THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker a PUBLICATION of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of SOCIAL WORKERS, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

Volume 36, Number 1 • Winter 2015

NASW-PA Achieves Historic Passage of Legislation to Advance SW Profession

The third time was the charm for NASW- PA moving licensure for bachelor’s level social workers across the finish line. Pennsylvania finally has joined 36 other states that have a credential for BSWs. On Oct. 22, 2014, Gov. Tom Corbett signed Senate Bill 807 into law, making it Act 179 of 2014. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Chuck Justin Fleming McIlhinney (R-Bucks). Director of Government Relations Act 179 creates a voluntary license for individuals who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work. NASW-PA is confident that providing a credential for BSWs will set them apart from graduates with other degrees, paving the way for more BSWs to deliver frontline social work services. Licensure for BSWs protects the public and holds those individuals who operate outside of the NASW Code of Ethics and professional standards accountable. We are confident that outcomes in a variety of areas of social work delivery will improve now that this credential is available. We encourage graduates and current students to stay connected to NASW- PA to find out more about when the licensing application and exam will be available in Pennsylvania. According to the law, everything could be in place as soon as July 2015. However, the process could take longer because new regulations have to be written to comply with the law. Just like licensure at the master’s level, BSW graduates will have to pay fees to sit for the exam and receive the license. There also will be a continuing education requirement for bachelor’s level licensure. If you attended a Legislative Advocacy Day or contacted a legislator or staff member on behalf of BSW licensure, NASW-PA has a simple message: Thank you! BSW licensure could not have become a reality without the advocacy of many students and professionals over the years. We appreciate your passion and work to help us get this legislation passed. Our main priority for this two-year legislative session is to pass legislation that mandates licensure for MSWs who provide therapy services independently. Currently, it is legal for someone to lose their license and continue to practice

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425 North 21st Street, Suite 401 • Camp Hill, PA 17011 • 717.232.4125 • www.nasw-pa.org Thanks to Ron! PRESIDENT’S COLUMN IN THIS ISSUE By Mike Jeffrey, LCSW • NASW-PA President Thank You...... 2 NASW-PA would like to thank Ron Don’t Underestimate Become Involved in Your Division...... 2 Simon, who served as our executive director from 2013-2014. After two years President’s Column...... 3 What You Know of dedicated service to the social work Update from the Hill cont...... 4 And Flexner was taking profession, Ron has left NASW-PA to At the recent NASW-PA conference in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, one of the a pragmatic stance that Legislator Spotlight...... 4 pursue an opportunity with Children’s presenters reminded us of the 1915 speech by “Well trained men and women cannot, as a rule, Service Center (CSC) as chief operating Legislative Advocacy Day Talking Points...... 5 Abraham Flexner, Assistant Secretary, General be attracted to a vocation officer. Social workers throughout the Education Board of New York City. In the speech, that does not promise a Transportation to Advocacy Day...... 5 entitled “Is Social Work a Profession ?,” Flexner Commonwealth have and will continue living wage in return for Legislative Advocacy Day Registration...... 6 posited that social work is not a profession in the competent service.” This to benefit from the accomplishments under Ron’s tenure, most same way as law, medicine or architecture. To dilemma, still true today, Can’t Make it to Advocacy Day...... 7 recently the passage of bachelor-level licensure. We are confident some, this speech was seen speaks to the need to have social workers clear that they are a profession with a body of knowledge Support Practice Protection Bill...... 9 that his leadership will greatly benefit the children, adolescents and as a call to action to come to “Those things that that is not the same as “sympathetic, resourceful the defense of social work families served by CSC, and we congratulate him on this wonderful people.” I have to admit that every now and then, I Act 31 Updates...... 11 as a profession. I would ask we know and take think that some of what I do is common sense, but opportunity. For more information on CSC, please visit cscwv.org/csc/. for granted are often quickly realize I am underestimating the knowledge 2014 Annual Conference Highlights...... 12-13 us to revisit that speech and see where we stand today in the result of our and skills developed through my education, training, Social Work Month...... 14 relation to his statements. and practice. A few years ago, I was watching a skills and training, popular television show with a group of friends. One School Social Work...... 15 Flexner, in defining professions, not common of the main characters, a psychiatrist, was called to stated, “Without exception, these a department store to help with a woman who had The Practical Social Worker...... 16-17 callings involve personally responsible knowledge.” suffered a severe trauma and was sitting on the floor Become Involved in Your Division intellectual activity; they derive their in an agitated fugue-like state. As the psychiatrist Ethics Corner...... 19 material immediately from learning and approached the woman, I blurted out “she isn’t going to science; they possess an organized and educationally touch her, is she?” Needless to say, for the dramatic effect, Student Perspectives...... 21 NASW-PA is always looking to include more members communicable technique; they have evolved into definite the psychiatrist touched the woman and the woman became status, social and professional, and they tend to become, so violent she had to be restrained. My friends were amused Medical Marijuana...... 22 in the association’s planning and programmatic more and more clearly, organs for the achievement of large at me, but what I saw coming was so wrong I couldn’t It’s Not Just Marijuana, It’s Racism...... 23 activities. Every member of NASW-PA belongs to a social ends.” As I read that statement, I don’t have any constrain myself. Some might say it was poetic license by the problem coming to the conclusion that social work is clearly script writers, but it was clearly a bad clinical decision or bad Deconstructing Sanctuary...... 24-25 local division, bringing you more opportunities to a profession. clinical advisors for the show. Those things that we know and At the same time, many people are not clear that social take for granted are often the result of our skills and training, Be a Leader...... 28-29 connect with the association and fellow social workers. work has a body of knowledge in which its graduates are not common knowledge. NASW-PA Leadership...... 30 If you are interested in becoming more involved in the trained, and that this body of knowledge is more than And to finish with one more quote from Flexner, he goes on to common sense. Again quoting Flexner, he wondered if say that “The battles that social work wages will not be won Licensure Information...... 31 association, contact you division chair to learn of current for social work “Well-informed, well-balanced, tactful, by phrases which too often serve as a substitute for experience judicious, sympathetic, resourceful people are needed, and knowledge, but by trench warfare carried on by men and A Note from the CE Department...... 31 or upcoming opportunities in your area. Becoming rather than any definite kind or kinds of technical skill.” women who have learned every inch of the ground over which One hundred years ago, he was describing one of the they must fight.” Even 100 years later, Flexner is providing a involved in your local division is an excellent leadership hurdles we still face in the field. It was only in the last few call to action, and it is directly to social workers to defend your years that NASW-PA was successful in getting legislation profession and demand that it get the respect that it deserves. opportunity and offers you the experience to serve social passed that specified that the title “social worker” in References for this article are available on our website at: www. Pennsylvania requires a degree in social work. workers and the social work profession. nasw-pa.org

To connect with your division chair, please visit www.nasw-pa.org/?page=A7.

2 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 3 UPDATE FROM THE HILL continued NASW-PA Talking Points… Justin Fleming • Director of Government Relations Get Ready for Legislative Advocacy Day

Practice Protection for Clinical Social Workers NASW-PA Talking Points LEGISLATOR Spotlight Individuals who lose their social work licenses in other states 1. Since Pennsylvania does not have a practice act, anyone may come to Pennsylvania and provide unlicensed services. can legally deliver social work and clinical social work For this special Legislator Spotlight, Practice protection seeks to limit the delivery of clinical social services. A degreed, licensed workforce would provide better NASW-PA would like to highlight the work services to individuals credentialed to provide such services. outcomes for consumers NASW-PA believes practice protection would protect the public contributions of all of the legislative and 2. Creation of practice protection for licensed professionals would committee leaders and members of their staffs by ensuring that individuals who are providing mental health ensure that social workers meet competency standards and who helped get Senate Bill 807 passed through services in private practice are licensed to do so. adhere to ethical practice. It also would ensure that social the General Assembly. It is important to note 1Brief Bill Analysis that SB 807 passed through both chambers workers are held accountable for their practice. unanimously and did not receive one negative  Practice protection will mandate licensure for MSWs as long as they are not billing insurance for services 3. Establishing a scope of practice would clearly articulate the vote either on the Senate or House floor, or in who practice independently. This legislation will protect professional duties social workers are expected to perform at rendered. This puts the public at great risk. In addition, the committee. NASW-PA thanks each and every client populations by demanding accountability from social each level of licensure. There would be a continuum of bill will add “diagnosis” to the scope of practice for licensed member of the 2013-2014 General Assembly workers who violate practice standards or operate outside of clinical social workers, allowing Pennsylvania to join 36 services provided, from generalist social work services at the for their support in advancing the social work the NASW Code of Ethics. other states which allow this professional privilege. profession in the Commonwealth. bachelor’s level to independent clinical practice by LCSWs.  In addition, the legislation will add “diagnosis” to the scope NASW-PA will continue working with the Pennsylvania PA Senate of practice for LCSWs, which 36 other states already have in 4. Diagnosis is an important professional privilege that LCSWs Society for Clinical Social Work on this piece of legislation. Sen. Chuck McIlhinney – Prime sponsor of SB 807 place. in Pennsylvania should be afforded. All of the states that Right now, we are trying to reach an accord with the Sen. Joseph Scarnati – President Pro Tempore  Even though insurance companies presently accept diagnostic surround us – Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Ohio – Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society for clinical social workers Sen. Dominic Pileggi – Senate Majority Leader allow licensed clinical social workers to diagnose clients Sen. Jay Costa – Senate Minority Leader codes from LCSWs for services rendered, it is critical that to diagnose clients. With continued dialogue, we are hopeful diagnosis be added to the scope of practice for LCSWs, as it which puts PA at a competitive disadvantage in terms of our that our three organizations can come to an agreement. Sen. Tommy Tomlinson – Majority Chair, Senate Consumer workforce. Protection & Professional Licensure Committee is a professional privilege already being applied. When the new members of the General Assembly and Gov.- Sen. Lisa Boscola – Minority Chair, Senate Consumer Protection elect Tom Wolf are sworn in this January, Harrisburg will & Professional Licensure Committee look much different than it has over the last four years. For Sen. Jake Corman – Majority Chair, Senate Appropriations the first time since the 1800s, an incumbent Pennsylvania Committee Sen. Vince Hughes – Minority Chair, Senate Appropriations governor was not re-elected. Wolf, a business owner from Committee York County, will face large Republican majorities in the Sen. John Blake – Co-sponsor of SB 807 Pennsylvania House (119-84) and Senate (30-20). In addition, Sen. Stewart Greenleaf – Co-sponsor of SB 807 TRANSPORTATION TO he will have to work with new leaders in those chambers: Sen. Scott Hutchinson – Co-sponsor of SB 807 Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and House Sen. Daylin Leach – Co-sponsor of SB 807 Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana), as well as Senate Sen. Judy Schwank – Co-sponsor of SB 807 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY DAY Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre, Huntingdon, Sen. Tim Solobay – Co-sponsor of SB 807 Juniata & Mifflin). Sen. Tina Tartaglione – Co-sponsor of SB 807 NASW-PA wants to make sure that all social workers who Sen. Rob Teplitz – Co-sponsor of SB 807 While we did not always agree with his policy choices, want to attend Legislative Advocacy Day have transportation PA House to Harrisburg. To get a large number of social work NASW-PA wishes Gov.-elect Tom Corbett the best moving Rep. Sam Smith – Speaker of the House forward and thanks him for signing two key pieces of Rep. Mike Turzai – House Majority Leader professionals, we are asking you to reach out to your division legislation for us during his term, Act 17 of 2012 (ACSW Rep. Frank Dermody – House Minority Leader chair if you plan on attending. NASW-PA will work with grandfathering) and Act 179 of 2014 (BSW licensure). Rep. Julie Harhart – Majority Chair, House Professional Licensure division chairs, social work education faculty and others to If you have any questions or would like to help in our Committee Rep. Harry Readshaw – Minority Chair, House Professional ensure that social workers make their voices heard! legislative advocacy efforts, please feel free to contact me Licensure Committee at 717-232-4125, [email protected], or @NASWPAGR on Rep. William Adolph – Majority Chair, House Appropriations Twitter. Committee Rep. Joe Markosek – Min. Chair, House Appropriations Committee

4 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 5 2015 Legislative Advocacy Day Can’t make it to Legislative Tuesday, April 14 • 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Advocacy Day? Don’t Sit on the Sidelines… Here are some ways to take action in your area!

NASW-PA wants to increase the number of social work professionals who attend Legislative Practice Protection for Social Workers Advocacy Day! NASW-PA staff and board members at the annual conferences implored professionals to take a day off of work to advocate for themselves. Even though this is important work, we do acknowledge that achieving the flexibility to come to Harrisburg can WE NEED YOU IN HARRISBURG ON APRIL 14! be difficult. However, there is good news – just because you cannot visit the Capitol in person does not mean you cannot take action! Here are six ways in which you can be more involved: The Forum, 500 Walnut Street

✁ 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. 1. Locate and visit your legislator. Legislators are the lawmakers of Pennsylvania, and it can be Registration and Continental Breakfast beneficial to know the individuals who you need to be on your side. You can locate your legislators and 8:30 – 8:40 a.m. REGISTRATION FORM other elected officials by going to www.legis.state.pa.us and searching by your zip code. It is much tougher Welcome for legislators to discount the advice of someone they know. That someone could be you! Name:______Mike Jeffrey, LCSW, NASW-PA President 2. Communicate your position. You can communicate your concerns and policy initiatives to your local Home Address:______representative or senator by writing a personal letter or email, making a telephone call or meeting with 8:40 – 9:25 a.m. Legislative Process, What to Expect, City:______your legislator. If you have something you care about, take action and contact your legislators! The more letters and phone calls legislators receive, the more likely they are to listen. Remember, legislators work for & Talking Points on Bills State, Zip: ______Justin Fleming, Director of Government Relations, voters – that’s us! NASW-PA Business Phone: ______3. Donate at least $10 to NASW-PA PACE. NASW-PA has a political action committee focused on funneling Capitol Home Phone: ______resources (both money and time) to candidates who share our goals and value the social work profession and Fax:______the clients we serve. Making a contribution to the committee would be a great way to show support for your 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. colleagues and let like-minded legislators know how much we appreciate them for working on our behalf. In Attend Legislative Visits and Committee Meetings E-Mail:______addition, we are committed to getting social workers to run for office in the upcoming election cycle. NASW-PA will schedule legislative visits prior to the Check all that apply: day. The time and location of your scheduled legislative ❏ BSW-Student. College/University______4. Organize a grassroots effort locally. Even if you are a social worker in a private practice, chances are visit, as well as a list of committee meetings will be you know other social workers in your area. You have the power to mobilize and build a grassroots effort provided during registration. (branch)______around things that will help the social work profession. You can use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Change. ❏ MSW-Student. College/University______org (all free!) to help get the word out and increase the number of people helping you. Contact justin@ 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. nasw-pa.org for tips on building your grassroots effort. Attend Sessions, Lunch & Legislative Visits (branch)______The House goes into session at 11 a.m. and the Senate 5. Register to vote. Registering to vote can be the first step toward making a difference. Registering to goes into session at 1 p.m. Social workers may watch ❏ BSW ❏ MSW ❏ LSW ❏ LCSW ❏ DSW/PhD vote provides an opportunity to vote in federal, state and local elections. It is ultimately our money, our the sessions live from the 4th floor balcony in the House ❏ Member ❏ Nonmember children, our health care, our employment, and our democracy. Make it work! or Senate Chambers. Registration fee is $10 per person. Enclosed is my check for $_____, payable to NASW-PA. 6. Contact the media. A simple letter to the editor or op-ed can go a long way when trying to share your 2:00 p.m. message. Be sure to make your points short and specific. Don’t expect editors to be experts in the field of NASW-PA will schedule legislative appointments for you. Rally at the Capitol – Main Capitol Rotunda social work. Similar to legislators, they only know what you tell them. Need support in writing your piece? Featuring remarks by invited members of the General Mail check to: Email [email protected] for assistance. Assembly to speak about practice protection and the NASW-PA importance of social workers. 425 N. 21st Street, 4th Floor Camp Hill, PA 17011 6 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 6THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 7 Please Give Your Full Support to the Passage of the Practice Protection Bill By Kara Aiello, LSW NASW-PA and PSCSW member

Another year is coming to an end and as we enter Imagine the consumer protection the practice act would 2015, the main focus for all LCSWs in Pennsylvania provide our clients. should be successfully updating and modernizing clinical So what can social workers do to help get this bill social work through the passage of the social work practice passed? Find out who your state representative and act. Many of you have inquired about what can be done state senator are in Harrisburg. Please visit www.legis. to pass this legislation, and we need your continued state.pa.us, look for “Find My Legislator” on the far left dedication to pass this bill. This legislation clearly defines and click on “Your Address.” By entering an address on a scope of practice which would include diagnosis, holds the next page and hitting “Go,” the names of your state LCSWs to the highest educational and professional representative and senator will appear. You can then standards, and offers greater protection to clients receiving access all the information needed to contact members. services by mandating licensure for those who open an Other important ways to get involved are writing letters, independent practice. A social work practice act would making phone calls, meeting with your legislators and update the LCSW licensure scope of practice for the first attending NASW-PA’s Legislative Advocacy Day on time since it originally passed almost 17 years ago. April 14, 2015 in Harrisburg. If the bill were to pass, LCSWs in Pennsylvania would Only 7 percent of bills that are introduced get passed. To be legally allowed to diagnosis clients. We all know make legislation a reality, we need grassroots activists LCSWs are capable of diagnosing those conditions across the Commonwealth. We need every licensed we are trained to treat, while also recognizing those social worker to help get the bill passed this session; the conditions that need to be referred to other professionals. You have a seat at the table more people involved, the greater our success in moving Having the legal power to diagnose would fully this bill through the legislature. Please visit www.nasw- recognize LCSWs as the health care professionals we pa.org for more information on advocating on behalf truly are and would allow our clients to benefit as much when you partner with Caron of the social work profession and helping us ensure as possible from our education and experience. practice protection for social workers. When you refer your patient to Caron Treatment Centers, you’ll be consulted Currently, a social worker can lose his/her license in another state and as long as an individual does not hold throughout the recovery process. Partnerships like these enhance our ability to treat himself/herself out as a licensed clinical social worker, complex addictions and drive our 93% completion rate1 for inpatient treatment. he/she can do everything an LCSW does without any accountability to the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. RESIDENTIAL HIGHLY RECOVERY IS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM CREDENTIALED STAFF THE BOTTOM LINE

Our Residential Assessment Our full-time, on-site As a non-profit, our mission is Program provides insight into the multidisciplinary specialists to make quality treatment more complicated interplay between embrace an integrative model accessible by accepting out-of- addictive and co-occurring of care, addressing all physical, network insurance and providing disorders. This enables our psychological, and spiritual patients in need with scholarships clinical team to make appropriate barriers to recovery. totaling more than $16 million treatment recommendations. last year.2

Call to discuss your patient’s needs with a certified admissions specialist: 855.623.4673.

Caron.org/psychologists/my-seat

8 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 9 JOBS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE ACT 31 UPDATES As you know, Act 31 was passed into law and took effect on Jan. 1, 2015. This law impacts our social work licenses and states that all social workers renewing their licenses will be required to complete 2 hours of training on child abuse recognition and reporting requirements. New licensees need to complete 3 hours of training. We have continued to work with DPW and the State Board to be sure we are providing you with accurate, timely information. PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION NASW-PA also participated in the pilot of Recognizing and www.padental.org/ChildAbuseCE Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania Online Training through the Pennsylvania Child PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY SUPPORT ALLIANCE Welfare Resource Center at the University of Pittsburgh. www.pa-fsa.org (click on Mandated Reporters) All approved courses are listed on our website and are updated regularly. You can access the approved courses by visiting PENNSYLVANIA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION www.nasw-pa.org and clicking Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition www.psna.org and Reporting Continuing Education on the homepage. All approved courses as of Dec. 2014 are as follows; please note, PENNSYLVANIA PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION there may be additional courses listed online that have been www.papsy.org approved since this article was written. LEHIGH COUNTY OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND PENNSYLVANIA CHILD WELFARE RESOURCE CENTER YOUTH SERVICES www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu Please note: www.lehighcounty.org -All fields must be complete and accurate -Please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section after you login J&K SEMINARS www.jkseminars.com This course is approved for 3 continuing education credits and has been approved by the PA Department of Human Services BALA INSTITUTE OF ORAL SURGERY Shaping Kids’ Lives and Department of State to meet mandated reporting (ACT 31) www.snorenet.com license requirements. Consider an amazing career that positively impacts the next generation. Do More Than Save Their Marriage ... Help Change Their Lives! Team up with your spouse to manage a caring home for children from Introducing the Crucible® Treating low-income families at a premier K-12 school in Hershey, PA. Extra-Relational Affairs Workshop • Innovative, differentiation-based, approach offers unique interventions • Competitive compensation • Excellent benefits that resolve the aftermath of affairs and help each individual grow through the process. • Paid training • Paid relocation for full-time • Learn how to use “mind-mapping” and interpersonal neurobiology to help couples achieve personal and relational change at a rapid pace. • CE Credits available: contact our office for specific information about your specialty. • Class size is small so your participation and learning Learn more and apply online today at opportunities are enhanced. www.BecomeAHouseparent.com April 17 - 19, 2015, New Brunswick, NJ • May 1 - 3, 2015, Seattle-Bellevue, WA Presented by best-selling author David Schnarch, Ph.D. and Ruth Morehouse, Ph.D.

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10 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 11 2 014 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 2 014 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS At a Glance 430 attendees 126 presenters 88 workshops 59 continuing education credits offered 6 pre-conference intensives 6 student poster presentations 3 awards presented 2 outstanding conferences

Thanks to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors Above: Legislator of the Year Award recipient Representative PACE Luncheon with former Rep. Tim Seip, former NASW-PA executive director Ron Simon, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, NASW-PA President-elect California University Gene DiGirolamo Troy Brindle, PACE Committee Chair Daisi Dumas, Rep. Madeleine Dean and NASW-PA government relations director Justin Fleming. Case Western Reserve University Cognitive Behavior Institute SAVE THE DATE! Comfort Keepers This past fall, social workers from across the Council on Compulsive Gambling in PA Please join us for the Commonwealth gathered in King of Prussia Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness 2015 NASW-PA Annual Fairmount Behavioral Health System Conference: and Monroeville for the 2014 NASW-PA Family Design Resources Oct. 15-17, 2015 Friends Hospital Annual Conferences. These three-day events offered Penn Stater Hotel and Kutztown University Conference Center attendees the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and Marywood University State College, PA Malvern Institute Above: Senator Daylin Leach (left) and colleagues, network with fellow social workers and earn all Edward Payne (right) after their presentation Millersville University-Shippensburg University “Marijuana – Medical Legalization in the continuing education credits required for the current Call for Proposals Pennsylvania & Addiction Counselor Milton Hershey School Support” with NASW-PA government licensure cycle. NASW-PA strives to coordinate a valuable A call for proposals is now Mom’s Meals relations director Justin Fleming open for the 2015 NASW-PA NASW Assurance Services, Inc. conference each year -- educationally, professionally and Annual Conference in State National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle socially. We were able to meet that goal with the participation College. Submission guidelines Atlantic Region of our sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and attendees. and more information can be found by visiting www.nasw- NHS Human Services pa.org, selecting “Practice & Pennsylvania Army National Guard The 2014 Annual Conferences featured plenary Below: PAUSWE Student Session: BSW Professional Development” Pocono Mountain Recovery Center Students as Advocates presentations including, “Intro to Problem Gambling”; and scrolling down to “2015 Retreat at Lancaster County an Assurance Services ethics presentation; a legislative Annual Conference.” The call Springfield Psychological Associates for proposals will be open until St. Joseph Institute for Addiction keynote, “Social Work Professionals”; “What is Reiki? Feb. 14, 2015, and all presenters Above: Social Worker of the Sumi Mukherjee, Author and Speaker Year Award recipient Linda May How Could it Benefit Me or My Clients?”; “Effective will be notified by March 2015. TCR Grobman (left) with colleague Advocacy”; “Amendments to Pennsylvania’s Child Annual Award nominations SaraKay Smullens (right) will be accepted through Temple University School of Social Work Protective Services Law: Integrating Social Work August 21, 2015. The New Social Worker/White Hat Communications Education and Practice”; and “Social Work Collaboration TSW Counseling is Necessary: Professionals & Educators”. Sponsorship opportunities are University of Pennsylvania, SP2 available. Please contact Amy University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Sagen at [email protected] or West Chester University 717-232-4125. White Deer Run/Cove Forge/Bowling Green

12 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 13 The Value of School Social Workers: Celebrate National Social Work Month! Contributing to Safer Schools Social workers will celebrate National Social Work Month Troy Brindle, LCSW • President-Elect, NASW-PA, Co-owner Springfield in March 2015. At that time, NASW will also begin an eight- Psychological Private Practice month celebration of its 60th anniversary which will end in October, the month NASW was founded in 1955. On Oct. 15, 2014, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion traumatic for the Delaware County Safe Schools Summit. The theme was events. The theme “Social Work Paves the Way for Change” was protecting our schools from biological, technological and human threats. There are selected to convey what NASW and the social work profession This event was coordinated through the Delaware County District Attorney’s various have done over the past six decades to bring about positive Office, and pulled together a wide arrange of public servants, school reasons changes in society and for individuals and families. administrators, professional why organizations and professional someone Social workers—more than any other profession—recognize providers (more than 350 in What we can do is acts or that more must be done to address persistent social problems total). The panel discussion behaves in such as poverty, lack of education and health care access, and focused on managing a post- recognize the warning a violent discrimination based on gender, race, sexuality, or income. active shooter event and how to signs of violence and manner. A child or teen can express violent And they know that all people, no matter their circumstance, support students, parents, faculty feelings or struggle regulating behaviors due at some time in their lives may need the expertise of a skilled and the overall community in refer the stuent directly to experiencing problems socially, emotionally or within the family. There is no single cause social worker. the days following the aftermath for further assessment of a school shooting. The panel of violence to blame and, as a result, no simple participants were Chief Inspector and treatment. solution. Joseph Sullivan, Homeland Security What we can do is recognize the warning signs 2015 CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS Unit, Philadelphia Police Department; of violence and refer the student directly for Chief Robert Adams, chief of the further assessment and treatment. Some signs of Collingdale Police Department; Chief Joseph Ryan, chief of the Criminal TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS: Testimonials from long-term potential violence to be aware of are: a history of NASW will kick off its 60th celebration in March 2015 Investigation Division of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office; NASW members, mid-career members, and student aggression, bullying, being victimized, discipline with a variety of activities that honor social workers and Jennifer Williams, assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney’s members will be posted online beginning March 2015. problems, conflict with authority figures, abuse the profession as essential agents of positive social change. Office; Dr. Terri Erbacher, Delaware County Intermediate Unit; Jack Whelan, Some of the videos will be used in the interactive online or neglect, cruelty to animals, lack of empathy, Planned activities seek to educate and remind members of Delaware County District Attorney; and myself, representing NASW-PA timeline. The project will give NASW a chance to record vandalism, physical fighting, abuse of alcohol/ the major legislative, regulatory, and social policy victories and mental health needs. Tim Boyce, homeland security coordinator for the legacy of some of its oldest members and spotlight drugs, threatening behaviors, social withdrawal NASW has achieved since 1955. The campaign will also Delaware County, moderated this discussion. inform the larger social work community, national leaders, many accomplishments and benefits of the Association. and struggling with an acute mental illness. and the general public about initiatives NASW is leading The panel discussion highlighted the challenges that we face in our society The current national average of children/teens on behalf of the nation’s 600,000-plus professional social VIDEO CAMPAIGN: Beginning March 2015, NASW as a whole. Mental health issues often emerge as part of the background in the United States with a mental health issue is workers and the millions of people positively affected by members and social workers will also be invited to produce story to school violence tragedies, including the Columbine massacre, the one out of four, but less than 25 percent receive social work. The goal is to inspire and influence diverse videos about why they believe NASW is valuable. The mass shooting in Newtown , Conn. and the incident when 22 people were treatment. Schools have unfortunately continued audiences throughout the year. short videos will be posted online and promoted in social stabbed at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pa.. School violence to cut back services, primarily social services. media. These grassroots videos will give social workers appears to be making headlines almost daily somewhere in the country. There are major city school districts, as well as LOGO: The Social Work Month 2015 and NASW and social work supporters an opportunity to participate in Even as I was writing this article, I was confronted with another headline on suburban schools, across the country that do not 60th Anniversary logo was released in November the anniversary celebration, and will help build a vision for Oct. 28, “Teen arrested in stabbing have one school social worker on staff. Since 2009, 2014 and can be used on promotional materials. The NASW in its next 60 years. in Central Pennsylvania school.” more than $2 billion in mental health funding has logo represents how social workers continue to guide A teenager stabbed another been cut. The profession of social work, especially communities and clients on a positive path to change, Continue to check NASW-PA’s website, www. 15-year-old peer in the back school social work, is a vital resource for schools despite societal and personal obstacles. at Goodridge Academy nasw-pa.org, for updates on events in your division to incorporate back into their budgets. A school POSTER: For its 50th anniversary in 2005, NASW in York. to celebrate Social Work Month 2015. Several social worker is competently trained to address the created a series of historical posters showing highlights It is clear that social, familial and emotional struggles students divisions are already developing events, and we of the organization’s advocacy and achievements. In addressing face and support getting students and families March 2015, a new panel/poster will be added to the hope each and every member finds a way to mental health the help that is needed. The best intervention is series for the most recent decade. The full set of posters celebrate our proud profession. More events for the issues among prevention and advocating for services within can be downloaded or purchased, and can be used for month of March will be posted shortly! students the school system to provide needed supports educational or marketing purposes. who and assistance that could prevent another school INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: An interactive online timeline Questions about Social Work Month 2015? Contact Tara suffer tragedy and trauma. Having a disaster plan in featuring important events in NASW’s history will be Breitsprecher at [email protected] or 717-232-4125. from place is necessary but preventing the disaster is launched in March 2015 on www.socialworkers.org. more severe ideal. School social workers can and do fill a vital The timeline will help educate the public and social mental illness role in this area. and intervening work profession about the impact of the 60-year old References for this article are available on earlier on is critical to Association and its committed members. our website at: www.nasw-pa.org decreasing these types of

14 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 15 for a minor begins once the minor turns 20. records after the sale of your practice. When closing Imagine trying to remember in 2022 the specific your practice, simply plan on retaining your records details for a client you last treated in 2003 as an as you did while you were still in practice. 8 year old (the client turned 20 in Other reasons to retain records The PRACTICAL 2015 and had 7 years in which to Your will should indefinitely include continuity bring an action), and you shredded of care when transferring clients, Social Worker the records in 2008. stipulate where the assisting clients later in qualifying Another factor to consider is that for other services and reactivating Jeanmarie Hegarty, JD • Law and Regulation Specialist ending your practice, whether due to records are and how a case should a client return. death, closing the practice or selling the Now that you understand practice, does not end your exposure the executor can the arguments for indefinitely to liability. As a result, you should have access them. keeping your client records, you How Long Do I Really Need To a plan in place for maintaining client records when ending your practice. are probably concerned about the Keep Client Records? In the event of your untimely death, the logistics. Look for an article in the individual named in your will as the executor or next edition of The Pennsylvania Social Worker for Recently, I have received multiple client that he/she may bring a claim, and having administrator of your estate will be responsible information on how to manage your client records. inquires about the retention of that client’s records on hand will significantly help in for your client records. Even after you have client records. There are several sources, your defense against a malpractice case. passed, your estate can be sued, so your executor should have your client records available. Your including NASW-PA guidance, that Here is the current state of the law for medical will should stipulate where the records are and provide direction on record retention. This malpractice in Pennsylvania: A plaintiff can file a how the executor can access them. If you were article is intended to assure you that indefinite medical malpractice action against a health care to sell your practice to another social worker, record retention, if possible, is the best policy. worker within two years of the act or failure to the sale agreement should include a provision Interestingly, HIPAA regulations do not include minister proper care that resulted in injury or granting you access to client records in case of a medical record retention requirements; therefore, death. However, the two year countdown does not malpractice action by one of your former clients Pennsylvania law regarding record retention begin to run until the client discovers or should if you chose to hand over the records as part of would apply. According to §47.78(b) of Title 49, have reasonably the practice sale. Otherwise, keep your own set of Professional and Vocational Standards, Chapter 47, discovered State Board of Social Workers, that the injury Marriage and Family occurred. If medical Therapists, and malpractice results A Path with Heart Licensed Professional in wrongful death, Counselors, records such as a suicide, a Integrating Effective Tools with Authenticity and Presence shall be kept for at case must be filed least five years from in court within two the date of last entry. years of the date of 17th Annual Conference Additionally, the Centers death. on Energy Psychology for Medicare & Medicaid For claims arising Keynotes include: Services (CMS) require that after March 2002, Stephen Porges, PhD Author of The Polyvagal Theory patient records for Medicare an additional Jim Oschman, PhD Author of Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis beneficiaries be retained for statute of a period of five years (see limitations applies. Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD Author of The How of Happiness 42CFR482.24 (b)). An injured client has Great speakers and so much more! Despite the clear guidance only seven years in which to under state and federal law, discover the injury. Therefore, if an • 45 breakouts with world-class faculty NASW-PA strongly recommends injury is discovered more than seven years • Pre- and post-conference trainings that a private practitioner retain after the actual harm and the injury happened after • Earn up to 44 CEs (psychologists, social workers, MFTs and counselors) records indefinitely. The primary March 2002, the client will not be able to file a claim reason is that the statute of limitations of medical malpractice. Furthermore, a minor has MAY 28-31, 2015 | RESTON, VA • FREE conference recordings and slides—worth $300! in Pennsylvania for professional liability is based on two years after turning 18 to file a claim regardless when an injured party first realizes or should have of how much time has elapsed between the time of realized the practitioner caused harm. Therefore, injury and the time of maturity for pre-2002 claims. Register Now! energypsych.org | 619-861-2237 it may be years after ending a relationship with a The post-March 2002 seven-year discovery window Best price ends February 16! Group discounts available.

16 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 17 ETHICS

Corner  Chris Rich, LSW, ACSW • Chair of NASW-PA Ethics Committee

Social work ethics and social media

In a 1995 Newsweek article, astronomer Clifford Stoll wrote an market their good work and reach out to their editorial predicting a short life for the Internet. Nearly 20 years stakeholders. Social media tools can be valuable later, it is remarkable just how wrong Stoll was and how pervasive social for social service organizations. Ensure that media has become. As professional social workers, we have the NASW your personal and professional data and friend Code of Ethics (COE) to guide our everyday practice. The first mention of networks are kept separate. In all social media, electronic records in the code came in the 1996 version. The language was not you are representing your profession and changed or updated in the 2008 revisions. Under section 1.07 (m), Privacy community, and you have a responsibility to and Confidentiality, the COE states, “Social workers should take precautions ensure that your posts, messages, “likes” and to ensure and maintain the confidentiality of information “tweets” reflect your image in a transmitted to other parties through the use of computers, way you feel is acceptable.  electronic mail, facsimile machines, telephones and View social media telephone answering machines, and other electronic through an ethical lens.  or computer technology. Disclosure of identifying We cannot run away information should be avoided whenever from social media or  possible.” This was written well before pretend it doesn’t Facebook, (2004), YouTube (2005) and even exist. It can be a  Myspace (2003). With this ever-changing social very powerful tool media and instant access to information, our and an important  ethical standards and practice need to keep up part of our clients’ with the current technology tools. This article lives. We need  will highlight some of the ethical concerns to be aware of presented by social media and what we can do the benefits and  to uphold our ethical standards in the shifting potential pitfalls sands of social media. of social media and  In the poem “Mending Wall,” Robert Frost asserts be willing to talk to “good fences make good neighbors.” Well, in the our clients about the  social work profession, good boundaries make good boundaries we have around social work practice. We need to be aware of how social social media. We need to be  media can erode the boundaries between our professional and aware of the privacy settings on the  personal lives. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and other technology tools can sites we use and how to control access to the erode our professional boundaries and bring things into a professional information we put out on those sites.  social work relationship that were not possible before the advent of social Lastly, ensure your client data are secure and  media. The onus of maintaining boundaries is on social workers. We need protected. With the advent of cloud computing, to be aware of the potential boundary violations that social media can mass storage and electronic records, we need to  bring. Things can be posted, reposted and reposted again, no longer in ensure that our client information is secure. We control of the person initiating the information. Social media can set up need to educate ourselves about the potential  very complicated social networks that are highly likely to overlap with risks of data breaches of client information. If we client relationships. Never post anything about your clients in any way, have a concern, we need to seek expertise and fashion or reference. Even veiled information such as “Boy, I had a tough supervision to make sure we fix the problem. client today…..” may seem benign but can fly through cyberspace and How do you use social media and what ethical concerns do  compromise your professional boundaries with your clients. you encounter in your practice around social media? We Make sure you keep your professional and personal social media accounts want to hear from you. Feel free to send your questions or  comments on ethics and social media to [email protected]  separate. Many times agencies and organizations use social media to to reach the Ethics Committee.

18 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 19 Stu.dent Perspectives

Kristen McAndrew BSW student, Marywood University

BSW licensure: Advocating for ourselves

Last April, my BSW class at Marywood University traveled Faculty Perspective: to Harrisburg to advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 807, Kielty Turner, DSW, LCSW, BSW program director legislation that establishes bachelor’s level licensure in Pennsylvania. Marywood University As we arrived, we were aware that groups of social work students had On April 8, 2014, I headed out before dawn for advocated for licensure for many years before us. We realized that our my third year of advocating in Harrisburg for efforts might not make an immediate impact on the various bills being the licensure of BSW professionals in advocated for that day. Regardless, Pennsylvania. I am very happy that our motivational level was still 2014 is the year when the hard work high. During that day, we informed “It is a change to the and professionalism of BSW graduates senators and representatives that the has been recognized in Pennsylvania. passage of this bill would change the profession that should be Social workers excel at advocacy, way our Bachelor of Social Work degree taken seriously so clients except when it comes to advocating for is seen in Pennsylvania, and many of ourselves. The passage of Senate Bill 807 the legislators seemed to agree with us. can receive the level of validates the skills and knowledge that It was a powerful experience to advocate BSW students obtain during their four year for myself and for the Commonwealth to care they deserve.” degree. Many of my students enter practice those in the Capitol who had the power to at the Bachelor level. I am pleased that they change the social work profession as a whole. will be tested for what they know and will be As we heard speeches, rallied in the Capitol, required to uphold the ethical and continuing and headed home, we were unaware how truly successful all social education requirements of our profession. Thank workers had been that day. As one of my classmates wrote, “Passing you to the leadership of NASW-PA for assisting us of SB 807 will change the way many undergraduate students look at to organize, making this bill a reality. Today I can look forward to seeing my students add LBSW to their BSW career and it will positively improve the credibility of the their signatures. profession.” The passage of Senate Bill 807 will allow future social workers to obtain a voluntary license, which will hold us accountable to ethical and best practice standards. One classmate stated, “It is a change to the profession that should be taken seriously so clients can receive the level of care they deserve.” A licensing exam will convey the competence of the LBSW as a professional, providing employers with one more reason to consider hiring a social worker who has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills. As a future social worker, this bill has changed the way I view the degree I will receive in spring 2015. I now can practice as a professional in Pennsylvania and can be held accountable and responsible for all I have learned in my BSW program. Not all BSW graduates will go on to take the licensure exam and apply for licensing. Several of my classmates plan to study for their MSW degrees soon after getting our BSWs and will not choose to be licensed at the bachelor level. I am grateful that, due to Senate Bill 807, to pursue the LBSW or not to pursue the LBSW is a choice that we get to make.

20 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 21 Medical Marijuana: a definite possibility IT’S NOT JUST MARIJUANA, IT’S RACISM in the near future for Pennsylvania By Corinne Elliott • NASW-PA Intern, Fall 2014 Jeanne Elberfeld, MD, LSW • Research & Advocacy Specialist The War on Drugs has been a seemingly endless battle between the government In 1979, my aunt was diagnosed with an aggressive substance that has no form of breast cancer. As the disease progressed documented fatalities and a majority of non-violent offenders caught with small amounts of and her symptoms became overwhelming, her doctor associated with it and marijuana. Over the past 40 years, the War on Drugs has resulted in more than 40 recommended marijuana to alleviate her pain, nausea and little evidence for million arrests and cost more than $1 trillion, according to the ACLU. anorexia. My mother physical dependence. “In 2010, there was one marijuana arrest every 37 seconds, and states spent and her siblings had Receptors to to purchase marijuana combined over $3.6 billion enforcing marijuana possession laws,” stated cannabinoids are found the ACLU. Let’s put aside the personal feelings for a moment on whether illegally on the street, Evidence supports that in the central nervous much to their law- marijuana is a gateway drug or leads to violence. Let’s look at the facts on what marijuana has been system and throughout the real issue is here. It is not just marijuana, but rather racial discrimination abiding dismay. My the body. This indicates aunt died within a year, used as a medicinal and discrepancies in how the criminal justice system treats minority groups. similar chemicals According to drugpolicy.org, “Although rates of drug use and selling are but more comfortably compound since are manufactured by the body and act as messengers or comparable across racial lines, people of color are far more likely to be stopped, using marijuana. In 2014, mediators. Chemicals found in marijuana therefore can be searched, arrested, prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated for drug law the status of medical ancient times. purposefully used to amplify or moderate these internal violations than are whites.” According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use marijuana sadly remains reactions. Some of the diagnoses that marijuana has been and Health (NSDUH), “38.2% of White young adults 18 to 25 years of age in the the same in Pennsylvania. shown to benefit include cancer, PTSD, arthritis and U.S. reported any illicit drug use in the past year, followed by African-American At NASW-PA’s annual multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, anorexia, mood (30.6%) and Hispanic (27.5%) young adults.” conference in October, I had the opportunity to attend and anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, According to the ACLU’s “The War on Marijuana in Black and White,” a presentation by Ed Payne and state Sen. Daylin Leach glaucoma, seizure disorders, stroke and heart attacks. Pennsylvania is among the states that have the highest racial disparities in (D-Delaware & Montgomery) on legalizing medical As of November 2014, 23 U.S. states and the District arrest rates between African Americans and Caucasians regarding marijuana marijuana in Pennsylvania. As a mother of four young of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. In possession. The ACLU reported that African Americans in Pennsylvania are adults, I was quite interested to hear the research Pennsylvania, Senate Bill 1182 (aka Governor Raymond more than five times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than supporting this legislation and any movement on Shafer Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act) was Caucasians. recreational use. As a doctor and social worker, I am introduced in January 2014. While it easily passed in the So, what needs to change? Data show us that marijuana use between races equally interested to hear the progress on this initiative. Ed Pennsylvania Senate, it was unfortunately not considered is comparable. However, a white person is simply not going to be stopped, Payne was kind enough to share his research sources with by the House (HB2182) and would likely been vetoed by frisked and thrown in prison as often as a person of color. One suggestion as to me so I could sort it out for myself. Gov. Tom Corbett if it came to his desk. According to Sen. why this happens in law enforcement is due to the “broken windows” theory. What I discovered was a conspiracy of sorts. Evidence Leach at the NASW-PA conference workshop, the legislation The broken windows theory was introduced to the criminal justice system by supports that marijuana has been used as a medicinal will probably make it to the House for a vote in 2015 with criminologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. This theory was put compound since ancient times. There are articles the hope that Gov.-elect Tom Wolf will sign it into law. This into practice in the 1990s and suggests that the appearance of disorder begets supporting the use of medical marijuana as early as legislation does not make marijuana accessible in all delivery actual disorder. According to the ACLU, “Broken windows reframed visual cues the 1830s for conditions such as “neuralgia, convulsive forms. It does not allow for the smoking or vaporization of traditionally associated with economic and social disadvantage as signs of crime disorders, and emaciation” in the United States. The cannabis, which has been shown to be a superior delivery and disorder.” method for specific conditions. The legislation only offers possession and use of marijuana became increasingly Racially biased enforcement of marijuana laws puts minority groups at a medical marijuana for limited diseases including epilepsy, regulated in the early 1900s (Pure Food and Drug Act) disadvantage. It is not only racially discriminating, but case study after case cancer, ALS, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, wasting and was regulated as a drug in the mid-1930s. Harry J. study reports that the consequences are far greater than the drug itself. One syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and PTSD. It proposes drug possession charge may affect an individual for the rest of his/her life. Anslinger’s fear-driven, anti-marijuana campaign, Reefer the creation of a Medical Cannabis Board responsible Living in the digital age, anyone can get hold of criminal records. Harry Madness, became the norm of public perception around for reviewing physician’s prescriptions for patients and Levine wrote in an article in The Nation that, “Employers, landlords, schools, marijuana’s use. The Anslinger Tax Act of 1937 effectively approving them on a case-by-case basis. The legislation banks and credit card companies rule out applicants on the basis of these now criminalized marijuana at the state and federal levels. also would create commercial medical cannabis growers universally available records, which have been aptly described as a ‘scarlet Marijuana remained on the U.S. drug pharmacopeia until and processors to grow and process marijuana and medical letter’ and a ‘new Jim Crow.’”Former President Jimmy Carter stated, "Penalties 1943, approved for nerve-related pain. cannabis dispensers for the distribution. The bill can be read against possession of a drug should not be more damaging than the use of the by visiting www.legis.state.pa.us and typing SB 1182 in the Current marijuana research focuses almost entirely on drug itself; and where they are, they should be changed." the harmful consequences of its use. Because marijuana search bar. Whatever your stance is on marijuana, the bigger problem here is the is categorized a Schedule 1 substance (the Controlled I encourage you to contact your state discrepancies and treatment of minority groups in the criminal justice system. Substance Act of 1970), it is very difficult for researchers representative and voice your opinion about to obtain marijuana for research purposes. The lack this legislation. of scientific evidence supporting the benefits and low References for this article are available on our website at: www.nasw-pa.org risk of marijuana translates into an uphill battle for References for this article are available on our website at: legalization. All of this regulation of and protection from a www.nasw-pa.org

22 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 23

Contributions from NASW-PA Membership 13 years old. Less than 72 hours after entering the shelter, John got into a fight with another young resident. The shelter has a clinical team meeting each Wednesday in Deconstructing Sanctuary: A Critical Review which the staff is given the opportunity to connect over problems at the shelter and Affiliation with Drexel: D.E. Harris, Adjunct Instructor in the Behavioral Health share observations. This meeting did not go well for Shirley and her son. Counseling program at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions John was not present for the team meeting, but Shirley was present. Shirley was told by the staff that she and John had to leave the shelter; this meant Shirley would be locked out of the city shelter system and John would be placed in child protective services. Abstract Shirley was given a printout of four shelters outside of the city shelter system that are notoriously known for being over capacity. The decision to discharge Shirley and her The Sanctuary Model (SM) has received an unprecedented amount of attention and son came from an accountant, an administrative assistant, an undergraduate human acclaim. There are aspects of the model that are utopian and ignore staff behavioral service intern, two BSWs, one MSW (who was recently hired) and a Bachelor of Arts health deficiencies and competencies in medical ethics. At what costs are clinicians in graduate who oversaw the shelter’s child welfare services. To come to their resolution, an outpatient facility willing to go to adopt a model that does not address outpatient they used camera footage, a written house report and the testimony of two residents. nuances? This article provides a case study that examines the results of staff training and ethical deficiencies in executing the model. This article also explores howan Discussion undertrained staff abiding blindly by the model actually recreates trauma. While the SM does not explicitly mention confidentiality and staff competency, it Introduction does talk about open communication as one of its commitments. What does open communication mean and how is it being used in outpatient facilities? In terms of the While the Sanctuary Model (SM) has been massively accepted, practitioners who shelter, which could not reach a consensus because no one at the team meeting was function in outpatient settings may not benefit. Sandra Bloom and colleagues created present during the incident, they consulted a kitchen worker who witnessed the event the SM to address the increase of trauma-related behavioral health issues, but in an and described his understanding of the mother and son’s medical and mental state. inpatient facility. The SM is an organizational shift in the often insensitive client- patient inpatient culture. The acronym S.E.L.F. that stands for safety, emotions, loss The SM promises many things. As everyone rushes to adopt it, there should be and future addresses patients’ need for safety, understanding emotional responses more discussion about whether the model breaks confidentiality when used in an and triggers, accepting loss as a part of life and fostering a sense of future that often outpatient setting. Should an accountant, an artist, a receptionist, two under-skilled evades traumatized people. social workers and an undergraduate human services major be able to determine a disadvantaged family’s fate? The ethics seem clear. The SM neither addresses the Beyond S.E.L.F., which is intended to help patients become more aware of the confidence of medical privilege on a “needs to know” basis nor the repercussions of impact of trauma on their lives, are the seven commitments. The commitments are unlawful medical disclosure under HIPAA. guiding principles to which the organization should aspire to maintain a safe and trauma-informed environment. The commitments are nonviolence, social learning, In the inpatient aquarium, where the model was originally hatched, it made sense for open communication, social responsibility, democracy, and growth and change. The all behavioral health professionals to create a safe trauma-informed environment. Every question is, does the SM truly work in outpatient facilities? worker influenced the environment and likely received training on HIPAA regulations and confidentially procedures. If clinicians are deciphering a behavioral analysis from Case Study kitchen staff (and we know all observations are subjective) could the kitchen staff determine the subtle deportment, the inclinations behind a patient’s speech or the speech Shirley is a 55-year-old African-American woman with bipolar disorder. She has patterns that determine disordered thinking? Does the kitchen worker even know that it a history of substance abuse and chronic homelessness. Recently, she arrived at a is unlawful to take a picture with a patient within and outside of the outpatient facility, Sanctuary Model-endorsed homeless shelter with her teenage son. Her son is 14 years let alone post the picture on Facebook? These are some of the complexities that we as old with severely untreated ADHD. Shirley’s son, John, was recently left with her by clinicians need to consider as we massively flutter to adopt the SM. It would certainly her ex-husband. Shirley and her ex-husband’s history together was one of violence work in an inpatient setting as it was intended for, but in the outpatient setting, the ones and crime. The shelter staff members, who have access to her shelter history and arrest who suffer are the people which the model was designed to help. records, have found that John had been arrested two or three times before he was References for this article are available on our website at: www.nasw-pa.org

24 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 25 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Preparing for the Licensure Exam? As you continue studying for the licensure exam, • Ranked #11 among all schools consider participating in a licensure preparatory class. Licensure preparatory classes are designed for of social work by U.S. News & individuals who wish to review items that are frequently World Report seen on the licensure exam. This is not a course that will • Host to the Center on Race and rehash your entire MSW program; rather, it will help Social Problems refresh and clarify what you have learned in school and the field. • Has the 2nd largest Child Welfare Training Program in the country Instructors generally cover what to expect on the day of the examination, how to take a computerized exam, how much time is needed for each question, and various test-taking strategies. Our instructors are all licensed and BASW, MSW, and PhD Programs knowledgeable of the examination process.

Our BASW Program emphasizes Please visit our Calendar of Events on NASW-PA’s generalist practice with oppressed website, www.nasw-pa.org, to view upcoming course groups to enhance social and dates and locations. You may register online or call economic justice. 717-232-4125 to sign up today! Our MSW Program provides dual- degree opportunities with law, public administration, public health, and divinity. Our PhD Program provides the nation and the world with outstanding 2015 NASW-NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION researchers, teachers, and scholars. SAVE May 3 - 5, 2015 THE Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ DATE Registration available at www.naswnj.org For more information, please visit our Web site at Earn up to 20 Hours of Continuing Education over three days with www.socialwork.pitt.edu 60+ workshops to choose from and over 75 Exhibits! or call 412-624-6346. Meet your licensing requirements and network with 1,000 other social workers! Workshops on Clinical issues, Ethics, Social & Cultural Competence. All programs APPROVED for social work licensure in PA.

Conference schedule, rates and early bird registration are available at www.naswnj.org.

NASW-PA members will need to fax registration in order to receive discounted NASW pricing. Non-NASW members should use online registration. Specially discounted hotel room rates will be available at the Borgata Hotel.

Questions? Call (800) 932-0004 x52 School of Social Work SEEKING EXHIBITORS: If your company/agency is interested in exhibiting, EMPOWER PEOPLE • LEAD ORGANIZATIONS • GROW COMMUNITIES please email Suzanne at [email protected] to learn about our exhibitor & sponsor opportunities.

26 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 27

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NOMINATION AND LEADERSHIP IDENTIFICATION FORM for Elective Office or Appointed Positions BE A LEADER Submission Deadline: March 8, 2015 This information is used by the Pennsylvania Chapter Committee on Nominations Race (optional) Use your leadership skills! Develop new skills! and Leadership Identification (CCNLI) to make nominations for elective chapter __ African-American positions, for chapter committees and task forces. __ Asian American/Pacific Islander Volunteer for a NASW-PA elected position. __ Caucasian To be considered for an elected position, please provide your resume and cover __ Hispanic, Latino, or Puerto Rican letter which addresses your qualifications for nomination (i.e. strengths/skills that __ Native American, Indian or Alaskan POSITIONS OPEN FOR will move NASW-PA forward). __ Other

Chapter-elected positions include 2015 BALLOT SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE Nominee Name:______Please enter one (1) or two (2) in each section: the Board of Directors, Chapter OFFICERS (Last) (First) (M.I.) 2-year term 7/01/15 - 6/30/17 Primary and Secondary Practice: Committee on Nominations and Membership No.:______Aging Any member in good standing is eligible to run. Leadership Identification (CCNLI), __ Alcohol/Drug Abuse Secretary License No. (if applicable): ______Child/Family Welfare and Delegate Assembly. Nominee’s Address:______Criminal Justice MEMBERS OF THE BOARD __ Medical 3-year term 7/01/15 - 6/30/18 City, State, Zip: ______Mental Health Here’s your opportunity to use your __ Occupational SW/EAP Any member in good standing from the divisions Preferred Phone: ______School Social Work leadership skills in a social work specified is eligible to run. __ Other______Southwest Chair E-Mail: ______environment or to develop new skills! Primary and Secondary Function: A number of positions are open on the Southwest Representative Business Name:______Administration/Management West Central __ Clinical/Direct Practice 2015 slate. Business Address:______Community Organizing __ Research/Policy Development STUDENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD City, State, Zip:______Procedure: __ Supervision 1-year term 7/01/15 - 6/30/16 __ Teaching Any member in good standing who will be a Students - University:______• Nominate yourself or another __ Other social work student during the 1-year term is chapter member (must be in good POSITION(S) SOUGHT: Primary and Secondary Work Focus: standing with membership). eligible to run. Please rank in order two (2) positions that you are willing to be nominated for. __ AIDS/HIV BSW Representative __ Conflict Resolution • If you are nominating someone MSW Representative 1. ______Development/Other Disabilities __ Education else for a position, that person will CHAPTER COMMITTEE ON 2.______Employment be contacted. __ Family Issues NOMINATIONS AND LEADERSHIP If we are unable to slate you for the above position(s) would you be willing to be slated for any other position? __ Grief/Bereavement IDENTIFICATION (CCNLI) ❏ Yes, which positions______❏ No __ Health • Individuals selected for chapter __ Housing leadership may also be asked to 3-year term 7/01/15 - 6/30/18 __ Income Maintenance Any member in good st anding is eligible to run. Have you ever or do you have pending: complete a biographical fact sheet. Adjudication for unethical practice? Yes _____ No ______Individual/Behavioral Problems __ International Licensure or certificate disciplinary proceedings? Yes _____ No _____ DELEGATE ASSEMBLY __ Violence/Victim Services • More information on open Assembly convenes in August 2017. __ Other positions can be found at www. If “yes” please explain and provide dates: Term is 7/01/15 - 6/30/18 ______Organizational Type: nasw-pa.org under “Latest News” Any member in good standing is eligible to be __ Academic ______on the homepage. considered for appointment by the Chapter President. __ Federal, Military __ Federal, Non-military SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 8, 2015 Thank you for your interest in Please return this form to: __ For-profit NASW-PA – Attn: Board Nominations __ Local Government participating in our leadership team! 425 N. 21st St., Suite 401; Camp Hill, PA 17011 __ Private (Not-for-profit) Fax: 717-232-4140 or email: [email protected] __ Private Practitioner __ State Government

28 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 29 Allan Turner, PhD, LCSW, ACSW Northwest Division Chair Rufus Sylvester Lynch, DSW, ACSW Philadelphia Division Chair Cynthia Corbin, LCSW Philadelphia Division Rep I continuing Lauren Dicair, MEd, LCSW Philadelphia Division Rep II education Linda Martin, LCSW, RN Southwest Division Chair Kaitlyn Yakish, MSW Southwest Division Rep Alicia Newkam, AA • Continuing Education Specialist Vacant West Central Division Chair NASW-PA LEADERSHIP Anthony Kennedy, Capt. USA Ret., Officers BSW, CDCA MSW Student Representative Michael Jeffrey, LCSW President Lauren Klein BSW Student Representative A Note from the CE Department Troy Brindle, LCSW, QCSW, DCH President-Elect Stuart Horowitz, LCSW, ACSW, QCS Vice President Staff As the licensure cycle comes to an end, here are some helpful tips to remember: Nathaniel Morley, MSW Treasurer Amy Sagen, LSW, MSG, ACSW Interim Executive Director Tara Breitsprecher, LSW Director of Policy & Communication • This is a busy time at our office, so please be patient with us regarding the emailing and mailing of CE Matthew Winger, LCSW, ACSW Treasurer-Elect certificates. It will take longer than two weeks upon receiving evaluations to send out the certificates. Jeanne Elberfeld, MD, LSW Research & Advocacy Specialist Marietta Scalise-Warnitsky, LCSW, QCSW Secretary • Presenters may obtain credits for a presentation they are presenting but only for the first time Justin Fleming, BS Director of Government Relations presenting that particular presentation. Presenters must apply for credits with the State Board Members of the Board Jeanmarie Hegarty, JD Fiscal & Legal Specialist of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors before the date of the training. Please visit the state board’s website to access the application for individual continuing Nikole Heilmann, LCSW, ACSW Brandywine Division Chair Alicia Newkam, AA Continuing Education Specialist Jessica Quail, LSW Central Division Chair education approval. NASW-PA CANNOT approve individual credits. David Breiner, LSW, M. DIV Eastern Division Chair Tara Breitsprecher, LSW Editor-in-Chief • Keep copies of your certificates for at least four years in case of an audit. • Excess credits do not roll over to the next cycle. Jamie Lynn Plocinski, LCSW North Central Division Chair Christina Reardon, LSW Editor Current cycle: March 1, 2013 – Feb. 28, 2015 – Upcoming cycle: March 1, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2017 Matt Fino, LCSW Northeast Division Chair Lori Schlossman Graphic Designer Renew Your License by Feb. 28, 2015 Biennial license renewal is here. NASW-PA wants to inform its members who currently hold a Pennsylvania license of the consequences for forgetting to process the renewal forms by the required date. While one’s oversight may have been innocent, the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors views this lapse as a serious violation Talk Is Not Enough of the Pennsylvania Code. The state board will charge you with practicing with a lapsed license and violating the Social Workers Activate Deeper & Broader Levels of Healing with Your Clients Practice Act. If you are found guilty, the board will require you to • Use more holistic methods • Earn 12 CE hours for social workers pay a hefty fine and will make the violations public. Depending on If you do not or cannot renew your the circumstances surrounding the lapsed license, you may also face • Learn specific tools to positively influence the body-mind interaction license by Feb. 28, 2015, for whatever licensure suspension, revocation or other restrictions. These penalties reason, take the following steps: may affect your ability to secure or maintain employment and can CEP LEVEL 1 EFT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS 1 have detrimental effects on relationships with insurance companies. • Notify the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Remember, most insurance companies require that social workers Essential Skills in Emotional Freedom Professional Counselors in writing of Comprehensive Energy Psychology Techniques maintain a current license as part of their credentialing. Therefore, your desire to be placed on inactive NASW-PA encourages its licensed members to process their biennial status. This broad-based program is a two-part series Acquire important foundational EFT strategies renewal by Feb. 28, 2015! designed to give you skills in combining conventional to put you on a path of using EFT like its founder • Immediately remove “LSW” or “LCSW” psychotherapeutic modalities with meridian interventions, and master practitioner, Gary Craig. Do not renew your license if you have not completed the required from all correspondences, including chakra techniques and biofield practices. 30 hours of continuing education. Notify the state board that you business cards, letterhead, emails, signs would like to be placed on inactive status until you have completed and advertisements. May 27-28 | Reston, VA the required continuing education. And under no circumstances • Do not hold yourself out as a licensed Visit energypsych.org for more workshop dates. should you falsify your CE credits when submitting your renewal social worker in any way. application. The state board conducts random audits, and too After receiving confirmation from the state many licensed social workers have had their licenses revoked for Register Now! energypsych.org | 619-861-2237 board that you are on “inactive status”, you misrepresenting the number of credits they actually received. If you Save up to $80 when you register at least 6 weeks early. can then apply to reinstate your license so need additional CEs, log on to NASW-PA’s website, www.nasw-pa.org, Join ACEP and save even more! long as you can show compliance with the and search the calendar of events for approved courses. Training workshops designed for mental health professionals. continuing education requirements.

30 THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker THE PENNSYLVANIA Social Worker 31 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA PERMIT NO. 232 425 North 21st Street, Suite 401 Camp Hill, PA 17011 www.nasw-pa.org

Gaudenzia Chambers Hill Adolescent Program Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Serving Male Adolescents ages 13 – 18 To make a referral, please call 717-561-0400 Other Services Offered Detox and Residential Rehab | Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Women with Children | Adolescents | Co-occurring Disorders Halfway Houses | HIV Programs www.gaudenzia.org Central PA (717) 238-4200 | Eastern PA (800) 220-0027 | Western PA (800) 316-1928