Department of Social Work Essay

The objective of this paper is to show or define theories in the field of social work specifically in handling and working with emotionally disturbed youth and which theory or theories will best help guide this practice. This paper will also talk about areas I feel most confident and strongest in as well as the areas I feel least confident in. It will also show the reasons and factors that contribute to both my strengths and weaknesses. Social Work Defined â€Å"Social Work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal ( as cited, Department of Social Work). † Because of the their objective is to help people and communities, the practice is made up of principles, applications of values. â€Å"Social Work is concerned and involved with the interactions between people and the institutions of society that affect the ability of people to accomplish life tasks, realize aspirations and values, and alleviate distress ( Baer and Frederico; Department of Social Work). † According to Baer and Frederico, the purposes of social work may be broken down into 3: enhance the problem-solving; promote effective humane operations; and link people with a system that give them services, resources and opportunities (Department of Social Work). Trauma Informed Care Trauma informed care pertains to organization or programs that services individuals who have survived a traumatic experience. These individuals or survivors are those who have been physically and/or sexually abuse and other experiences that leads to trauma. Often times, these experiences may direct an individual to mental health and some other type of disorder. Organizations that help people with this condition, alters and adjusts in order to keep an understanding on how trauma affects the individual seeking for help (SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center). Theories in Social Work â€Å"Theories have been developed since it became clear that there were similar patterns or repeating cycles of behaviour both in an individual’s life and in the lives of lots of different people (Towland, 2010). † There are a lot of theories or ideas on how to go about social work and how to do the practice for both professionals and students taking up this course. According to Towland in his essay on â€Å"Social Work Theory and Practice – Making the Links† a theory is seen to help describe what is happening, explain why it is happening and predict what will happen next. Towland has also mentioned in his essay that he urges to consider the following theories: 1. ) Recognise that no single theory can explain everything; 2. ) Recognise that some theoretical approaches just don’t work with some people; 3. ) Take a critical approach to theory; 4. ) Always apply the value base to theory; 5. ) Never be intimidated by theory. In relation to the second and third theories that Towland has enumerated, people are made and created differently. What might have worked with one client may not work on the other. As a social worker who works with emotionally disturbed youth, taking note on why a certain approach is not working with a particular patient is important as well as thinking and finding other ways and means to help and understand the individual. Theories in general help practitioners get a grasp and a clear picture of what is happening and why it is happening. It enables practitioners and workers validate their actions and treatment, give a more accurate bearing on how to deal and work with these individuals and are able to give a precise rationalization on the consequences of a particular treatment or action done. †The aim is that this will lead to social work becoming more widely accountable and ultimately more respected (Towland, 2010). † Working with rural mental health programs â€Å"Establishing ongoing trauma-informed services is one of the most difficult challenges facing rural mental health programs. Schools, community groups, and natural helpers try to meet needs but often go unsupported (Children’s Voice, 2007). † Working with the youth in rural places is much more of a challenge because these people mostly live in small towns and places that medical financial help are in dire or is not greatly extended to the families, helping and treating the youth who are emotionally disturb becomes a bit more difficult and gives more work to the practitioners. They work harder and in longer hours with lesser pays and days off. Working with the developmentally disabled is a challenging task for me and this may not be my strongest area and point because of my lack of patience and experience on this particular field. But although this maybe the case, being able help children and being able to understand the reasons of their trauma and finding ways to help them grow out of their trauma is gratify in to me because I know I am able to give aide to these people. Explaining to the family and being able to give them light and understanding of their child’s or children’s situation and what might be the good and bad consequences of the treatment fulfills me as a social worker. My professional philosophy is shaped by not just what was passed on to me by my parents and mentors, but is and was shaped by my experiences and what I have seen in life. My personal beliefs and concepts in life that may contribute to my profession are: being a role model to not just my family but with the people I work with as well, the value I have for myself, thus, valuing my profession and what it stand for, its aims and objectives, and most importantly is my ability to reach out and help others. By doing this, I am not just able to share myself to others but be able to contribute to society as well. References Department of Social Work. (2008). â€Å"Definition of Social Work. † Retrieved on May 30, 2010 from http://www. wright. edu/cola/Dept/social_work/sw_definition. htm SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center. (n. d). â€Å"What is Trauma-Informed Care? † Retrieved on May 30, 2010 from http://mentalhealth. samhsa. gov/nctic/trauma. asp#care Ohio Department of Mental Health. (n. d. ). â€Å"Trauma Informed Care† Retrieved on May 30, 2010 from http://mentalhealth. ohio. gov/what-we-do/provide/trauma-informed-care/index. shtml Towland, C. (2010). â€Å"Social Work Theory and Practice – Making the Links. † Retrieved on May 30, 2010 from http://ezinearticles. com/? Social-Work-Theory-and-Practice—Making-the-Links&id=1956566 Children’s Voice. (2007). â€Å"Nctsn Center Supports Rural Trauma-informed Care. † Volume: 16. Issue: 5. Child Welfare League of America, Inc. Retrieved on May 30, 2010 from www. questia. com