Research Paper Assignment: Child Welfare Intervention and LGBTQ Youth

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The Research Term Paper Assignment

Social Work 110 requires all students to write a 5-6 page scholarly research term paper on a field of service in the social work profession, in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

  1. What are the Objectives of the Assignment (Student Learning Outcomes)?
  1. To assure that each student by the end of the semester will be able to demonstrate the ability to research, interpret, and report information related to a specific field of social work practice, in grammatically correct APA (American Psychological Association) format. These skills are essential in social work education.
  1. Acquire knowledge and gain insight into a specific field of social work service
  2. Gain an understanding of the values and ethics that impact social workers in this field
  3. Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of how to consult and utilize research evidence to inform ongoing policy and practice
  4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of APA format
  1. Choose One Field of Social Work Service to Write About (pages 21-26 main text)

Child Welfare

Family, Youth and Children

Pregnancy & Parenting

School Social Work

Mental Health

Older Adults

Substance Abuse

Military Social Work

Medical Social Work

Grant Writing

International Social Work

Refugees and/or Immigrants

Disabilities

Crisis and Trauma

Administration

Violence, Victims and Criminal Justice

Community Organizing

*** You can narrow your focus: For example: If your topic is Criminal Justice and Corrections, you could focus on the specific area of Juvenile Delinquency ***

III. What Are The Research Requirements?

  1. Begin your research for appropriate and relevant reference materials. Use the topic headings to help you identify the areas of focus.
  1. What are the Literature Requirements?
  1. You will need at least one book or e-book
  1. Choose a book that focuses mainly on the field of service that you have chosen (textbooks can be used a supplemental source, but not the main source).
  1. The course textbook from Social Work 110 cannot be used as reference.
  1. The book should be written by a professional in the field of social work or a closely related field.
  1. You will need three scholarly articles - What is a scholarly article?
  1. A scholarly article is written by a professional and is usually contained in a professional journal.
  1. Social work journals and articles written for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are good examples of appropriate references.
  2. “Social Work Today” is an online/hard copy magazine that often has scholarly research articles available; it is available in the Cuyamaca Library.
  1. You can also use journal articles from other related professions such as psychology, psychiatry, nursing, pediatrics, and education.
  1. Articles, research, and statistics from the Federal Government are acceptable.
  1. You can also use e-scholarly articles.
  1. Popular culture magazines, newspaper articles, and websites are not appropriate for scholarly research (Examples: Wikipedia and about.com).

*Please be sure that all resources include author/s and dates. Undated books, articles or websites will not be accepted.




  1. Important Research Specifics
  1. All resources must be from the United States of America
  1. All resources must be no older than 2010. The date must be included!
  1. Locating Your Research
  1. The Cuyamaca Library (Library building, LRC/C)
  1. The librarians have a copy of the Scholarly Research Term Paper Guidelines. They are all very skilled in helping students find appropriate resources and materials for this research assignment. The Cuyamaca Library has also purchased a large number of new books that will help social work students with this research term paper.
  2. For assistance with research contact a librarian in person at the reference desk on the 2nd floor.
  3. There is also an extensive online library which includes e-books and e-articles specifically for the subject of social work.
  4. For on-line reference assistance: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/library (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
  1. For Social Work Resources (e-books and e-articles):

http://cuyamaca.libguides.com/socialwork (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

  1. Accessing Resources from San Diego State University (SDSU) Library
  2. The Cuyamaca College Librarians can reserve books from the SDSU Library at no cost to Cuyamaca students. Scholarly articles are also available from SDSU.
  3. Part I of the Research Term Paper
  4. The Topic Headings – Content of the Scholarly Research Term Paper

    1. Below are the topic headings as provided by San Diego State University for the “Literature Review” and “Field of Service.”
    1. A literature review is a way of organizing, summarizing, and critiquing a topic to inform the reader about a problem or issue.
    1. It allows you to examine the research question, topic, problem, or issue in greater detail by considering what other people's’ writings and studies have shown.

    Topic Headings for the Literature Review

    • Define the field of service
    • Drawing from the literature, describe in detail the following:
    1. What is the target population? (Who are the clients in need of service? Include information regarding the age ranges, gender, and socioeconomic status)
    2. What are the practice methods that social workers use in this field? Indicate micro and/or macro practice methods.
    3. What is the role of the social worker in this field?

    Part II of the Research Term Paper

    Topic Headings for the Field of Service

    1. What are the presenting problems in this field of service?
    2. What are the barriers to service for the target population?
    3. What are the individual and environmental/societal causes of problems?
    4. What are the values and ethical issues for social workers? What ethical and/or value dilemmas do social workers face in this field of service?
    5. What is the anticipated income for social workers in this field of service?
    6. What is your personal assessment of your continued interest in the field of service?



    VII. Guidelines for the Research Term Paper Assignment (See “Example Research Paper” located on Canvas within “Files”).

    1. General Information
    • The research term paper should be 5 to 6 pages in length and divided in two parts.
    1. Part I - “Literature Review”
    2. Part II -“Field of Service”
    • The bibliography and cover page are not included in the length of the paper.
    • The research paper should include an abstract.
    • Content must be accurate and conclusions must be adequately supported by scholarly research. This is not an opinion paper.
    • Grammar and syntax: Sentences should convey meaning clearly and should be grammatically correct with appropriate punctuation in place. Spelling should be correct.
    1. Use APA Formatting (American Psychological Association)
    2. Please consult the APA Style Essentials for general document guidelines such as the title page, abstract, body of the paper, text citations and quotations, and references (located in Canvas under “Files”)
    3. A sample APA Format paper is available in Canvas under “Files.”
    1. The Bibliography or “References” Section
    2. There will be one “References” section for both parts of the paper, located at the end of the paper, in APA format. A sample APA format “References” page is available with a sample APA format paper located in Canvas under “Files.”
    1. Goals of the Research Paper
    2. Provide various viewpoints by discussing what others have written or reported about the topic.
    3. Assess the strengths and limitations of the literature, identify and comment on the major themes found in the literature, and offer a critique of the works.
    4. You need to base your own perspective on your research findings and critical analysis of the literature review.
    1. Final Paper is the finished product that includes a college-level discussion of the topic with accompanying research and supporting evidence.
    1. All required topics in Parts I & II are covered accurately, with supporting research.
    2. There is an analysis of the literature that you reviewed.
    3. The paper is written in APA format, including citations and “References” page.
    4. Grammar, organization, and writing are at collegiate level.
    5. Please refer to the term paper guidelines in this document for all requirements.

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SCHOLARLY RESEARCH TERM PAPER GUIDELINES Social Work 110 – 2019 – C. McCray Part I: Annotated Bibliography due on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, submitted through Canvas (5% of final grade). Part II: Completed Scholarly Research Term Paper due on Thursday, March 7, 2019, submitted through Canvas (20% of final grade). The Research Term Paper Assignment Social Work 110 requires all students to write a 5-6 page scholarly research term paper on a field of service in the social work profession, in American Psychological Association (APA) format. I. What are the Objectives of the Assignment (Student Learning Outcomes)? A. ​To assure that each student by the end of the semester will be able to demonstrate the ability to research, interpret, and report information related to a specific field of social work practice, in grammatically correct APA (American Psychological Association) format. These skills are essential in social work education. 1. ​Acquire knowledge and gain insight into a specific field of social work service 2. ​Gain an understanding of the values and ethics that impact social workers in this field 3. ​Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of how to consult and utilize research evidence to inform ongoing policy and practice 4. ​Demonstrate knowledge and application of APA format II. Choose One Field of Social Work Service to Write About ​(pages 21-26 main text) Child Welfare Family, Youth and Children Pregnancy & Parenting School Social Work Mental Health Older Adults Substance Abuse Military Social Work Medical Social Work Grant Writing International Social Work Refugees and/or Immigrants Disabilities Crisis and Trauma Administration Violence, Victims and Criminal Justice Community Organizing *** You can narrow your focus: ​ For example: If your topic is Criminal Justice and Corrections, you could focus on the specific area of Juvenile Delinquency *** Cuyamaca College, SW 110 1 C. McCray 2019 III. What Are The Research Requirements? A. ​Begin your research for appropriate and relevant reference materials. Use the topic headings to help you identify the areas of focus. B. What are the Literature Requirements? 1. ​You will need​ at least one book or e-book a. ​Choose a book that focuses mainly on the field of service that you have chosen (textbooks can be used a supplemental source, but ​not​ the main source). b. ​The course textbook from Social Work 110 ​cannot​ be used as reference. c. ​The book should be written by a professional in the field of social work or a closely related field. 2. ​You will need​ ​three​ scholarly articles ​- ​What is a scholarly article? a. ​A scholarly article is written by a professional and is usually contained in a professional journal. b. ​Social work journals and articles written for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are good examples of appropriate references. c. ​“Social Work Today” is an online/hard copy magazine that often has scholarly research articles available; it is available in the Cuyamaca Library. d. ​You can also use journal articles from other related professions such as psychology, psychiatry, nursing, pediatrics, and education. e. ​Articles, research, and statistics from the Federal Government are acceptable. f. ​You can also use e-scholarly articles. g. ​Popular culture magazines, newspaper articles, and websites are ​not appropriate for scholarly research (Examples: Wikipedia and about.com). *Please be sure that all resources include author/s and dates. Undated books, articles or websites will not be accepted. Cuyamaca College, SW 110 2 C. McCray 2019 C. Important Research Specifics 1. ​All resources must be from the United States of America 2. All resources must be no older than 2010. The date must be included! IV. Locating Your Research A. The Cuyamaca Library (​Library building, LRC/C) 1. ​The librarians have a copy of the ​Scholarly Research Term Paper Guidelines.​ They are all very skilled in helping students find appropriate resources and materials for this research assignment. The Cuyamaca Library has also purchased a large number of new books that will help social work students with this research term paper. 2. ​For assistance with research contact a librarian in person at the reference desk on the 2​nd​ floor. 3. ​There is also an extensive online library which includes e-books and e-articles specifically for the subject of social work. 4. ​For on-line reference assistance: ​http://www.cuyamaca.edu/library B. ​For Social Work Resources (e-books and e-articles): http://cuyamaca.libguides.com/socialwork C. Accessing Resources from San Diego State University (SDSU) Library 1. ​The Cuyamaca College Librarians can reserve books from the SDSU Library at no cost to Cuyamaca students. Scholarly articles are also available from SDSU. V. The Annotated Bibliography 1. What is an Annotated Bibliography? a. A bibliography is a list of reference materials that you have used for researching a topic. In APA format it is called “References.” Your bibliography should include at least one book and three scholarly articles. 2. What is the purpose of an Annotated Bibliography? a. Provides preparation for the research term paper by familiarizing the writer with the current research, trends, and themes related to the topic. Exposes the writer to different resources to assist in analysis and critical thinking. 3. Writing an Annotated Bibliography a. Write an Annotated Bibliography for each of the 4 references; this will include one book and three scholarly articles. Cuyamaca College, SW 110 3 C. McCray 2019 Each annotated reference should include these three parts: 1. A Summary​ of the main arguments and points of the reference 2. An Assessment and Evaluation​ of the reference – Is this a reliable, objective resource? Be sure to explain your point of view. 3. A Reflection​ on how this resource will help you write your research paper (Example: How will it help you understand the field of service? Does the information help cover the topic headings on pages 4-5 of this document?) An instructor sample of an Annotated Bibliography​ for this assignment is located in Canvas under “Assignment.” Resources for Writing an Annotated Bibliography (Owl Purdue) For definition and purpose of an Annotated Bibliography, click on the link below. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/ For a general sample of an Annotated bibliography in APA format, click on this link: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/03/ Annotated Bibliographies will be graded based on the “Summary,” “Assessment and Evaluation,” and “Reflection:” outlined above. VI. Part I of the Research Term Paper The Topic Headings – Content of the Scholarly Research Term Paper A. ​Below are the topic headings as provided by San Diego State University for the “Literature Review” and “Field of Service.” 1. ​A literature review is a way of organizing, summarizing, and critiquing a topic to inform the reader about a problem or issue. 2. ​It allows you to examine the research question, topic, problem, or issue in greater detail by considering what other people's’ writings and studies have shown. Topic Headings for the Literature Review ● Define the field of service ● Drawing from the literature, describe in detail the following: 1. What is the target population? (Who are the clients in need of service? Include information regarding the age ranges, gender, and socioeconomic status) 2. What are the practice methods that social workers use in this field​? ​Indicate micro and/or macro practice methods. 3. What is the role of the social worker in this field? Part II of the Research Term Paper Topic Headings for the Field of Service 1. What are the presenting problems in this field of service? 2. What are the barriers to service for the target population? 3. What are the individual and environmental/societal causes of problems? 4. What are the values and ethical issues for social workers? What ethical and/or value Cuyamaca College, SW 110 4 C. McCray 2019 dilemmas do social workers face in this field of service? 5. What is the anticipated income for social workers in this field of service? 6. What is your personal assessment of your continued interest in the field of service? VII. Guidelines for the Research Term Paper Assignment ​(See “Example Research Paper” located on Canvas within “Files”). A. General Information 1. The research term paper should be 5 to 6 pages in length and divided in two parts. a. Part I - “Literature Review” b. Part II -“Field of Service” 2. The bibliography and cover page are​ not​ included in the length of the paper. 3. The research paper should include an ​abstract. 4. Content must be accurate and conclusions must be adequately supported by scholarly research. This is not an opinion paper. 5. Grammar and syntax: Sentences should convey meaning clearly and should be grammatically correct with appropriate punctuation in place. Spelling should be correct. B. Use APA Formatting (American Psychological Association) 1. ​Please consult the ​APA Style Essentials​ for general document guidelines such as the title page, abstract, body of the paper, text citations and quotations, and references (located in Canvas under “Files”) 2. ​A sample APA Format paper is available in Canvas under “Files.” C. The Bibliography or “References” Section 1. ​There will be one “References” section for both parts of the paper, located at the end of the paper, in APA format. A sample APA format “References” page is available with a sample APA format paper located in Canvas under “Files.” D. Goals of the Research Paper 1. ​Provide various viewpoints by discussing what others have written or reported about the topic. 2. ​Assess the strengths and limitations of the literature, identify and comment on the major themes found in the literature, and offer a critique of the works. 3. ​You need to base your own perspective on your research findings and critical analysis of the literature review. E. Final Paper​ is the finished product that includes a college-level discussion of the topic with accompanying research and supporting evidence. 1. ​All required topics in Parts I & II are covered accurately, with supporting research. ​2.​ There is an analysis of the literature that you reviewed. 3. ​The paper is written in APA format, including citations and “References” page. 4. ​Grammar, organization, and writing are at collegiate level. Cuyamaca College, SW 110 5 C. McCray 2019 5. ​Please refer to the term paper guidelines in this document for all requirements. VIII. A Helpful Resource for Writing the Scholarly Research Term Paper A. The Writing Center at Cuyamaca College Location: Communication and Arts Building – B167 Telephone: 619-660-4463 1. ​The Writing Center offers tutoring to assist you with organization, grammar, syntax, punctuation, proofreading, editing, and APA format. The staff will have a copy of the research term paper guidelines. They are very familiar with this assignment, and are skilled in helping students with research papers. 2. ​Students who utilize the services of the Writing Center on a consistent basis tend to produce high quality research papers. 3. ​Be sure to make appointments with the Writing Center well in advance. This is especially true if you need multiple appointments. It is the job of the Writing Center to teach writing. As your instructor, I am available to help interpret the assignment. VIV. Assuring Academic Honesty and Avoiding Plagiarism A. ​Always cite your sources in APA format. Failing to cite sources is considered ​plagiarism​, which is a form of ​academic dishonesty​. 1. What is Plagiarism? a. ​Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty and will be treated seriously. b. ​According to the 2016-2017 Cuyamaca College Catalogue, plagiarism is defined as “the act of taking ideas, words or specific substantive material of another and offering them as one’s own without giving credit to the source” (page 30). Writers give credit to sources by using citations. c. ​According to Richard Nordquist, a citation is a source quoted in an essay, report or book to clarify, illustrate, or substantiate a point (About.com). d. ​A detailed description of plagiarism and accompanying consequences are located on page 30 in the 2016-2017 Cuyamaca College Catalogue under “Academic Honesty/Dishonesty. 2. Common Examples of Plagiarism a. ​Submitting a paper with someone else’s ideas, opinions, or research without citing the appropriate source Cuyamaca College, SW 110 6 C. McCray 2019 b. ​Paraphrasing without citing the appropriate source c. ​Submitting the same paper in more than one class d. ​Submitting a paper as your own work that was written by another person e. ​Submitting a paper that was purchased from the Internet or elsewhere When in doubt, use a citation.​ Citations show that you made the effort to do the research for your essay or term paper. Always provide a list of “References” at the conclusion of your paper. X. Submit Your Research Paper to VeriCite via Canvas on the due dates indicated on the first page of this document. A. Plan Ahead! 1. ​Allow enough time to submit your paper to VeriCite. Submissions left to the last minute can result in late papers. C. Late Papers: ​As per page 1 of the syllabus, there will be 10% grade reduction for late papers. D. The Tech Mall at Cuyamaca College – Assistance with VeriCite 1. The Tech Mall at Cuyamaca College Building E, East, Room E 121 Telephone: 619-660-4447 On campus extension: 2936 Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday closed 2. Tech Mall website – ​http:www.cuyamaca.edu/techmall/ C. The Help Desk – ​Technical problems and log-in difficulties 1. ​Telephone: 619-660-4359 E-mail: ​c-helpdesk@gcccd.edu Please ask if you have any questions!! Cuyamaca College, SW 110 7 C. McCray 2019 LGBT Addiction 1 A FOCUS ON LGBT HEALTH Substance Abuse among the Marginalized LGBT Community: A Social Work Approach Student Name Cuyamaca College Social Work 110 - 0524 Spring 2024 LGBT Addiction 2 Abstract My research for this paper consists of two books and three scholarly articles that were written to explore the problem of substance abuse. I have chosen to focus most of my attention on a specific marginalized population that is at higher risk for substance abuse disorders. People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), according to my research, face many challenges from a lifetime of psychological and emotional distress. We have a long history in this country of legal, religious and societal backlash to this community and the people that make it up, greatly impacting their lives in the most intimate and profound ways. My research outlines these impacting factors, discusses their ramifications and explores how the social work field of practice can be utilized to assist this community. Part I—Literature Review The Field of Service LGBT Addiction 3 The field of substance abuse treatment has many different systems, philosophies and approaches to combating this problem that controls the lives of many people. Substance abuse is characterized by continued use of any substance despite negative consequences (Fisher & Harrison, 2013). For example, if a young man was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, was placed on probation but could not stop his use despite his arrest; this would qualify him for having a substance abuse problem. With all the different models and philosophies surrounding addiction and recovery it is almost impossible to say definitively what will work for a particular person, there are many factors to consider. Because social workers are so in tuned to working with people and the affects that their environments places on them, we can be of great assistance to someone suffering from substance abuse who is trying to navigate their way around treatment services and recovery. This is especially true when dealing with people that belong to marginalized groups such as the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). The purpose of this research paper is to give a detailed overview of addiction, recovery and the roles that social workers play in combatting and redefining the societal construction surrounding these matters. I have chosen to focus mainly on the issues facing LGBT persons, specifically MSM (Men who have Sex with Men). According to my research social work advocates are desperately needed to advocate for fair and just policies surrounding LGBT health including substance abuse (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). Because of the increased rate of HIV/AIDS among this community, paired with the fact that substance abuse is “2 to 3 times more prevalent” among this group, the need for experienced advocates that are educated with an emphasis in LGBT health is paramount (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). I will explore the outlined problems and suggest what roles social workers can play in the following pages. LGBT Addiction 4 My Interest in this Field of Service Growing up gay I always knew that I was different than the other boys at school. I had such a strong desire to fit in but was always very uncomfortable in my own skin. This along with other factors led me to experiment with drugs. The first time I used drugs I remember thinking that this is it, this is what I had been missing my whole life. I was finally able to relate with other kids at school, I finally fit in somewhere. Drugs became my solution. I was a daily meth user by the time I was 17 years old. After many arrests and two felony convictions, being infected with HIV and multiple stints in rehab a light finally turned on and I have been in recovery for the last 6 years. I am grateful every day for the services that were available to me so that I could find my way out of a very dark addiction to crystal meth. I feel like I am in debt to my community because they saved my life, so I have a passion for helping others and leading by example. The Target Population The target population for these outlined problems and services are any individual who suffers from substance abuse of any kind. This problem can affect anyone regardless of age, race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or any other societal label you can think of (Fisher & Harrison, 2013). There are groups that are at higher risk, but addiction can sneak its way into the lives of anyone. Although I will be focusing mostly on the LGBT community, addiction does not discriminate and affects people from all walks of life. It is important to note here that when I refer to the LGBT community I am referring to a very diverse group of individuals. This group includes people from all “races, ethnic groups, places of residence, physical and mental abilities, social classes, religions and political LGBT Addiction 5 ideologies” (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). That being said, there are many levels of marginality within this marginalized group. When gay or bisexual men seek treatment, studies have shown that their success rates have better outcomes if they receive their treatment in specialized treatment centers curved to the specific needs of LGBT individuals. However, “only 6% of treatment centers have specialized programs for this population” (Fisher & Harrison, 2013). Another group that is at a high risk for substance abuse is “young adults in college”. According to Steiker, Grahovac & White (2013), “binge drinking and prescription abuse rates” are “rising exponentially” for this population. “Twenty-two percent” of college students that are enrolled full-time use illegal drugs, “39.1 % are binge drinkers, while 13.6% meet the criteria for heavy drinkers”. A whopping “25%” of this population “meet diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders”. While, “37% of college students fear seeking help because of social stigma” (p. 1). With this time period being so influential, literally shaping the direction of their entire lives, this population too is in great need for experienced social workers. Practice Methods Social workers that work in this field use both the micro and macro practice depending on what your job title is, but both realms are needed to truly have an impact on the lives of the individuals suffering from substance abuse. Micro practice methods focus on helping individuals with their immediate needs, placement in treatment facilities, individual and family counseling, helping clients build healthy supports groups in the community. A social worker may also help a client with gaining financial support such as food stamps or assistance with housing if it is deemed that this is a need that needs to be met (Steiker, Grahovac & White, 2013). LGBT Addiction 6 In the macro practice social workers focus on shaping public policy and institutional structures to lessen the barriers in services. For example, because there is very little research in the area of LGBT health, do to the societal stigma surrounding the issue; a social worker in the field of education can “integrate LGBT content into their curricula, establish appropriate sites for students interested in LGBT health, and support students and other staff interested in the issue” (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). A social worker may advocate for preventative services in the community that he or she is serving. According to Pomeroy & Steiker, “clients may initially receive services through prevention efforts” that will then, in turn, lead them to seeking formal treatment (p. 103). These prevention efforts may include needle-exchange programs that are aimed prevent the spread of HIV, but also gives medical professionals the opportunity to build relationships with IV (intravenous) drug users, which according to my research often leads to the “recipients’ pursuit of substance abuse treatment” (Pomeroy & Steiker, 2012). The Roles of Social Workers in the Field of Substance Abuse There are many roles that social works take on when working with the problem of substance abuse. According to Steiker, Grahovac & White (2013) social workers “facilitate outreach and community building to lay solid funding foundations, support networks, and healthy relationships” that are conducive to the overall recovery of addictive individuals (p. 2). Social work researchers can use their skills to advocate public policy that is more supporting to their clients that are trying to change their lives. Social workers can make an impact when they work one on one with their clients to facilitate or refer their clients to individual or family counseling, different types of education and support groups as well as psychological help and formalized treatment facilities. A social worker that is working with LGBT individuals should “advocate within the professional community and their public and private funders; to hire staff LGBT Addiction 7 that have knowledge” of the LGBT community and the concerns that they face (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). Part II—The Social Work Field of Service The Presenting Problem The problem of substance abuse in America affects the lives of many millions of people. This is a condition that does not discriminate, although there are groups of individuals that are at increased risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). People that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender “experience SUDs at higher rates than non-LGBT people”. Because there is inadequate funding for research on LGBT issues, other than those related to HIV/AIDS; most of the research that is done are studies focused on HIV/AIDS in correlation with substance use of gay and bisexual men (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). According to Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, “52% of urban MSM had used drugs in the last 6 months and 85% used alcohol. 10% of gay or bisexual men used 3 or more drugs regularly each week after the age of 50. Additionally, rates of club drugs such as Ecstasy, PCP, Ketamine, and inhalants, among gay and bisexual men are disproportionately higher than among heterosexual men” (p. 369). David Fawcett, PhD is a psychotherapist that specializes in gay men’s health. He has worked in the field of addiction and recovery for over 30 years. In his book “Lust, Men and Meth” he explores the dangerous combination of methamphetamine and drug driven sex. He tells us that “gay men have found that regularly mixing meth and sex is seductive, powerfully erotic and frequently very destructive” (p. 12). Because meth produces a large burst of dopamine in the brain it overwhelms the pleasure sensors causing its users the strong desire to repeat their experience (Fawcett, 2015). Most gay men, at some point in their life will experience some kind LGBT Addiction 8 of “internalized homophobia”, or shame about their sexual attraction to other men. Fawcett suggests that these internalized thoughts are reduced when under the influence of crystal meth, allowing these men to satisfy their sexual desires without the shame or guilt that would normally be attached to it (Fawcett, 2015). According to Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, research has shown that “parental substance abuse, violent home of origin, and childhood sexual abuse were all related to increased depression, higher rates of HIV and hepatitis and increased substance use” (p. 369). With higher rates of HIV infections and the use of crystal meth to engage in sexual behavior, there is an increased risk to society at large. HIV positive gay and bisexual men who inject drugs report that they prefer to engage in condomless sex (Fawcett, 2015). These conditions heighten the need for available treatment services, not only to help people overcome addiction; but also to fight against the spread of HIV. Barriers to Service The first and most obvious barrier to treatment is the availability of services. There are plenty of treatment centers if you have the money to pay for your stay, but for those who cannot afford treatment they have to rely public facilities. The problem with this, according to Pomeroy & Steiker, is “many agencies are challenged with the troublesome economy, increased number in clientele, and the need to prove to grantors and the government that services are objectively successful and cost effective” (p. 103). Stigma attached to substance use disorders is also a large barrier to services. As explained by Steiker, Grahovac & white, students on college campuses fear reaching out for help because of perceived backlash of societal norms (p. 1). This is especially true when dealing with LGBT individuals and the enormous amount of stigma that surrounds the entire community. LGBT Addiction 9 Individual and Environmental Causes of the Problem Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman describe a hostile attitude towards academic researchers and scientists interested in LGBT health when their research is not focused on HIV/AIDS (p. 368). This stems all the way back to 1952 when Senator McCarthy “was vigorously searching for homosexuals and communists in government, academia, and the arts.” (p. 368). This resulted is high political pressures that are still relevant to this day. “The authors of this article have all been warned by colleagues about the dangers of working with these populations and the potential negative impacts that specializing in LGBT health issues can have on their careers” (p. 373). The ramifications of these sanctions have made it very difficult to gather scientific data and produce solid research on LGBT health, placing an unnecessary burden on individuals and creating environmental conditions that do not fully support LGBT people seeking recovery. Values and Ethical Issues for Social Workers There can be a potential dilemma with regards to a social worker's desire to see his or her client succeed in recovery, and the ethical responsibility of self-determination they have to the client. If a client decides they are not ready to stop using drugs or alcohol, according to the NASW’s code of ethics; if there clients “actions or potential actions” do not pose a “serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others” the social worker needs to let that go (NASW Code of Ethics, Revised 2008). I could see how working in this field that might become a little emotionally draining on the social worker. I believe that a social worker that is working in the LGBT community should use the value of social justice to advocate for fair and just policies and services that can help their client be successful in recovery. It is absolutely necessary for the social worker to make this value a priority in their profession. LGBT Addiction 10 Anticipated Income According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is $42,700, with a range from $26,730—$74,650. Final Assessment of the Field of Service After doing my research in this field of service I am even more concerned with the need for strong advocates for LGBT individuals, and the services required to meet their needs in the recovery community. I was actually shocked to learn that there is still exponential amounts of stigma attached to even doing research on the topic. Our Colleges and Universities also need educators to integrate LGBT issues into their curriculum to better prepare incoming social workers to deal with the sensitive issues surrounding this population. We need researchers in the field to bring in more variables surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity so that we can get a better understanding of how to better serve this population. My commitment to this cause has been reinforced and I look forward to the work I will get to do as a social worker serving this community. LGBT Addiction 11 References Fawcett, D., & King, M. S. (2015). Lust, Men, and Meth: A Gay Man's Guide to Sex and Recovery. Wilton Manors, FL: Healing Path Press. Fisher, G. L., & Harrison, T. C. (2013). Substance Abuse: Information for School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Holleran Steiker, L. K., Grahovac, I., & White, W. L. (2014). Social Work and Collegiate Recovery Programs. Social Work, 59(2), 177-180. doi:sw/swu012 Pomeroy, E. C., & Steiker, L. H. (2012). Prevention and Intervention on the Care Continuum. Social Work, 57(2), 102-105. doi:10.1093/sw/sws028
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Running head: Child Welfare Intervention to Mistreatment of Children and LGBTQ Youth

Child Welfare Intervention to Mistreatment of Children and LGBTQ Youth: A Social Work
Approach
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Child Welfare Intervention to Mistreatment of Children and LGBTQ Youth 1
Abstract
This research paper will entail information or data from one handbook, two scholarly articles, and
one news periodical as they inform in detail the child welfare field of social service. The scope of
the research is extensive, focusing on children and the issues they encounter in the child welfare
sector as they grow up into youth and eventually adults and the role that social workers play in
ensuring that they are compliant with the demands of their profession. According to my research,
service delivery in the field of child welfare is predominantly driven by compliance and every
social worker dealing with such cases should ensure that they are compliant with the federal
funding rules, state regulation as well as court orders. This paper focuses on issues such as
segregation, instability, intersectionality, abuse, neglect, negative treatment and homelessness as
they face children and youth of all races, ages, and sexuality, with a broader focus on LGBTQ
youth, and how social workers can use their professional practices, policies, and programs, as well
as help from the medical and legal sectors, to remedy the situation and eradicate such adversities
from the community.

Child Welfare Intervention to Mistreatment of Children and LGBTQ Youth 2
Part I – Literature Review
The Field of Service
The child welfare field of practice has a vital aim to ensure that social workers protect children
against negative treatment in homes, neglect, and abuse that create instabilities at homes, leading
to homelessness that can affect children as they grow up into adults. In the realm of child welfare,
social work focuses on intervention as social workers enter into situations where the children are
under duress and becoming a compassionate and safe advocate who will provide the children with
support and plan for future care and protection against the adversities (Mallon & Hess, 2014).
Growing up in homes with abusive parents or guardians can be challenging for any child. Reckless
parenting which can be the case with parents who engage in substance abuse creates an
environment that is not fit for the growth of children both physically and psychologically. Social
workers therefore set in to remedy the situation by using case management and supervision
techniques.
The main purpose of this research is to provide a detailed overview of the challenges or difficulties
that children and LQBTQ youth face when growing up in abusive and segregative environments
and homes. The focus will mainly be on abuse and...


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