Whiting & Birch (E-Journals)
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The homeless individual’s viewpoint: Causes of homelessness and resources needed to leave the sheltered environment
No full textAbstract: The current study is an investigation of homelessness from the viewpoint of the homeless, to determine the extent homeless individuals can provide information about causes of their homelessness, resources they need to leave the sheltered environment and attitudes about their current living arrangements. The 51 male and 52 female homeless participants in this study provided information about causes, resources needed and attitudes. Participants described multiple causes for their homelessness; males and females indicated differing causes. A wide range of resources were listed by the homeless individuals as needed to reduce their reliance on the sheltered environment, with some resources continuing beyond the attainment of a house and a job; males and females also indicated different needs. Findings in this study indicate that homeless individuals can provide relevant information and partner with social service professionals to create programs to meet individual needs and reduce reliance on sheltered environments.Keywords: homeless; sheltered environments; gender difference
Knowledge, professional expertise and social work identities in challenging times: Making Research Count in 2017
No full textThese are uncertain and difficult times for those both delivering and those receiving social work and social care services. After nearly a decade of ‘austerity’ there has been a significant reduction in the size and scope of the welfare state (Johnstone, 2016). Furthermore there is no sign that this process abating with the sector facing a period of further uncertainty and contraction (Crewe, 2016). Against this backdrop there has been a period of Government driven ‘reform’ which has seen significant changes to the sector in both adults and children’s services. This reform process has affected many professional roles but there has been particular scrutiny, and, at times intensive, debate about the role and nature of social work in contemporary care services (Featherstone et al, 2014). This short paper considers these changes from the perspective of Making Research Count, a national university based research dissemination project that has attempted to support the development of knowledge informed practice throughout this period
Editorial Celebrating student groupwork
Get PDFIn this issue the Editorial Board is proud to publish papers by student groupworkers. They include the winner and 4 runners up of the 2016 Groupwork Student Essay Competition.. As editor of Groupwork it should be no surprise that I strongly believe groupwork has much to offer all aspects of life and work. Many years of working with groups of young people as a youth worker, with community members as a community worker and with groups of older people and carers as a social worker, all re-enforced my understanding that groupwork is a powerful method and an indispensible item in the toolkit of community, youth and health and social care workers of all disciplines
To what extent are people with intellectual disabilities (ID) active partners in focus group research? A literature review
No full textAbstract: Zarb’s (1992) criteria were used to inspect the emancipatory potential met in six pieces of focus group research and the level of collaboration and inclusion for people with ID as ‘active partners’ in research. Selected post-2010 research was sourced from a search of online databases pertinent to nursing, social work and ID. The exercise found that control mostly lies in the hands of academics and clinicians. Research is carried out with people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities while those with more complex needs are excluded. Power relationships are not closely examined. It is possible to involve people with ID in research using adapted methods and disabled researchers. Firstly, the idea of power and control for active involvement of participants with ID in focus groups is examined. Then recent research is explored through comparative analysis and a discussion. The author concludes that researchers should account more fully for their own positions of power in the medical or social model of disability. Researchers should offer opportunities for criticism and account for the products of research. Turning abstract concepts into concrete examples may benefit participants with intellectual disabilities.Keywords: focus groups; intellectual disabilities; disability research; groupwork; group wor
Beyond Group Work Camp: A bridge to symposia and conference participation via professional presentations
Get PDFAbstract: The purpose of this paper is twofold - to describe a Group Work Camp workshop that facilitates continued professional involvement beyond the camp experience, and to share the information offered in this session. The workshop provides information about developing peer-reviewed presentations for professional association conferences and addresses the benefits of such presentations. It identifies different presentation formats and describes the abstract preparation, submission and review processes. It addresses the dissemination of supplemental material related to the presentation. Detailed recommendations for navigating the preparation and presentation processes are shared with the hope of easing anxieties for new presenters. By scheduling the workshop near the conclusion of camp, it builds upon the group experience to facilitate continued involvement with the association and its activities. It provides a bridge and a method for further professional groupwork engagement and outlines a path for post-camp connections.Keywords: Group Work Camp; groupwork; International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG); professional associations; conference abstract; poster and paper presentations
Visual methods of working with a team IASWG Camp
No full textAbstract: In this article we share our experience of some of the visual methods that we use most often. These methods help group members to participate in groupwork processes more efficiently. The article reveals the motives for choosing visual methods, preparation for groupwork and the process of groupwork. Different camp preparation stages highlight different needs and tensions. The whole process might be divided into several parts: 1) generating ideas, highlighting aims; 2) distributing roles and preparing presentation; 3) working with a group: presentation, observation of group dynamics and reflection. When preparing the camp’s programme a number of questions emerged: the type of reports; whether the program should be oriented towards the presentation of a method or towards the theoretical aspects; the ratio of foreign and Lithuanian reports; whether the target audience of our report should be only – Lithuanians or include foreigners. To initiate discussion among group members the seminar material (collared cards) was presented. In this way the participants had the opportunity to experience the main elements of the method themselves. The activity was more attractive, the atmosphere conveyed trust and freedom in which participants were active, able to express their ‘here and now’ experience, and share their grounded opinion.Keywords: motives; visual methods; group dynamics; experience; reflection; group work; groupwor
Do groupthink symptoms reflect a single social influence process?
No full textGroupthink as a theory is established so that the symptoms of groupthink are considered parts of a single decision-making process. Evidence indicates that groupthink symptoms, however, do not act in a way consistent with the predictions of the theory. A test is conducted to explore the relationship among groupthink symptoms within members in decision-making groups. Findings indicate that different group members experience either internalization or compliance processes. Furthermore, minority and majority members were found to report different levels of compliance pressures during group discussion. Although the results raise questions about groupthink they are consistent with the linear discrepancy model of influence in groups.Keywords: group decision-making; group dynamics; groupthink; social influence; groupwork; group wor
Austerity, inequality and the context of contemporary social work
Get PDFThis paper provides an overview of the contemporary context of austerity politics in the U.K. Austerity acts as a cover for welfare transformation and public sector spending reductions. The consequence has been to deepen inequality and make the lives of the poorest and marginalised much more difficult. Understanding these processes is important for social workers if we are to fully comprehend the difficulties placed on service users and their already complex lives.Keywords: austerity, inequality, poverty, wealt