial
The poor must be treated humanely in correctional facilities
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Criminal Justice
Supportive Environment
Healthy living environments help discourage criminal behavior
Crime and gangs go together in low-income neighborhoods
Social workers can engage in prevention activities aimed at reducing criminal behavior in at-risk areas
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Criminal Justice
Human Needs and Rights
Social workers need to change laws.
Social workers need to seek to change/advance laws that benefit clients and help all people
Advocacy is about what the clients state as their needs, not what the social worker believes the client’s needs are
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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Dynamic Advocacy and Criminal Justice
Political Access
Advocacy for criminals is often unpopular with politicians
Criminals may lose voting rights and feel they have no voice in the political process
Politicians are loath to approve funding for programs aimed at helping people convicted of crimes
Gun access is expanding in many states despite concerns about crime
Cox, Introduction to Social Work, 3e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.
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SWU 171 Intro to Social Work
Dr. Hilary Haseley, PhD, MSW, ACUE
Overview
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Chapter 7
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Health
Health: A state of complete social, mental, and physical well-being
Illness: A disease or period of sickness impacting the body or mind
Western medicine tends to focus on identifying and healing disease or infirmity
Complex relationship between health and social factors
Chronic exposure to environmental and social stressors impacts health
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Threats to Health in the United States
Leading types of chronic diseases occurring in the United States: heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease
Some chronic diseases are preventable with lifestyle changes
Less advantaged people experience more chronic illnesses due to structural and environmental factors
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Threats to Health in the United States
Heart Disease
Includes angina, coronary heart disease, and congestive/congenital heart failure
Leading cause of death for women and men worldwide and in the United States
Differences in overall heart disease risk factors are pervasive across racial and ethnic groups
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Threats to Health in the United States
Stress
Stress is our response to change and can be healthy or unhealthy
Can impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood, body
Eventually can harm sleep patterns and overall health, leading to chronic diseases
Higher levels of stress add health concerns to burdens of minority communities
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Health Disparities and the Uninsured
Central principle of public health: Every individual should reach their full health potential
Health disparities are gaps between population groups in key health data
Major contributor: Access to health insurance
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Health Insurance
Typically pays for medical, surgical, prescription drug, and sometimes dental expenses
Managed care: A health-care system with administrative control over primary health-care services in a medical group practice. The goal is to reduce costs and eliminate redundant facilities and services
Health maintenance organization (HMO): A comprehensive health-care program and medical group that offers services for a fixed annual fee. HMOs typically have their own medical care facilities, staffed by health-care professionals
Preferred provider organization (PPO): A health-care plan that generally does not require copays but instead requires that patients cover a deductible (a preset sum for any service) for any benefits are provided
Point-of-service plan combines features of PPOs and HMOs
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Health Insurance
Public health insurance plans include Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program
Health care has historically been a major focus for US presidents
Clinton administration led to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), created to ensure individuals and their families continuity of health insurance despite job changes and possible unemployment
George W. Bush implemented Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug benefit
Medicare Part D: Prescription coverage, passed in 2007 under Bush
Obama introduced Affordable Care Act
Created a federal health-care mar
ACA made it illegal to deny coverage or raise rates due to a preexisting condition
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Affordable Care Act
Comprehensive health-care reform law
Expands health insurance coverage
Improves health outcomes
Controls health costs
Improves the US health-care delivery system
Expanded Medicaid as a public option
Insurance companies cannot deny coverage due to preexisting conditions
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Affordable Care Act
Young adults can remain on parents’ insurance until age 26
Yearly limits on coverage are barred
After the initial enrollment period, must pay tax penalty if you don’t have insurance
All insurance plans were to offer preventative care with no copayments and no deductibles by 2018
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Health Care Trends
Integrative medicine: Healing-oriented medicine that considered the body, mind, and spirit of people
Seeks to care for the whole person
Principles:
Partnership between client and practitioner is important
Preference for natural, effective, and less invasive interventions
Education about the importance of self-exploration and self-development
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Health Care Trends
Prevention and wellness
Often easier to prevent illness than to treat it
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and proactive health care
Recovery, rehabilitation, and resilience
Social workers can help patients reduce risk factors and increase protective factors
Aim to increase resilience: a patient’s ability to “bounce back” from difficulties
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Health Care Trends
Prevalence of autoimmune related diseases
Acute inflammation occurs in immediate or short-term aftermath of a disease, with symptoms designated by PRISH (pain, redness, immobility, swelling, heat)
Chronic inflammation lasts for months/years as a result of autoimmune disease, chronic irritant, or prolonged presence of a particular cause
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Health Care and Social Work
Social workers have long helped people cope with acute illness and terminal illness
Health social workers are part of an interdisciplinary team and must be familiar with medical concerns
1905 at Boston Massachusetts General Hospital—first medical social worker
First subset of social workers to organize as professionals
Engage in support and advocacy for patients in medical system
Also educate community about health issues and advocate for safer, more health-supportive living conditions
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Health Care and Social Work
Ensure high-quality, family/client-centered care
Advocate for clients’ rights, self-determination, informed consent, and confidentiality
Encourage social work involvement in developing/implementing best practices
Encourage participation in policy development regarding health care
Educate policymakers and public about social work’s role in health care
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Health Care and Social Work
Emergency room trauma and urgent care centers
May have long waits and high staff turnover, along with high costs
Uninsured people may rely on ERs
Social workers are cost-effective members of ER teams, helping keep costs down through advocacy, crisis intervention, and assessment, as well as assisting staff
Comprehensive role of social worker in the emergency room
Referral reasons received by ER social workers
Problems assessed and managed by ER social workers
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Health Care and Social Work
About 62% nonprofit, 20% government-owned, 18% for-profit
May integrate physical and mental health services
Most of a hospital social worker’s job is direct care: counseling and crisis intervention
Presentation title
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Health Care and Social Work
Veterans Affairs Hospitals
Largest health-care delivery system in the United States
Telehealth programs are helping to increase access to care
VA has been working to add mental health staff
Home health care
Both public and private
In-home nursing, therapists, and social work may all be a part of it
Demand expected to increase significantly for these services in coming years
Struggles with recruitment and retention during COVID-19 pandemic
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Health Care and Social Work
Long-term care
Often synonymous with nursing home care
Care that is too difficult for family/friends to provide
Law requires nursing homes with 120+ beds to have a social worker on staff
Social workers in these facilities make home visits, perform intakes, handle discharge planning, facilitate family meetings, and more
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Health Care and Social Work
Hospice, end-of-life, and palliative care
Hospice: Not a place but a concept implying comfort care for a patient diagnosed as having 6 months or less to live
Palliative care: An approach that improves quality of life for patients and their families who face issues connected to a life-threatening illness, through prevention and relief of suffering by early identification and excellent assessment and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems
Allows patients to die quietly, with dignity, rather than battling an inevitable end
Focus on caring rather than curing
Care can occur in a facility or at the person’s home
Presentation title
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Health Care and Social Work
Rehabilitation refers to helping a patient return to normal functioning after injury or illness
May refer to physical, mental health, or addiction-related recovery
Clinics
Doctors sharing offices, support staff, and equipment
May be public or private
Public clinics may be connected to hospitals, employ social workers
Some clinics are pro bono (free, for poor/uninsured people)
Public health services
Social workers in these sites focus on community health, educating the community about health concerns
These services provide vaccinations and other health needs
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Class and Health Care
Upper class has health-care advantages
More preventative services, better access to high-quality care
Higher education leads to better access to and understanding of health-care system
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Diversity Intersections in Health Care
Women live longer, are more likely to seek medical treatment for illnesses
Men are more likely to have chronic conditions, women acute conditions
Young gay/bisexual men have higher rates of several STIs
Adolescent lesbian/bisexual teens more likely to get pregnant
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to smoke and to be sexually assaulted
Important for social workers to know language/terms used by this population
Significant barriers to health care for LGBT populations
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Diversity Intersections in Health Care
Age
Greater demands, increased costs
Older population growing faster
Medicare and Medicaid costs rising
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Dynamic Advocacy with People Experiencing Health-care Challenges
Insurance can be confusing for people to access due to lingo and jargon
Social workers can help clients understand the system and meet their needs
Bureaucracy can prevent the recognition of chronic disease
Private and public hospitals differ in service delivery
Administrative costs and premiums vary, usually higher for private facilities
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Dynamic Advocacy with People Experiencing Health-care Challenges
VA must provide veterans with needed services by law
Social workers may particularly work with homeless and poor veterans
Social workers can also help VA patients access special programs they may not be aware of for easier care access
Social–environmental factors play major roles in health outcomes
Poverty is particularly malicious in its effects
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Dynamic Advocacy with People Experiencing Health-care Challenges
Rural health care is harder to access, and there are fewer choices available
Urban/Suburban residents have easier access to technology and often seek out care before a condition gets too serious
Accessing services may still require the help of a social worker to navigate the system
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Dynamic Advocacy with People Experiencing Health-care Challenges
Not everyone has equal access to care
Personal choice is important to people seeking care
Social workers can be important advocates for patients
Assumption of one optimal weight or BMI for all people by Western medicine
Importance of careful consideration of family history, cultural background, and previous attempts at dieting before urging weight loss or weight gain plans
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Swu 171 intro to social work
Dr. Hilary Haseley, PhD, MSW, ACUE
Overview
Chapter 11
Definitions
Aging: Changes that occur to an organism during its life span, from development to maturation to senescence
Senescence: The gradual decline of all organ systems, especially after age 30
Ageism: Negative attitudes, beliefs, and conceptions of the nature and characteristics of older persons that are based on age and distort their actual characteristics and abilities
Gerontology: The comprehensive study of aging and problems of older adults
Different conceptions of age
Chronological age: The number of years a person has lived, which is used as a standard to measure intelligence, behaviors, and so forth
Biological age: A measure of how well or poorly one’s body is functioning in relation to one’s actual calendar age. It describes a person’s development based on biomarkers, such as a cellular or molecular event, looking at the person as they are, not just when they were born
Psychological age: A subjective description of one’s experience using nonphysical features
Social age: An estimate of a person’s capabilities in social situations, relative to normal standards
AARP membership begins at age 50, a marker of chronological age
Social security has defined retirement age as 65 (moving toward 67)
People of the same older age have vastly different situations and experiences
Cohort: A group of people of the same generation sharing a statistical trait such as age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status
Old, Older, Oldest
Young-old: A term used to denote a person who is between 55 and 75 years of age
Middle old: A term that refers to persons 75–84 years old
Oldest-old: A general term that refers to the population over age 85, which is the fastest-growing age group in the United States and some other nations
Centenarians: People who are 100 or more years old
Supercentenarians: A person who is significantly older than 100 years of age
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: How long, on average, a person is expected to live at a given age
Life span: The number of years a person actually lives
Longevity: Living an active life longer than the average person
Based on genetics and lifestyle
Current issues
More of the population is older than ever before
Increased life expectancy, decreased birth rates
Health-care workforce needs to grow in capacity to accommodate the growing older population, especially the oldest-old (85+)
Threats to well-being and lives of older adults living through the COVID-19 pandemic
Gerontological Social Work
Two specialties:
Gerontological social work: focuses on biopsychosocial-spiritual aspects of aging
Geriatric social work: focuses on physiological changes and health care
Evolution of gerontological practice
Older adults seen as target client population beginning in 1960s/1970s
1995: Social workers participated in National Forum for Geriatric Education
Hartford Foundation began funding social work research regarding care for older population
Gerontological Social Work
Work within client homes and institutions
Provide a range of client-focused direct services
Help clients choose Medicare Part D plan
Inform families about daycare facilities and provide referrals
Intervene in crisis situations
Provide grief counseling to clients and families
Provide referrals to home health and respite care
Provide and assist clients with applications for housing and transportation services
Mandated Reporters
Refer clients to adult protective services
Adult protective services: Services provided to ensure the safety and well-being of older individuals and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being neglected or mistreated or who cannot take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm and may have no one to help them
Social workers are mandated reporters and elder abuse is one of the three things social workers are mandated to report
https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/adult-protective-services
Advocates and Liaisons
Geriatric social workers serve as advocates and liaisons for older adults receiving treatment
Can link clients with nurses who can assist with activities of daily living
Activities of daily living (ADLs): Basic and complex dimensions of daily life, such as taking medicine, bathing, and preparing meals, as well as more instrumental activities such as managing money, preparing meals, shopping, and housekeeping
Assessment of clients is multifaceted and ongoing
Active and Successful Aging
Active and successful aging
Active aging: Becoming older but still active in community, family, society
Successful aging: Continuing active engagement, avoiding disease/disability
Housing Types
Assisted living: Apartment-style residences where older adults get individualized services to maximize their independence
Continuing care retirement communities: Communities that combine parts of assisted-living, independent-living, and skilled nursing home care to offer a tiered approach to helping people who are aging and changing
Nursing homes: Homes for older adults in which most residences require daily nursing care
Foster care homes, group homes, housing, and urban development housing projects: living options for older adults who have lifelong developmental or intellectual needs or are economically challenged
Cohousing community for older adults, where residing in the same building supports older adults’ independence and social interaction
Day Programs
Provide care for older adults while relative caregivers may be at work
Must honor their skills and help them make use of their areas of expertise and interest
Service options
Clubs and volunteer programs
Congregate meals
Adult daycare centers
Fitness centers with older adult classes
Senior centers
Foster grandparent programs
Benefit Programs
Medicare for adults 65+ provides coverage for hospital stays, home health, and end-of-life care; prescription benefits optional and available through Part D
Medicaid for low-income individuals, all-inclusive
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can be assisted in applying for Medicaid; provides funds for food, clothing, shelter
Social workers can be instrumental in helping older adults apply for benefits
Culturally Competent Care of Older Adults
Norms and values of clients’ cultures must be respected and honored
Respect for knowledge and accomplishments may be important
Cultural barriers for older adults who seek assistance for mental health or socioenvironmental issues
D, D, D, D
After age 30, gradual decline in organ systems
Aging process varies widely among different people
Four Ds of aging: death, dementia, depression, disability
About 80% of older adults will have at least one chronic condition that impacts their ability to carry out ADLs
Chronic pain is also common, along with vision impairment, incontinence, and a range of other issues
Assistive technology may help clients adjust to these changing ability levels and live as independently as possible
Five-Factor Model (Big Five)
Cognitive and psychological aspects of aging
Five-factor model (Big Five): A trait approach used to categorize people on the basis of personality. Five traits are neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
Can be used to predict mortality
Neurocognitive disorders (dementias)
Diagnosed when one has both of the following: problems with at least two brain functions and inability to perform some ADLs
Alzheimer’s disease: A progressive degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells or neurons and causes premature senility
Vascular dementia: Dementia caused by stroke
Significantly impact family members, as they are unable to recognize the person with dementia anymore
Depression and Aging
Depression is not a normal part of aging but may occur
Often missed when someone is dealing with a chronic physical illness
Depression is a bigger risk when one has fewer social contacts
Family members should be a part of the treatment process
Substance use and Sexual Activity
Substance use and addictions
May begin in old age as one deals with losses and health changes
Small amounts of drug and alcohol use can significantly impact older adults
Prescription misuse is a growing problem, especially for women
Sexual activity
Sexual desire often continues, but physical challenges may arise
STI transmission is still possible
Sexuality among older clients should not be taboo, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status
Loneliness and Suicide
Loneliness
Mobility changes and death of close friends and loved ones lead to increased loneliness
Emotional isolation and social isolation both have negative impacts on health
Being alone is not necessarily loneliness; some older adults enjoy it
Suicide
White men over age 85 are at highest risk for suicide of any group
Female suicide risk declines after age 60
Ageism
Ageism
Negative stereotypes may shorten life spans.
Positive beliefs can lengthen lives.
Social workers need to dispel myths.
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism
Aging in Place
Ability to live independently in one’s home and community safely and comfortably
Supports the idea that people should be allowed to remain at their homes as long as is feasible, rather than going to nursing facilities
Naturally occurring retirement communities are options for aging in place as well
Sandwich Generation
Families provide 80–90% of care for older adults in their own homes
Care work is disproportionately done by women and can be exhausting
Sandwich generation: Caring for both one’s children and one’s parents
Caregiving norms vary from culture to culture
Rural residents and those with developmental disabilities require special care as well
The Village
Long-term care:
Special insurance is available to cover long-term care
Typical insurance and Medicare do not cover extended custodial care
Less than 3% have such coverage
The village concept:
Provide way for older adults to age in place with dignity
Members of the village pay a monthly or annual fee into a fund that will help them obtain services when needed
https://www.kqed.org/stateofhealth/22411/village-movement-for-aging-seniors-faces-some-challenges
Risk Factors in Aging
More likely to be victimized by crime
Demands of caring for older people may make caregivers lash out
500,000+ cases reported yearly, with millions unreported
Forms
Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect and abandonment
Financial abuse
Spirituality and Religion
Benefits of spirituality and religion in old age
Related to enhanced feelings of well-being, inner emotional peace, and satisfaction with life
Affiliation with religious groups can decrease isolation
Aging and spirituality
Spirituality is the most frequently addressed topic of hospice visits with those who are terminally ill
People worry their death will be more painful or undignified than they would have chosen
Aging and religion
Buffering effect of religion and spirituality
Promotion of connectedness and decreased isolation from affiliation with religious institutions
Illness, death, and faith
Death with dignity legislation continues to be controversial
Policies
Pensions
Social security is the best known
Private and public employers may also offer pensions
Health insurance and Medicare
Medicare Part A: Hospital coverage
Medicare Part B: Outpatient hospital care, doctor’s services
Medicare Part C: Nursing home care and blood draws, partial coverage
Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage
Area agencies on aging
Older Americans Act in 1965
Encourages independent living as long as possible
Approved in 1981, Area Agencies on Aging provide services for non-English-speaking adults, legal services and transportation, homemakers, in-home services
Class and Aging
Class may shift as one moves into retirement
Close to half of older Americans have lived at or near the poverty line for at least a year
Likelihood of lower class increases with minority status
Socioeconomic status is a key factor that determines the quality of life of older Americans
Risks
Women are the majority of older population
At risk for poverty more than older men due to several factors
Lower lifetime earnings
Changes in marital status
Preexisting economic status
Length of time spent in widowhood
Women more likely to experience the loss of a spouse
LGBTQ+ older adults have similar needs but have been doubly stigmatized
Sexual orientation may be something they are reluctant to disclose due to fear of judgment
Senior care facilities don’t typically accommodate same-sex couples as they do heterosexual couples
Current Issues
Most older adults are not in nursing homes—not even most of the oldest-old
Abilities range tremendously among older people
Increasing obesity rates among older adults
Alzheimer’s disease has a significant impact
Advocacy
Advocacy for clients’ transportation needs
Recognize the economic needs and vulnerability of older clients
Battling stereotypes can help clients’ self-esteem and help practitioners identify conditions in need of treatment
Supportive environment
People in poorer areas have more risks and may struggle with access to care
Caregivers’ locations in respect to care receivers can impact their wellness
Need for home modifications
Human Needs and Rights
Addiction may emerge in older age not as recreation but as an attempt to cope
Use of these substances can impair functioning more than the older users may realize
Gerontological social workers can keep these issues in public eye
Caregivers experience both burdens and benefits
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