Economics and the Evolution of the American Family

Economics is comprised of statistics that express how social welfare and governmental policies combine to effect the way Americans use resources, prefer certain lifestyles, and labor on a daily basis. All of these choices affects how families develop based off what resources they consume, can afford, and utilize when competing with the rest of society. Lack of , or over consumption, of resources, also influence social stratus amongst families. This differentiation in social status can either promote or burden families when developing an identity as to how they contribute to society.
Also, with advances in technology, family structure and communication is changing. Families who were once separated by distance are closer through Internet allowances. Parents now have the responsibility of protecting their children from the vast dangers of the web compared to what used to be local predators. Articles below express how economics and change in the idea of the "all American family" has affected lives all over the nation.



Article 1
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/18/job-losses-deliver-09-baby-bust/

Article 2
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/In-the-Literature/2008/Feb/Its-a-Family-Affair--Consumer-Advocacy-for-Nursing-Home-Residents-in-the-United-States.aspx?view=print

Article 3
http://www.divorcesource.com/AZ/ARTICLES/stewart2.html

Article 4
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/011909p18.shtml

Article 5
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-04-22-santorum-gays_x.htm

Article 6
http://www.startribune.com/nation/31419064.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUJ

Article 7
http://www.newsweek.com/id/194886/output/print

Article 8
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/us/17census.html

Article 9
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27well.html?pagewanted=print

Mental Health

Having a total of three years working with disability services I have gained a sensitivity to the needs of those who are physically and mentally challenged. Experiences with all ages have helped me to better distinguish differences between disabilities, procedures taken by many organizations to ensure proper care and health of clients, how to respond to various crisis situations ( injury response, anger management, etc.), and some of the organizations out there that aid disabled individuals in gaining a voice within their communities. Two organizations ( funded by the ARC and other contributors) have had a profound effect on my interest in mental health affairs; Career Opportunity Development Incorporated (CODI) of Egg Harbor, New Jersey and Beyond Academics (BA) of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Working with CODI taught me skills regarding how to effectively facilitate vocational skill trainings, the importance of having an supportive and well educated staff, as well as, the importance of gaining a positive relationships with clients that leads them to trust me with their needs. This helps me to better understand and assist them while also gaining meaningful friendships along the way.


Some of the wonderfully supportive CODI staff

CODI family

Ms. Liz- my adopted mom and cafeteria supervisor

BA gave me a strong insight into the lifestyle of a disabled individual. Think of simple everyday rituals that the average individual takes for granted like, grocery shopping, being able to budget money, traveling to town, associating with individuals within our immediate communities. Beyond academics is a program that teaches vocational skills to a select group of disabled young adults to older individuals and connects them with local college students to help them assemble easier into surrounding college communities.

These college community supporters are trained to participate and coach students in activities like taking the city bus to shop and travel to in- town locations, attending church, doing domestic inventory, associating with other college students, etc. However, due to tough economic times, BA , along with many other government funded programs, are funding it harder to effectively maintain employees while servicing clients. The students have a great deal of skills and optimism to offer to our community and working with both programs have fueled me to gain a higher concern and respect for both the clients and variety of professions that aid in disability services.

With Rob and co- worker Katlyn at a community gathering

On the way to church with Raeshika.

Article 1
http://njcodi.org/CODI/News/Codi_Pride_2008_Summer.pdf
Article2
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/02/112480/the-bournewood-case.html
Article 3
http://www.lincolntribune.com/modules/news/print.php?storyid=13573
Article 4
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/07/mental-health-reform-for-virginia//print/

Article 5

http://pr-usa.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=279790&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=30

Article 6

http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_082009.shtml

Article 7

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/health/21patient.html

Article 8

http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/government-medicine/20091202state-leg-reform.html

Article 9
http://suburban.gmnews.com/news/2008/0117/Editorials/016.html

Today's Social Worker

The future of the social work profession is progressing everyday. From development of organizations such as National Association of Social Workers, to the roles of social workers within legislation, social work is a profession that takes care of the public as well as the nurtures the well being of it's own laborers. The following articles serve the primary function of bring attention to the struggles that social workers may face in the field and actions taken to protect social workers physically, as well as, economically. These also display the many positive accomplishments of everyday social workers, resources developed and provided through their work, and fresh ideas for programs that can be used by others or made stronger through further exploration (focus on youth and elderly.)

Article 1
http://www.kentucky.com/471/v-print/story/982278.html

Article 2
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/baby-p/3630234/Government-to-reform-social-services-after-Baby-P-case.html

Article 3
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/socialwork

Article 4
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/112309p8.shtml

Article 5
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/070708p38.shtml
Article 6
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/072009p12.shtml
Article 7
http://www.naswnyc.org/1199.htm
Article 8
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htm
Article 9 ( NC' s social worker of the year: Daniel R Beerman)
http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/article_981e124c-dc2e-11de-8ae0-001cc4c002e0.html