Comments for Social Workers Speak http://www.socialworkersspeak.org NASW Communications Network - Social Workers speak out on television, movies and other media Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Social Workers’ Film Protests NC Marriage Amendment by Kathy Gurland, LCSW http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/social-workers-film-protests-nc-marriage-amendment.html#comment-122043 Kathy Gurland, LCSW Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:32 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8170#comment-122043 Kudos to ALL of you - very impressive what you have done!!!! You definitely have contributed to the elevation of the perception of what social workers are all about! Thank You in the name of all SW!! Kathy Gurland, LCSW NYC Kudos to ALL of you – very impressive what you have done!!!! You definitely have contributed to the elevation of the perception of what social workers are all about! Thank You in the name of all SW!!
Kathy Gurland, LCSW
NYC

]]> Comment on Kiefer Sutherland’s Proposed Series “Touch” to Feature Key Social Worker Character by elizabeth quek http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/kiefer-sutherlands-proposed-series-touch-to-feature-key-social-worker-character.html#comment-122027 elizabeth quek Wed, 16 May 2012 15:25:54 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=5875#comment-122027 It was extremely painful to watch this character. I think it provides a very poor portrayal of what we do and stand for. She did not seek to understand much, appeared judgemental, unprofessional (no proper risk assessment/assessment) and definitely not respectful... It was extremely painful to watch this character. I think it provides a very poor portrayal of what we do and stand for. She did not seek to understand much, appeared judgemental, unprofessional (no proper risk assessment/assessment) and definitely not respectful…

]]> Comment on Don’t Leave Home Without It! by Gary Bachman http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/cheers-and-jeers/dont-leave-home-without-it.html#comment-121584 Gary Bachman Mon, 14 May 2012 22:21:48 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=6819#comment-121584 John, You can still complete an advance health care directive and give a copy of it to any medical provider you may seek care from. If you have a primary care physician, I would encorage you to discuss the details with them. If you have insurance, you might consider contacting the insurance companies "case management" office for guidance. You might also consider contacting a hopital social worker for guidance. Most hopitals and provider networks now have (an increasingly standardized) policy as to how advance directives are to be retained and identified in the medical record. Such directives have a prominent place in our increasingly "digital" medical records. I guess another option, one I've actually seen done, is to tatoo your wishes directly on you chest. It's not nearly as dramatic but I've seen "medic alert" bracelets that reference advance directive wishes as well. John,

You can still complete an advance health care directive and give a copy of it to any medical provider you may seek care from. If you have a primary care physician, I would encorage you to discuss the details with them. If you have insurance, you might consider contacting the insurance companies “case management” office for guidance. You might also consider contacting a hopital social worker for guidance. Most hopitals and provider networks now have (an increasingly standardized) policy as to how advance directives are to be retained and identified in the medical record. Such directives have a prominent place in our increasingly “digital” medical records.

I guess another option, one I’ve actually seen done, is to tatoo your wishes directly on you chest. It’s not nearly as dramatic but I’ve seen “medic alert” bracelets that reference advance directive wishes as well.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Barbara Croft http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-121171 Barbara Croft Sat, 12 May 2012 08:12:33 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-121171 What these young women are reporting that occurred in the adoption agencies was the prevailing attitude and absolutely unquestioned assumption throughout the United States in the 1950's and early 1960's--that "out of wedlock" pregnancy was shameful and that allowing "unwed mothers" to keep their child was unthinkable. The workers probably gave little thought as to how coercive it must have been to women who were not presented with any options and were not offered supportive services for keeping their child. As uncomfortable as it makes us now, many of those adoption workers were probably licensed social workers. It would be interesting to do a study and find out for sure. Then again, the history of our profession has been that many critical aspects of social work are co-opted by nonprofessionals. On the bright side, if any adoption workers in the 1950's did show respect for the young women's right to self-determination and did give young women options, it was probably their social work training that gave them the skills and insight and allowed them to go against the overwhelming tide. The social work profession grew, evolved, and matured during the 20th century, but we are a product of the culture and times we live in. This vivid example of the incredible pain that can be inflicted on people in crisis all just points to how critical it is that the work in social services needs to be performed by licensed, trained professionals. The people performing the work in the first social service agencies realized that over 100 years ago, and colleges of social work were created and the social work profession was born. The mistake that the social work profession has made has been to assume that what we needed to protect as a profession was the title, when what actually needed to be protected was the work. The medical profession doesn't allow anyone to practice medicine as long as they avoid referring to themselves as "doctors." They police the work itself, along with the title. We should do the same. State legislators have gone to great lengths to establish social work licensure, only to allow many social work jobs to be performed by anyone, without social work training, as long as they relabeled it as something else. The bruhaha over the Charlie Sheen's movie is the same issue. Oh good, at least he is not calling himself a "social worker," problem solved. What these young women are reporting that occurred in the adoption agencies was the prevailing attitude and absolutely unquestioned assumption throughout the United States in the 1950′s and early 1960′s–that “out of wedlock” pregnancy was shameful and that allowing “unwed mothers” to keep their child was unthinkable. The workers probably gave little thought as to how coercive it must have been to women who were not presented with any options and were not offered supportive services for keeping their child.

As uncomfortable as it makes us now, many of those adoption workers were probably licensed social workers. It would be interesting to do a study and find out for sure. Then again, the history of our profession has been that many critical aspects of social work are co-opted by nonprofessionals. On the bright side, if any adoption workers in the 1950′s did show respect for the young women’s right to self-determination and did give young women options, it was probably their social work training that gave them the skills and insight and allowed them to go against the overwhelming tide. The social work profession grew, evolved, and matured during the 20th century, but we are a product of the culture and times we live in.

This vivid example of the incredible pain that can be inflicted on people in crisis all just points to how critical it is that the work in social services needs to be performed by licensed, trained professionals. The people performing the work in the first social service agencies realized that over 100 years ago, and colleges of social work were created and the social work profession was born.

The mistake that the social work profession has made has been to assume that what we needed to protect as a profession was the title, when what actually needed to be protected was the work. The medical profession doesn’t allow anyone to practice medicine as long as they avoid referring to themselves as “doctors.” They police the work itself, along with the title. We should do the same. State legislators have gone to great lengths to establish social work licensure, only to allow many social work jobs to be performed by anyone, without social work training, as long as they relabeled it as something else. The bruhaha over the Charlie Sheen’s movie is the same issue. Oh good, at least he is not calling himself a “social worker,” problem solved.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Amanda http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-121043 Amanda Fri, 11 May 2012 17:41:24 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-121043 Mara, According to the NASW, the only people who are considered "Social Workers" are those with a minimum of a Bachelor's of Science in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work. Licensing is not required until the MSW level and is not a requirement for all types of Social Work. In many states, Social Services professionals with no education or non-Social Work education may legally be allowed to call themselves "Social Work" but the NASW does not consider them "Social Workers" nor will they even admit them to membership to the NASW. The NASW works nationwide to pass title protection acts to make it unlawful for someone who does not meet the requirements of a professional Social Worker to use the title. They also promote laws that require licensing at all levels to ensure accountability and competency. In some states, this has come to fruition. In my state, there are very heavy fines for presenting yourself as a Social Worker without meaning the educational standards and Social Work school is absolutely grueling. Yes, there are workers calling themselves "Social Workers" in hospitals, adoption, everywhere who are not only not "Social Workers" according to the NASW standard but are also not licensed in any capacity. They are not NASW members. This is why I urge Adoption Reform advocates to support Social Work title protection and licensing acts in their state. Social Work educated Social Workers and NASW members are held to strict Codes of Ethics and competency standards. This will improve Social Services agencies--adoption included. And as Jennifer said, there are indeed adoption workers who are real Social Workers who need to take a step back and evaluate how adoption may be practiced by their agency. Mara,

According to the NASW, the only people who are considered “Social Workers” are those with a minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work. Licensing is not required until the MSW level and is not a requirement for all types of Social Work. In many states, Social Services professionals with no education or non-Social Work education may legally be allowed to call themselves “Social Work” but the NASW does not consider them “Social Workers” nor will they even admit them to membership to the NASW. The NASW works nationwide to pass title protection acts to make it unlawful for someone who does not meet the requirements of a professional Social Worker to use the title. They also promote laws that require licensing at all levels to ensure accountability and competency. In some states, this has come to fruition. In my state, there are very heavy fines for presenting yourself as a Social Worker without meaning the educational standards and Social Work school is absolutely grueling.

Yes, there are workers calling themselves “Social Workers” in hospitals, adoption, everywhere who are not only not “Social Workers” according to the NASW standard but are also not licensed in any capacity. They are not NASW members.

This is why I urge Adoption Reform advocates to support Social Work title protection and licensing acts in their state. Social Work educated Social Workers and NASW members are held to strict Codes of Ethics and competency standards. This will improve Social Services agencies–adoption included.

And as Jennifer said, there are indeed adoption workers who are real Social Workers who need to take a step back and evaluate how adoption may be practiced by their agency.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Amanda Woolston http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-120993 Amanda Woolston Fri, 11 May 2012 14:07:17 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-120993 I am writing to you today because I read your response to the Dan Rather Reports and I want to let you know that I completely agree with you that they are portraying Social Workers unfairly. It is so important for people to understand what a "Social Worker" actually is. This is a perfect example of why we lobby legislators for title protection and mandatory licensing laws. Social Workers often take the blame for what people assumed to be Social Workers or who call themselves "Social Workers," but aren't, do. That simply isn't fair to us or our clients who need us. What I urge is for the NASW to be gentle with these mothers. The stories these mothers tell of being pressured to surrender their babies are true. This is tied in with what we discussed via email before about the amending and sealing of original birth certificates and Adoptee Rights. The sealing of our birth certificates was derived out of this era where single motherhood was shameful. Our birth certificates were amended to indicate that adoptees were now members of new families and to protect adoptees from the scorn of illegitimacy. I cannot attest to whether or not any of the individuals who handled the adoptions of the mothers who say they were forced or coerced were real Social Workers (although some individual mothers say they recall what credentials were given). I cannot speak for all of the mothers who surrendered babies to adoption in this era but I do know several of them (who were not on the show). While Mr. Rather did not go about educating his audience about Social Workers and what "Social Worker" means in a professional way, the mothers I know are not trying to hurt anyone, the Social Work profession, or the NASW. They had a very bad thing happen to them because of their age, gender, and marital status. They want to be acknowledged and validated. As they enter into the aging population, they will no doubt encounter many Social Workers in the Department of Aging, at their insurance companies, at hospitals and nursing homes, in hospice programs, to senior centers and community-based programs. I think this is a really important opportunity to not only educate the public about what "Social Worker" means (and legislators should listen to the NASW and pass those title/license bills) and to extend compassion to these mothers who have been so badly hurt so that they know the next time they encounter someone who is a Social Worker, as they no doubt will, they will be able to trust in the skills and values of that worker once they've verified their credentials. I am writing to you today because I read your response to the Dan Rather Reports and I want to let you know that I completely agree with you that they are portraying Social Workers unfairly.

It is so important for people to understand what a “Social Worker” actually is. This is a perfect example of why we lobby legislators for title protection and mandatory licensing laws. Social Workers often take the blame for what people assumed to be Social Workers or who call themselves “Social Workers,” but aren’t, do. That simply isn’t fair to us or our clients who need us.

What I urge is for the NASW to be gentle with these mothers. The stories these mothers tell of being pressured to surrender their babies are true.

This is tied in with what we discussed via email before about the amending and sealing of original birth certificates and Adoptee Rights. The sealing of our birth certificates was derived out of this era where single motherhood was shameful.

Our birth certificates were amended to indicate that adoptees were now members of new families and to protect adoptees from the scorn of illegitimacy. I cannot attest to whether or not any of the individuals who handled the adoptions of the mothers who say they were forced or coerced were real Social Workers (although some individual mothers say they recall what credentials were given).

I cannot speak for all of the mothers who surrendered babies to adoption in this era but I do know several of them (who were not on the show). While Mr. Rather did not go about educating his audience about Social Workers and what “Social Worker” means in a professional way, the mothers I know are not trying to hurt anyone, the Social Work profession, or the NASW. They had a very bad thing happen to them because of their age, gender, and marital status.

They want to be acknowledged and validated. As they enter into the aging population, they will no doubt encounter many Social Workers in the Department of Aging, at their insurance companies, at hospitals and nursing homes, in hospice programs, to senior centers and community-based programs.

I think this is a really important opportunity to not only educate the public about what “Social Worker” means (and legislators should listen to the NASW and pass those title/license bills) and to extend compassion to these mothers who have been so badly hurt so that they know the next time they encounter someone who is a Social Worker, as they no doubt will, they will be able to trust in the skills and values of that worker once they’ve verified their credentials.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Donna Bakke http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-120176 Donna Bakke Mon, 07 May 2012 17:36:20 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-120176 Yes, they were Social Workers. I was in The Lutheran Home for Girls in Minnesota run by Lutheran Social Services. The so called counseling was just about being too young, no resources, child is illegitimate, and letting your child have a wonderful life which you couldn't give them. Your baby will go to a childless educated couple who want a child and can give them everyhing you can't. Yes, they were Social Workers. I was in The Lutheran Home for Girls in Minnesota run by Lutheran Social Services. The so called counseling was just about being too young, no resources, child is illegitimate, and letting your child have a wonderful life which you couldn’t give them. Your baby will go to a childless educated couple who want a child and can give them everyhing you can’t.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Jennifer http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-120001 Jennifer Sun, 06 May 2012 23:11:41 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-120001 There is still coercion in domestic infant adoption. It may not be so obvious as during the Baby Scoop Era, but the very language used in adoption work, by all adoption workers, still owes its origins to the past. My family recently tried to adopt an infant here in the US (we even had a baby at home with us for 3 weeks). Some of the adoption laws are astounding, and the rights of birth parents are few. I think adoption social workers are so ingrained in their jobs--they may not challenge sufficiently whether a birth mother truly wants to relinquish or not (or provide alternatives to help parent). There is still coercion in domestic infant adoption. It may not be so obvious as during the Baby Scoop Era, but the very language used in adoption work, by all adoption workers, still owes its origins to the past. My family recently tried to adopt an infant here in the US (we even had a baby at home with us for 3 weeks). Some of the adoption laws are astounding, and the rights of birth parents are few. I think adoption social workers are so ingrained in their jobs–they may not challenge sufficiently whether a birth mother truly wants to relinquish or not (or provide alternatives to help parent).

]]> Comment on Sheen to Work on New Sitcom, But Social Work Role Uncertain by Avi http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/sheen-to-work-on-new-sitcom-but-social-work-role-uncertain.html#comment-119883 Avi Sun, 06 May 2012 03:53:47 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=6314#comment-119883 Oh hecckkk noo! I'm a master’s degree social worker & I am offended at the thought of a client like Sheen mocking or portraying a social worker. Lets have more respect for our profession. Oh hecckkk noo! I’m a master’s degree social worker & I am offended at the thought of a client like Sheen mocking or portraying a social worker. Lets have more respect for our profession.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Hanne Andersen http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-119324 Hanne Andersen Thu, 03 May 2012 15:51:56 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-119324 The crimes occurred in hospital it was the social workers in hospitals and nurses that were involved in the actual abduction/kidnapping of our babies. Are you telling us that the hospital social workers were not licensed? I find that hard to believe. The crimes occurred in hospital it was the social workers in hospitals and nurses that were involved in the actual abduction/kidnapping of our babies. Are you telling us that the hospital social workers were not licensed? I find that hard to believe.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Robin K. Westbrook http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-119294 Robin K. Westbrook Thu, 03 May 2012 13:37:35 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-119294 I was "counseled" by Social Workers from the SC Children's Bureau in the early 1960's. These were state-licensed employees. The only counseling they gave me was that my baby would be miserable with me, I would ruin both our lives and that there were couples who would be much "better" parents for my flesh and blood. PLEASE don't deny that there was that mindset and action back then. It will only take away from a message that has been unheard for decades. The time has come for our stories to not only be heard, but to be corroborated and believed! I was “counseled” by Social Workers from the SC Children’s Bureau in the early 1960′s. These were state-licensed employees. The only counseling they gave me was that my baby would be miserable with me, I would ruin both our lives and that there were couples who would be much “better” parents for my flesh and blood. PLEASE don’t deny that there was that mindset and action back then. It will only take away from a message that has been unheard for decades. The time has come for our stories to not only be heard, but to be corroborated and believed!

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Mara http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-119179 Mara Thu, 03 May 2012 00:41:37 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-119179 The last time I checked, people who facilitate adoption call themselves "Social Workers." If they aren't, we've all been lied to by the adoption agencies. The last time I checked, people who facilitate adoption call themselves “Social Workers.” If they aren’t, we’ve all been lied to by the adoption agencies.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Hanne Andersen http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-119157 Hanne Andersen Wed, 02 May 2012 22:40:19 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-119157 Many of these social workers were indeed licensed. Regardless, of this fact this is not the issue because the most grievous crimes occurred in hospital under an illegal hospital protocol with the collusion of church and state. Many of these social workers were indeed licensed. Regardless, of this fact this is not the issue because the most grievous crimes occurred in hospital under an illegal hospital protocol with the collusion of church and state.

]]> Comment on Husband’s Long-Kept Secret Prompts Social Worker to Make Film by patricia lee stotter http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/husbands-long-kept-secret-prompts-social-worker-to-make-documentary.html#comment-119133 patricia lee stotter Wed, 02 May 2012 19:40:27 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8158#comment-119133 Bravo to Geri and Michael!! Thank you both for your endless, generous service.... Bravo to Geri and Michael!! Thank you both for your endless, generous service….

]]> Comment on Social Workers’ Film Protests NC Marriage Amendment by GWright http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/social-workers-film-protests-nc-marriage-amendment.html#comment-119110 GWright Wed, 02 May 2012 17:44:50 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8170#comment-119110 Chris: Thanks for letting us know you are also a social worker! We have updated our article. Congratulations for taking part in such a great project. Greg Wright Senior Public Relations Specialist National Association of Social Workers Chris:

Thanks for letting us know you are also a social worker! We have updated our article. Congratulations for taking part in such a great project.

Greg Wright
Senior Public Relations Specialist
National Association of Social Workers

]]> Comment on Social Workers’ Film Protests NC Marriage Amendment by Chris Weedy http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/social-workers-film-protests-nc-marriage-amendment.html#comment-119088 Chris Weedy Wed, 02 May 2012 16:10:32 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8170#comment-119088 Chris Weedy is also a social worker. Chris Weedy is also a social worker.

]]> Comment on Social Worker Helped Wrongly Imprisoned Form Support Group by Matt Lyle #358476 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/cheers-and-jeers/social-worker-helped-wrongly-imprisoned-form-support-group.html#comment-118714 Matt Lyle #358476 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:48:09 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=5135#comment-118714 Written numerous times, had people call, etc. Now I'm out. (325-573-6132) 22 yrs for a crime I did not commit. Life is getting out of control, need to talk to someone who can relate and help me. Please contact me. Written numerous times, had people call, etc. Now I’m out. (325-573-6132) 22 yrs for a crime I did not commit. Life is getting out of control, need to talk to someone who can relate and help me. Please contact me.

]]> Comment on Dan Rather to Air Investigation on Forced Adoptions by Kathy Gurland, LCSW http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/dan-rather-to-air-investigation-on-forced-adoptions.html#comment-118706 Kathy Gurland, LCSW Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:04:31 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8142#comment-118706 Once again, Greg, your investigative skills are to be praised. What a great discovery and a very important one to be followed up by NASW. I believe that your hunch is right on target - it is HIGHLY likely that the "social workers" identified in this investigative segment will NOT be licensed, educated nor trained, thus giving social workers a bad name once again, through the misnaming and incorrect titling of a counselor. Looking forward to hearing about the follow up. Thanks for finding a way to contact the production team and for getting NASW involved. Once again, Greg, your investigative skills are to be praised. What a great discovery and a very important one to be followed up by NASW. I believe that your hunch is right on target – it is HIGHLY likely that the “social workers” identified in this investigative segment will NOT be licensed, educated nor trained, thus giving social workers a bad name once again, through the misnaming and incorrect titling of a counselor. Looking forward to hearing about the follow up. Thanks for finding a way to contact the production team and for getting NASW involved.

]]> Comment on Oscar-nominated director, writer would consider social worker film by Geri Lynn Weinstein Matthews, MSW, LICSW http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/movies/oscar-nominated-director-philippe-falardeau-would-consider-social-work-film.html#comment-118699 Geri Lynn Weinstein Matthews, MSW, LICSW Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:21:29 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=8001#comment-118699 Hello Philippe, I don't think I know of one Social Worker with any significant amount of time in this career field that has not felt on the verge of, at least a 5 minute crack up, from time to time...that being said... having a sense of humor and lots and lots of chocolate, has gotten me through the transference and counter-transference on any given day. As a seasoned worker, your come to realize that you can only support/help/assist others along their journey, in so far as you have progressed within your own process. My process continues to be colorful at best...9/11 with the FDNY/Project Liberty, supporting Katrina, MST Military Sexual Trauma, medical/psychiatirc social work, EAP Employee Assistance Work and most currently participating in THE INVISIBLE WAR Documentary Sundance Film Festival 2012/People Choice Award and now my first attempt pairing Clinical Social Work with first time Executive Producing the social documentary JUSTICE DENIED about Male Rape in our Armed Forces/MST Military Sexual Trauma. *see Indieggo under Education. In my case art is imitating life...WIth my husband's support, a survivor of rape in the military/ MST and with Director, Mike Miller of 9 Point Productions, we are hoping to create awareness and ultimately support policy...see HR # 3435 THE STOP ACT per Congresswoman Jackie Speier. This has been and continues to be a labor of love for my spouse and myself, it has effected us in many ways and forced us to look within, struggle and grow. I support you in creating light around the often unsung Social Worker heroes...that so often get a bad wrap, poor media image and not to mention are under compensated. If you would like any input, feel free to contact me. Geri Lynn Weinstein-Matthews, MSW, LICSW Executive Producer JUSTICE DENIED MOVIE 505-270-1575 Mountain Time fleabid@hotmail.com Hello Philippe,

I don’t think I know of one Social Worker with any significant amount of time in this career field that has not felt on the verge of, at least a 5 minute crack up, from time to time…that being said… having a sense of humor and lots and lots of chocolate, has gotten me through the transference and counter-transference on any given day.

As a seasoned worker, your come to realize that you can only support/help/assist others along their journey, in so far as you have progressed within your own process.

My process continues to be colorful at best…9/11 with the FDNY/Project Liberty, supporting Katrina, MST Military Sexual Trauma, medical/psychiatirc social work, EAP Employee Assistance Work and most currently participating in THE INVISIBLE WAR Documentary Sundance Film Festival 2012/People Choice Award and now my first attempt pairing Clinical Social Work with first time Executive Producing the social documentary JUSTICE DENIED about Male Rape in our Armed Forces/MST Military Sexual Trauma. *see Indieggo under Education.

In my case art is imitating life…WIth my husband’s support, a survivor of rape in the military/ MST and with Director, Mike Miller of 9 Point Productions, we are hoping to create awareness and ultimately support policy…see HR # 3435 THE STOP ACT per Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

This has been and continues to be a labor of love for my spouse and myself, it has effected us in many ways and forced us to look within, struggle and grow.

I support you in creating light around the often unsung Social Worker heroes…that so often get a bad wrap, poor media image and not to mention are under compensated.

If you would like any input, feel free to contact me.

Geri Lynn Weinstein-Matthews, MSW, LICSW
Executive Producer
JUSTICE DENIED MOVIE
505-270-1575 Mountain Time
fleabid@hotmail.com

]]> Comment on Actor Blair Underwood to Pitch TV Show on Foster Kids, Social Workers by Elissa Grunwald, RLCSW http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/blair-underwood-to-pitch-tv-show-on-foster-kids-social-workers.html#comment-117675 Elissa Grunwald, RLCSW Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:14:16 +0000 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/?p=5769#comment-117675 Finally, As a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker, with a Post Graduate degree from The New York Institute For Psychotherapy Training In Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence (a program that trains therapists to work with children in need) I applaud this effort to reduce the stigma and fear that the word "Social Worker" means to families in crisis and families who would love to be truly helped. So many familes could be transformed and really improve the quality of their own and their kids lives!! Among the different hats I have worn as a Social Worker my favorite was when I worked Early Intervention, making home visits in New York City (to mostly all of Brooklyn areas) advocating for needy people, crisis situations, kids with disabilities, mom's and dad's both who needed serious support mentally, emotionally, abused and neglected kids...... I visited Safe Houses, Crack Houses, Shelters, homes with only soda crates for furniture the list can go on.... I loved each and every one of the people I met and I was serious in helping them, understanding them and making them safe and reducing their pain and problems. Connecting was so hard with some. I recall visiting a 1 bedroom apartment where ACS made the referral and I knew they were in there strung out and paranoid but with a little baby.............I not only got in but got their trust and got them help and their real story and explored with them their dynamics, the situations, traumas that led to their current life situation and the worked to get them the things they would need to hopefully overcome their obstacles and learn to parent or decide what they would want for their brand new baby. Social Workers who assess the needs and priorities of their clients in the most nonjudgmental of ways. I have seen such pain and made sure I developed the skills us social workers sometimes doubt we have (but they grow with every experience) and make emotional connections to help provide safety and to serve who I needed to in a way that the families were willing to cooperate and then follow through that the would get the help they need. I look forward to your work and hope that the portrayal of Therapists and Social Workers as Humans who really care for other humans no matter where they come from, what lifestyle they lead, what you have been, no matter what terrible traumas you encountered, the skills you may lack and want to learn, and promote healthy change in a humble dignified way and to be able to reflect to people the reality and if its working and make a plan to make life better. Signed A Social Worker who listens Elissa Grunwald,RLCSW Finally, As a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker, with a Post Graduate degree from The New York Institute For Psychotherapy Training In Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence (a program that trains therapists to work with children in need) I applaud this effort to reduce the stigma and fear that the word “Social Worker” means to families in crisis and families who would love to be truly helped. So many familes could be transformed and really improve the quality of their own and their kids lives!! Among the different hats I have worn as a Social Worker my favorite was when
I worked Early Intervention, making home visits in New York City (to mostly all of Brooklyn areas) advocating for needy people, crisis situations, kids with disabilities, mom’s and dad’s both who needed serious support mentally, emotionally, abused and neglected kids…… I visited Safe Houses, Crack Houses, Shelters, homes with only soda crates for furniture the list can go on…. I loved each and every one of the people I met and I was serious in helping them, understanding them and making them safe and reducing their pain and problems. Connecting was so hard with some. I recall visiting a 1 bedroom apartment where ACS made the referral and I knew they were in there strung out and paranoid but with a little baby………….I not only got in but got their trust and got them help and their real story and explored with them their dynamics, the situations, traumas that led to their current life situation and the worked to get them the things they would need to hopefully overcome their obstacles and learn to parent or decide what they would want for their brand new baby. Social Workers who assess the needs and priorities of their clients in the most nonjudgmental of ways. I have seen such pain and made sure I developed the skills us social workers sometimes doubt we have (but they grow with every experience) and make emotional connections to help provide safety and to serve who I needed to in a way that the families were willing to cooperate and then follow through that the would get the help they need. I look forward to your work and hope that the portrayal of Therapists and Social Workers as Humans who really care for other humans no matter where they come from, what lifestyle they lead, what you have been, no matter what terrible traumas you encountered, the skills you may lack and want to learn, and promote healthy change in a humble dignified way and to be able to reflect to people the reality and if its working and make a plan to make life better.
Signed A Social Worker who listens Elissa Grunwald,RLCSW

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