The Impact of Trauma on the Growing Brain
If the 0-3 years are the first few chapters of a child’s life, then the prenatal period is the prologue, foreshadowing what may come. Toxic stress can alter the brain’s development even before birth, shaping the way a child responds to the world. The amazing thing about the brain, however, is that it’s adaptable, flourishing […]
Signs That Your Organizations Is Not As Trauma Informed As You Think (And How To Fix It!)
Trauma-Informed in Name When the research on trauma, adverse child experiences (ACEs), and the lifelong risks of ACEs went viral, it startled the entire human services field! The statistics not only shed new light on the vastness of trauma; they also spotlighted how some organizational practices have contributed to negative trauma outcomes. Human Service Organizations […]
Understanding Posttraumatic Growth: The Power of Resilience
My first experience with posttraumatic growth was in the form of a pink and purple butterfly, drawn by a pediatric client I’d been working with due to child sexual abuse. It was their last day after working hard over the past months to heal and we drew good-bye cards together while focusing on celebrating this […]
Balancing Compassion and Boundaries: My Journey as a Social Worker
Why Is Setting Boundaries So Difficult For Social Workers Setting boundaries is a fundamental skill that social workers teach their clients, yet many social workers struggle with setting boundaries themselves. From my experience, here’s why: Who Are Social Workers? The people who choose to go into social work are usually caring, compassionate individuals who are […]
What Is CPT: A Complete Guide for Social Workers
While working as a social worker, you may be asked to help clients deal with the lasting effects of trauma — whether it be war veterans or survivors of abuse or a natural disaster. With the right tools, you can easily navigate this process. Here, we dive into how a social worker can help guarantee public […]
The Long-Term Impact of Child Neglect on Development
As a school social worker, you’ve likely noticed the negative effects of child neglect in your daily work. Your role in identifying and addressing neglect early can significantly alter a child’s developmental trajectory. Understanding Child Neglect Child neglect manifests through parental omissions in care that result in actual or potential harm to a child. Unlike […]
How Housing Services Address Domestic Violence: Key Support Strategies
Domestic violence survivors often face a critical challenge that goes beyond escaping abuse — finding safe, stable housing. As a social worker, you’ve likely seen how housing insecurity can force survivors to choose between homelessness and returning to their abusers. The good news? Domestic violence housing services have evolved to offer comprehensive support that helps […]
The Role of School Social Workers in Combating Truancy
As a school social worker, you’re often the first line of defense in addressing one of education’s most persistent challenges — truancy. Every day, you witness how unexcused absences can derail a student’s academic journey and future prospects. Your role extends far beyond simply tracking attendance; you’re a vital bridge between students, families, and the […]
How Does Housing Affect Crime Rates? Exploring the Role of Stable Housing in Reducing Recidivism
When you work with individuals transitioning from incarceration, you quickly learn that stable housing is a must for successful reintegration. There’s a strong correlation between housing stability and preventing recidivism. So, how does housing affect crime rates in practice? Let’s find out. Understanding Recidivism The cycle of recidivism affects far too many ex-offenders. So, what […]
The Impact of Police Social Work on Reducing Recidivism and Crime Rates
Have you noticed how the nature of law enforcement is changing? More police departments are moving away from the traditional “arrest and process” approach toward something more comprehensive involving police social work (PSW). This is because approximately 80% of police calls now relate to social services rather than criminal matters. As a police social worker, […]
