the alabama network newsletter volume 28 ......baptist children’s homes and family ministries as...

28
111 Naonal Associaon of Social Workers - Alabama Chapter IN THIS ISSUE: 2016 -2017 CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS, PAGE 3 UPCOMING CE OFFERINGS, PAGE 7 2016 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES , PAGE 14 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE , PAGE 17 THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28, Issue 13

Upload: others

Post on 31-Jul-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

111

National Association of Social Workers - Alabama Chapter

IN THIS ISSUE:

2016 -2017 CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS, PAGE 3

UPCOMING CE OFFERINGS, PAGE 7

2016 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES , PAGE 14

2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE , PAGE 17

T H E A L A B A M A N E T W O R K N E W S L E T T E R V o l u m e 2 8 , I s s u e 1 3

Page 2: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

Monday - Friday

8:30 AM — 4: 00 PM

P.O. Box 231366

Montgomery, AL 36123

334-356-6841 (Chapter Office Phone)

[email protected] (Chapter Email)

Dawn A. Ellis-Murray

Executive Director

Editor

LaSheena Nation

Administrative Communications

Coordinator

Designer/Co-Editor

Contact Us! A Peak Inside

Meet the Chapter Board Members and

Committee Chairs 3

State wide Continuing Education

Offerings 7

Changes to the Administrative Code

“Social Work Law”

Information you can use!

3

SOCIAL WORK ADVOCACY DAY

Fantastic Turnout and Event Speakers! 12

18 TORCHBEARER SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline Approaching

BENEFITS OF NASW MEMBERSHIP

25

How to Submit an Article for the Alabama Network Newsletter– The Alabama Network Newsletter is an official publication of

the National Association of Social Workers—Alabama Chapter. Members are encouraged to submit content ideas,

news stories and pictures. Each will be considered as space permits. Text and photographs may be mailed to [email protected]

or P.O. Box 231366, Montgomery, AL 36123. Photographs submitted become the property of NASW-Alabama Chapter.

Photographs need to be high resolution and at least 4”x6” and 300 dpi/ppi.

Join Our Online Community Today:

Facebook: NASW Alabama Staff

Twitter: @NASWAlabama

LinkedIn: NASW—AL Chapter

Visit us on the web!

www.naswal.org

Page 3: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

NASW - Alabama Chapter Board Members and Elected Membership

Shannon Kish-McElroy, LCSW, is the current President for NASW–Alabama Chapter. Shannon has

served on the board since 2012 in a variety of leadership roles, including being the former Northern Regional

Representative. She received her Masters of Social Work from Alabama A&M University and her Bachelors

degree from Union University in Tennessee. She has worked with children and families for over 10 years in

a variety of capacities and environments. Shannon also volunteers as a Sexual Assault Responder with

Crisis Services of North Alabama; as a panel member of the Madison County Juvenile Conference Committee;

and United Way. She has a heart and passion for helping others. In her spare time Shannon enjoys supporting

the local comedy and music scenes in North Alabama Shannon is serving her final term as the Chapter’s

President.

Jennifer Edwards-Howard, LGSW serves as President-Elect for the Chapter. She has also served as

Eastern Regional Representative and 2015 Conference Co-Chair. Edwards-Howard received her Bachelors

degree from Jacksonville State University and a Masters from The University of Alabama. Currently, she pursues

her Doctorate from North Carolina College of Theology. Jennifer is a Licensed Minister through New Life

Apostolic Center in Anniston, AL and currently serves in ministry at Magnolia Springs Wesleyan Church.

She is employed by Growing Home Southeast as Regional Director. Her past experience as a foster | adoptive

parent and service on the Alabama Foster | Adoptive Parent Association’s board prompted her desire to become

a social worker. She envisions NASW-Alabama as a pivotal mouthpiece where social work professionals and students

unite in promoting core values of the profession, as that will be heard and felt on a national priority level.

Kureisha Ford, LGSW is the newly elected Vice President of Chapter Operations and will also serve as

the Ethics Committee Chair. Ford graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Masters in Social

Work, after receiving her Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. She

currently works at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Huntsville Regional Campus. As a servant leader, Ford

expects to be transparent, engaging, an active in listening, a critical thinker, cooperative worker and above

all, available to serve. She anticipates motivating her fellow peers to advocate for change and raise awareness

against injustice. Furthermore, she believes in supporting and upholding the mission of the organization,

supporting the policies and mandates of NASW–National and motivating others to join NASW.

Meghan Watson, LBSW was appointed by the Chapter’s President to serve as the Vice President for

Budget and Finance. Watson received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama

in 2009. She is currently is employed by Hospice Family Care in Huntsville, AL as the Social Service

Manager and Business Developer. Meghan’s decision to join the Chapter’s board was prompted through her

desires to be on a working board that will continually make a impact throughout the community that will aid

underserved populations. She looks to increase the participation of Social Workers within the Alabama

Chapter by creating environments which foster innovation, creativity, and team building skills. Meghan

desires to make a positive impact among social workers for the stability of individuals, families, groups and

the community at large.

Lloyd W. Keeton, LGSW has served as the Secretary since his 2015 appointment by the Chapter’s President.

Lloyd’s role as Chapter secretary was confirmed by NASW-Alabama membership during the 2016 election

cycle. He completed his Bachelors in Social Work at the University of Alabama - Birmingham in 2012 and

attained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama in 2013. Currently, Keeton works for

Gentiva Health Services, an affiliate of Kindred at Home in Jasper, AL. Lloyd plans to promote bringing

awareness of NASW Alabama Chapter’s activities throughout the state. His commitment to NASW reflects

a true desire to enhance the Social Work profession at large.

Page 4: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

4111

4

Stephanie Andrews, MHA, LBSW, is the Southern Regional Representative. She is a 2003 graduate of

Troy State University with a Bachelors in Social Work. Andrews currently works for Alacare Home Health

and Hospice as a Care Transition Coordinator. Her passion is serving elderly populations. Stephanie looks

forward to the challenges of continuously developing the Southern Region through small meetings and

workshops to enhance social work networking while improving professional development. She is open to

new ideas and hearing from membership as well. Her overall goal includes the desire to build collaborative

partnerships for the Chapter and to engage the social work community throughout the state. If you are

interested in becoming active and would like to receive details on future events within the Southern Region,

reach out to Stephanie at [email protected].

Michael Smith, Ph.D, LCSW, PIP, MBA is the new Northern Regional Representative. Michael received his

Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Alabama. He is currently employed by Alabama

Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His

experience includes 20 years of service in the Social Work profession and to non-profit boards. Michael is

eager to motivate social workers throughout the Northern part of the state to become more engaged through

continuing education opportunities, advocacy efforts, and additional opportunities that will enhance professional

development in ethical practice. If interested in learning more about Northern Region activities and events

contact Michael at [email protected] .

Sharon Prestridge, LGSW returns to the Board as the Western Regional Representative after serving a

year as the MSW Student representative. She attained her Masters from the University of Alabama and is a new

employee of DCH Health Systems of Tuscaloosa, AL. Her goals in the capacity of Western Regional Representative

include enhancing membership recruitment and strengthening community connections to advance the mission

of NASW at large. Ultimately, Sharon desires to bring opportunities to network and promote the profession

of social work in the Western Region. Her goal is to inspire social workers to embrace NASW as a cornerstone

professional organization and to improve the pillar foundation of Social Justice and accountability for Social

Workers. For more information about Western Region events at [email protected].

Dana Crook Calhoun, LGSW serves as the Eastern Regional Representative. Calhoun graduated from the

University of Alabama with her Masters in Social Work in 2011. She is currently dually employed by

Gadsden Regional Medial Center and St. Vincent’s East where she serves as a Behavioral Social Worker. Dana

brings experience in serving on non-profit boards and is an active member of the Practice Analysis Task

Force assembled by the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) to analyze the licensure exam. She

desires to focus on increasing membership and active participation of members in the Eastern Region.

Furthermore, Dana understands the importance of developing community partnerships throughout the state

to enhance the capacity for NASW-Alabama Chapter. To learn more about opportunities within the Eastern

Region, contact Dana at [email protected].

Nicki Arnold Swindle continues in her capacity as BSW Student Representative, having served since

2015. She is currently a social work student a Jacksonville State University and is employed by First Christian

Church of Anniston, AL. Swindle has over 25+ years of experience as a volunteer on non-profit boards and

plans to actively engage with all Social Work Programs to promote the benefits of being an NASW member

as students pursues the Social Work profession. Nicki would like to continue engaging students in order to

address questions and concerns about becoming professional social workers, NASW members, and other

challenging issues that students may have within the profession. Nicki can be contacted at

[email protected] .

Page 5: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

Sarah Saeed, BSW serves as the MSW Student Representative. Sarah recently received her Bachelors from

the University of Alabama and has chosen to pursue her Masters degree. She works at the Community

Based Partnerships Center at the University of Alabama. Saeed welcomes the opportunity to build her

leadership capacity by serving the Association through engagement of the community and activism of

social policies. She is eager to connect with future social workers to inform them of ways to become active

within the NASW-Alabama Chapter. Sarah is responsible for engaging with MSW programs throughout the

state, promoting scholarship opportunities, membership benefits, and regional activities. To address any

questions pertaining to MSW programs and opportunities within Alabama contact Sarah at

[email protected]

Jalonta Jackson, LGSW was appointed by the Chapter’s President to serve as Chair of the Chapter

Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (CCNLI). She is the previous Eastern Regional

Representative and has contributed to foster partnerships within the Eastern Region. Jackson looks forward

to connecting with social workers across the state of Alabama to enlist the brightest, most courageous

professionals and students to fill the slate of available positions within NASW-Alabama. Her charge is as

follows: connecting with social workers at Regional events, making announcements of NASW-Alabama

leadership opportunities, ensuring the integrity of elections by following the outlined mandates and protocol

of National and the local Alabama Chapter, and hosting recruitment networking events throughout the state

of Alabama.

Melanie Brunner, LGSW was recently appointed Legislative Committee Chair and will also serve as the Advocacy Day Chair. Brunner

received both her Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Alabama . She currently works for Alabama Hospice Care serving

Jasper and Tuscaloosa areas. Melanie enjoys working in a social service position that allows her to utilize her educational and professional

experience while helping individuals in the community achieve an improved quality of life. She is dedicated to encouraging advocacy in the

social work profession. Individuals interested in serving on either Legislative Committee or the Advocacy Day Committee, reach out to

Melanie at, [email protected].

Jasmine Green, MSW continuous to serve as Scholarship Committee Chair. She is employed by Madison County Schools as a District Social Worker

and also by her Alma mature Alabama A&M University as an Adjunct Professor. Under her leadership of Jasmine, the scholarship

committee has reconstructed the scholarship application and is making efforts to raise revenues so that NASW-Alabama Chapter can

continue to give back to those who are matriculating through school to become a social worker. If you would like to learn more about the

Scholarship Committee, contact jasmine at [email protected].

Standing Committee Chairs

Page 6: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

6111

6

Join the NASW Alabama Virtual Book Club

To sign up please visit http://pbc.guru/nasw/alabama/. The program is $49 per year for chapter members.

The book club connects virtually through a LinkedIn group to discuss books related to social work and social justice. The last selection

was I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. The book club gives participants the opportunity to:

Earn 4 CEUs for each book that they read and pass a short quiz with a score of 80% or more.

The group will read six books per year, so participants can earn up to 24 CEUs per year.

Read interesting books related to social work

Connect with other social workers to grow their professional network and learn from their peers

Participate entirely online so the program can work with people's busy schedules

Hold themselves accountable to reading by being part of a cohort

The book club will be managed by PBC Guru. PBC Guru manages professional book clubs for companies and will be moderating the

LinkedIn group for the chapter to help make this program a great experience for all participants. If you'd like to learn more about PBC

Guru you can visit their website at www.pbc.guru or email them at [email protected]. Feel free to email them with any questions about the

NASW AL Book Club

Page 7: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

NASW - Alabama Continuing Education : Statewide Offerings

NASW-Alabama and Cumberland Hospital of Virginia will offer trainings across

the state focusing on "Understanding Behavior Related to Chronic Illness in

Children”. Each training will offer 1 CEU, networking for professionals, and updates

concerning NASW National and Chapter activities and updates.

Save the Dates:

November 9, 2016: Eastern Region

November 16, 2016: Southern Region

March 16, 2017: Western Region

For more information about registration please visit the Community Calendar at

naswal.org or call 334-356-6841.

NASW-Alabama is a new partner of Innate Health Solutions, an independent

practice run by brothers Jamie and Brock Sellers. Training provided by Innate

Health Solutions will focus on the following topical areas:“ A New Foundation

for Mental Health and Resilience and Ethics; Boundaries and Common Sense”.

There will be 6 hour CEU workshop that will include 3 hours of Ethics for Social

Workers, Nurses, Therapists, and Counselors.

Save the Dates:

February 3, 2016: Eastern Region

March 3, 2016: Western Region

March 10, 2016 Southern Region

Northern Region TBD

For more information about registration please visit the Community Calendar at

naswal.org or call 334-356-6841.

NASW - Alabama Chapter has established a new partnership with Alabama Children's

Aid Society with the Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Program to facilitate

trainings across the state pertaining to “ Effects of Transitions and Trauma on

Child Development; Secondhand Trauma.” These will be a 4 hours workshop

worth 4 CEU’s for Social Workers and other mental health professional

Save the Dates:

October 5, 2016: Southern Region

December 1, 2016 : Eastern Region

February 12, 2017: Western Region

April 28, 2017: Northern Region

May 5, 2017: Eastern Region

For more information about registration please visit the Community Calendar at

naswal.org or call 334-356-6841.

Page 8: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

LCSW NEEDED!

Exciting opportunity for a Licensed Clinical Social Workers at the VA Primary Care Clinic located in Dothan, AL!

Flexible Schedule, Excellent Compensation, Great Team Environment!

Make a difference in the lives of our Veterans today!!

Apply online at www.crassoc.com or contact Sarah Hensley at 703-772-9049 for additional details!

Licensure Exam Preparation Course

On June 25-26, 2016 30+ BSW and 50+

MSW | CSW individuals attended the

NASW-Alabama Western Region Licensure

Prep Class hosted by Miles College Social

Work Department. Retired University of

Alabama Social Work Instructor, Joanne J.

Terrell, MSW was the facilitator of the

2-day event and engaged attendees with

her dist inc tive inst ruct ion style fo r exam preparat ion .

NASW-Alabama would like to thank Miles College Social Work

Department and Faculty members Mrs. Wilkes and Mr. Pennywell

for their generous hospitality while visiting Miles College.

On August 5-6, 2016 20+ BSW and 75+

MSW | CSW individuals attended the

NASW–Southern Region Licensure Prep

Training class held at Troy University-

Dothan Campus. Dr. Sophia F.

Dziegielewski, Ph.D., LCSW, Professor of

Social Work at the University of Central

Florida was the facilitator of this 2-day event as she delivered the

necessary information to prepare students for ASWB Social Work

examination.

NASW-Alabama Chapter sends many thanks to Southern Regional

Representative Stephanie Andrews and former NASW-Alabama

student intern Jana Stinson for assisting attendees throughout this

event.

Save the Date: Licensure Preparation Course for BSW and

MSW | CSW Students!

October 28-29, 2016

at Troy University:- Montgomery Campus

Save the Date: Licensure Preparation Course for BSW

and MSW | CSW Students!

June 3-4, 2017

at Auburn University

*** Seating is limited, be on the lookout for future training dates across the state in 2017

Page 9: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

9111

9

The American Red Cross Needs Volunteer Case Workers!

The American Red Cross is recruiting Mental Health Workers for Alabama.

They are in need of people to return calls, make home visits, file paperwork to

victims of fires or other disasters. The new need is for people willing to

serve on an Integrated Care Condolence Team. This is a team made up of case

workers, Disaster Mental Health members and a Health Services members

who respond to injuries or fatalities in a disaster situation.

If you are interested please contact :Denise McClendon, LCSW

Mid Alabama Chapter

Disaster Mental Health Lead

(205) 482-2666 cell

(256)734-0921 office

Last year NASW - Alabama launched a Job Board for members, students, and professionals who are seeking employment across the

state. Our Job Board has additionally contributed to developing new partnerships with various agencies and employers who are hiring Social

Workers, Case Workers and Interns and looking to advertise their openings. The job board is updated bi– weekly, is included in the

NASW—Alabama Chapter’s Monthly Newsletter and also is advertised through social media outlets. Visit our Job Board today to

start your career. http://www.naswal.org/?page=NASWAlabamaJobs

NASW-Alabama is actively partnering with educational and like minded

partners to design, facilitate, and host professional development opportunities

for Social Workers and other Mental Health Professionals throughout

Alabama.

Professional Development is an essential part of ensuring personal growth

and quality services are being achieved by professional practitioners. While

Social Workers must assume responsibility for their own growth and

knowledge development, it is ethically mandated by our Code of Ethics to

do so, NASW understands the challenges they face in accessing such

opportunities for training.

If your organization is interested in partnering with NASW in this expanding

initiative to provide CE Credit, please don't hesitate to let us know how we

can assist and work to enhance the delivery of quality training programs in

your area.

Page 10: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

Highlights from the Board of Social Work Examiners Public Hearing: September 8, 2016

Changes in the Administrative Code - The changes that the board made in the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners Administrative

Code were to be inline with the new law. We also made a few other changes such as correcting errors, punctuation, and duplications. All the

changes were accepted by the board. The code will be submitted for final approval, which may take over 45 days. Some of the significant

changes

Diagnostic impression was not removed but only enhanced with the assessments and opinions.

All levels of social workers may render an assessment and clinical opinion based on the new law.

Social Work Research and Administration remain in the administrative code as a social work method.

LGSW will change to LMSW

LCSW will change to LICSW

PIP will no longer have to be renewed

PIP will no longer be required to have an additional 20 hours of CE

Supervising a social worker for licensure will require the supervisor maintain 3 hours of supervision CEs per renewal

All social workers are required to have at least 3 hours of clinical CEs per renewal

All social workers are required to have at least 3 hours of ethics CEs per renewal

CE providers will now pay $150 every two years (universities, state, city & federal government agencies excluded)

We Need Medical Social Workers To Join Our Family

A career at Amedisys is more than just a job – it’s a career opportunity to be a part of a family. We believe that everyone, whether they see

patients or not, deeply impacts the lives of 30,000 patients we serve each day. At Amedisys, our focus is on care—care for our patients and care

for our employees— because we know they are the foundation of everything we do.

We are currently hiring for Medical Social Workers (Licensed and/or Certified) throughout Alabama. Full Time, Part Time, and PRN

opportunities are available.

Please visit www.amedisys.com/Careers to learn more.

Or you may contact Jason Hodges, Recruiter, at 866-299-4733 or [email protected]

Page 11: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

October 20, 2016 Upholding Ethical Excellence: The Power of Self Care

(BIRMINGHAM) 8:30a-4:00p

Register via eventbrite.com here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upholding-ethical-excellence-the-

power-of-self-care-birmingham-al-tickets-27407793448

October 21, 2016

Upholding Ethical Excellence: The Power of Self Care

(MONTGOMERY)

8:30a-4:000p

Register via eventbrite.com here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upholding-ethical-excellence-the-

power-of-self-care-montgomery-al-tickets-27583115842

October 14th, 2016

“Introduction to Equine Assisted Psychotherapy”

October 21th, 2016

"Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals"

October 28th, 2016

"Unraveling Eating Disorders: Intervention and Treatment"

November 4th, 2016

"Disentangling the Complexity of the Suicidal Client:

Best practices for Assessment and Treatment"

November 18th, 2016

“LICSW Supervision and SW Ethics”

December 9th, 2016

“Older Adults: Grief, Loss - A Strengths Based Perspective of

Treatment”

All trainings are in the Northern parts of Alabama, For More

Information Visit :

http://www.daretodreamlife.com/home.html

Presenter: Terricka Hardy, LCSW, ACSW

Page 12: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

20

16

Ad

voca

cy D

ay

Na

tio

na

l A

sso

cia

tion

of

So

cia

l W

ork

ers

- A

lab

am

a C

ha

pte

r

February 10, 2016

Advocacy Day: Forging Solutions out of Challenges “Social Work - Forging Solutions Out of Challenges” was the theme for this years NASW– Alabama Chapter

Advocacy Day, and reflected the importance of the social work profession. It’s undeniable that social workers

continue to help bring about positive change throughout their communities and society at large. They accomplished

this by having the necessary conversations that trigger awareness to issues and concerns identified to negatively

impact those persons that may have no “voice” or are otherwise deemed “powerless”. Appealing to those

who do hold “power” and who have the ability to influence desired changes — holding them accountable —

remaining focused and dedicated to meet the needs of those we serve – THAT is what Social Workers do!

NASW continuously encourages social workers and students to focus on relevant social change through

advocacy on behalf of those persons who are underrepresented and disenfranchised.

Special Thanks to our Dynamic Guest Speakers!

Anthony Ray Hinton, 152nd Alabama Death

Row Exhonoree Equal Justice Initiative

Aaryn M. Urell, ESQ., Senior Attorney

Equal Justice Initiative

Martha Shearer, LGSW

Alabama Transitions Clinic

Christine Freeman ESQ.

Alabama Post Convict ion Relief Project

Ester Brown, M.A, B.A

Executive Director Project Hope to Abolish the

Death Penalty

Heather Allman , M.A

Troy University

John Pickens, ESQ.

Executive Director, Alabama Appleseed

Jennifer Edwards–Howard, LGSW

Regional Director, Growing Home, Southeast

Thank You Advocacy Day Sponsors!

Page 13: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

How to Contact Your Legislators When Legislators are not in session, please send correspondences to their home office. A listing of Alabama home office addresses, phone numbers

and email addresses are available on the website of Alabama’s Governmental Policy. ( http://Capwiz.com/state-al/home/ ).

You can reach the Governor year round at:

The Honorable Governor (Insert Current Governor)

600 Dexter Avenue

Montgomery, AL 36130

Switchboard: 334-242-7100

Fax: 334-33-0004

Page 14: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

14111

14

“Ban the Box”, Submitted by Chris Sanders, Alabama Arise: The criminal history checkbox on job applications can keep otherwise

qualified employees from making it through the hiring process. For people with criminal convictions, this can create employment barriers

as they seek to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to society. A national “ban the box” movement urges simple but important changes to

the application process. Removing questions about conviction histories can level the playing field and give all applicants a fair chance to

compete for jobs based on qualifications. Many Alabama employers already delay questions about criminal offenses until later in the

hiring process and then weigh factors like how long ago the offense was committed and whether it is relevant to the job. Nineteen states,

including Georgia, don’t initially inquire about conviction histories for state jobs. Seven also have removed the question from private sector

job applications. And in 2015, President Obama “banned the box” on federal applications by executive order. Alabama can join the

movement by passing a “ban the box” law and giving employers a complete pool of job applicants from which to choose. So far Birmingham

is the only city that has “Banned the Box”.

Death Penalty Reform, Submitted By Esther Brown, LBSW, MA, BA, Project Hope Abolish the Death Penalty : A bill to establish

a state Innocence Inquiry Commission for death penal ty cases – SB 237, sponsored by Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery – cleared

the Senate this year but died when the House Judiciary Committee did not vote on it. Other proposed reforms to Alabama’s death penalty

system filed yearly by Senator Hank Sanders, including bills for a three-year moratorium on executions, abolition, jury-override, developmentally

delayed defendants exempt from the death penalty and exemption of juveniles from the death penalty did not make it out of committee.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered further reviews of Alabama’s capital sentencing scheme, which allows judges to override a jury’s

sentencing recommendation. A state circuit judge in March declared Alabama’s judicial override system unconstitutional, but the state

has appealed that ruling.

Pay Day / Title Lending Reform, Submitted by LaSheena Nation, NASW - Alabama Chapter: Alabama’s payday reform movement

enjoyed a historic breakthrough in the Legislature this year when a reform bill passed 28-1 in the Senate, but the plan came up just short

of final passage. SB 91, sponsored by Orr, was on the House calendar May 3 but never came up for a vote. Orr’s bill would have given

payday borrowers a more realistic path out of debt by cutting interest rates, allowing installment payments and giving borrowers at least

six months to repay. Current state law allows payday loans to carry interest rates of up to 456 percent a year.

Tobacco Youth Sensation, Submitted by Heather Allman, MBA, Troy University: Troy University’s Social Work Department has

been overseeing the Lifetime of Change: Youth Tobacco Prevention grant project since January 2016. As part of the grant partnership

with the Alabama Dept. of Public Health and NASW, we have been traveling to schools throughout the Montgomery, Alabama area

surveying middle and high school aged students to learn more about their knowledge and usage of tobacco products, as well as educate

them on the dangers of smoking tobacco products. Troy University Master in Social Work students were involved in the data collection

process.

In addition to collecting data over the summer months, the Project Coordinator, Heather Allman, partnered with the Boys and Girls Club

of Pike County to educate the students about tobacco products. At the conclusion of the educational programs, the students were tasked to

create posters to show the dangers of smoking tobacco and prevent other adolescents from using tobacco products. We hope to continue

giving similar presentations in the future to other youth groups throughout the Montgomery area to further spread awareness of the

dangers of tobacco products.

Voting rights, Submitted by Chris Sanders, Alabama Arise: Alabama is famous around the world for historic fights over voting rights

and equal access to elections. This legacy continues today in the form of battles over voter ID laws, and policy decisions about who can

vote (and under what circumstances). It’s a hot topic, as a flurry of recent court decisions have struck down states’ restrictions on access

to the polls. How elections are structured and who can participate are vital to democracy. When barriers exclude people from voting, they

can lose faith in a system that doesn’t seem to value their voice in society’s decision making. In 2016,focusing primarily on restoration of

voting rights for people who served their time for a felony conviction. One bill was signed into law, smoothing the process for application

for restoration of rights. A bill to narrow which “crimes of moral turpitude” permanently bar someone from voting nearly passed and likely

will return in 2017.

Page 15: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

n n

Page 16: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplify-

2016 Annual National Association of Social Workers - Alabama Annual State Conference

The 2016 Annual State Conference was designed to celebrate Social Workers and like-minded

professionals in the fulfillment of their most meaningful charge: “Answering the Call for Cause

and Community”. Attendees were tasked to take greater leadership roles in the profession and

communities throughout the conference while attending plenary and workshop sessions.

Page 17: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

17111

17

2016 Annual National Association of Social Workers - Alabama Annual State Conference

Citizen of the Year Anthony Ray Hinton

Social Worker of the Year Catherine Ball

Elected Official of the Year Patricia Todd

Page 18: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

NASW - Alabama Torchbearer Scholarship

Application Deadline October 14, 2016

The NASW– AL Torchbearer Scholarship is awarded to students in a Social Work

degree program who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to the field of social

work, and the propensity to bear the torch to continue the legacy of our Alabama

Social Work Pioneers.

The intent of this scholarship is to make it easier for students to participate in experiential

learning and career exploration and supporting preparation for the job market.

Scholarship Information

The Alabama Chapter of NASW will award two (2) scholarships a year, one to a

BSW student and one to a MSW student. The amount of the scholarship will be

$500.00. The scholarship recipients will attend Advocacy Day and be recognized at

the NASW-AL Conference Reception.

Scholarship Eligibility

1) Students must be a current member of NASW.

2) Students must be in a CSWE accredited BSW or MSW program within

the state of Alabama.

*BSW applicants must have completed 30 hours in the BSW program.

3) BSW applicants must have a 3.0 overall & a 3.25 Major GPA

MSW applicants must have a 3.5 overall GPA

Scholarship Essay

“How has your experience helped you to become a torchbearer?”

Applicant must submit an essay (between 750 words and 3 pages, 12 point, double

spaced). In your essay, discuss how your interest in Social Work developed and

describe your experience in the field- such as volunteer work or internship and what

you gained from this involvement?

Scholarship Application Submission

Applications can be found online at www.naswal.org or download

now: PDF.docx

The following items must be submitted in order to be considered for the scholarship:

1) Scholarship application.

2) Proof of current NASW membership

3) Unofficial Transcript

4) Scholarship Essay

5) Two Letters of Recommendation

Application packets can be submitted

to:

NASW-AL Chapter

ATTN: Torchbearer Scholarship Committee

P.O. Box 231366

Montgomery, AL 36123

Send Donations to:

NASW Foundation

The National Association of Social Workers Foundation

(NASWF) is a 501(c)(3) organization created to support

NASW’s educational and charitable initiatives through

a wide range of projects that serve:

The Profession – by honoring and investing in social

workers past, current and future

The Practitioner – by enhancing social workers’

knowledge and skills

The Public – by providing information and

resources to help individuals, families and

communities

Founded in 2001, the Foundation's goals are to:

Identify, develop and respond to social work policy

and practice issues.

Assist with rapid response to social crises.

Support practice-based research, so that practice

and research are directly linked.

Raise the visibility of social work and enhance public

esteem for the profession.

Support the development of cutting edge continuing

education that addresses critical issues.

Promote the appropriate application of new

technology to the practice of social work.

Send Donations:

NASW Foundation

OBO NASW-Alabama Chapter Torchbearer

Scholarship

750 First Street, NE Suite 700

Washington, DC 20002-4241

Phone: (202) 408-8600 ext. 298

Donate Online:

https://www.socialworkers.org/onlinedonation/

OnlineDonation.aspx?fund=r/efund

Page 19: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

19111

19

Alabama State University

will offer a new Master of

Social Work (MSW) degree

that will train students in

advanced social work and

academic leadership.

Specifically, the program will

offer concentrations and field placements in the following

areas: forensic, gerontology, behavioral, and mental

health.

Students admitted to the program will have a choice of the

degree concentrations via three options: Traditional (two-year,

full time); Advanced Standing (12 months); and Part-time

(four-year). Each option has its own admission requirements.

All students must meet specific minimum requirements for

admission established by the University.

The program is designed to attract highly motivated students who

demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting social and

economic justice. Students will learn to apply social work

knowledge and skills systematically (e.g. theory, research

methods and best practices) to assist at-risk populations.

The new MSW degree program was approved in June by the

Alabama Commission on Higher Education and will begin

during the fall semester of 2016. It is anticipated that ASU’s MSW

degree program will be accredited by the Council on Social Work

Education (CSWE) prior to the graduation of the first class.

For more information about the Master of Social Work

degree program, contact the College of Liberal Arts and

Social Sciences, Department of Social Work at 334-229-

6957.

Alabama Schools Of Social Work Announcements:

The Department of Social Work

is pleased to announce the

formation of a Master’s in Social

Work (MSW) program

commencing in the Fall of

2017. Applications will be accepted starting in September 2016,

and will be available on the Social Work web page starting in

August.http://www.uab.edu/cas/socialwork

The focus of the program will be on specialized practice in health

and behavioral health. Taking advantage of the resource-rich

environment provided by the University of Alabama at Birmingham,

including world-class Schools of Medicine and Public Health,

students will receive advanced training using an innovative model

of evidence-based education. Students enrolling in the MSW

program will be extensively prepared for clinical practice, including

specific focus on interventions demonstrated to be effective for

specific populations. Combining extensive internships in health

and mental health settings with coordinated classroom learning,

students will be uniquely trained in clinical and community

practice. Courses will be offered both in traditional classrooms and

on-line.

Health and behavioral health jobs constitute approximately half of

all jobs in the field of Social Work. Nationally, Social Workers

provide more mental health services than psychiatrists, nurses and

psychologists combined. Recent national and local data suggests

that there are plentiful professional positions in health and

behavioral health at local, state, regional and national levels.

The Department of Social Work is a vibrant program, with a forty

year history of excellence in education. We pride ourselves on

cutting-edge educational practices, including providing extensive

opportunities for simulation and service-based learning. All practice

classes will be taught by instructors with multiple years of

real-world experience. Our faculty members are national and

international experts in a variety of practice areas; including

disaster and disaster preparedness, HIV/HCV, addiction, mental

illness, homelessness, criminal justice, and child welfare.

The combination of a focus on health and behavioral health,

innovative educational methods, a resource-rich University

environment, and an exciting urban location make the MSW

program unique to the State of Alabama, and one of very few

programs of this sort regionally and nationally. We welcome

inquiries via email ([email protected]) or telephone (205-975-

4938), or would be pleased to answer questions in person at our

twice-monthly “chat with the chair” walk-in hours or by

appointment.

We look forward to meeting our new students, and launching our exciting new

program.

Alabama has 23 Programs of Social Work. Learn more

about Social Work Programs and Concentration Areas

within Social Work. Alabama Schools of Social Work

Page 20: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

20111

20

Alabama director Works on Rebranding, and Bridge-building

Dawn Ellis-Murray is proof that education is the key to success.

She said her family instilled in her the value of education as she was growing up in Vicksburg, Miss., and she

has carried it with her all the way to her current role as executive director of NASW’s Alabama Chapter.

“My family had a great deal of regard for education,” she said. “And it was one of those things that was

understood: I would do well in school and I would graduate. There was no question if I would go to college,

but what I would do once I got there.”

Ellis-Murray has a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in

public administration. But she’s not stopping there. She is in school now pursuing a Ph.D. in public

administration and public policy.

“I believe that education is a vital part of the development and professionalization of an individual,” she said.

“Social workers are supposed to be lifelong learners, and I have embraced that.”

As a third-generation educator, Ellis-Murray is also currently a faculty lecturer for the Troy University Department of Social Work in

Montgomery, Ala.

In college, Ellis-Murray said she was first interested in economics — from the standpoint of learning to help impoverished and underrepresented

groups of people. But then she realized she was learning mostly what made them impoverished and not what she could do to help..

That’s where social work entered the picture. It was a way to help resolve some of these problems, she said.

She earned her economics and social work degrees while still living in Mississippi, and began her career in the area of child welfare for the

Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Ellis-Murray’s social work background now includes more than 20 years with a variety of experience, including crisis intervention and adult

protective services. She also was one of the original people in Mississippi to design the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information

System, or SACWIS. And she has extensive policy and administration experience in governmental services.

Ellis-Murray said when the executive director position opened in NASW’s Alabama Chapter, she saw it as an opportunity and a challenge.

“I needed to develop, and I had the capability to take an organization like this, and to be a transformational leader,” she said. “It’s a longstanding

reputable organization with a great mission and perspective. The whole profession is founded on the Code of Ethics and what it stands for.”

In the nearly two years Ellis-Murray has been head of the chapter, she says they’ve done a lot of rebranding, among other things.

“We’ve attempted to take stagnated relationships and renew them,” she said. “Bridge-building and capacity-building is an approach that I’m

taking.”

She said many sponsors and business partners in the area are working with the chapter to help get the word out and “drive the interest of those

who may have an interest in joining us.”

The chapter also strives to invigorate social work students, Ellis-Murray said, by educating them about the need to be involved and active in

their profession and the association. The chapter also is building relationships with schools of social work, and Ellis-Murray said there are 17

programs of social work across the state, ranging from BSW to Ph.D.

Other initiatives include enhancing continuing education by making it consistent across the region; building non-dues revenue, including

collaboration with an entity to launch a book club; and working on licensure and regulation related to CE renewals.

“We’ve got so many different things that we’re doing, and we’re building and growing,” Ellis-Murray said. “We’re excited, and I’m excited to

be here.”

Ellis-Murray was a featured presenter at the NASW National Conference in June, and presented a workshop in collaboration with associate

member Sunny Slaughter and Troy University faculty member Jalonta Jackson. The presentation focused on sex trafficking and the importance

of social justice and human rights.

Reflecting on her philosophy about education — Ellis-Murray attributes her success and ability to reinvent herself “over and over again” to

having a strong commitment and dedication to excellence and continuing education.

“There’s much more that you can learn and do to impact NASW!. Change is incremental, and it’s a process. So you have to know where you

came from in order to know where you’re going,” she said.

Page 21: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

21111

21

Eastern Region Reflection : Human Trafficking Symposium

Well over 50 were in attendance as Dr. Maureen Newton, faculty, staff, and students at Jacksonville hosted NASW-Alabama Chapter’s Human

Trafficking Training & Symposium on Friday, December 4, 2015.

Dr. Maureen Newton, BSW Program Director, kicked off the daylong training by welcoming all attendees. Included in her welcome, she

addressed why Jacksonville State’s Social Work Department was eager to host this training and why human trafficking is an important topic and

matter in the profession.

NASW-AL Eastern Region Representative, Jalonta Jackson, was first to deliver to the audience myths, stereotypes, and statistics on human

trafficking. She honed in on the media’s portrayal of human trafficking in movies and provided stark findings related to how many in the helping

profession rely on human trafficking movies as “training” to work with human trafficking victims.

Renowned human trafficking expert Sunnetta “Sunny” Slaughter wrapped up the morning session with a very in-depth and interactive conversation

on different forms of human trafficking and what they look like in "real life" as opposed to media and social constructs. She provided very candid

insights into her personal life story, which catapulted her to become a human trafficking expert who is internationally sought out to train practitioners

and the like on human trafficking.

Afternoon training sessions provided attendees with relevant legal information pertinent to human trafficking. Attorney and co-founder of

Blanket Fort Hope, Lauren Hartin, gave an in-depth explanation of Safe Harbor Legislation-HB433. She discussed the relevance and need for

this piece of legislation passage. Jayme Amberson, Assistant District Attorney of the 7th Judicial District in Alabama, gave a very thorough

walk through of the prosecution process for trafficking perpetrators. Just as Lauren Hartin, she emphasized to attendees the importance of

mandated reporter laws and what attendees should be looking for and reporting as mandated reporters.

A panel discussion ensued with all training participants and professionals from community agencies that work with human trafficking victims

and survivors including Alexa James of Blanket Fort Hope and Trace Fleming-Smith of Second Chance Women's Shelter and Services. Student

lead moderators of the panel discussion included Jacksonville State students Wendy Spiering and Sarah Downs and Troy University student,

Eva Riddle. Each of the student moderators has a professional interest in working with human trafficking victims. They did a fantastic job

providing thought provoking questions of discussion for the panel of experts.

The training ended with questions from the panel from attendees and closing remarks by NASW-Alabama Chapter’s Executive Director, Dawn

Ellis-Murray. It was truly a remarkable training! Feedback received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with a vast number indicating

that the training should be put on across the state of Alabama. That’s just our plan. Be on the lookout for it in your neck of the woods!

Many thanks to all who attended and all training participants including "Sunny" Slaughter, Lauren Hartin, Jayme Amberson, Alexa James, and

Trace Fleming-Smith. A grand thank you as well to Jacksonville State University staff, faculty, and students .

Page 22: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

22111

22

Southern Region Reflection: Meet and Greet

The Southern Region Meet and Greet had a fantastic turnout. We were glad to see so many Social Workers and other Mental Health Professionals

networking and learning about Dementia. A Special thank you to Elizabeth Skipper the Community Liaison at Somerby of Mobile for providing

the venue space and refreshments to attendees, a special thank you to Janet Rich Pittman for providing an excellent presentation on how a

lack of sleep can cause dementia, and our Southern Region Representative Stephanie Dawson Andrews for coordinating the event. We will

host another training in the Mobile Area on October 5 at the Mobile Department of Human Resources. This event will be facilitated by

Children’s Aide of Alabama: Alabama Post Adoption Connection (APAC) focusing on Trauma in Children. For registration information

contact the Alabama Chapter at 334-356-6841.

Eastern Region Reflection: Community Financial Education Summit

The National Association of Social Worker’s-Alabama Chapter (NASW) facilitated the 2016 Community Financial Education Summit on

July 23, 2016 in Montgomery, AL. The event addressed gaps in knowledge and understanding related to the Social Determinants of

Financial Instability (i.e.: Poverty, Predatory lending, Home ownership, Credit card management, Budgeting, Student financial aid,

College Applications, Estate Planning, Long-term care, etc.). NASW- Alabama Chapter in collaboration with Alabama Possible, NACA

(Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America), and Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation (FDCI) Money Smart Program were

featured in this day long development summit which was FREE to the community and enhanced their empowerment to address life stage

financial needs There were approximately 60 people in attendance and 10 vendors on site to help with financial planning within any stage.

Special thanks to the NASW - Alabama Chapter Board for being onsite for facilitation and maintenance .

Counseling and Medication Management

For Nursing Home Children and Adolescents

http://www.psych-on-site.com/

713-528-2328

Page 23: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

23111

23

Northern Region Reflection: Disaster Mental Health Training

On March 5, 2016, a group of nearly 30 people gathered in Florence, AL to take an 8 hour class on Disaster Mental Health. UNA hosted

NASW-AL and the Red Cross for this event. During the event, Denise McClendon from the American Red Cross provided an overview of

the Disaster Relief process and the function on Red Cross and its volunteers during these disasters.

Participants in the event also spent a good bit of time learning about Psychological First Aid, a requirement of all Red Cross volunteers.

Psychological First Aid is designed to be a triage tool to determine the best way to meet the immediate psychological needs of victims and

their families.

The latter half of the day was spent talking about the role of a Disaster Mental Health volunteer. These volunteers are specially trained to

help meet the emotional and mental health needs of victims of disaster. Volunteers are required to be licensed in their field (LCSW, LPC,

LFMT, etc). Upon completion of the Disaster Mental Health trainings, volunteers may be called upon to help out locally or nationally, such

as in the case of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, etc.

The day was filled with lots of information and the participants walked away with the foundation of the training needed to continue on to be

a Disaster Mental Health Volunteer. All in all, participants seemed to be thankful for the training and happy to know about the services of the

American Red Cross in their community.

Northern Region Reflection: Social Work Month Conference

On March 18, 2016. Social Workers from across North Alabama gathered together at Huntsville Hospital’s Corporate University for the 4th

Annual Northern Regional Mini Conference. This mini conference welcomed presenters from a variety of fields to provide continuing education

to the participants.

Dr. Megan Crisler provided a wealth of knowledge regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder and some of the changes that came about with the

change from DSM-IV to DSM-V. Crisler’s lecture provided crucial insight into some of the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD,

especially in light of the challenges faced in the research realm.

Our next presenter, Dr. Luanne Biles, gave some welcomed insight into the basics of Grant Writing. Providing some tips and tools for beginners

as well as some helpful recommendations for those that are seasoned in the art.

Our final presentation was on Elder Abuse, an important and timely discussion on the signs, symptoms, and advocacy efforts. Alicia Howard

presented on this subject. During her presentation, Howard gave real examples of Elder Abuse as well as ways that all social workers can be

involved in helping to prevent this from happening.

Overall, participants were able to walk away with a wealth of information that will benefit them in any field of social work that they are

practicing. Social Work month is always a time to celebrate Social Workers and what we do. It is also a great time to take care of ourselves by

ensuring that we are getting in our continuing education requirements.

Page 24: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

24111

24

Page 25: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

25111

25

Preamble The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with

particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining

feature of social work is the profession’s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to

social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.

Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. “Clients” is used inclusively to refer to individuals,

families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination,

oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision,

consultation administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, and research and

evaluation.

Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs. Social workers also seek to promote the responsiveness of

organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals’ needs and social problems. The mission of the social work profession

is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of

social work’s unique purpose and perspective:

Service

Social justice

Dignity and worth of the person

Importance of human relationships

Integrity

Competence

PURCHASE FULL VERSION ONLINE:

www.naswpress.org/

Approved by the 1996 NASW Dele-

gate Assembly and revised by the

2008 NASW Delegate Assembly. The

NASW Code of Ethics is intended to

serve as a guide to the everyday profes-

sional conduct of social workers.

Why should I join NASW?

NASW offers its members a full range of products and services to aid social workers in providing better, more informed service to their

clients; to promote their professional advancement through continuing education; and to stay ahead of the information curve. A brief list of

some key benefits is provided below.

National and State Chapter Membership: When you join NASW, you also immediately become a member of your local chapter, enabling

you to stay connected to the profession on both the national and local level. To check out your local chapter, click https://

www.socialworkers.org/chapters/default.asp.

Insurance Protection NASW Assurance Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASW, responsible for designing, securing, and

overseeing high quality, competitive insurance, financial, and other programs and services offered to social workers. For more information

click http://www.naswassurance.org.

Specialty Practice Sections : NASW Specialty Practice Sections link you to the key information, resources and expertise you need to stay

at the forefront of your practice specialty. For more information click https://www.socialworkers.org/sections/default.asp.

Professional Development: NASW state and national continuing education opportunities give you the information, skills training, continuing

education contact hours and networking opportunities you need for professional and personal development. For more information click

https://www.socialworkers.org/profession/default.asp.

Professional Credential and Specialty Certification NASW's professional credentials and specialty certifications exemplify a higher level

of competence and go beyond a social work degree or state license. For more information click https://www.socialworkers.org/credentials/

default.asp.

Outstanding Publications Members receive 10 issues each year of the award-winning NASW News and four issues of the profession's

premier journal, Social Work. Member discounts are available on other NASW publications. Members also have access to a wide variety

of scholarly books and reference materials. For more information click http://www.naswpress.org/.

NASW JobLink: Gain access to social work job opportunities nationwide through NASW JobLink at www.socialworkers.org.

Page 26: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

simplifying IT

Still Using Paper Records? Susan C. Litton, Ph.D. | [email protected]

www.psybooks.com and www.susanlitton.com

You might want to rethink that.

Perhaps more than any other medical profession, those of us in the mental health field have been reluctant to step fully into the Digital Age.

Even though most of us have a smart phone, laptop or desktop, and maybe even a tablet, we pride ourselves on keeping our clients’ notes –

perhaps even the bulk of our clients’ records – in hand-written format. At the very most, we might use software like Word or QuickBooks. “It’s

safer,” we explain. “Keeping records in the Cloud is impersonal and exposes the data to hackers and who-only-knows-what-else.”

However, our patients may not share our mindset. I was quite surprised recently when a neighbor casually mentioned that she’s so used to her

doctors using electronic records that if she went to a mental health professional that did not, she would see them as a bit antiquated and wonder

if their treatment methods were up to date. Even if we hold our hand-written notes and record keeping as sacred, the clients we serve may not.

However, setting personal preference aside, there are some additional factors to consider:

HIPAA Compliance

If you maintain your own client records, you’re 100% responsible for meeting all HIPAA requirements. On the other hand, if you’re using a

HIPAA-compliant EHR (Electronic Health Record), that company is responsible for most of the security compliance issues, i.e., they do it for

you.

Storage

Over the years, the amount of paper generated by a typical therapist’s office can become daunting. Retrieval of older information can be an

issue if you have to sort through boxes of old files to find what you need. Furthermore, Hurricane Katrina taught us that disasters like floods,

tornados, fires, etc., can wipe out paper records in just a few minutes.

None of these issues exist on the web. With most web-based EHRs, you can typically retrieve even the oldest records with just a few clicks.

Additionally, most companies keep several backups in more than one geographical location to mitigate against any type of local disaster.

Backups

Making backups of paper records can be a pain, whether you’re using paper backups or digital. Paper backups are costly in terms of both time

and supplies. Also, with paper backups, you’ve effectively doubled your storage needs. Storage issues are less of a problem with digital backups

(CDs, thumb drives, portable hard drives, etc.), but digital media degrade after a few years, which means you’ll routinely need to redo your

backups. In contrast, a good EHR company routinely backs up their data and will provide a copy to you anytime you request it. Again, this

issue is pretty much taken care of for you.

Safety

Surprisingly, data stored on the web with a reputable, HIPAA-compliant company is actually safer than what you can provide yourself. We tend

to worry about data on the web being hacked. While it’s true that nothing can ever be 100% safe, whether it’s in your office OR on the web,

around 75% of healthcare data breaches are from theft or loss of either paper records or laptops. In other words, 75% of the problem has nothing to

do with the web. Only 2% of reported breaches are from hackers.

Conclusion

So how should you maintain your client records? That’s up to you. However, for the reasons above, more and more therapists are turning to

web-based EHRs not JUST to simplify their bookkeeping, billing and note-taking, but because it’s safer, more convenient, and saves them

time. If you’re not familiar with the world of EHRs, you might want to check them out. Most offer free trials and/or free demos and will be

happy to answer questions about their product.

For more information on safety and EHRs, go to:

https://www.psybooks.com/are-web-ehrs-safe/

Page 27: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

27111

27

Page 28: THE ALABAMA NETWORK NEWSLETTER Volume 28 ......Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as Regional Vice President, North Alabama. His experience includes 20 years of service

28111

28

si

Become A NASW—Alabama Chapter Volunteer

The Chapter frequently has opportunities where we need an extra set of

hands to help us accomplish the task that help us better serve our state. We

would like to thank those who continuously volunteer their efforts in serving the

social work community. Please contact NASW– Alabama Chapter Office

or check the website for upcoming volunteer opportunities. We love hearing from

you and would be happy to find a place for you to fit in with the Chapter.

Interested in Advertising with

NASW– Alabama Chapter?

NASW– Alabama has a variety of advertisement plans to

meet your special needs. From advertising businesses,

events, job listings, or even space rentals.

Contact LaSheena Nation at [email protected] or

visit our website at nasw.al.org for more details

How to Submit an Article for the Alabama Network Newsletter– The Alabama Network Newsletter is an official publication of the Na-

tional Association of Social Workers—Alabama Chapter. Members are encouraged to submit content ideas, news stories and pictures. Each

will be considered as space permits. Text and photographs may be mailed to [email protected] or P.O. Box 231366 Montgomery, AL

36123. Photographs submitted become the property of NASW-Alabama Chapter. Photographs need to be high resolution and at least 4”x6”

and 300 dpi/ppi and in .JEPG or .GIF format.