tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76512602011-12-30T07:38:45.232-08:00A blog for social workers, social work students and those interested in social issues. And now, a blog for retired social workers, too! An enhancement of Social Work World, http://socialworkworld.orgLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-20176826347107943922011-11-15T15:34:00.000-08:002011-11-15T15:34:42.253-08:00

Child Abuse Reporting Laws - I can't believe a state would not make a teacher, coach, etc. a mandated reporter The news is chock full of reports on long-term abuse of children and the lack of awareness and action taken by witnesses. Maybe I am naive but I thought teachers and coaches... and, morally, witnesses were mandated reporters. I've worked in several states and have taken the licensing

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-46576630997480741042011-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:17:24.220-07:00

Horses and people can be a match made in heaven. No wonder equine assisted therapy is becoming more popular. Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Va., has become one of only two colleges in the nation to achieve endorsement by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) for its Equine Assisted Growth and Learning program.  Founded in 1999, EAGALA is a nonprofit organization,

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-27456978208847557182011-09-17T15:29:00.000-07:002011-09-17T15:33:39.711-07:00

There are some great resources on the Internet that will help you figure out Medicare when it is your turn to sign up or, when you are helping family members. Here are some important things to know: - If you are on Social Security, you will automatically be signed up for Medicare parts A&B - You are charged for Medicare part B (outpatient and physician insurance)  but not for Medicare part A (

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-57237129526025185762011-09-17T14:53:00.000-07:002011-09-17T14:53:44.002-07:00

Keeping up with our continuing education requirements is important not only to our practice, but in meeting licensure requirements. Be sure and consult your licensing board or state NASW office before signing up for an online CEU course. It is important that you get credit! Social Work World does not endorse these courses. They are merely provided as leads for you in your quest for continuing

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-45063082416370610402011-09-06T13:48:00.000-07:002011-09-06T13:48:22.187-07:00

Some time ago, I wrote an article on the effect that TSA procedures may have on victims of sexual trauma. I was looking at the TSA website today for information on updated policies and saw this page: TSA understands that passengers who are victims of sexual trauma may have concerns about the screening process and may require additional assistance. Accordingly, TSA will make every effort to

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-9862554175915197172011-08-29T14:34:00.000-07:002011-08-29T14:36:21.095-07:00

A Graceful Exit - Building Relationships as You Leave Your Job Leaving your job can be a positive transition for everyone involved. You have the power to ensure that leaving your current employer strengthens your relationship and reputation rather than destroying it. Remember the day you started your job? Most likely you were welcomed with open arms, introduced to co-workers and supported as

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-49226597645359149392011-08-11T11:04:00.000-07:002011-08-11T11:04:47.603-07:00

Want to understand addiction and, perhaps, have a little more compassion? A discussion was taking place on our Social Work Yahoo Group and an excellent book was recommended along with the PBS show... Please listen to this show and/or read this book to better understand addiction. http://www.npr.org/2011/06/23/137348338/compass-of-pleasure-why-some-things-feel-so-good The book is titled "The

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-56005412868809226362011-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:002011-08-10T14:10:10.760-07:00

When I worked in Arizona hospitals, we noted a significant hoarding problem with the isolated elderly in the Sun Cities. In particular, animal hoarding was a difficult issue to deal with. So I was pleased to see a website for the Arizona Hoarding Task Force: The Arizona Hoarding Task Force (AzHTF) is a collaborative effort of diverse community organizations and representatives dedicated to the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-9766884883067257542011-07-21T17:44:00.000-07:002011-07-21T18:06:50.482-07:00

Throughout my career as a social worker, I heard that a society is judged by how it treats its elderly and young. But what about animals? I recently heard of a group that rescues horses that have been used (and abused) by drug traffickers. I was so impressed by the work of this group that it helped me see the positive in our current society. And, I made a donation to help their work. The New

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-90439025078942017502011-07-18T10:38:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:39:37.087-07:00

Here's a great article about the ethics of a social worker being active on Facebook and Twitter. Fortunately I don't have this issue as I am retired from the profession, but here is what the author, Lisa Kays, MSW, said in her article: Must I Un-Friend Facebook? Exploring the Ethics of Social Media in The New Social Worker - Online. It is how I send, receive, and accept social invitations;

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-14872536386556531652011-07-05T13:27:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:28:18.220-07:00

I just read information on the not guilty verdict in the Casey Anthony Case. It certainly was a convoluted situation but SOMEONE is guilty of SOMETHING, wouldn't you think? She was convicted of four counts of lying to investigators who were looking into the June 2008 disappearance of her daughter, Caylee. Is that all? So who is falling down on the job here? The investigators? The jury? Or? Is

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-37471224580245146002011-05-07T06:11:00.000-07:002011-05-16T06:05:17.331-07:00

Most social workers have run into situations where people can no longer care for their pets. When working in the hospitals of the Sun Cities in Arizona, one of our assessment questions was to find out whether the hospitalized elderly patient had pets at home. Often a neighbor or the local sheriff volunteers could help find the pet temporary shelter. But what about the extreme situations we see

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-61406497931380756262011-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:002011-05-08T06:57:51.183-07:00

I've been talking a bit about social workers who retire and go on to other pursuits. But what if you are not wanting to retire and are a baby boomer who just wants a social work job? Well, in addition to my article on the social work job interview, I ran across a super article which gave a step-by-step narrative about what to do to make your resume look... well... younger! Ellen Pofeldt, in her

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-38056940161618696732011-04-08T15:09:00.000-07:002011-04-08T15:09:31.322-07:00

Our most popular article on Social Work World is about the social work interview, specifically questions you may be asked in a social work job interview. Since our site has moved, so has this popular article. Here is where you can find those fascinating social work interview questions: This article is now here: http://lizrose.biz/socialworkworld/questions.htm Remember, Social Work World has

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-41272775790417510102011-04-04T08:08:00.000-07:002011-04-04T08:08:50.361-07:00

I was perusing my friend's travel blog and noticed a guest article. It was about a colorful market in Ecuador. The photos caught my eye. But what was really interesting was the bio attached to the article: Robin Slater is an adventurous British-Canadian social worker by trade who evolved into an Ecuador & Galapagos travel consultant by passion & experience. He is the owner of Sangay Touring – a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-23795200455721176812011-03-28T14:46:00.000-07:002011-11-15T15:09:49.376-08:00

I received a note from Edward Addy of United Telecare. He has developed a unique service and is looking to expand their Independent Service Agent network with retired nurses and social workers. "Our company, United Telecare, has just launched a new service to assist seniors, those with disabilities, and many others, to remain living independently a bit longer and a bit safer. This program is

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-75339018572559043602011-03-24T19:28:00.001-07:002011-03-24T19:28:56.630-07:00

Keeping up with our continuing education requirements is important not only to our practice, but in meeting licensure requirements. Be sure and consult your licensing board or state NASW office before signing up for an online CEU course. It is important that you get credit! Social Work World does not endorse these courses. They are merely provided as leads for you in your quest for continuing

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-33447485030886348322011-03-15T08:12:00.000-07:002011-03-15T08:12:11.886-07:00

You can text to help those in Japan who are suffering from the effects of the earthquake and tsunami. These donations will be added to your monthly cell phone bill. Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. Text "MED" to 80888 to donate $10 to the International Medical Corps. Text "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888 to donate $10 to the Salvation Army. Text "JAPAN" or "TSUNAMI" to

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-26205103628583206182011-02-25T11:36:00.000-08:002011-02-25T11:36:59.003-08:00

When you create a website, you think your hosting service will always be there. But Prodigy is very, very, old and so is going to disappear in a month or two. So I am busy moving the Social Work World website to a new hosting service... Yahoo!  I think they will be around awhile. If you find Social Work World by clicking on http://socialworkworld.org/ you will find the older site until the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-6239098709350301992011-02-17T08:05:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:05:19.059-08:00

The Social Work World website has a host of topics for Social Workers, social work students and those interested in social issues. Find jobs, CEU information, resources for practice and much more!

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-58288128950359038332011-02-17T07:21:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:01:48.650-08:00

Social Work World has always been the "go-to" place for Social Work Gifts and fun merchandise. We have designed Social Work themed art which can go on shirts, mugs, tiles, water bottles and so much more. Also, visit our Social Work World site for a great article on how to Celebrate Social Work Month.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1113730976784131202011-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:01:52.523-08:00

From time to time, I get e-mail asking me, "What is social work?" Of course it would be easy for anyone to Google the question or look it up on Wikipedia, but they ask me. Here is a great definition and resources from Social Work World's "Social Work Basics" page. But, of course, I have my own take on the question. Social Work, for me, was a way to combine my interests in understanding people

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-67295950367385460592011-02-01T06:56:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:02:14.183-08:00

I've been watching The Bachelor and the role of the counselor/therapist/life coach, Jamie Greene intrigues me. With a MA in Marriage & Family Therapy, Jamie has gone through some of the coursework that social workers have been through but where do we learn about the ethics of promoting our business and the ethics of focusing on ourselves vs. on vulnerable populations? As social workers we have

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-38158718855632620052011-01-28T06:28:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:02:48.204-08:00

Great list of reasons that Social Workers should be interactive media literate. Top Ten Reasons For Social Workers to be Web 2.0 Literate Yes, social workers are on Twitter and Facebook and so much more. What do you think? Can modern social workers be in practice and ignore social media? I'm retired and I'd say the answer is no....

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-41565531146881178952011-01-24T10:51:00.000-08:002011-01-24T10:51:59.753-08:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Panels of national experts on adoption and child welfare law will present at the 7th Annual Wells Conference on Adoption Law, hosted by Capital University Law School’s Law Review and the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy. The conference will be 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Law School, 303 E. Broad St., Columbus. The focus of this year’s conference is

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-9950552486869577582011-01-10T16:02:00.000-08:002011-01-10T16:08:26.810-08:00

I live in Arizona. I am still in shock. With the horrific shootings in Tucson this past Saturday, for once, the nation is also shocked. The events in Tucson have made people stop and think. Will it be time for change? Will we return to a more civilized compassionate society? I don't think the incident hit home until I read Navy Captain Mark Kelly's statement on his wife's website. Congresswoman

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-12114150604851380002010-11-22T18:26:00.000-08:002010-11-22T18:26:32.431-08:00

I can't believe no one has thought of this. As I watch people, disolving into tears about their pat-down experiences, I realize that some have been victims of sexual abuse. Have TSA screeners received any training in how to handle these melt-downs? Do they even realize that their probing hands can trigger flashbacks and PTSD. This is serious folks! More on triggers in victims of sexual abuse

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-36961544946543475002010-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:002010-11-18T07:52:49.850-08:00

For years, I have put special designs on shirts, mugs and more via Cafe Press. Have a look at the Social Work World Gift Shop and see what you might find.   There are designs for social work specialties such as hospital social work, school social work and geriatric social work.   You'll also find gifts for the social work student, recent grad or (like me) the retiring social worker!   Enjoy

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-55436959541768361342010-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:002010-10-31T08:30:47.781-07:00

I was checking out the articles on the MSWPrograms.com website, and came across this list of well-respected social workers. The 20 most famous, they said. As I looked at the list, I was inspired and felt good, all of a sudden, about my 35 year career as a social worker. Much good has been accomplished and social workers have been the ones to effect change. Read about writers, teachers and public

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-33792296536408167882010-10-27T06:45:00.000-07:002010-10-27T06:45:26.513-07:00

The Social Work World Blog is now listed as a top 50 resource for students in online social work schools. Actually we think our main site, Social Work World is the best resouce. You can see our mention here: There are some other great resources listed.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-39135235642370388212010-10-21T13:11:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:13:01.713-07:00

I've been getting a lot of mail lately. And, somehow people believe, since I am an Internet blogger, and run Social Work World, an informational website, that I will "take care" of their needs. Here is an example of what is becoming more and more common: Good Morning! I would appreciate some guidance. I graduated from ______ School of Social Work in New York in 1996 with an MSW. Today, I would

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-26311246103354100052010-10-15T14:08:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:26:35.863-07:00

What a wonderful message John Quale has for those who feel "grey." Life IS a rainbow. America’s Got Talent finalist, John Quale (aka Prince Poppycock) says, “Life isn’t gray. Life is a rainbow. And a rainbow wouldn’t be a rainbow if it were missing a single color. And life just wouldn’t be the magical miracle that it is if it were missing a single one of you unique individuals.”

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-88960351424896604202010-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:002010-10-10T11:49:38.160-07:00

I'll be blogging my experiences as I travel to the Navajo Reservation with the Adopt a Native Elder Program. I've been doing this for over three years now and thoroughly enjoy the experience. Voluntourism is fast becoming a meaningful way to travel. Travel, learn, enjoy and do some good while you're at it! Here's my blog about the experience.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-48444311148826847792010-09-27T10:18:00.000-07:002010-09-27T10:18:32.544-07:00

I never thought of this.  AZCentral.com reports on research published in the  American Journal of Psychiatry...  "For years, researchers have observed that U.S. suicide rates appear to be highest among residents of the so-called "Intermountain West" region of the country. Now, fresh research points to a possible explanation: high altitudes." The research shows a connection between the metabolic

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-6656087025210699062010-09-25T11:32:00.000-07:002010-09-25T11:46:40.743-07:00

So, once again, Lindsey Lohan, is out of jail.... and not in a treatment facility either. This article in the Los Angeles Times questions  whether Lohan is receiving special treatment. I'd like to ask, why she is not IN treatment? According to the Times, ... in posting bail, Lohan must agree to conditions including wearing a SCRAM alcohol and drug detection device, refraining from being in areas

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-57061237743265653692010-09-24T05:54:00.000-07:002010-09-24T05:54:13.651-07:00

I came across this article today and felt that it would be helpful to social workers who are applying for jobs. The focus of the article is customization. Let's say you are applying for a job working with geriatric patients at a hospital. You could change the focus of your resume from one that highlights your youth work to one that  features your knowlege of medical terminology, your work at a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-46765970311814478722010-09-08T06:04:00.000-07:002010-09-08T06:07:30.648-07:00

According to MSNBC, "The government turned up the pressure Tuesday on the head of a small Florida church who plans to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11, warning him that doing so could endanger U.S. troops and Americans everywhere." This fellow is an extremist just as those who attacked the World Trade Center were extremists. I have heard that over 30 followers have left his church. I commend

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-42470520499320981142010-09-07T06:55:00.000-07:002010-09-07T06:55:45.274-07:00

There are quick and easy ways to prepare for a social work job interview and to interview well. When you are applying for a social work position, you will be judged on your background, experience, fit for the position and interpersonal skills. Here are some tips that will lead you to being one of the top candidates... More: Interview Tips from Social Work World.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-27131491985086709492010-09-06T08:56:00.000-07:002010-09-06T08:56:32.159-07:00

We've been having quite a few questions on the Social Work World listserv from people who are trying to decide whether or not they should get a MSW. Some think that a counseling degree or psychology degree will suffice. Fortunately they are looking forward toward licensure. They ask if a counseling license is as good as a social work license, etc. Of course knowing that the listserv is chock

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-71924894878979585322010-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:002010-09-01T10:07:15.192-07:00

I just unsubscribed to one of the most interesting and helpful CE e-mail newsletters I have seen. Why? Well, I am retired and not in practice. But I thought I would share this resource with you and copy this week's edition so you could consider subscribing: CE Calendar Mental Health Continuing Education September 1, 2010 - Vol. 12 Issue 9 Published by athealth.com - http://www.athealth.com/

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-18402382795135410862010-08-31T09:05:00.000-07:002010-08-31T09:05:54.805-07:00

Every time I need to do a good housecleaning, get ready for a garage sale or clean out my closet, I watch the TLC Show, Hoarding - Buried Alive. Hoarders, on this show, range from the neat and tidy shopaholic to the brain-damaged individual who just can't organize or understand why he collects things and brings them to his tiny apartment. Many hoarders have a precipitaing incident, such as the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-7937963550489739622010-08-25T09:17:00.000-07:002010-08-25T09:17:27.484-07:00

True confessions. I love laughing at the People of Walmart photos. I rarely shop at Walmart as I don't like their personel practices and I've heard some really scandalous gossip about their hiring illegal aliens and paying them low wages since we don't yet have comprehensive immigration reform. But, that's a whole separate rant! My question is.... when I was working with a client I was

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-69564337227599827192010-08-23T13:58:00.000-07:002010-08-23T13:58:32.650-07:00

MSWprograms.com has listed our Social Work World Blog in their Top 50 Social Work Blogs. It's a great list of blogs by and for social workers so have a look at their handiwork.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-15534250529535170522010-07-03T19:26:00.000-07:002010-07-03T19:28:35.412-07:00

I admit I am not one to rush to the theater to see award-winning or new movies. Sometimes I wait until they come out on TV. But I do subscribe to Netflix, so put "Precious" in my queue. I watched it last night. It was one of those films that is depressing in the beginning and wonderful at the end. I love it when the underdog wins! The story of Precious is a story of a severely abused (both

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-91125819327712506962010-06-12T07:46:00.000-07:002010-06-12T07:46:55.281-07:00

Have you heard about the 16 year old girl who was sailing around the world and was recently rescued after the mast snapped on her sailboat in high seas? Her parents have come under criticism from some observers for allowing the high-risk adventure. Per Yahoo News.... Veteran sailors questioned the wisdom of sending a teenager off alone in a small boat, knowing it would be tossed about for 30

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-14512058231426361842010-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:002010-05-08T08:43:56.681-07:00

The year after my mother died, I came upon the rare opportunity to make a difference in the lives of some of the elders, mostly women, who live traditionally on the Navajo Reservation. Through the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program, I have been honored to participate in food runs to remote areas of the Navajo Nation. Meeting these traditional elders has been a way to bridge a cultural gap as we share

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-24416814567264473232010-05-02T14:45:00.000-07:002010-05-03T06:29:52.067-07:00

I just had to comment on the WE TV reality show, Sunset Daze. Of course as a social worker, I am an advocate for the elders in our society. But when a show takes place in MY town( Surprise, AZ) and in MY neighborhood (Sun City Grand), my intest is piqued. I've seen all the marketing hype, talk show tapes, and trailers and, I was sad (read embarrased) to see that we who live in this active adult

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-11757446077875070412010-01-23T09:28:00.000-08:002010-01-23T09:30:05.319-08:00

After working in the non-profit world, I have realized that not everyone who is led to donate to relief efforts, like during the crisis in Haiti, has any criteria for selecting the organization. My criteria are simple... low administrative overhead, high effectiveness ratings, and a proven track record in Haiti or in comparative relief efforts. I've decided to donate to the following: MercyCorps

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-86816164106234288692009-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:002009-11-24T08:30:19.357-08:00

I've had enough of the commercialization of Christmas. Now Black Friday shopping is being hyped more than the supposed reson for the shopping. Earlier this week I went to my church to help fill bags of Thanksgiving foods for those in need right here in our community. Last week the regular food give-away had to be closed early. The demand out-weighed what was available. So please join me in

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-5882354585101072962009-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:002009-10-27T12:46:54.040-07:00

I've watched reality shows (Jon and Kate Plus Eight, for one) and the thought crossed my mind that the children may be at risk for exploitation. Not all children who are in the limelight are neglected or abused. But now with the sad tale of the Balloon Boy all over the news, and knowing that he was raised in a home where he was taught to lie for promotional purposes, it brings me back to

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-43240041767196433002009-10-11T08:19:00.000-07:002009-10-11T08:24:00.212-07:00

I read with interest the article, SW 2.0: Social Work? There's a Blog for That over at The New Social Worker Online. The article covers such issues as micro-blogging (Twitter and FaceBook) and whether or not blogging is dead. Apparently not. So why do Social Workers blog? "What is the allure of blogging, anyway? Why do we blog? In essence, blogging allows anyone the chance to be an authority on

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-92161202300104568342009-10-05T06:46:00.001-07:002009-10-05T06:48:50.734-07:00

I thought these comments were so insightful, I decided to re-post them here: Hi, Liz, Good questions all. I'd just add a sort of caveat for your #1. There are a lot of folks in the social work field who have very personal reasons for being here, and that can not only be OK, it can be and very often is, a major "plus." So I think it worth pointing out, as you rightly do, that working out major

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-85440611626715762692009-09-30T07:38:00.000-07:002009-09-30T07:44:27.939-07:00

One of the big questions that comes to me via Social Work World, is... How do I become a Social Worker? I usually ask the person to consider the following:1. What is your motivation? Is it a genuine desire to make an impact on issues such as poverty and child abuse? Or, is it a need to deal with some personal issues such as a childhood trauma or poor relationship with parents. If it's the later,

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-34865311817711276352009-08-12T17:08:00.000-07:002009-08-12T17:12:49.463-07:00

I've decided to sell the Social Work World domain, website and CafePress shop. It was always a labor of love to develop the resource lists and articles but the site more than paid for itself. It produces income, especially in March, Social Work Month! If anyone is interested in purchasing the business please write to me for more information. Elizabeth RoseMost of you are aware that I've had a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-38380392761110003092009-07-24T15:50:00.000-07:002009-07-24T16:03:00.303-07:00

When I worked in hospitals we were frequently faced with cultural issues. What did you do when a 14 year old had a baby and her boyfriend was 18 or older. The family, often Hispanic, thought this was a joyous occasion. CPS did not always agree.So here's another dilemma brought up by Lesbian Life writer, Kathy Belge. "I recently heard from a teenager asking for advice about dealing with her mother

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-63825431811631562962009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:002009-07-24T09:07:01.540-07:00

It was hot in the valley... 115 degrees hot. No wonder they are collecting water to pass out to the homeless. Water, in this heat, is life.So we decided to head out to the mountains just 2 hours north of here. Flagstaff, Arizona is in the pine woods. We toured National Monuments, savored the opportunity to do a bit of hiking and photography and stayed in a rather mediocre motel, all that was

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-87968763508208772742009-07-10T07:00:00.001-07:002009-07-10T07:07:35.776-07:00

I have to admit I actually watched part of the Oprah show last night and was amazed at what severe neglect can do to a child. These children, born normal, suffered years of neglect and sensory deprivation. Here's information from the show. The show also demonstrated the need for people to ask questions in their communities and make reports of concern when they see something amiss. Have we grown

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-40628790194011595282009-07-09T14:18:00.000-07:002009-07-09T14:22:42.158-07:00

Well, since I'm officially retired from social work, I guess I can use this space to share my post-retirement joys. One such joy is seeing my son's new blog - Family Flying. No TSA lines at the airport or finding the best online airfare. He's got his own plane and takes wife and 6 year old daughter on some marvelous vacations, day trips and weekend trips. I'm excited about his new blog. If you

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-68757187373226282772009-07-07T05:47:00.000-07:002009-07-07T05:50:05.816-07:00

I've been helping my son decide how to promote his new travel writing idea. He's a private pilot who flies his family on marvelous vacations and wants to share his experiences with others. We discussed a website but I finally remembered how easy it is to set up a blog here. Now that I am retired from social work, travel writing is my thing too!

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1147633486793300202006-05-14T11:58:00.000-07:002006-10-30T02:48:26.030-08:00

I received a couple of notes asking why I wasn't blogging. Well, I do... but it's over at Social Work World. Every once in awhile I have a slight yearning to return to the world of social work professionally. This week I had lunch with a physician who served with me on the Ethics Service at the hospital where I worked. She was one reason I stayed so long in my position. She made the tough cases

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1131813902940110312005-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:002006-10-30T03:02:03.966-08:00

November 11, 2005 - When trying to describe what I do and why I have made a career change, I am often at a loss for words. But a recent post by a writing colleague summed it all up: "I learned the most wonderful word from a psychologist I met in Calgary. His name is Stephen Joyce, and he was describing how much he loves his work. Because the line between "play" and "work" has blurred for him, he

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1129482750568086722005-10-16T10:04:00.000-07:002006-02-23T18:24:01.906-08:00

I traveled to Austin, Texas for a meeting this weekend. As I described what I did, I found my self admitting to my transition from healthcare professional to.... business owner and writer. I am almost at a point where I will give up my license to practice Social Work.. almost! What I do now brings me joy. When I first practiced social work, helping those newly diagnosed with cancer and those

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1127841047297282552005-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:002005-09-27T10:24:16.760-07:00

September 19, 2005 - Computer Use Improves Elderly Mental Health. A recent study suggests that seniors who learn to use a computer have fewer depressive symptoms than their peers who aren't as technologically connected. Other factors may also be involved, but the study is an interesting first look at computer use by the elderly.September 18, 2005 - Having gasoline woes? This little song might

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1126756920540086002005-09-14T21:00:00.000-07:002005-09-14T21:02:00.546-07:00

Social Work World BlogSeptember 14, 2005 - A very interesting article over at About Adoption. It concerns foster parents and the Katrina disaster. Many families emailed the writer wishing to take in those displaced by Katrina. She also had been wondering about the current foster children and families forced to evacuate those areas that were hardest hit. So she called the Department of Social

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1120967353655760132005-07-09T20:47:00.000-07:002006-05-19T06:22:35.096-07:00

Try searching for "social work blog" or "social worker blog" and see what you come up with. Then try searching for "cat blog!" I never knew there were so many cats out there blogging away! Let's keep this and other social work blogs going. It is important to have a presence in the blogosphere as it is everywhere else. So post away......Lizhttp://socialworkworld.org

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1098630556325456442004-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:002004-10-24T08:09:16.326-07:00

I haven't blogged lately as I didn't want to use this site for US election related debate and thoughts. There is just too much going in in my head and on the Internet. So I decided this forum should be used to publicize information and support for social workers. I recently came across The Hands Project. Isn't it sad that we have to remind people to avoid hurting each other? Meanwhile, the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1093402697365431002004-08-24T19:55:00.000-07:002004-08-24T19:58:17.366-07:00

One of our listserv posts explained, " Mr. Reeves has sent the same message twice...can you clarify this....every year when I start teaching I have my students read the section of the NASW code of ethics that refers to political action. We may not be homogenous in our beliefs but we can or should be able to evaluate what works for us and for our clients....I have to bear witness to policies which

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1091398926174196592004-08-01T15:19:00.000-07:002004-08-01T15:23:04.466-07:00

According to my buddy Wendy, the 'Undecided Voter:' ... "My buddy Elizabeth, Portland, Oregon Guide at About.com sent along a link to FactCheck.org as a way to parse political ads. What's the truth? What the heck are they talking about? FactCheck is an eye-opener for the Undecided Voter." Yet, even with that great resource, she seems to be leading toward GW. Back to Social Work World

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1091040746833184592004-07-28T11:46:00.000-07:002004-07-31T07:32:53.133-07:00

If you listened to the speakers last you you may have come away, as I did, with a wish for a Heinz-Kerry and Obama ticket. When it comes to values and ability to engage the listener, I found that I was amazed at Barack Obama's ability to speak to the issues and remind us of our patriotic roots. And then, Kerry's wife did an equally fantastic job. While I might think that Obama would be the ideal

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1090768183633676292004-07-25T08:05:00.000-07:002004-07-25T08:09:43.633-07:00

Yesterday, I gave up my Saturday to attend an Arizona inservice on infant adoption options. It was a great update and covered everything from the emotions of the adoption triad to Arizona law. It was well-organized and funded by a grant... so it was free CEUs for us, a nice lunch and good conversation. As an adoptive mother and medical social worker, the inservice gave me tons of things to think

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1090416233679304692004-07-21T06:19:00.000-07:002004-07-21T06:23:53.680-07:00

I always look forward to vacations. But the reality is that I also feel that I pay for them, both before and after. On the About Mental Health site, I noticed an article on the subject, "Do Vacations Really Help?"  A summer 2002 survey of 1000 Americans by the Gallup organization found that most of us return from vacation more tired then when we left. So true! I liked the suggestions they have

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1090241766671802162004-07-19T05:53:00.000-07:002004-07-19T05:56:06.670-07:00

I don't really like Mondays. It's back to work after an all too short weekend. Transitions are never easy, unless it is transitioning to the less structured time of the weekend!   I have invited Christson, social worker from Nigeria to post to this Blog as well. Hopefully, we will have many social workers from around the world posting their thoughts and experiences.   Liz Mitchell Social Work

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1090176871114140202004-07-18T11:49:00.000-07:002004-07-18T16:18:11.790-07:00

It's Sunday. We went to church which is something we haven't done in quite some time. Sometimes life is just too hurried. At the end of the service the minister stopped to address the needs of a church member who's 23 year old grandson lay in a coma. Evidently this had been his situation for some time. He was urging her to let go... to let her grandson's life lie in the hands of God and what will

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1090076311524867872004-07-17T07:56:00.000-07:002004-07-18T16:18:35.016-07:00

So far, no one has called off sick for the weekend shift and I can work at home and maybe... just maybe... do some walking for exercise. With all the work-life balance I espouse, I had better get out and walk the talk!   Back to Social Work World

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651260.post-1089982834013978812004-07-16T05:51:00.000-07:002004-07-16T06:00:34.013-07:00

It's Friday and I have decided that Social Work World needs to keep up with the trends. Voila' a Social Work World Blog! On our site we have added an eBay Social Work Auction, have tons of links to interesting social work sites, accept articles written by our colleagues. So why not a Blog for Social Workers? You are welcome to comment and post too. I recently posted a link from a fellow that

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512526018766676437noreply@blogger.com1