Discussion Post A: Theories of Life-Span Development
Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016) stated, "We need theories to guide our thinking and our work so that we may undertake research-informed practice" (p. 127-128). At the same time, the authors asserted, "No theory will be perfectly applicable. Perhaps you will decide that only one or two concepts make any sense to you in terms of working with clients" (p. 128). Though you may be able to apply only a few concepts in a particular theory to your work with clients, as a social worker, you should be applying evidence-based research to your work. Empirically-based developmental theories may guide you as you assess clients and their presenting problems. You may also apply developmental theories to your treatment decisions.
For this discussion, you discuss theories of life-span development by evaluating a theory that seems especially relevant to you and your role as a social worker. Select a theory of life-span development to address in this Discussion. This may be a theory described in the resources of this course, or you may select a theory based on personal research. Locate at least one scholarly resource (not included in the course resources) that addresses the theory you selected.
1) Post a Discussion in which you analyze the theory of life-span development that you selected.
2) Summarize the theory; then, identify the strengths and weaknesses of this theory, especially as it relates to social work practice.
3) Explain one way you might apply the theory to your social work practice.
References
• Dybicz, P. (2012). The hero(ine) on a journey: A postmodern conceptual framework for social work practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(2), 267-283.
• Villadsen, K. (2008). 'Polyphonic' welfare: Luhmann's systems theory applied to modern social work. International Journal of Social Welfare,17(1), 65-73.
• Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Discussion Post B: Discussion: Drug Policies and Ethics
The NASW Code of Ethics provides social workers with guidelines and standards for interacting with clients, colleagues, communities, and society, as a whole. These standards govern interactions and professional behavior of social work practitioners. The NASW has also developed specific standards, which are published in the NASW Standards for Social Work Practice With Clients With Substance Use Disorders. These standards emphasize the importance of the competence of social workers. The standards indicate that social workers should be knowledgeable of evidence-based interventions for substance disorders. The confidentiality standard becomes essential as social workers must be informed and comply with federal, state, and local laws about substance use, as well as third-party payee regulations.
For this Discussion, review this week's resources, including the case Working with Clients with Dual Diagnosis: The Case of Joe,and consider how social policies affect Joe's circumstances as described in the case study. Then, think about any gaps in service you found in Joe's case. Finally, reflect on how you might address these gaps or make changes to the policies that affect Joe.
1) Post an explanation of how drug policies affect Joe's circumstances, as described in the case study.
2) Then, explain any gaps in service you found in Joe's case as a result of the drug policies described in the case study.
3) Finally, describe a strategy you might use to address these gaps or make changes to the policies that affect Joe.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
References
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore: MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
• "Working with Clients with Dual Diagnosis: The Case of Joe" (pp. 77-78)
• ?Popple, P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2015). The policy-based profession: An introduction to social welfare policy analysis for social workers. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
• ?Humphreys, K., & McLellan, A. T. (2011). A policy-oriented review of strategies for improving the outcomes of services for substance use disorder patients. Addiction, 106(12), 2058-2066.