English
for social work students 3
Class 6
October 26, 2011

BÙI THỊ THANH TUYỀN, MSW.

Lecturer, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Social Work

International social work
Child welfare
Reading
Most social workers whose practice puts them in contact will sooner or later involved in a case of physical or sexual child abuse, many also will be called to help in connection with conflicts at schools or between neighborhood gangs. Because of the magnitude of the problem, it is unavoidable. Some workers find it impossible to accept the evidence of parental abuse of children, joining in society’s denial of the fact that parents, who are supposed to protect their children, can instead sometimes behave in a manner that threatens their children’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
A frequent consequence of violence and abuse is an increase in aggressive behavior in the victim. Of course, there are many intervening factors, and other influences besides abusing parents and bullying peer contributes to violent behavior. Perhaps the ultimate question, however, is why parents feel the need to resort to hurting their children, or why bullies feel the need to persecute and demean their peers.
The problem can be addressed on a macro level, recognizing the stresses on parents due to poverty, substance abuse, and ignorance. A wide-angle view focused on social factors clearly has merit. Meanwhile, on a micro level, the children are learning that parents who love them can also hurt them. Children are also learning that when our country is attacked, we fight back with weapons of destruction and that we have reasons to fight wars in different parts of the world. Violence is pervasive in our society, and it is difficult to counteract the lessons learned at home, in the community, and on a global level.
Questions for the Reading
What are the most common problems of children that most social workers experience?
What is the frequent consequence of violence and abuse?
How can these problems be addressed?
Social Work with Children and Families
Speaking-Conversation
Social worker: Hello James, I am Miss/Mr. _________. I understand that you are new at the shelter. Is that correct?
Youth: Yes, I came here yesterday.
Social worker: I am glad that you are here. It must have been difficult living on the street.
Youth: It wasn’t too bad. Before I lived at an orphanage. And I was glad I was not living with my family. With my family there is a lot of abuse, violence, and alcoholism.
Social worker: Let me tell you about the shelter program. First, in addition to food, shelter, and clothing, we will help you get access to health care, vocational training, and other social welfare services. We want to promote healthy development and we want to prevent serious problems. Do you have any current health problems we should know?
Youth: When I was younger I had an accident that damaged my eyes. I cannot read very well. Also I have allergies and trouble breathing.
Speaking-Conversation
Social worker: What about drug use?
Youth: I use tobacco sometimes. I used to drink alcohol a lot, but I don’t anymore. It was making me sick.
Social worker: Also at our program, we have group meetings once a week with all the residents. At this meeting we will discuss goals, challenges, and opportunities. If you have conflict with other residents we will try to resolve the conflict.
Youth: Do I have any rights at this program?
Social worker: Yes, of course. We support the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. That means we respect your right to participation in the program.
Speaking-Conversation
Youth: Is there family counseling? My family has a lot of problems.
Social worker: I will conduct outreach with your family and try to engage them in the services. I will conduct a formal intake with you later, but now it is time for the recreational activities. Do you have any questions?
Youth: I am anxious about this program. But I am glad to be in a safe setting where I am protected from violence in the community.
Speaking-Conversation
Humiliating discipline
Harassment
Bullying
Alternative care settings
Orphanages
Foster homes
NGO shelters
Children in conflict with the law
Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Gang violence
Organized crime
Death squads
In work situations
Trafficking
Commercial sexual exploitation
Child labor in hazardous conditions
Corporal punishment
Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Poverty/low-income areas
Drug-exposed infants
Infants with alcohol syndrome
Domestic violence
Substance abuse
Caregivers
Attachment relationships
Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Quality child care
Physical milestones
Child mortality
Overstressed
Mental illness
History of developmental delay
Teenage parents
Lead poisoning

Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Bedtime ritual
Toilet training
Self-talk
Capacity
Poor health
Poor school performance
Social and behavioral problems
Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Mandatory reporters
Legal and ethical obligations
Child-maltreatment
Sexuality awareness
Peer relationships
Resilience
Autonomy
Influence of peers
Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Egocentrism
Peer pressure
Peer support
School dropout
Relocation
Homeless youth
Runaways
Sexual intercourse

Pronunciation & Writing Sentences
Mid-term Exam