Week 14

This past week, I went to a couple court hearings. They were interesting in their own ways. The first of the two kids going to court was wearing his own clothes because he had been on suspended commitment. Against a few odds, the kid was sentenced to complete programs at Lutherwood. Lutherwood did not have a bed open until Thursday, so the judge allowed him to go back home for a couple days at which time he was court ordered to be dropped off at Lutherwood. The second morning, a similar situation occurred where the placement facility was not yet ready to accept our client since he had been there two times previous. The kid was detained at the time of his court date because of a charge back in October. Sophia, his disposition coordinator, wasn't referred his case until the beginning of this week (it would have been far more helpful to have known back in October!). Anyhow, the placement facility wanted an interview but had not gotten in contact about a date. This kid's judge was covering for his chief magistrate, so he was extra careful to do things right. He made sure to review client rights and confirm with DCS, the state, probation, and the public defender. It was very interesting to watch. I can't think of another situation where I would have such privileged insight into the world of juvenile justice.
The last part of the week was spent at Resolute-a placement facility for sex offenders. Sophia and I visited a client that both of us had spoken with while he was in detention. ST Client requested a visit and was very happy to see us. We got some insight as to the quality of the placement and what was working best for him. It was wonderful to see that he was thriving. One of the therapists took special interest in me because I'm studying social work. He graduated from IUPUI Master's program, and he was telling me all about the reasons I should study the 2-year program because the advanced program speeds through everything.

Research/micro: What are the ways you can evaluate your practice with clients?

Process recordings! haha. After inscribing and reviewing tape recordings, one can really begin to understand how others will perceive your questions as well as feedback. I also like the idea of feedback from a third party such as a supervisor/field instructor who has witnessed client interactions.

Policy/macro: What does the law say about your need for continuing evaluation and education? The Code of Ethics (social work law) mentions the need for both continued evaluation and education. "...social workers should exercise careful judgment and take responsible steps (including appropriate education, research, training, consultation, and supervision) to ensure the competence of their work and to protect clients from harm."

access to Code of Ethics online: http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp