Empathy and Improvisation in Psychotherapy

Therapy can feel stuck, stymied and aimless, but fits and starts may be a necessary aspect of transformative therapeutic processes. Of course, this is because problems outside of therapy show up in the consulting room. Therapy feels stuck when the domains of choice are too restricted or rigid,...
Empathy and Improvisation in Psychotherapy

Witnessing Racial Profiling At USC Party

Two parties were thrown by University of Southern California students and were occurring on the same street at the same time. One party was predominantly made up of White students, the other was predominately made up of Black students. One of the parties was disbanded by 77 police officers...
Witnessing Racial Profiling At USC Party

Rebuttal to Abercrombie"s Jeffries From a Fat "Not so Cool Kid."

If you haven’t seen the statements made by Abercrombie and Fitch CEO here are a few quotes from him…
“He doesn’t want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people,” Lewis said. “He doesn’t want his core customers to see people who aren’t as hot as them...
Rebuttal to Abercrombie"s Jeffries From a Fat "Not so Cool Kid."

Your Life Picture In The Final Frame

First off, I don’t think anyone should necessarily take themselves too seriously and exalt to some level that places them as better than others. We all have our strengths, and we all have our place in this world. However, imagine if you could have the time near the end of your life to do some...
Your Life Picture In The Final Frame

Stephen Hawking Speaks Up About Israel

Stephen Hawking has decided to pull out of an invitation to a conference hosted by Israel’s Shimon Peres for the Israeli President’s 90th birthday. Mr. Hawking has made it clear over the past number of years that he will not condone the way Israel treats Palestine, and has advocated for real...
Stephen Hawking Speaks Up About Israel

National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth"s Self-Care for Youth Workers Resource

The Family and Youth Services Bureau, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has an information service called the National Clearinghouse on Family and Youth which offers a variety of resources. According to the website:
Its purpose is to educate the family and youth work...
National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth"s Self-Care for Youth Workers Resource

Syria Goes Offline

Not for the first time this year Syria has been cut off from the internet in a move that the Syrian government is blaming on terrorists. According to many, the action was a result of the government’s attempt to cut off the rebel groups from communication. The events in Syria over the past two...
Syria Goes Offline

Could You Live Below the Line?

From April 29th to May 3rd, those living in Canada had the opportunity to sign up for the challenge to ‘Live Below the Line’ with the intention to raise awareness, educate, and challenge themselves to take action and focus on what others do not have.
Below are a few words by Ariane...
Could You Live Below the Line?

The Rise And Fall Of The Heritage Foundation

Courtesy of the CRISP blog
The new president of the prestigious and mighty Heritage Foundation, former United States Senator Jim DeMint, has ushered in a new era for the conservative think tank that may ultimately render it toothless.  Founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich, Edwin Feulner, and Joseph...
The Rise And Fall Of The Heritage Foundation

Birth Control: Is there Inequality in Cost?

A recent study suggests that Birth Control costs are unequal across neighborhoods, an inequality that follows a socioeconomic trend.
Researchers focused on the price of seven commonly used contraceptives — including various forms of the pill, as well as transvaginal options like the...
Birth Control: Is there Inequality in Cost?

Delaware Becomes 11th State to Legalize Same Sex Marriage

One of the smallest states made a big decision to uphold equal rights today. Delaware became the 11th state to legalize same-sex marriage by passing House Bill 75 in a 12 to 9 vote in the Senate, following last months 23-18 vote by the House of Representatives. According to the...
Delaware Becomes 11th State to Legalize Same Sex Marriage

Cleveland Abduction Victims: Why Did They Not Run? How Do they Recover?

By now most have heard about the three women in Cleveland who were abducted a decade ago and kept captive by men for that decade.  The question I have been asked, by even other professionals, when discussing the events is “why did they not run?” and “how does someone recover from...
Cleveland Abduction Victims: Why Did They Not Run? How Do they Recover?

Resilience and World Reconstruction After Trauma

When the stresses of life are ordinary and manageable, most of us feel we have it together. We have a cohesive sense of ourself and the world. Things are in place and we understand how they connect. But under the strain of trauma, this cohesiveness may be replaced by a feeling of fragmentation...
Resilience and World Reconstruction After Trauma

What is Financial Social Work?

When browsing on Facebook, I came across a free E-book about Financial Social Work. I was intrigued by it since I never heard of this division of social work. The research I did defined Financial Social Work as “an interactive, introspective behavioral model” that is strength based,...
What is Financial Social Work?

Sex Offender Registries: Should They Include Youth Offenders?

Sex Offender Registries, which list sex offenders in an area and restrict many aspects of on offenders life such as where an offender can reside or spend time an more,  are often viewed as protecting the youth in communities from harm. However, should children be listed on these registries?...
Sex Offender Registries: Should They Include Youth Offenders?

Same-Sex Parents and Unmarried Parents Now Recognized on FAFSA Form

The U.S Department of Education announced recently that modifications will be made to the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA Form) to broaden the  information collected on parents. According to the Department of Education’s announcement:
The 2014-2015 Free...
Same-Sex Parents and Unmarried Parents Now Recognized on FAFSA Form

Lifting The Veil On Women’s Rights: Saudi Arabia Starts Campaign

Women is Saudi Arabia have taken a huge step for equality with the anti-domestic violence campaign, “No More Abuse.” Associated with the King Khalid Foundation, this campaign is a major milestone in a country where gender inequality rank at one of the worst in the world. Women in the country...
Lifting The Veil On Women’s Rights: Saudi Arabia Starts Campaign

FDA Approves Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive For Women Over 15 Without Prescription

In what is considered a debatable move by many, the Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved Plan B One-Step, one of three available emergency contraceptives on the market, for use by women 15 and over with a prescription. The approval does not cover access to Plan B and ella, the two...
FDA Approves Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive For Women Over 15 Without Prescription

Unleash The Power of Age: A Great Resource to Celebrate Our Elders

Unleash the Power of Age:  I wish I had come across this link sooner as what a wonderful way to support, share and celebrate older individuals, seniors, and elders in our communities.
Although the opportunity for nominating an older American in the “Unleash the Power of Age Challenge” has...
Unleash The Power of Age: A Great Resource to Celebrate Our Elders

Tabitha"s Wish: Healing for Those Left Behind

Cover Photo from Tabitha’s Wish facebook page.
I recently had the opportunity to talk to Duncan McLindon, father of Tabitha McLindon and founder of Tabitha’s Wish. In April of 2011, 12 year old Tabitha McLindon wanted to help her mother win a contest that was being held by the bank,...
Tabitha"s Wish: Healing for Those Left Behind

Jason Collins: The First Gay Athlete to "Come Out" In Major Sport

Bravery is one of many words that come to mind when describing Jason Collins, an NBA veteran and the first gay athlete to publicly ”come out” while still playing in one of America’s four major sports ( Basketball, Football, Baseball and Hockey) It is the sort of bravery that...
Jason Collins: The First Gay Athlete to "Come Out" In Major Sport

Jason Collins: The First Gay Athlete to "Come Out" In Major Sport

Bravery is one of many words that come to mind when describing Jason Collins, an NBA veteran and the first gay athlete to publically “come out” while still playing in one of America’s four major sports ( Basketball, Football, Baseball and Hockey) It is the sort of bravery that...
Jason Collins: The First Gay Athlete to "Come Out" In Major Sport

Bush Could Face Trial For Torture If He Leaves The U.S.

Former President George W. Bush is learning just how small of a world it is after having to cancel his latest European trip to prevent arrest. Human rights organizations, including the Center for Constitutional Rights, have filed suit against the former U.S. President and may prosecute him for...
Bush Could Face Trial For Torture If He Leaves The U.S.

Interview with Social Worker Daniel Jacob, MSW

Social Work; what goes through your mind when you hear those two words? How do you define who a social worker is? I would like to reiterate what I stated in the other interviews I conducted with Eleanor Silverberg  and Austin Giltus: there is much to be gained when a social worker shares their...
Interview with Social Worker Daniel Jacob, MSW

Want To Experience Homelessness? There Is An App For That

Ending homelessness is a lofty goal for the Kindling Group, a team working towards solutions for critical social issues. Social Workers aspire to provide safe shelter and resources for vulnerable populations. The upcoming @home game may be a way to combine advocacy, awareness, and fundraising...
Want To Experience Homelessness? There Is An App For That

Cyberbullying Legislation in Nova Scotia

It is disheartening to think it takes the death of a teenager for legislation to be created. At the same time, I was very happy to read in Huffington Post Canada that the province of Nova Scotia is implementing cyberbullying legislation. Unfortunately, it is close to 3 weeks after a teenage girl...
Cyberbullying Legislation in Nova Scotia

Sex Education Taboo Even In Social Work

Yesterday I was reading a book I had been working on for over a year, “Sex without Guilt in the 21st Century”. When I placed it down for a minute to take a bite to eat, I glanced down at the book and was startled to realize that the author was none other than Dr. Albert Ellis,...
Sex Education Taboo Even In Social Work

New York City Proposes Raising Smoking Age to 21

In a new Public Health Proposal, Mayor Bloomberg proposed to raise the age at which individuals can purchase cigarettes in the New York City to 21 years old, up from 18. According to the NY Daily News:
Officials cite data showing that 80% of smokers in the city started before age 21 — and a...
New York City Proposes Raising Smoking Age to 21

A Political Decision Swayed by Words: The Nevada Equal Marriage Amendment

It’s hard sometimes to believe that our words have meanings, especially in politics when so many decisions are made based on where the money rests. On Monday, one member of Nevada’s Senate proved just how important our words and lives are to the political decision making process....
A Political Decision Swayed by Words: The Nevada Equal Marriage Amendment

Track Star Turned Savior

Cameron Lyle, is a shot putter for the University of New Hampshire track team. Two years ago Lyle decided to participate in a campus bone marrow registry drive.  With a 1 in 5,000,000 chance of a match the possibility that someone who is a match and would need a transplant was small so Lyle...
Track Star Turned Savior

Aging in Place: The "In" Market

“Aging in Place” is a phrase that I come across on a regular basis and appears to be the ‘in’ phrase right now for the 55+ segment of the population. What does it mean to you? How would you define it? According to Wikipedia, it is: “The ability to live in one’s own home and...
Aging in Place: The "In" Market

Oregon House of Representatives Passes National Popular Vote Bill

Oregon just might be the next state to join the National Popular Vote Bill Movement. For those not familiar, the Bill would
 ”guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in the entire United States. The bill preserves the Electoral College, while...
Oregon House of Representatives Passes National Popular Vote Bill

Why You Need To Know About CISPA: And What You Can Do About It

The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, or CISPA, was first put forward in 2011 as a response to the increasing dangers of cyber-warfare. It defines something called “cyber threat intelligence” (CTI), which is essentially information about networks, either government or...
Why You Need To Know About CISPA: And What You Can Do About It

Is Facebook Inadvertently Helping Abusers Harass Victims?

Domestic violence and abuse is something that is damaging to an individual on numerous levels.  Often I hear survivors and victims say that the psychological component of the abuse they suffered far exceeded the physical wounds, but this remains the part of abuse that is so often over...
Is Facebook Inadvertently Helping Abusers Harass Victims?

Reverse Serendipity

Check out this fantastic short film explaining one reason why people do good deeds: Reverse Serendipity This short film was nominated for Best Drama and Matt Sadofsky won Best Actor on the Campus Movie Fest. It is a reminder that although we often think we know how the moments of our lives fit...
Reverse Serendipity

Brightness in the Darkest Hours

Are you curious why this officer in tactical gear is holding two gallons of milk?
No he did not make a donut run during a police standoff.
As we all know a lockdown was issued in Watertown, MA following the bombing, car chase, and shootout with police.  To ensure the safety of those in the...
Brightness in the Darkest Hours

250,000 March For Affordable Education In Chile

On April 11th, 250,000 Chilean students came out to protest the tremendous cost of higher education that is burdening common citizens. Protests have been going on for over 2 years, yet the situation remains largely the same; higher education has been privatized and costs have skyrocketed,...
250,000 March For Affordable Education In Chile

Courage & Fear

Strength comes from within,
It recognizes fear,
To ignite courage,
So a course of action may be taken,
A person just has to embrace inner strength.

Courage & Fear

Hostages Taken In Afghanistan

There have been reports of a hostage situation in Afghanistan. Approximately ten individuals; Turkish, Russian and possibly one Afghan national, have been taken after a helicopter was forced to land during poor weather. Taliban groups have taken responsibility for the action. Multiple government...
Hostages Taken In Afghanistan

Gun Control Bill Correctly Predicted To Fail Back In February

If there were wagering on the passage of legislation, many people would be profiting from the defeat of the proposed gun control bill. Why? Back in February the Sunlight Foundation not only predicted a bill wouldn’t pass, they also predicted which Democrats would oppose the bill. How is...
Gun Control Bill Correctly Predicted To Fail Back In February

Remember

Yes, you can!
Ignore the put-downs,
Quiet the negative thoughts.
You, alone, carve your path.
Rough road will happen,
Welcome challenges with open arms,
Remember,
You, alone, carve your path.
Let the sunshine warm your face,
While shadows fall behind,
Remember,
Yes, you can!
Written by Staff...
Remember

Mindfulness

My heart knows no bounds,
Uncertainty won’t cloud my day,
Right now, the present captivates my eyes,
Pondering the unknown has no hold,
Right now, the present is home.



Written by Staff Writer: A. Haven, LMSW





Mindfulness

Comfort for Boston: Comfort Dogs hit the Streets

A set of dogs, trained as comfort dogs, have hit the streets of Boston in the wake of the Marathon Bombings. Comfort dogs are not a new idea:
Debbie Custance, a London psychologist who’s studied the empathy of dogs, explained to National Geographic that during times of crisis,...
Comfort for Boston: Comfort Dogs hit the Streets

All You Need Is #Love

Tough times need more #Love so spread some.
Leave your comments below.

All You Need Is #Love

Congressional Research Institute For Social Work and Policy"s Inaugural Dinner A Smashing Success

There are watershed moments in life, occasionally you know them when they are happening, or you hope you do at any rate. That is the feeling that was in the room at the Congressional Research Institute For Social Work and Policy‘s inaugural dinner, held last night at The Monocle in...
Congressional Research Institute For Social Work and Policy"s Inaugural Dinner A Smashing Success

Perception

Beauty defined
By the holder,
Subjective,
Free from restraint,
Not always understandable,
Beauty defined
By me.
 
Written by Staff Writer: A. Haven, LMSW

Perception

20,000 Sing National Anthem: A Reminder that Solidarity Is The Solution To Fear

I was reminded of this an article SJS write in the wake of Newtown on violence and fear as I heard the recording of the National Anthem at last night’s Bruins game.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/lbHMRpdk3_4″...
20,000 Sing National Anthem: A Reminder that Solidarity Is The Solution To Fear

Assisted Suicide

An article in the Winnipeg Free Press states that Susan Griffiths, age 72 is heading to Switzerland and the Dignitas Clinic where she will end her life on her own terms in the next few weeks. She has Multiple System Atrophy, an incurable disease with Parkinson’s like symptoms; loss of...
Assisted Suicide

US Immigration Reform 2013

Bloomberg reports:
A bipartisan Senate group today released its plan for the most comprehensive rewrite of U.S. immigration law in almost three decades. It would allow [upwards of 11 million] undocumented immigrants who pay at least $2,000 in fines and meet other criteria to become permanent...
US Immigration Reform 2013

Thoughts, Prayers and Love To Boston Marathon Victims

Thoughts, Prayers and Love To Boston Marathon Victims

"Clever Girl"- Lessons From Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is timeless and one of my favorite movies. Watching it today, 20 years after the original air date, I am comfortable saying it comes across as believable as it did in the 90’s… besides the fashion of course. I was able to take advantage of the modern IMAX 3D screening at my...
"Clever Girl"- Lessons From Jurassic Park

Handbags and Briefcases: Women in the Workplace in Fiction and Reality

Like most men my age, I am a huge fan of the shows “Entourage” and “Mad Men.” And like most men my age, I have a job I wish was as awesome as either of these shows. Two of my favorite characters of all time are Ari Gold and Don Draper. Both are exceedingly strong, charismatic, dominant,...
Handbags and Briefcases: Women in the Workplace in Fiction and Reality

Drug Reps Not Share Side Effects?

A post in the Winnipeg Free Press from April 10th discusses ‘Drug Company Reps Don’t Tell Docs Enough About Side Effects’ and then further states many U.S., Canadian and French physicians prescribe the medications anyway. Does this strike you as typical of the current...
Drug Reps Not Share Side Effects?

Hold On

Matt recently spoke about his experience in “Falling in Love with Social Work”. In it he describes feeling more complete, like someone who has found the puzzle they belong to. It was inspiring hearing so many who felt the same join in with him. Many refer to it as a calling. I never had...
Hold On

Another Teen Suicide: The Effects of Rape and Bullying

One has to wonder how continued violence against females; girls and women is acceptable. The more I read on the death of Canadian teenager Rehtaeh Parsons, the more upset I become at the social justice implications.
According to the Harold News , in November of 2011 her mother reports that,...
Another Teen Suicide: The Effects of Rape and Bullying

France Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

France says “Oui” to legalize same-sex marriage which should become law this upcoming summer. The bill will not only legalize same-sex marriage, it will allow same-sex couples to adopt children, a practice that is still difficult at best for many. This bill wasn’t without opposition by...
France Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Social Work and Technology Past, Present and Future

Past, Present, and Future of Social Work and Technology by Ellen Belluomini LCSW

How has technology evolved in social work practice? Where will it go? What does it mean to integrate technology into social work? A chart like this was used for on an education website. I thought it appropriate to...
Social Work and Technology Past, Present and Future

The Era of the Nanny Employeer

We were once worried about the Nanny State getting their hands on our restaurant and fast food purchases  preventing us from buying our big gulp sodas, but is seems the Nanny’s now have their hands somewhere else: Our Employers. A recent Think Progress highlights this phenomenon in...
The Era of the Nanny Employeer

Sexual Harassment: It"s not just a "Jock" Thing

It’s spring. The skin is out and likely we’ll start hearing those bad old street harassment comments: “Nice legs baby.”… etc. It’s a big old reminder of how crass and disrespectful we are to one another, and how unaware of that fact we are. But there seems to...
Sexual Harassment: It"s not just a "Jock" Thing

Race For Homeless and At-Risk Veterans: Long Island, NY

Debra Beattie writes:
Suffolk County United Veterans, a non-profit organization that helps homeless and at-risk returning Veterans, is proud to be the recipient of the combined efforts of a number of community groups and volunteers who are hosting the 3rd Annual “Riverfront 24” Endurance...
Race For Homeless and At-Risk Veterans: Long Island, NY

Today is the First National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

Today marks the first ever National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) in the United States, a day founded by Advocates for Youth’s Amplify Project in an effort to:
“to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people as well as highlight the amazing work...
Today is the First National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day

Better Living Through Pharmaceuticals

Big Pharm has had a good year. Not that you can measure happiness on a scale from 1-10, but if you could, Big Pharm would say they are 84 billion…dollars that is. That’s the profit that the drug companies tallied for last year, but Americans know that, they can feel the hit in their wallets....
Better Living Through Pharmaceuticals

Falling In Love With Social Work

There is a sense of hopelessness in the world; this understanding that the problems are too large and the people too small. Everyone seems to “know” that there will always be corruption, greed, and hatred. Everyone except one somewhat obscure group of people who go about their...
Falling In Love With Social Work

Margret "The Iron Lady" Thatcher

On Monday April 8, 2013 former British Prime Minister, the Baroness Margret (Roberts) Thatcher, 87, passed away after suffering a stroke.
Margaret Hilda Roberts was born Oct. 13, 1925, in Grantham, England to Beatrice and Alfred Roberts, a strict Methodist and pillar of the local community. ...
Margret "The Iron Lady" Thatcher

Banks To Pay For Improper Forclosure On Military Homes

Over three hundred Military service members who had their homes foreclosed while active, will be receiving a settlement from Bank Of America. This settlement will give the 316 military families at least “$116,785 plus compensation with interest” for the improper foreclosures. The Civil...
Banks To Pay For Improper Forclosure On Military Homes

The Effect of Incarceration Policy On The Fiscal Crisis In Suffolk County, NY

Debra Beattie Writers:
“Suffolk County, NY projects that it will be 530 million over budget over the next three years.  Executive Steve Bellone has declared a fiscal emergency and has cut every department’s funding by ten percent.  While the new 185 million dollar jail in Yaphank...
The Effect of Incarceration Policy On The Fiscal Crisis In Suffolk County, NY

Sign The Student Loan Fairness Petition

SJS is trying to obtain 5000 signatures to present to Representative Karen Bass in the hope that the public support will urge Congress to pass the Student Loan Fairness Act that currently sits before Education & Workforce Committee. The legislation would do the following as per...
Sign The Student Loan Fairness Petition

Interview with Social Worker Austin Giltus, MSW, LCSW

March was NASW’s Social Work month and SJS participated by promoting the profession of social work in many ways from written interviews of social workers, stories of advocacy, and issues of social justice. In reality, the promotion of the profession should be year round and not just one...
Interview with Social Worker Austin Giltus, MSW, LCSW

World Health Day 2013

Today, April 7th is World Health Day. The 7th of April is the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Every year a health theme is chosen which represents a global public health concern that affects the entire world. This year it is hypertension (high blood...
World Health Day 2013

Could You Live on $1.75 a Day?

The Huffington Post: Canada published an article, “Could You Live in Canada on $1.75 a Day?“. The title speaks for itself in that it is hard to imagine anyone living on $1.75 a day, yet this is the reality for many in the world. The author of this article ,Erin Deviney, lived in...
Could You Live on $1.75 a Day?

Spring Cleaning for the Soul

With it being spring time, we begin to think about tasks around the home we have put off all winter: cleaning out the garage, washing the windows and the like. What we don’t commonly think about is taking time to clean the clutter we have accumulated within ourselves over the previous...
Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Civil Rights Defenders Creates "Smart" Bracelet to Protect Aid Workers

Oh the wonders of technology. Recently there has been so much news about the negative side of technology; how it can be used to incriminate, steal, or fight battles that were once more difficult to fight. Now, thanks to the Civil Rights Defenders we are reminded once again of the benefits that...
Civil Rights Defenders Creates "Smart" Bracelet to Protect Aid Workers

Congressional Institute for Social Work and Policy Launches Website

The Congressional Institute for Social Work and Policy(CRISP) is a new organization that aims to draw the social work profession more intimately into the legislative process in Washington. CRISP has recently launched a website that provides a detailed description of who they are and what they...
Congressional Institute for Social Work and Policy Launches Website

Female Mortality Rates on the Rise in USA

The Washington Post just published an article titled “This Map of America’s Female Mortality Rates is Pretty Terrifying” and, unfortunately, the title just about sums up the graphics all too perfectly. The map, depicting whether female mortality rates are on the rise or...
Female Mortality Rates on the Rise in USA

The Student Loan Fairness Act

Student loan debt in America has surpassed 1 trillion dollars and is only superseded by mortgage debt. In other words, the common citizen will come to find that before they try to raise a family, own a home, and start a career they will already have a significant albatross to over come. In...
The Student Loan Fairness Act

I Have A Dream…

45 years ago today the world lost a leader in Human Rights. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed in Memphis at the age of 39. Mr. King remains as one of the best examples of a civil rights activist and a tribute to non-violent protest.<!–more–> His legacy is the progress...
I Have A Dream…

Author Commentary: "Sexual Assault Awareness Week"

The poem “Sexual Assault Awareness Week” was posted earlier this week on SJS. We’ve heard what many of you thought of the poem, but let’s hear what the Author, Monica Wendel has to say about her piece: <!–more–>
‘We are who we are because we...
Author Commentary: "Sexual Assault Awareness Week"

NYS Corruption Proves America Needs Social Workers In Politics

NYS Senator Malcolm Smith wanted to be Mayor of New York City. It is an honorable title, and a much sought after position as the head one of the most powerful cities on the planet. So much so that Mr. Smith decided that he should bribe his way onto the Republican mayoral ballot. Ironically, Mr....
NYS Corruption Proves America Needs Social Workers In Politics

Where Does Your Personal Information Go? California Wants To Tell You

Ever wonder who is analyzing your personal data? Why you may get targeted by companies you’ve never heard of? California is working to pass a bill that would allow consumers to request copies of the personal data that is stored by a company, and a list of where that information goes. They are...
Where Does Your Personal Information Go? California Wants To Tell You

Social Media Advocacy-Legalizing Same Sex Marriage

Social Work, in this day and age, has a strong relationship to technology. It can be used at every aspect of practice yet is often under discussed in our field. The below, originally posted on Bridging the Digital Divide in Social Work Practice, by author Ellen Belluomini, is a prime example...
Social Media Advocacy-Legalizing Same Sex Marriage

Alzheimer"s "Checkbook": A Creative Solution

When a loved one develops Alzheimer’s, the diagnosis can be devastating for both the one afflicted and the family. The progression of the disease is different for each individual, and the tasks one is able to manage or take part in is different from person to person as is the reaction and...
Alzheimer"s "Checkbook": A Creative Solution

Could Repealing DOMA Improve the Economy?

Thought we were over the equal marriage topic now that we need to wait until June to see what the supreme court decided? NOPE! Think Progress has an interesting article which they recently published on how getting rid of the Defense of Marriage Act could actually boost the...
Could Repealing DOMA Improve the Economy?

A Victory For Social Work: NASW-NYS Update On Social Work License Exemption

NASW-NYS has won a hard-fought victory in the NYS Senate in regard to social work license exemption legislation. Scroll down for the official NASW-NYS announcement.
Highlights:

3 Year extension of the license exemption.
Mandate that each impacted agency participate in a workforce analysis...
A Victory For Social Work: NASW-NYS Update On Social Work License Exemption

Happy World Autism Awareness Day!

Today, April 2nd, marks the 6th annual World Autism Awareness Day, and the official start of Autism Awareness Month. Here is a little back history on WAAD:
On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2...
Happy World Autism Awareness Day!

Introducing the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP)

SJS is excited to announce the start of what is sure to be a great resource (and powerful force) for social workers in the United States, the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy or CRISP. Below is the official Press Release regarding the launch of the...
Introducing the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP)

Student Loans Getting A Degree In Defaulting

As more people defaulted with their students loans in the first three months of 2013, many are wondering when this bubble will pop. The student loan crisis can be compared to the mortgage and housing crisis just a few years ago. What we learned then was how damaging the aftershocks of this...
Student Loans Getting A Degree In Defaulting

A Poem: Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Sexual Assault Awareness Week
A Poem by Monica Wendel
It’s our job to carry an umbrella to avoid getting wet
but it’s not our job to avoid nighttime, dark streets, and bars
to avoid getting raped. My mother disagrees. An act of man
versus an act of God: what difference does it make, she...
A Poem: Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Big Business vs. Clean, Alternative Energy

“Scottish government approves offshore wind farm bitterly opposed by Donald Trump“
Which of the following makes more sense: A Luxury Hotel to increase traffic, and profits, to Donald Trumps holdings, or a Wind Farm consisting of 11 turbines which could supply energy  for almost half...
Big Business vs. Clean, Alternative Energy

The Most Free State: North Dakota?

When you think of freedom it’s obvious that one of the first places that should come into your mind is North Dakota. Well the Mercatus Institute thinks so too in their ranking of U.S. states by levels of freedom. This ranking is based on one particular freedom, economic, given that this is an...
The Most Free State: North Dakota?

Complimenting Others: Can we go Beyond Looks?

Something I have never been good at is starting conversations with, or speaking to strangers, oddly something you would think as a researcher, social worker and a blogger that I wouldn’t have difficult with but oh do I have this issue outside of the professional context. It’s...
Complimenting Others: Can we go Beyond Looks?

Your Gene Sequence Might Not be Secure

Stonybrook University had a mandatory class about Social Work’s role in Health Care. In this class we were asked to read a book about ethical dilemma’s in health care. No book seemed more appropriate to me, as a researcher, than The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, written by...
Your Gene Sequence Might Not be Secure

UN says Lack of Access to Abortion is Torture

The Human Right’s Counsel of the United Nations has released it’s 2013 “Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” written by  Juan E. Méndez. Standing out in this report among many other discussed forms...
UN says Lack of Access to Abortion is Torture

Girls Can be Whatever They Want or Can They?

Girls Action Foundation is a Canadian non-profit that has been advancing girls’ empowerment since 1995. According to a brief put out by Girls Action and Status of Women Canada, significant challenges remain especially for girls who are marginalized. In addition to those related to...
Girls Can be Whatever They Want or Can They?

Youth and Sensitivity Training with Seniors

I came across this story online and had to share it as the focus is both youth and seniors. A grade 5 class in Summit, New Jersey visited Sage Eldercare to participate in a sensitivity training. This is the fourth year this elementary school has visited Sage Eldercare as part of their...
Youth and Sensitivity Training with Seniors

The Bill Appreciating Social Workers

It seems Congress hasn’t entirely sequestered. S. Res. 78 was introduced on March 18, 2013, “Supporting the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.” The bill calls for the American people to recognize social workers and encourages “the people...
The Bill Appreciating Social Workers

Gay Marriage Legality Goes Before Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear two days of arguments for support and opposition of proposition 8, California’s ban on same sex marriage, as well as the Defense of Marriage Act starting today. Also on trial is the separation between church and state, which seems to...
Gay Marriage Legality Goes Before Supreme Court

Could Child Abuse Be Causing Autism?

Written by, Courtney Kidd, LMSW, SJS Staff Writer
 
Childhood abuse as a predictive variable in who will have an autistic child. A study put on by JAMA Psychiatry studied 50,000 women, looking at medical records, answered questions relating to childhood abuse(physical, sexual or emotional)...
Could Child Abuse Be Causing Autism?

Social Work Month Series: Social Workers Advocating for Change

I find it very disheartening to know there are so many social workers voicing dissatisfaction with the profession. We have all chosen social work for a reason and have worked hard along with spending significant amounts of money to become a social worker. Whether we have a BSW, MSW, are...
Social Work Month Series: Social Workers Advocating for Change

The Best Way to Get Help is to Give It

Now in all honestly, who better than a social worker to know the importance of gratitude? I could not resist sharing two links to articles on INC. titled: The Stuff Strong Relationships are Made Of  and The Power of Gratitude, both written by Jeff Haden.
There are wonderful messages of...
The Best Way to Get Help is to Give It

How Does Your County"s Health Rank?

We all know that health, and mental health, are not aspects of our life solely connected to the doctor’s or therapist’s office. Now, for the health and systems theory conscious social workers, there happens to be a resource available to help look at the health ranking and factors...
How Does Your County"s Health Rank?

Ten Things to Say Everyday for A Better You and Yours

Whether they are typed or spoken, we all use thousands of words every day. When put together these words make sentences that can be everything from informative to down right confusing, and often times we don’t think before we say them. We just talk, to fill silence, to make a statement, to...
Ten Things to Say Everyday for A Better You and Yours

Wealth Inequality, a Poverty Mindset and Long Term Consequences

Most people in the United States stay within one economic class of that which they were born into. It is the rare person who advances further, and given the increasingly fast growing divide between the wealthy and the poor the downward trend for the middle class and widening divide seems likely...
Wealth Inequality, a Poverty Mindset and Long Term Consequences

Smith College Denies Female Transgender Student

According to Advocate.com and a few other sources Smith College recently denied a female transgender student admittance to the college and returned her application and application fee. According to the article:
“Calliope Wong’s application and fee were returned to her earlier this...
Smith College Denies Female Transgender Student

Music Linked To Enhanced Cognitive Functioning

Have you ever found that listening to music, when doing chores or working, makes the task significantly more pleasant? A new study suggests that engaging music can help overall cognitive functioning as a indirect result of increased contentment. The study introduced The “Spring”...
Music Linked To Enhanced Cognitive Functioning

Ode to Social Work Part III

Without Commitment,
Without Passion,
Without Love,
True Social Work,
Would not Survive.
Written by Audrey Haven-Roman, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer

Ode to Social Work Part III

Westboro Baptist Church Seeing Rainbow

If your social media friends are anything like mine, you’ve probably seen a picture of a house being painted in rainbow colors floating around over the past few days. The photos come with captions explaining how the house is directly across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church, who...
Westboro Baptist Church Seeing Rainbow

The Shrinking Middle Class

As I have written frequently on this blog, I really do live in two worlds. One world is the world of “business books,” books that show up on the Amazon “Business and Investing” lists, and the New York Times list of Business Best Sellers. Each month, my colleague Karl Krayer and I...
The Shrinking Middle Class

Crisis Centers for Autistic Kids Needed

I came across an article in The Star that focuses on youth with autism. Imagine having a child with autism who as a toddler had tantrums, but as a 13-year-old boy-these tantrums have accelerated into what one Canadian family describes as an ‘explosion.’
Laura Kirby-McIntosh describes...
Crisis Centers for Autistic Kids Needed

Recipe for a Happy Day

A client gave me this ‘recipe’ for happiness in life. I wanted to share it with others as I consider the ‘recipe’ words of wisdom to live by.
Ingredients:
1 cup of friendly words
2 heaping cups of understanding
4 heaping teaspoons time and patience
A pinch of warm personality
Dash of...
Recipe for a Happy Day

Cardinal Napier and Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, the Archbishop of Durban, and one of the 115 Cardinals who selected Pope Francis I, discussed the child sex abuse scandal with Stephen Nolan for BBC Radio 5.
According to BBC, Napier stated the church took proper actions by giving accused pedophile priests therapy...
Cardinal Napier and Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

Things They Don"t Tell You In Social Work School

I love what I do, but I get a kick out of learning things on the fly that would have been so much more useful before that moment. Here’s my first attempt at listing some of these trends that you never knew we didn’t know. Feel free to comment and add your own
1) You can’t save...
Things They Don"t Tell You In Social Work School

The Steubenville Rape Case: What Everyone Seems To Be Missing

**Warning: The content of this article deals with rape, and may be a trigger for those who have experienced, or know someone who has experienced sexual assault. Please continue with caution, and always be aware that treatment is available.**
There has been a lot of backlash for the media’s...
The Steubenville Rape Case: What Everyone Seems To Be Missing

What Is The State of Woman"s Rights As Feminine Mystique Turns 50?

In many ways the civility of a society can be measured by the way in which it ensures the rights of woman. 50 years ago, Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” was published, ushering a new era of woman’s rights that would last throughout the 60′s. This...
What Is The State of Woman"s Rights As Feminine Mystique Turns 50?

Social Work Month Series: Happy World Social Work Day

Social Justice Solutions would like to wish all of our readers, followers, and facebook friends a happy World Social Work Day! According to the International Federation of Social Workers:
“World Social Work Day is the annual opportunity to advocate a social work perspective in political...
Social Work Month Series: Happy World Social Work Day

The Stigma Of Mental Illness And The Power Of Words

In my early 20s, I was in a relationship that ended with my significant other in a psychiatric facility. The relationship, albeit brief, was fraught with dishonesty that put me in danger. Because of the ways in which I suffered, and the imagined possibilities given his behavior, it has taken me...
The Stigma Of Mental Illness And The Power Of Words

Growing Elder Care Crisis: Another Death

I had been informed by a colleague that another senior had died from an attack by a fellow senior resident earlier this week, but was only able to read a full article in the National Post yesterday. A tragedy in Toronto has illustrated a growing and ignored problem in the senior community. Two...
Growing Elder Care Crisis: Another Death

Promising Study Supports Basis for SEL Inclusion in Cirriculum

Over the course of the last decade plus, the United States has become a nation of over-tested students and over taxed school districts. As a product, students are forced to meet nationalized standards which link teacher ratings and student test scores. Besides the obvious, and well-documented,...
Promising Study Supports Basis for SEL Inclusion in Cirriculum

Aging at Home: A Unique Project in Boston

I came across a wonderful story in the NY Times on a unique community project taking place in Boston, Massachusetts. Beacon Hill Village, an innovative non-profit organization, was created by and for local residents who want to grow old in their familiar surroundings. Members pay dues and must...
Aging at Home: A Unique Project in Boston

1,000 Rally For Prison Reform In Wisconsin

According to Nationmaster.com, the United States imprisons about 715 individuals out of 100,000; the highest ratio in the world. In Madison, Wisconsin 1,000 faith-based social justice advocates gathered on Thursday for a day of action that is concerned about reducing the State’s...
1,000 Rally For Prison Reform In Wisconsin

You Can’t Handle The Truth…Serum: A Legal Application

Technology and science may be getting more advance in our society, but the use of truth serum in court proceedings is still something of sci-fi fanfare. The use of sodium amobarbital, also known as “truth serum” is being considered to use on James Holmes, the shooter from Aurora, CO who open...
You Can’t Handle The Truth…Serum: A Legal Application

Social Work Month Series: Interview with Eleanor Silverberg, MSW, RSW

March is NASW’s Social Work Month. SJS is participating  by promoting social work month and by interviewing professionals who identify themselves as social workers which is one of the 100 ideas in the Social Work Month Toolkit. Below is a written interview I conducted with social worker...
Social Work Month Series: Interview with Eleanor Silverberg, MSW, RSW

NYS License Exemption Killed By Legislature

As per New York State Society for Clinical Social Work:
STATE AGENCY PERMANENT EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING LAWS KNOCKED DOWN BY LEGISLATURE
At this writing, both houses of the New York State Legislature have agreed to kill permanent exemption from the 2002 social work licensing statute for state...
NYS License Exemption Killed By Legislature

Is Honesty The Best Policy?

We have all heard the phrase “the truth shall set you free,” however, most of us have probably been on both ends of the discomfort honesty can bring.  Moreover, our culture, thick with anxiety and depression, prizes appearance over substance, success over contentment and peace, and fame or...
Is Honesty The Best Policy?

Happy Birthday SJS!

Social Justice Solutions turns 1 today. It is truly amazing to see a plan, concocted as a masters project, come to life in almost exactly the way in which it was conceptualized.
I want to thank the staff of SJS, who have dedicated themselves to creating a powerful and professional foundation for...
Happy Birthday SJS!

Waitlists in Canadian Healthcare

Perhaps because I work in social services with seniors, I am drawn to any information that focuses on Canadian healthcare. The most recent article I read focuses on the cost of wait lists.
Imagine you have a ‘non-urgent’ health condition, would you want to wait months to see a...
Waitlists in Canadian Healthcare

New York City Adopts Jobless Anti-Discrimination Law

On Wednesday  New York City voted to approve a bill which would prohibit employers from discriminating against those job seekers and applicants who are unemployed. In three months New York City will join three other cities across the United States making such Jobless Anti-Discrimination Laws....
New York City Adopts Jobless Anti-Discrimination Law

Grants Awarded Yesterday for the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative

The Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative is a Department of Justice project aimed at monitoring high-risk domestic violence offenders and identifying potential victims and was modeled after several state wide and local projects including the Maryland Lethality...
Grants Awarded Yesterday for the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative

Voting Rights Act Challenged In Supreme Court

Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the Voting Rights Act brought to the court by Shelby County, Alabama. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires states to get approval from the Department of Justice before making changes in voting laws. For example, such a change could...
Voting Rights Act Challenged In Supreme Court

Let"s Meet the Congressional Social Work Caucus of the 113th Congress

In 2011 the Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC) was founded by Congressman Edolphus Towns, representative of New York’s 10th District. The Caucus originally had 34 members, including both social workers and individuals interested in social welfare and social justice issues. The...
Let"s Meet the Congressional Social Work Caucus of the 113th Congress

In Defense Of Being An English Major

As we celebrate social work month, I would like to highlight another profession that also spends a lot of time defending themselves. The following was first published @ http://Www.milehighthoughts.wordpress.com and has been submitted by the author, Nick Bente.
I recently read that English Lit...
In Defense Of Being An English Major

Social Work Month Series: Leadership Qualities To Focus On

Leadership is very important no matter what the profession. Good leadership equals a good business and happy employees. What makes a leader likeable and successful? Are leadership skills limited to the business domain? I do not think so. This is an area for the profession of social work to...
Social Work Month Series: Leadership Qualities To Focus On

Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina Elected Pope of the Catholic Church

Today, Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He is the first Jesuit and Latin American elected into one of the most powerful positions, secular or religious, in the entire world. In addition, he is the first Pope to take the name Francis, who...
Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina Elected Pope of the Catholic Church

South Korea Braces Themselves For The Unknown

Is the next cold war going to get hot? South Korea is gearing up as the North continues cutting off ties and threatening war. In the latest of bizarre and fairly hostile moves, North Korea cut off the only communication it has with the South, a red cross telephone that’s tested twice a day....
South Korea Braces Themselves For The Unknown

Can Facebook "Likes" Predict Personal Traits?

Cambridge University recently conducted research which suggests that what you ‘like’ on Facebook could be a good indicator of personality. A recent BBC article on the research says :
The study used 58,000 volunteers who alongside their Facebook ‘likes’ and demographic...
Can Facebook "Likes" Predict Personal Traits?

The Marriage Of Yoga and Psychology

In many ways the West has been invaded by the East. Spiritual disciplines such as Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism have become common influences on Western culture. Understanding how these traditions will merge with typically Western disciplines, such as philosophy and psychology, will help...
The Marriage Of Yoga and Psychology

"Kony 2012", The Film That Stirred A Cause, Perhaps

The following was first published @ http://news.harvard.edu/ga ette/story/2013/03/the-clip-that-stirred-a-cause-perhaps/ and has been submitted by the author:
A Ugandan boy speaking almost perfect English struggles to maintain his composure as he discusses his brother, who was kidnapped and...
"Kony 2012", The Film That Stirred A Cause, Perhaps

Is Mother Teresa"s Image a Myth?

A recent study conducted by Canadian researchers suggests that Mother Teresa’s image as we know it may have been the product of hype.
“The research paper claims that the celebrated nun had 517 missions in 100 countries at the time of her death, but that the majority of patients were...
Is Mother Teresa"s Image a Myth?

A Semester Abroad Should Not Include Being Subjected to Unfair Labor Practices

An article in the Wall Street Journal, Guest Worker Visa Troubles Visit McDonald’s, highlights a growing, well known issue regarding immigration reform, especially as it relates to work visas. The events described in the article border on Labor Trafficking which is a growing worldwide...
A Semester Abroad Should Not Include Being Subjected to Unfair Labor Practices

Are Children Going Hungry in America?

BBC Reporter, Duncan Walker, reports child poverty in the United States of America has reached “record levels.” Walker reports that nearly 17 million children are now affected in America and that number is growing on a daily basis.
Walker interviews the Haywood family: Kaylie, 10 years old,...
Are Children Going Hungry in America?

Compassion in the Medical Field: Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) at Stamford

Stamford University offers a course right up the alley of social workers looking to find more compassion, Compassion Cultivation Training (CTT).  This course:
“is an 8-week program designed to help you improve your resilience and feel more connected to others—ultimately providing an...
Compassion in the Medical Field: Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) at Stamford

No More Tuition Assistance For Soldiers

Another impact of the sequestration hits our country right in the heart of higher education for our service members. The Army announced they are joining the Marines in suspending their tuition assistance program for those attempting to get a degree or certification. Those already enrolled will...
No More Tuition Assistance For Soldiers

International Women"s Day

As a female, how can I not honor International Women’s Day? This year the date is March 8th. As Gloria Steinem said,
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organi ation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human...
International Women"s Day

American Extremist Groups Reach All-Time High

Extremist group activity in America is on the rise. Given the weak economy, this should not come as much of a surprise. The Southern Poverty Law Center, as reported by CNN, is reporting that there is a 7 percent increase in the number of extremist groups. The count is a startling 1,360, and...
American Extremist Groups Reach All-Time High

International Year of Quinoa: How this Ancient Grain Could help Eradicate Hunger

The below is a post recently written for my private blog, Celtic Celiac: A Modern Guide to Staying Sane Without Grain, which focuses on gluten free living, food allergies, and food advocacy issues. Many of my posts are related to social welfare issues within restricted dieting, or nutrition in...
International Year of Quinoa: How this Ancient Grain Could help Eradicate Hunger

Is there a Genetic Link Between Five Major Psychiatric Conditions?

A recent study suggests that Autism, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder, and Schi ophrenia share several major genetic factors.
“The international study compared the genetic codes of 33,000 people with a psychiatric disorder with 28,000...
Is there a Genetic Link Between Five Major Psychiatric Conditions?

The Relationship Between Social Work & Human Resources Part I

Social work is the profession of communicating with other people. This might invoke the perception that as strong communicators social workers do not make communication mistakes. I believe this perception is false. Everyone, even social workers, are prone to making communication mistakes. It is...
The Relationship Between Social Work & Human Resources Part I

Bill 14 and the Province of Quebec-Part II

Every day I open the local paper, open emails with a link to the petition re: Bill 14, or hear it being discussed among the public I am glad to know there are local officials who oppose the bill and are speaking out along with residents of Quebec.  Mayor Anthony Housefather of Cote Saint Luc,...
Bill 14 and the Province of Quebec-Part II

New York State Budget Cuts to OPWDD Proposed for Friday Vote

New York State continues to try and dig its way out of a fiscal mess, in doing so the State Legislature continues to indiscriminately take advantage of vulnerable populations. In February there was a push to have a permanent license exemption passed that would allow non-licensed mental health...
New York State Budget Cuts to OPWDD Proposed for Friday Vote

Suicide Prevention: How Do We Stop The Epidemic?

Suicide has become a leading cause of death and a world-wide epidemic. There are over a 100 death by suicides per day within the United States, and a recent study links a rise in unemployment rates to a rise in suicides almost 1:1. Suicidal thoughts, also known as ideations, are estimated to...
Suicide Prevention: How Do We Stop The Epidemic?

Commision Claims Medicare Fee For Service Should Be Eliminated

A report from the National Commission On Physician Payment Reform is calling for the end of “fee-for-service” for Medicare within seven years.
“The way we pay doctors is profoundly flawed,” commission co-chairman Steven Schroeder, a professor of health and health care at the...
Commision Claims Medicare Fee For Service Should Be Eliminated

Life and Death by Neighborhood

I came across an article in Maclean’s this past weekend which focused on Canadian healthcare, and how where you live may influence when you die. As I read further into the article,  investigative reporter Steve Buist collaborated with Neil Johnston, an epidemiologist and faculty member...
Life and Death by Neighborhood

When to Expect Sequester Cut Effects

As you should know, the sequester cuts went into effect yesterday, March 1st, and include 85 Million Dollars worth of across the board cuts. These cuts will obviously have effects, and could result in many influences on our daily lives including: furloughed work schedules at government agencies,...
When to Expect Sequester Cut Effects

Tramadol: Is it a Controlled Substance or Not?

Recently, I found out that Tramadol (also know as Tramadol hydrochloride and Ultram in the USA) is now considered a controlled substance in New York State. Tramadol is “a centrally acting synthetic analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain” for conditions such...
Tramadol: Is it a Controlled Substance or Not?

Social Work Month Series: Social Media & Social Work

When I began graduate school for my Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree, email was available as text only. The internet did not exist yet. Times have changed and technology has grown in leaps and bounds and opened doors for many. The benefit to this is bringing people together around the world...
Social Work Month Series: Social Media & Social Work

The Supreme Court Might Consider Public Opinion On Gay Marriage

It is temping to view morality as some absolute fixed code, but it is important to understand that it stems from the beliefs and traditions of people as much as it shapes them. As a result, morality shifts with each generation. As such, law is mostly derived from a morally relative code...
The Supreme Court Might Consider Public Opinion On Gay Marriage

Video: Top 1% Earn 380x The Average Middle Class Worker

The title is a statistic from the vide and brings the theme of wealth inequality down to an easy understandable equation  The CEO, one human being, makes 380x more then the average middle class worker. As it was put in the video is that person working 380x harder then his or her employees?...
Video: Top 1% Earn 380x The Average Middle Class Worker

Canada"s Two-Tier Health System-Part I

Canada’s Health System is a bit different than that of the United States or other countries, and contains many levels of coverage. Canada has sociali ed medicine which is available to all permanent residents and citi ens, and which provides basic coverage of medical and health needs....
Canada"s Two-Tier Health System-Part I

Was The Prosecution of Aaron Schwartz A Political Move?

Aaron Shwart pioneer of Reddit, Creative Commons, and RSS among other things, was a political activist fighting for the reality of  information sharing in the digital age. He was arrested in 2011 for breaking into the JSTOR system and downloading copies of Academic Journals. He was...
Was The Prosecution of Aaron Schwart A Political Move?

Ode to a Social Worker-Part IV

When asked what I want to be,
A social worker is what I dream.
To help the world with Word,
Sometimes having to separate from the Herd.
Social Justice is not a crime,
But simply a state of mind. 

Ode to a Social Worker-Part IV

NYS Social Work License Exemption : The Slippery Slope

NYS Social Work License Exemption : The Slippery Slope

New Trend in Items Reflects the Hard Times Americans are Facing

According to a MSN Money article written by Kim Peterson, thieves are expanding to items that Peterson describes as “strange things thieves steal.” Peterson reports that nine everyday items now have become popular items to steal. Tide detergent is one of the popular items, and is known as...
New Trend in Items Reflects the Hard Times Americans are Facing

Let"s Celebrate Social Worker Month!

Each March since 1966, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has celebrated National Professional Social Work Month. The original purpose of  Social Work  month was to:
” …spread public awareness and knowledge of the profession. And nearly half a century later, the...
Let"s Celebrate Social Worker Month!

Advocacy Day 2013

Welcome! Social Justice Solutions Inc is proud to be a part of Stony Brook University’s Advocacy Day 2013. Please feel free to leave questions, comments, or a quick hello on our official comment thread below.  
And don’t forget to tweet throughout the day on our live feed:...
Advocacy Day 2013

Advocacy day

Advocacy day

Tuition and the Province of Quebec

A Summit of Higher Education is taking place over the next few days here in Quebec. The ideas that have arisen are it should be an open discussion seeking solutions, but unfortunately many feel it is just an exercise or an opportunity to showcase university presidents for...
Tuition and the Province of Quebec

Is Using A Smartphone Emasculating? Google"s Brin Thinks So

Sergey Brin described using a smart phone as an emasculating experience during a conference yesterday. He was comparing the use of a smart phone with Google’s upcoming Glass ( Think smartphone meets shades) release. More then likely this was a throw away line, but being the busy body...
Is Using A Smartphone Emasculating? Google"s Brin Thinks So

Westerner"s Deemed "Weird" By Study

Ethan Water, of PC Mag, explores a psychological study done that compares Western and non-Western behavioral tendencies. The study, conducted by Joe Henrich of UCLA, used a variation on the Prisoner game to assess the underlying differences in how the vastly different...
Westerner"s Deemed "Weird" By Study

Make Hazing Stop: A Plea for Support Against Hazing and Bullying

Social Justice Solutions is about hearing the voices of those working within, and influenced by, the broad spectrum of social justice issues. One of the issues SJS writers have written about is bullying, which is why when the below email came to our attention we felt the urge to share. While...
Make Hazing Stop: A Plea for Support Against Hazing and Bullying

Update: NYS Safe Act And Social Worker Responsiblity

A message from NASW in regard to The NYS Safe Act and social worker responsiblity: Open Ice – Social workers across the state have registered a number of concerns with the Chapter in relation to the recently passed gun control legislation that names LCSW’s as one of four professions...
Update: NYS Safe Act And Social Worker Responsiblity

Marea Cuidadana: Austerity Measure Protests in Spain

Sparked by continued austerity measures facing the nation, tens of thousands of Spanish citizens began protesting again in cities across Spain on Saturday. Dubbed Marea Cuidadana, meaning ‘Tide of Citizens’, citizens from all walks of life (activists, teachers, union workers, etc.)...
Marea Cuidadana: Austerity Measure Protests in Spain

Community is the Heart of Social Work

The love I have for community is what makes me drawn to social work. It is difficult to say any one thing that leads me to this profession. It more or less, came to me. By taking a personal interest on the injustices of our world and an internal drive to fight for the oppressed, I learned about...
Community is the Heart of Social Work

Songs Of Our Own

There was a time when I heard the birds sing; every morning. All to often we fall into that old habit and the world stops spinning; the birds stop chirping. A mad attempt to control; an obsession with cessation. The tune of human life is a sad symphony. When one asks “Who am...
Songs Of Our Own

Bill 14 and the Province of Quebec

I tend to stay out of politics, but as a citizen of Canada and one who lives in the province of Quebec, I can be quiet no longer. Canada, as a country, is bilingual; meaning English and French are the 2 official languages. In October 1995 Quebec held a referendum contemplating becoming its own...
Bill 14 and the Province of Quebec

It"s Time for a Conversation on Healthcare

America is the only developed country where people can lose their home, or die because they do not have health coverage. If that statement does not outrage you, then read it again. We can have the type of society we want. However, many of us are not happy with the society we have.  One of the...
It"s Time for a Conversation on Healthcare

Introduction to Palliative Care

Conferences, workshops, and lectures are all important to attend either as a professional or as a student. This past Thursday, I attended an Introduction to Palliative Care conference through a local government health clinic. As a professional who works with older adults, and is witnessing the...
Introduction to Palliative Care

Best Parental Leave Around the World

Women have been increasing in the workforce because having a one family income is no longer enough; and because women enjoy and want to work. This created a need for assistance with child care, reproduction and family leave. Women who become pregnant have to take substantial time off work for...
Best Parental Leave Around the World

Seeking Action for Safety in Long Term Care Facilities

Advocacy, one of the core competencies in the profession of social work. It is one skill that I was taught both in graduate school and as a professional over the past 15 years, it is a skill I take to heart. On February 9, 2013 a documentary W5, Crisis in Care, reported by Sandi Rinaldo and...
Seeking Action for Safety in Long Term Care Facilities

Professional Boundaries & Setting Expectations

As mental health professionals, it is crucial to respect a client’s self-determination, and his/hers own pace of achievement when goal setting. This might be difficult to respect at times since we want the best for clients. Remember to refrain one’s self, and view what is occurring...
Professional Boundaries & Setting Expectations

Do the Effects of Bullying Last into Adulthood?

The results of a  new study, discussed in this New York Times Article, suggest that bullying in childhood has lasting effects into adulthood. “The study followed 1,420 subjects from Western North Carolina who were assessed four to six times between the ages of 9 and 16. Researchers asked...
Do the Effects of Bullying Last into Adulthood?

Celebrity Death: Not Only Time to Think About Mental Health

In light of the recent suicide of Mindy McCready, discussions of mental health, addiction, and suicide have been put in the spotlight. So often these subjects are only discussed when it involves a celebrity and soon forgotten when the news changes to the next story. The rest of the time, such...
Celebrity Death: Not Only Time to Think About Mental Health

Congress Still Dysfunctional As Spending Cuts Loom

In nine days, automatic spending cuts known as a “sequester” will be enacted, forcing the government to cut back on $85 Billion in spending. The only problem is that Congress is on vacation at the moment. Democrats are blaming the Republicans for ignoring the looming deadline...
Congress Still Dysfunctional As Spending Cuts Loom

A Mountain"s View

I hear you brother. Through different lenses and innumerable leaves. I know this pain of counting, sorting, and labeling. Although time seems to block our communion, the tail sometimes does wag the dog. Visible only through the keyhole, but the rest can be surmised. I see the traveler from...
A Mountain"s View

Parenting, Depression, and Anxiety

In this fast paced world titles often work to catch our attention, and to draw us into written content. A recent article titled “Xanax ‘helps me be a better mom’“, posted on CNN, did just that to me today. The article discusses how parents are often more prone to...
Parenting, Depression, and Anxiety

Happy Social Justice Day 2013

SJS would like to wish everyone a Happy Social Justice day! This being a first since our founding it is rather significant to us. There was no way to know if the world would embrace SJS; whether we would be sitting her almost a year later and yet day by day we grow. Today is a perfect one to...
Happy Social Justice Day 2013

Rise Above the Violence

V-day is a global movement to end violence against women. It was started by the brilliant Eve Ensler, a playwright and activist who wanted to empower and improve the lives of women around the world. In 1994, she wrote ‘The Vagina Monologues’ which started out on Broadway in the form...
Rise Above the Violence

Jane Addams Wore Stilettos

Jane Addams is known for being the mother of social work. However, she did not fit the image of the “traditional” lady of her times. She was seen as radical, bold, and unconventional. In a time when women were not allowed to vote; people like Jane Addams and the women of Hull House did the...
Jane Addams Wore Stilettos

Dreams

Dreams are real and without them life is a sad existence. Dreams hold us together and give us a vision, something to aim for, the road leading to our destination. Dreams are the magic, the magician making us laugh, or the sun which makes us warm. Dreams are like the rain, when it ends there is a...
Dreams

Gender Equality and Work-Family Policy as Human Rights Concerns

The New York Times published an article on gender equality to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Betty Friedan’s The Feminist Mystique. The article suggests that the feminist struggle for gender equality has stalled since the 1990s and early 2000s, offering several...
Gender Equality and Work-Family Policy as Human Rights Concerns

NYS License Exemption: A Challenege To Governor Cuomo

Social Justice Solutions is issuing this challenge to Gov. Cuomo; would you allow your children,  Mariah Cuomo, Cara Cuomo, and Michaela Cuomo, to seek mental health treatment for a serious mental health condition with an unlicensed worker in one of your clinics? Our world...
NYS License Exemption: A Challenege To Governor Cuomo

DSM-5 Changes: A Continuation

I continue to come across articles and information regarding the soon to be released DSM-5. Reading this link will provide quite a bit of information on the upcoming changes to the DSM. I have to wonder if our society is becoming too focused on a diagnosis and pharmacare. “After the...
DSM-5 Changes: A Continuation

Protect Social Work Now!

Who is a social worker? How do we define what we are as a profession? There are many reasons on why social work title protection must be advocated for inside the profession. We need this in order to protect and define what it means to be a social worker. Without title protection, anyone can call...
Protect Social Work Now!

Do School Dress Codes Violate a Right to Youth Expression?

The recent news coverage of a Utah 9th grader who was banned from school for two days because her red hair coloring (which was all natural tones by the way) didn’t meet the school’s natural colors only hair code got me thinking. Are school dress codes violations of expression to...
Do School Dress Codes Violate a Right to Youth Expression?

California introduces a Social Work Title Protection Bill

As New York Social Workers struggle for license protection by protesting a proposed license exemption, California has taken steps to protect their license via legislation. California NASW and legislators  have set an example for the rest of the country, the time to fight back is not right...
California introduces a Social Work Title Protection Bill

The Educated Homeless

Many people in our country have the risk of ending up homeless. “Mr.Bluestocking” as he wishes to be called, may not be the typical idea of a homeless person many people think of. He is a licensed teacher and counselor who holds two masters degrees. Even though he has completed this...
The Educated Homeless

Altruism Matters for Your Gray Matter

Interesting new research from the University of Zurich suggests that Altruism in part might be linked to the amount of Gray Matter in your brain. “New research shows that people who behave more altruistically have more gray matter at the junction between the parietal and temporal...
Altruism Matters for Your Gray Matter

System Malfunction For Mentally Ill

Mental Health is an area that certainly needs improvements along with properly trained professionals. These professionals whether nurses, social workers, physicians or administrative staff  need regular skill upgrades provided by their employer, of their own choice/initiative or as required...
System Malfunction For Mentally Ill

Jon Stamos wants to Cuddle for Valentine's Day: Project Cuddle

  Happy Valentines Day! Today is a day focusing on love and affection. On sharing with and being there for others, and a day full of cuddling for many romantics. In this case, let’s cuddle with John Stamos, or more specifically let’s talk about Project Cuddle. In our culture we...
Jon Stamos wants to Cuddle for Valentine's Day: Project Cuddle

Pope's Resignation Is Both Historic & Heralding

The resignation of a Pope is not something anyone has seen in this lifetime, or many ones before it. Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation from the Papal throne will come as the first resignation since 1415. He will join only a small number of other Pope’s to give up leading the Christian world,...
Pope's Resignation Is Both Historic & Heralding

Presence-Part 1

“Presence must be balanced with a strong sense of who you are at your core.” “Treat everyone, no matter the person’s position or level of power as a respected colleague.” “Pay attention, the simple act of noticing your own behavior and that of others, in a...
Presence-Part 1

Protect Social Work In New York | Take Action Now!

Governor Supports Permanent Exemption from Social Work Licensure for State Workforce We strongly urge you to contact members of the Assembly and Senate listed below. Tell them that as a social worker: I am strongly opposed to broad-based permanent exemptions included in the Governor’s...
Protect Social Work In New York | Take Action Now!

NYS Governor Supports Permanent Exemption from Social Work Licensure: The Possible Harmful Consequences

While browsing on Facebook, I came across a post from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) discussing how “the    Governor’s   Executive Budget seeks to make permanent the exemption from social work licensure for individuals working   in programs that are regulated,...
NYS Governor Supports Permanent Exemption from Social Work Licensure: The Possible Harmful Consequences

Victim Blaming

An exchange regarding a post on this site the other day brought up the too often reaction of victim-blaming. A person claiming to have been working as a social worker for the past 20 years blamed the poor for “their station in life” attributing their circumstances to poor decisions,...
Victim Blaming

Relax, Strategically That is

Social Workers or not, we all tend to run ourselves ragged, and as many a research publication or news article discusses this may be our down fall physically, mentally, emotionally, and career wise. Earlier this month, the New York Times published an article on just this phenomenon, with a...
Relax, Strategically That is

Hurricane Sandy"s Second Storm: Substance Abuse on Long Island

Long Island New York is the home of many of SJS’ writers and as you might recall was the center of many posts regarding Hurricane Sandy. While the storm might be over, it appears that there is a second storm building. The region has had a substance use and abuse issue for many years, and...
Hurricane Sandy"s Second Storm: Substance Abuse on Long Island

Macro Social Worker Spotlight

Socialworktoday.com has decided to feature 10 extraordinary social workers since March is Social Work Month. They have chosen 10 wonderful examples of what a social worker can do when they enter into the macro arena. It is important to know what your fellow social workers are doing, it is...
Macro Social Worker Spotlight

Visuals Can Have More Power Than Words

Each year the town I live in hosts an annual fair to celebrate the town’s pride. I remember coming across a table with flyers educating parents and adolescents about the dangers of substance use in adolescents. I remember striking up a conservation with the woman about what organization...
Visuals Can Have More Power Than Words

Seeing Past the Mask

In our professional and personal lives it is important to see past the ‘mask’ of another. The outside of a person can be a veneer in a sense that requires one to look further to see the individual within. As you chip away at the ice, You begin to see the object that is hidden...
Seeing Past the Mask

The United States Gets an "F" for Health and Mortality Rates

A recently published study completed by the National Institute of Health and the National Research Counsel points to the United States as having poorer health and shorter life spans than the majority of the 16 peer countries surveyed.  While the full report isn’t available for review...
The United States Gets an "F" for Health and Mortality Rates

NY’s SAFE Act: Mental Health Reporting Requirement

NASW NYS has issued this statement concerning the NY Safe Act, its implications for practicing social workers, and an important message on license protection for social workers in New York. As we collectively continue to process the tragic event in Newtown, CT and look for real solutions to...
NY’s SAFE Act: Mental Health Reporting Requirement

Girls Rock (At Science) but not in the USA or Western Europe

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recently gave the same science test to 15-year-old students in 65 countries across the globe, finding that girls out scored boys in more countries, but unfortunately not in the United States or countries in Western Europe. Why, you...
Girls Rock (At Science) but not in the USA or Western Europe

TV & Your Brain: Tune In For A Reality Check

Ah, T.V. for anyone born in the last 3/4s of a century, TV has been your boon companion since your early days. How detrimental is this relationship? Worse than that guy who used to “forget his wallet” come check time. Some scientists are saying that continuous and long term TV watching can...
TV & Your Brain: Tune In For A Reality Check

Leadership and Teamwork in Social Work

Leadership, teamwork, management, structure of an organization; these are not typical words used in social work or any helping profession from the professionals themselves as they are often very focused on the clients, patients, clientage and recently I heard the term service user (from workers...
Leadership and Teamwork in Social Work

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse: The Missing Connection

I hadn’t realized how many assumptions I had before going into a training on the relationship between Domestic Violence and Substance abuse. Although the correlations between the two have been in the back of my mind, the real dynamic of working with these clients became very real to me. Most...
Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse: The Missing Connection

What is Social Justice?- Part V

To me Social Justice is both a state of mind and an action.It is the process by which governments, groups, and individuals begin to think about, and strive for, equality and justice for all individuals. It is an individual social worker thinking “Why does X part of my served population not...
What is Social Justice?- Part V

Senate Considering the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

On Monday, February 4, 2013, “The Senate voted overwhelmingly” to reintroduce “the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA)” after the act died on the floor the without re-authorization at the end of the last session. As lead author, U.S. Senate Judiciary...
Senate Considering the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

A Message From Mother Nature: Slow Down!

As extreme weather becomes the norm, it might be a good idea to asses what these sort of events teach us. Besides the normal panic,I am fascinated by the insistence of keeping work and schools open. I have already heard, “it is only raining”, about 5 times this morning....
A Message From Mother Nature: Slow Down!

Mindfulness

“Insight cannot be taught or learned, but the consciousness that gives rise to insight can be developed. Trying to teach insight without transforming consciousness is like trying to create apples without growing apple trees.” — Robert Kegan     According to Psychology...
Mindfulness