Topics
For the Research Paper, students MUST choose from ONE of the following topics:
Senior Services
Agnes, 87, and John 91, have lived in their own home for 58 years. As a worker for the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services your department has been called due to a suspected incidence of fiduciary fraud. It was reported by a neighbor that Agnes and John’s great nephew, Alfred, lives with them, is seen driving their car, alone, is not willing to allow friends and neighbors to visit Agnes and John and has cut off phone services. The “reporter” thinks that Agnes and John are “prisoners in their own home!”
What are the most salient aspects of fiduciary fraud?
How would you go about this investigation?
How would you assess Agnes and John’s ability to manage on their own?
Child Welfare
You are employed by the San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services. Your position is a “long term care” worker, which entails working with children who are not likely eligible for adoption and maybe in “care” for many years. You have been assigned Annie, a 12 year old girl of mixed ethnicity parents. Annie’s father has limited contact with her, not attending visits consistently and not always participating in court ordered services. Annie’s mother says she would like to reunify but also is not consistent in regard to the “reunification” plan. Annie has been foster care for 2.5 years. Some of her relatives have recently contacted the department. Annie’s foster parents “love” her and consider a member of the family.
You have a court hearing in 30 days.
What is the Department’s mission statement
What would be your goals in working with Annie?
What other professions you might work with?
What would be your recommendations to the court?
Addictions / Mental Health
Jackson is a 29 year old college student who is missing most of his classes? He started his first year with enthusiasm, but appears to have lost this and besides missing classes, is not always showing up for work, or, if he does, many times looks “slovenly,” and his general demeanor is “not in balance.” His boss has expressed frustration, as originally, Jackson was a very responsible, helpful, and was welcomed by customers and other employees.
(a) If you are an EAP worker, hired by his employer, how might you work with Jackson?
(b) If you are a counselor in the community college’s counseling department, what are your goals for working with Jackson?
In either (a) or (b) what would be your goals? What approach would you use?
Guidelines
The research paper must be the equivalent of at least 8-10 typed, double spaced content pages, not counting the reference page or the introductory page. The paper should be based upon at least 6 internet references. These references should be presented at the end of the paper and presented in “link” format, as well as noted in the body of the text, as per the APA format (as demonstrated by the authors of the text). It is the student’s responsibility to insure that the web-page address is correct and that the address will link directly to the referenced source, not just a general information page. Only one web dictionary or encyclopedia reference counts toward the required number of references. References cannot be online blogs or unsigned articles. The articles should be scholarly, as if you were using references coming from a library source, not just someone’s opinion. References cannot just be a few paragraphs in length. Many “articles” we find on the internet are opinions, only, not scholarly. Please do not use these. You may use the text as a reference, but it will only count as one of the required references
The research project requires the use of the internet for research purposes. As this course combines psychology, sociology, and social psychology at its roots, sources should stem primarily from these disciplines. Many students often present theological references, these cannot count for more than one reference. The focus of the research should be a combination of the particular practice area and how to work with the individual (s) within this practice area.
The goal of the assignment is for the student to be able to demonstrate that he / she has been able to integrate our theory, concepts, and knowledge of social work practice, as presented by our text, PowerPoint presentations, discussions, and lectures.
