Whiting & Birch (E-Journals)
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A note on ‘image’ methodology for social work qualitative research: Socially inclusive research methods for service users
Get PDFAbstract: This note offers an analysis of the issues of the social contextual impact of research methodology. Here the author discusses the potential of using ‘image based’ data collection and analysis methods in social work research and in particular focuses on one possible method, ‘rich pictures’. Interest in the use of using image based methods is growing. The author considers the literature which underpins this approach, focussing on the challenges this might bring at all stages of the research process and offers a critique of the ethical and practical dilemmas involved. It will be suggested that such methods have the potential to shift the often criticised power imbalance in all research, including social work research. The author will discuss if this supplementary methodology might increase the ability of service users to participate in research. In this respect, it empathizes with service users who might prefer a non-verbal approach to research inquiry, with more of a range of responsiveness to researchers’ question. This note will argue for moving beyond only words in open-ended interviews by social workers to further explore the experiences of service users. As such its use may also be more in accord with the social work values of social justice
Can practice educators be a ‘bridge’ between the academy and the practicum?
Get PDFDebates exist about the separation of the academy and the practicum. The purpose of this study is to explore how its findings may contribute to this discussion. The unique pedagogies of the university and practice are explored and consideration is given to whether practice educators hold an intermediary role. A qualitative study of an undergraduate programme in England using thematic analysis was undertaken once ethical approval was given. Individual interviews and focus groups were used. A total of 48 participants were interviewed at two different points in time (2008 and 2011-2012). Although this is a limited small scale study not susceptible to generalisation it may be able to provide an analytic generalisation, which may be replicable with further studies.The findings indicated practice educators struggled to act as a bridge because the academy and the practicum have conflicting and competing signature pedagogies. The contribution of this study is to the contemporary discussion on the SWRB changes and models such as Frontline
Psychosocial groupwork for older adults having substance use and mental health issues
Get PDFCommunity Outreach Programs in Addictions (COPA) is a Canadian organization that assists older adults who live with substance misuse and mental health issues. COPA College, a psycho educational mutual aide support group consists of weekly group sessions. The program uses a Solution Focussed approach (De Jong, Insoo Kimberg, 2008) which provides support to socially disadvantaged older adults with substance and mental health issues through a group format.This article sets out to evaluate participant reactions and determine if participants decrease substance use following completion of the group. One-on-one semi-structured interviews with ten participants were conducted. Participants were asked to rate the importance of different aspects of the program and discuss alcohol intake following involvement in the group. Aspects of the program rated highly by all the participants included learning new information, the breadth of topics discussed and the harm reduction approach taken by the program. Finally, the general atmosphere of the group was considered very important, especially being comfortable in the group and combining humour with learning, and an opportunity for reflective, sharing peer support
The standard of proof at adjudication of abuse or neglect
Get PDFWe measure the extent to which the standard of proof the CPS must meet at trial in a child abuse or neglect case influences the outcomes in the case. In the United States, the government of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia sets its own standard of proof. We measure the influence of the standards of proof using survey data. We find that a higher standard of proof – one requiring the government to present clear and convincing evidence of abuse or neglect rather than only requiring a preponderance of the evidence of abuse or neglect—decreases the probability that the judge rules in favor of CPS. A clear and convincing standard also affects decisions before trial: it increases the number of visits made by CPS during an investigation; it lowers the odds that CPS substantiates the case; and it lowers the odds that a case reaches trial. After trial, it increases the probability of an out-of-home placement
Turning the tide
Get PDFThis paper’s title reflects the wishes of very many women to turn the tide of alcohol treatment back from models of groupwork which they find disabling and a cause of harm to self-esteem, rather than one which acts as a tool for empowerment. The paper itself explains how a very simple style of groupwork, designed and run by women alcohol service users, outside the realms of treatment centres, can be effective as a tool for empowerment
Earning and learning
Get PDFAlthough there is widespread interest in social work education, very little of this has focused on the position of part-time students. This study reports on retention rates among social work students registering for part-time study between 1995-1998 in England, since this time-span is one where student characteristics were collected and can be anonymously linked to data about their chosen programme of study. It shows that students supported by employers were less likely to withdraw before completing their studies. However, access to secondment was differential with students with disabilities appearing to be less likely to be seconded or sponsored. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of new and sometimes controversial routes to social work qualifications in England
Pat’s Petition
Get PDFPat’s Petition was originally an e-petition submitted on the UK Government’s website asking the Department for Work and Pensions to ‘stop and review the changes to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families’. All e-petitions are submitted by an individual, in this case Pat Onions, and aim to reach 100,000 signatures for the possibility of debate in parliament.Pat’s Petition was a small group formed of volunteers, all with firsthand experience of the issue as disabled people and/or carers, who had no previous experience as a group or in reaching out online to a wider community for petition signatures. The petition reached over 62,600 signatures and ended on November 1st 2012. At the time, it was the 12th most successful petition out of the 10,294 closed petitions.While the group continues to press for change, it is helpful to reflect on the learning of their first year; specifically the development of the group and the use of e-petitions. This learning may be of use to other campaigners, to people thinking of online campaigning and also to those interested in online groups.This reflective account draws on the experiences of the individuals concerned and the private resource of communications between the group. It looks back on their experience from October 2011 to November 2012 when the petition closed, and reflects on the story of Pat’s Petition
People with Asperger’s syndrome lead the way in how to work in a group
Get PDFSummary: This article is written about and by a group of three adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and one neuro-typical person (neuro-typical refers to someone who does not have Asperger’s syndrome or autism). The group has called itself the Asperger’s Consultation Group and was formed in 2010 with the aim of conducting a piece of research to identify how adults with Asperger’s syndrome felt about the services they received. The group was initially formed as part of a PhD project. The group has now expanded beyond this and continues to meet. The group members are Katrina, Laura, Duncan and Jackie. Katrina, Laura and Duncan have been formally diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome