Sheldon R. Gelman

Who's Responsible? The Field Liability Dilemma.

Abstract This paper explores the growing tendency toward formality and legalism in social work field education. The findings of a national study of “field training agreements” is presented. It is the contention of the authors, that the more explicit the Curriculum Policy Statement and the Accreditation Standards become, in relation to the field component of the curriculum—the closer and more complex becomes the relationship between educational institutions and the practice community. This complexity, as well as the evolving legal climate—with concerns over liability—naturally leads to greater formality. Such formality has the potential for strengthening the university/field agency relationship or destroying it.

Liability Issues in Social Work Education

This article reports on a spring 1995 national survey of program deans and directors on liability issues in social work education. Areas explored included programs use of field training agreements, legal actions involving students in field placements, and formal procedures for and litigation resulting from termination of students and faculty. Court decisions and accreditation standards are linked to the findings, and comparisons are drawn to a 1988 study. Program size, rather than level or location, was found to be the key factor in the formality and use of established procedures.

The Crafting of Fieldwork Training Agreements

Abstract This paper presents a detailed analysis and typology of the language and provisions of field work training agreements currently used by social work education programs. Problem areas, including a lack of understanding and the waiver of rights and responsibilities without adequate consent, are identified. Recommendations for developing appropriate agreements that protect the interests of all parties are presented.

Esoterica: A Zero Sum Game in the Helping Professions

As the nature, form, and content of the language used professionally by social workers has become more complex, it has sometimes tended to create unnecessary problems in relationships with clients. An ability to recognize obscure or esoteric language and an awareness of its detrimental effect on clear communication are essential.

Governmental intrusiveness in the family: A continuing dilemma

Abstract This discussion examines the ongoing controversy between critics of and advocates for child protective services. Although this controversy is often identified as taking place between lawyers and social workers, it is a problem that must be faced by society as a whole. The needs of society and the needs of individuals relate directly to each other. When these needs conflict with each other, modification in procedures designed to carry them out becomes crucial. Interventions must be designed so as to achieve that which is in the “best interests of the child” as well as in the best interest of society.

Ethical Considerations in the Changing Environment

Managed care refers to a variety of integrated financing and delivery procedures for controlling, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of health care to limit overuse of services and over-charging by professionals and to ensure that health care planning is consistent with MCO standards which may, or may not, coincide with professional standards (Barakat, 2000; Gibelman, 2001/2002). Following enactment, in 1965, of Medicare and Medicaid, utilization rates for health services exploded (Mitchell, 1998). Included in this escalating total was an increasing proportion of costs for mental health and social services. Older adults generally require more medical care and services than do younger people; with Medicare coverage, consumers had access to more of the services they needed with much of the cost covered by government. The poor have traditionally been under-utilizers of health and mental health care services, primarily because these services were unaffordable. With Medicaid, barriers to access were removed. Significantly, the population which benefitted from government health and mental health programs was to later feel the brunt of cost management efforts (Gibelman, 2001/2002).