Social Work and the Ideals of Social Justice

SOCIAL WORK "IDEALS AND THE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE Social justice is the idea that every person deserves equal political, social, and economic rights and opportunities. Social work actualizes the ideals of social justice by helping people individually and institutionally to address widespread inequalities and personal problems. The three basic ideals of social justice lead to a multitude of social work applications.. EVERYONE DESERVES EQUAL POLITICAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES CHILD WELFARE In 2011, National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reports that: 3.3 The national estimate for unique victims of child abuse and neglect was 681,000 children 133,901 duplicate children received foster MILLION care services 224,163 duplicate children received children received abuse and in-home services neglect prevention services Social workers within the child welfare system strive to protect the rights of children, preserve families, prevent child abuse, and provide safety nets and services for families. WOMEN'S WELFARE 1 in 4 women have been the victim of severe physical Nearly 1 in 5 women have been raped in their lifetime violence by an intimate partner Social workers protect the rights and safety of women, while providing resources and safe spaces. CIVIL RIGHTS Social workers help further civil rights by: Advocating for minority groups' rights and Helping immigrants Developing programs to create equal opportunity condemning discrimination based on factors such as: gain citizenship. and fair access to: t. Race Religion Jobs Education Sexual Orientation Disability Housing Voting EVERYONE DESERVES EQUAL SOCIAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES HEALTHCARE In 2011, National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reports that: In 2012, the average health insurance cost for a People uninsured for at least part of 2011: family of four was 58.7 M $20,728 Healthcare social workers can assist the uninsured or those who cannot afford to pay their insurance by helping them enroll in available social services programs. They can also provide: Psychosocial support Advisement Education Counseling Many social workers strive to break down the institutional barriers to healthcare. HOUSING IN 2011, 636,017 PEOPLE WERE HOMELESS Social workers can help homeless or at-risk people find adequate Housing Food Clothing Safety Therapy Healthcare EVERYONE DESERVES EQUAL ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES POVERTY 46.2 MILLION PEOPLEM POVERTY In 2011 In 2010, one in three working families in the US IN THE US LIVED were low-income Social workers help those in need by supplying resources for childcare, low-income housing, mental health treatment, educational, and employment opportunities. Many social workers use community organizing and national activism to combat poverty. EMPLOYMENT In March 2013, the unemployment rate was In 2012, the Equal 33,512 Employment Opportunity Commission reported nearly 7.6% 30,356 charges for racial discrimination charges for sexual 100,000 discrimination job bias charges, including Social workers give job assistance to combat institutional barriers like class, race, and sex. INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE? Social workers dedicate their lives to the ideals of social justice, striving to create an equitable society for all and make real positive change in people's lives. A Masters Degree in Social Work can help you achieve your social justice goals, prepare for licensure, and open doors to a variety of practices. Check out the University of New England's 100% online, CSWE accredited Masters of Social Work program for more information. SOCIALWORK.UNE.EDU SOURCES: http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/features/issue/peace.asp http://www.forbes.com/sites/danmunro/2012/05/18/annual-family-healthcare-costs-surge-past-20000/ http://www.naswdc.org/practice/children/NASWChildWelfareRpt062004,pdf http://www.endhomelessness.org/librarylentry/the-state-of-homelessness-in-america-2012 http://www.acf.hs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cm11.pdf#page=9 http://www.workingpoorfamilies.org/pdfs/Overlooked_Dec2011.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_factsheet-a.pdf http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb12-172.html http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/briefing/CivilRightsBriefingPaper.pdf http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/features/issue/poverty.asp http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyreleaselinsur201206. pdf http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000 http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211022.htm http://www.eeoc.govleeoc/newsroom/release/1-28-13.cfm