Social Worker

A social worker is a trained professional who works to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers typically work in a range of settings, including healthcare, mental health, child welfare, education, and community organizations.

The role of a social worker may vary depending on their area of practice, but generally, social workers work to identify and address the social, emotional, and behavioral issues that impact individuals and their communities. This may involve providing direct services, such as counseling and case management, as well as advocating for policy change and community-based interventions.

Some key responsibilities of social workers include:

  • Assessment: Social workers are trained to assess the needs and strengths of individuals and communities, in order to develop effective interventions and support plans.
  • Counseling and support: Social workers provide counseling and support services to individuals and families who are experiencing challenges, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and poverty.
  • Case management: Social workers may provide case management services to help individuals and families access the resources and support they need to achieve their goals and improve their well-being.
  • Advocacy: Social workers advocate for policy change and systemic interventions that address the root causes of social problems, in order to create more equitable and just societies.

Overall, social workers play a critical role in promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable populations, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities. They work to address the complex social problems that impact our communities, and to create a world where all individuals are able to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Impact of 96,929 Volunteers on the Foster Care System
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The Impact of 96,929 Volunteers on the Foster Care System

May is National Foster Care Awareness month, and with over 423,000 kids in foster care, you may wonder, can one person make a difference in the life of a foster youth? Is there anyone advocating for them? Is their best interest taken into account? How are their voices heard? Who is speaking on their behalf?…

Orkney child protection scandal still casts long shadow 30 years later
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Orkney child protection scandal still casts long shadow 30 years later

THIRTY years ago today, police and social workers carried out “dawn raids” on four family homes on South Ronaldsay, Orkney, and took away nine children under Place Of Safety Orders. These orders cited group sexual activity, including “ritualistic music, dancing and dress”. All the families were “incomers”: three were middle-class professionals. Police questioned the parents…

First Person: Fighting human trafficking in Malawi
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First Person: Fighting human trafficking in Malawi

I was a young, recent law graduate when I first experienced the horrors of human trafficking. It was in 1998. I was working for a human rights NGO and attending a workshop in South Africa. A taxi driver told me about two girls from my home country who worked in a bar in Johannesburg. He was very concerned about them.  

Report reveals linkages between human trafficking and forced marriage
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Report reveals linkages between human trafficking and forced marriage

The agency has published a report which documents the interlinkages between trafficking in persons and marriage, and provides steps for governments and other authorities to strike back. 

My Personal Relationship With Running
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My Personal Relationship With Running

I always hesitate when other people refer to me as a “runner”; a weird reaction for someone who runs 4-5 days per week, and has performed relatively well in any of the competitive events I have participated in. To me, “runner” is a reference to those professional athletes who compete in events and are basically superhuman. My personal running adventure will likely never get to this level of intensity, but my relationship with running helps shape the person I am, and in doing so serves as my own personal superhero weapon. Over the course of the next few weeks, to celebrate Share your Strides, I will share insight into my own personal world of running. I have no particular expertise or professional experience—but I can offer you several years’ worth of wisdom based on hundreds of miles of experience. Today I will start at the core—why do I run?