Empathy is more important than ever to a national population worried about difficult political and socioeconomic situations. During the last 10 years, an enormous amount of research has been carried out to elucidate the nature, mechanism, and function of empathy. New research from social-cognitive neuroscience and related fields indicates that,…

Social work's weak presence in the field of corrections is peculiar, given that those involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems are undeniably among the vulnerable and oppressed populations that the profession has traditionally served. The field of juvenile probation shares roots with the profession of social work but lacks a strong…

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) are legal documents that allow individuals to express their wishes for future psychiatric care and to authorize a legally appointed proxy to make decisions on their behalf during incapacitating crises. PADs are viewed as an alternative to the coercive interventions that sometimes accompany mental health crises…

This study examined how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. The findings show that there are important differences in how these groups understand empowerment. Implications for the conceptualization of empowerment, as well as social work education and practice are discussed. (Contains 52 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Addresses concept of the therapeutic contract in clinical social work and psychotherapy. Defines "contract," describing legal implications, and implications for the professional relationship and course of treatment. Discusses mutuality, penalty clauses, voluntary participation in contractual process, malpractice and professional negligence,…

Focuses on the ethical dilemmas surrounding informed consent in court-mandated practice. Examines the principles of informed consent, being informed about legal requirements, coercion and consent, the power that social workers have over clients, and the therapeutic alliance. Discusses the implications of informed consent for social work practice.…

Changes in the status of disabled individuals have created new challenges for service providers. This article suggests two general kinds of services that professionals can provide, i.e., one to support the informal networks people create and the second to provide professional advocates. (Author)

Examines the traditional concept of confidentiality juxtaposed with newer developments in theory and practice. Proposes guidelines for a more workable definition of confidentiality that reinforces the role of social workers in dealing with people in their environments. (Author)

Provides a classification of the variety of ethical dilemmas social workers encounter in direct service to individuals and families, relationships among professional colleagues, and design and implementation of social welfare policy. Presents a series of guidelines for assessing cases in which standard social work values come into conflict.…

Suggests social work recording has languished, due to administrative regulations and a decrease in confidentiality. Describes client recording, where the client actively participates in the recording process. Proposes client recording provides structure for the interview, creates continuity between sessions, and serves as a therapeutic tool in the…

Distinguishes authority from power and argues that authority is congruent with social work values and practice theory and is related to both the function of agencies and the tasks of workers. Many social workers are reluctant to seek authority and thereby fail to engage their clients. (Author/JAC)