Access to social workers could keep veterans out of criminal justice system, researchers find
Phys.org
Approximately one in six veterans struggles with substance abuse, and 20 percent show signs of mental health issues or cognitive impairments, previous research has shown. These risk factors, combined with a lack of resources, could be contributing to an increase of veterans entering the criminal justice system, according to a report by the Center for Mental Health Services. Now, University of Missouri researchers have investigated ways social workers can address veterans’ needs and keep them out of jail.

Experts say caregiver stress burnout is common
WRCB-TV
A recent murder-suicide in McMinn County is possibly shedding some light on the stress caregivers take on for loved ones across the country. McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy said there was evidence of a strained relationship between a caretaker and elderly loved one. Experts say the stress is more common than many may think. “There’s a tendency to say ‘I can handle all things, and be all things to all people’,” said Farlie Chastain, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Parkridge Valley Hospital. Chastain said it’s a mentality many caregivers share, but it’s not a realistic one.

SSW Dean Urges Lawmakers to Support Social Work Scholarships
University of Maryland
Dean of the University of Maryland School of Social Work (SSW) Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, capped the School’s 2014 Advocacy Day in Annapolis by testifying on behalf of a bill before the House Ways and Means Committee. A group of SSW students were in the crowded hearing room on March 5 as Barth advocated creation of a “much-needed” Ruth M. Kirk Public Social Work Scholarship to increase public support available to social work students.

Yolande Davenport, psychiatric social worker
The Washington Post
Yolande Davenport, a psychiatric social worker who in the 1970s was in the vanguard in advocating group psychotherapy in conjunction with drugs such as lithium as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, died Feb. 21 at Maplewood Park Place retirement community in Bethesda. She was 93.

More vets suffer from ALS, but VA moves to help
The State (Columbia, SC)
“I tell people there are two different worlds for people with ALS,” said Suzanne Gilroy, senior social work manager for the North Carolina chapter of the ALS Association, the national not-for-profit group dedicated to fighting the disease and helping patients cope with its effects. “There’s the one for people who are veterans, and the one for everybody else. The veterans get taken care of.”

Social workers enjoy helping clients through private counseling practice
Newark Advocate
Together, Marilyn Inceoglu, Karen Gross and Cindy Webb have more than 75 years of social work experience. They use their knowledge and experiences every day helping clients at Transitions Counseling Center, their private practice at 1616 W. Church St.

Humana seeks to hire 140 new workers
Sun-Sentinel
Humana plans to add more than 140 workers in South Florida including social workers, nurses and other medical professionals based out of its Miramar office to service Medicare and Medicaid patients. Another 20 or so positions will be added in sales, said Humana spokeswoman Nancy Hanewinckel on Monday.

Things They Don’t Tell You In Social Work School Part II
Social Justice Solutions
Previously on Things They Don’t Tell You In Social Work School, we discussed 5 things that you just don’t get told in school. In celebration of Social Work Month, I wanted to add on to our list.

School board hears about social worker role
Baraboo News Republic
In advance of budget discussions set to take place at next Monday’s meeting, Baraboo School Board members heard Monday night from Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Dani Scott, who discussed the need for and potential impacts of a social worker within the district.