Where is Spirituality in Social Work?

This article is a critical analysis of the existing literature on spirituality in the profession of social work. The NASW Code of Ethics (2003) and CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2008) acknowledge the importance of spiritual values and practices for the positive functioning of people. This analysis of the literature offers a forum for dialogue about the role of spirituality in social work education and practice. Greater understanding of spirituality and its value to diverse people in society is necessary for social workers to practice cultural competence social work. There are key approaches to education and practice that may hold much promise for enhancing social work’s commitment to a holistic understanding of the human condition, respect for diversity, and competent and ethical social service

Pacific Islander American students: Caught between a rock and a hard place?

As a part of a community action plan for assisting Pacific Islander American high school students and their parents in navigating the educational system and building on previous studies on Pacific Islander youth [Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Godinet, M. (2008). Family and culture and the Samoan youth. Journal of Family Social Work, 11(3), 229-253.], this article discusses the perspective of Pacific Islander American students and their parents regarding family, culture and community, school, and peer/social relations-based risk and protective factors for academic achievements and risk for school dropout. Also explored in this study was their perspective on programmatic means by which to prevent school dropout. Study participants included Pacific Islander American youth and parents in one school located in a western U.S. state. Data were collected via focus groups. Results indicate that family relationships and dynamics, parental expectations, community and cultural duality, commitment to school, and peer relations serve as sources of risk and/or protection for educational achievement and risk for school dropout. Programmatic means such as availability of study hall, tutoring, incentive programs, and access to higher educational information were identified as necessary for school achievement and prevention of school dropout. Theory building, implications for research and policy and practice are also discussed.Pacific Islander students Pacific Islander culture Pacific Islander family Community and culture Pacific Islanders and educational system School dropout

PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL WORK VOLUME 10 (SPRING 2014)

This is the full-text volume of Perspectives on Social Work, vol. 10 (Spring 2014)