My social work practice in the Philippines in child protection primarily uses conventional social work theories. Now that I am exposed to the Canadian perspective that emphasizes on progressive approaches, it occurs to me that the social problem my agency intended to pursue only solved it in its periphery and not the social structures that created and maintained them. Not surprisingly, the same problem twenty years ago was the same struggle being solved now. By maintaining a conservative framework, Bantay Bata 163 failed to see that the cause of the enduring social problem of child abuse is caused by the patriarchal system. I practice my profession as a social worker at Batay Bata 163 [Child Watch 163] (http://corporate.abs-cbn.com/lingkodkapamilya/bantay-bata/about). …show more content…
This method uses processes whereby the family systems are enhanced by providing skill building, support in order to change old abusive behavior with functioning parenting attitudes (Amundson, M. J., 1989). The basis for this approach is that out-of-home placement of rescued family members inflicts greater suffering and feeling of loss and inadequacy. Despite initial treatment, they may return to original attitudes and feelings (Amundson, M. J., 1989). This approach is based on supporting evidence of harmful effects of institutionalization. Programs implemented by the agency are characterized by a focus on preventing further family disintegration through psychosocial, educational, and concrete services such as counseling for family members and economic skills-building …show more content…
Like my practice in Bantay Bata 163, the object is to eliminate the social problem of child abuse. However, the agency failed to see that social problem is caused by existing patriarchy prevalent in the society’s consciousness reflected on existing social structures. The above-mentioned interventions demonstrate what the agency constantly employs – a victim-centered approach. I am not criticizing that the program is an absolute failure. I express my frustration that the agency could have been more effective, and impactful if it used its influence and resources to address patriarchy that caused oppression. Unfortunately, the agency has not engaged in concrete advocacy in eliminating these structures. If the efforts of Bantay Bata 163 and others with the same vision do not intentionally change these oppressive structures, it will not be surprising that more children will be victims of
Parameswari, B. (2015). Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science, 20(2), 56-59. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol20-issue2/Version-3/I020235659.pdf
In the single year of 2009, there were 460,000 reported incidents of sexual assault against women in Canada (“Criminal Victimization in Canada” 1). Amnesty International once stated that aggression against women “is so deeply embedded in society that it often fails to garner public censure and outrage.” This is evidenced by the fact that only roughly 10% of all sexual assaults are revealed, and to exacerbate the circumstances, women are frequently repudiated, blamed, and dispensed apathetic or cruel manipulation (“Violence Against Women Information” 1). Women’s rights are constantly defiled through domestic violence, and yet it is still abounding and ubiquitous in developed countries. Indeed, every six days, a woman in Canada is brutally killed by the one whom she considered her loving male partner. With every year that passes, approximately 362,000 children are witness to violent parental episodes in Canada. Witnessing violence can disturb the development of children and can eventuate in
Before reading the chapter written by Allan Barksy, I had a different understanding of my values. Entering into the social work profession is providing a different outlook and definition regarding values. In the social work profession values are not only personal, they must also include my client’s values. For example, I will be working at Child Net during my field internship. Child Net is a facility for children that are abused, neglected, molested, and other situations that I will be exposed too. These families may have values similar to mine, but their values may be viewed differently. Emotional security was one of my highly desirable values for Table 1.1. After giving this some thought regarding the situations I will be working with, emotional security will be hard to maintain working at Child Net. I say this because my
The job of a child welfare worker appears to be a demanding profession that promotes the child’s safety, but also strengthens the family organization around them in order to successfully raise the children. This child welfare workers work in the system known as the Child Protective Services whose initiative is to protect the overall welfare of the child. The short novel From the Eye of the Storm: the Experiences of a Child Welfare Worker by Cynthia Crosson-Tower demonstrates the skills necessary to deal with the practice of social work along with both its challenges and its happy moments. The novel consists of some of the cases involving Tower’s actual career in social work. In reading the book, I was able to experience some of the actual cases in which children dealt with physical and mental abuse from their families that caused them to end up within the system. Also, some of these children had issues in adapting to foster and adoptive families based on the issues they faced earlier in life. As we have learned earlier in the course, the violence that a child experiences early in life has an overall affect on the person they become as they grow into adulthood. When children deal with adverse childhood experiences, they are at a higher risk for abusing drugs and/or alcohol, increased likelihood of abusing their own child or spouse, higher rates of violent and nonviolent criminal behavior, along with several other issues throughout their lifespan.
The authors also contend that societies face different types of problems related with their own history and political context and those particularities are trespassed by Western social work that wants to prolong a camouflaged colonization. Third, Holosko and Leslie (2001) examine social work in Canada, in particular the welfare system, and how social workers have influenced social policies and government intervention. The authors also mention the genesis of welfare in Canada introduced by British influences (Belverige report) and how this introduction generates a collective conscience, empowering citizens, professionals and government. However, Canada faces a huge research challenge as government is very intrusive and hardly social work researchers pursue funding for research out of the government frame. It is also important to mention Flexner´s perception of professional practice and definition, which reflect the knowledge activity and “personal responsibility”. As most of the social workers are working
Theory is defined as “…”. In the social work profession, it is not enough to just understand the definition of theory, but rather be able to integrate theory into practice when working to plan interventions at multiple practice levels. This integration of theory into the social work practice is an emphasis of the profession as noted in the profession’s core competencies. Core competency 2.1.6 “engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research” (NASW code of ethics) is the basis for theory integration within the social work profession. The profession’s practice behaviors state that social workers must “use research evidence to inform practice” (NASW code of ethics). In other words, social workers should “attend to findings
Child abuse is an issue in every state, every country, worldwide. There is no place that is immune to child abuse. This being stated they need better policies in place regarding the education on child abuse. Many people have many different opinions on how to lessen the amount of child abuse that goes on in this country, however many of them focus on stricter punishment for the abuser’s (Hmurovich, 2009). However, they know that stricter punishment will not lessen the amount of child abuse; it would truly have little to no impact on...
Since the last fifteen years of my life, I have been interested in social work involving families with children. I have always had an interest in helping, supporting and working with children and adults. These practical experiences social work will continue to lead me to learned, applied, and prepared to become a social worker. I will continue to work with developmental disabilities and other diverse groups of the population.
Two courses that were critical in my intellectual development were the Sociology of Social Movements and the Dynamics of Domestic Violence. In the Sociology of Social Movements, I designed a research project, “Women, War, and Resistance”. In this piece I examined crucial issues surrounding wars on a global level, such as rape as a weapon of war, sexual trafficking, and various grassroots war-resistance groups formed by women on a local level. In addition, after taking the course on Dynamics of Domestic Violence, I had the opportunity of doing field work at a domestic violence shelter. For this independent study, I met with a professor of the women’s studies department on a weekly basis to discuss my experiences and to receive assistance in my research project: “The Effects of Domestic Violence on Adolescents.”
Child maltreatment is a widespread issue that affects thousands of children every year. There are four common types of child maltreatment; sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. All of these types of abuse are very serious and can have many consequences for the children and families. The most common consequence of severe child maltreatment is the removal of that child from their home (Benbenishty, Segev, Surkis, and Elias, 2002). Most social workers trying to determine the likelihood of removal evaluate the type and severity of abuse, as well as the child’s relationship with their parents (Benbenishty et al., 2002). When children are removed from their homes there are many options of alternative housing. The places they are allowed to live are a relative’s home, foster home, or a group home. In a study of children removed from their homes, 68% went to a foster home rather than a relative or another form of alternative housing (Faller, 1991). Reunification with a parent is the most common goal that is set forth by Child Protective Services even though recurrent abuse is likely to happen based upon the prior type of abuse and the age of the child (Connell et al., 2009). Child maltreatment is becoming a prevalent problem that has numerous consequences for both the child and family.
As an upcoming social worker I understand there are certain traits I portray that are strengths in the social work field. I also understand that were there are strengths, there are weaknesses. I did not realize what my strengths and weaknesses were until I began to practice in the field. Some strengths I have found in myself are good listening skills, ability to handle stressful situations, and time management skills. Along with those strengths I have found my weaknesses are speaking what I believe about a situation, procrastination, and taking on too much responsibility.
When I think of Social Work I think of the wellbeing of others and how they deserve to have all of the resources needed to have productive opportunity. When I first began college I started as a Pre-Nursing major whose intent was to work in a Juvenile or an asylum setting. As my freshman year came to an end, I noticed that I only wanted to work in those settings so that I could help advocate for those who were not able to have a voice of their own. I later noticed that nursing was not the field of study that would allow me to express my true intensions for helping people. Now that I am entering my junior year of college and being that I have taken Introduction to Social Work I feel that I have truly found my calling. Being someone who is passionate and concerned about everyone’s situations I find that I am a great asset to the Social Work
Research is a necessity when it comes to providing services. Social Workers need it to be able to determine their clients ' needs, to see what resources/services they have access to and if their client doesn 't have much access where can they get it. Research is also used to see how effective an intervention is and whether it would be a right fit for their clients. It provides social service agents with ways to identify problems within their clients, communities, organizations, and the government. Also it helps them to create ways to aid in effective change. It is very beneficial when a social worker needs to "assess the needs and resources of people in their environments, evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting people
The origins of social work in the United States mirror an ongoing growth of ideas put together from many different cultures. While modern social work here in the states were built on Christian idea many of its concepts are in part due to the influence of the Koran and the mutual aid practices of Native Americans, the African-American community, and immigrants from all over the world.
The social work profession is defined as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (ISFW, ‘Global Definition of Social Work’, 2016).” The definition may be true about the profession but it is more in depth than just that. To me, the profession’s primary focus is to help others through life as much as we can while letting them make their own choices and guiding them. In society, social workers are utilized in many different nonprofit and government roles. They serve the community in many different ways from monitoring parent visits to helping people through mental illnesses. Human beings are so complex and things that happen