School of Social Work News
Springfield College School of Social Work Hosted a Conference as Part of National Social Work Month
From Left to Right: Sally Fuller, Project Director, Cherish Every Child, Maureen Holland, MSW. New North Citizens' Council, Joni Beck Brewer, MSW, Square One, Commissioner Angelo McClain, Dr. Mary Diotalevi-Ryczek, Springfield Public Schools, Ellen Patashnick, MSW, Area Director, Robert Van Wart Center, Dr. Katherine Walsh, professor, SCSSW, Dr. Mary Brainerd, Director BSW Program Elms College, Dr. Francine Vecchiolla, Dean and Professor, SCSSW
As part of National Social Work Month, the Springfield College School of Social Work hosted a conference featuring “A Conversation with Dr. Angelo McClain, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Social Services” on March 4, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at its facilities at the Brennan Center, 45 Island Pond Road, Springfield.
The conference was planned in collaboration with the Springfield College School of Social Work, Cherish Every Child – an initiative of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, New North Citizens’ Council, Partners for a Healthier Community, Square One (formerly Springfield Day Nursery), and Thom Springfield Infant Toddler Services, with the support of DSS Springfield and Robert Van Wart Area offices.
Over 150 people including students, faculty, agency representatives, and organization leaders attended the event.
Professor Joseph Wronka Publishes "New" Book on Human Rights, Social Justice, and Social Policy
 Joseph Wronka, Professor |
Sage Press released Joseph Wronka’s book: Human Rights and Social Justice: Social Action and Service for the Helping and Health Professions was released by Sage Press on December 10, 2007, Human Rights Day. Consistent with the International Federation of Social Work's statement that social work is a human rights profession, the book views human rights as the bedrock of social justice. With numerous practice illustrations, it shows how human rights can serve as a theoretic framework for advanced generalist practice interventions on the global level (meta-macro), with whole populations (macro), with at-risk populations (mezzo), clinical (micro) and personal levels (meta-micro). Further information can be found by clicking here. |
School of Social Work Assistant Director Of Field Education To Serve on the State Sexual and Domestic Violence Council, and Appointed Member of the Behavioral Health Network's Board of Directors
 Kate DeCou, Assistant Director of Field Education |
Kate DeCou, PhD, Assistant Director Of Field Education in the Springfield College School of Social Work, was recently appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve on the state Sexual and Domestic Violence Council. This committee is tasked with data gathering, assessment of available, appropriate services and gaps in resources or services to address needs of adult and child victims of assault and violence. Policy recommendations for change or expansion would be the goal of this council. The Governor specifically wrote in his creation of this council that he would like the committee "to explore the Newburyport High Risk Protocol and the Close to Home approach to domestic violence as a public civic issue...and for the Council to deliver me a set of best practice recommendations, addressing both the public health and public safety aspects of domestic violence (and sexual assault)." The Council meets monthly at various locations across the state and will soon establish key smaller task working groups. Kate's background in corrections and public safety and in her wide knowledge of the fields of mental health, domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and children's issues and services were considered in the appointment. Kate DeCou was recently approved as a new member of the Behavioral Health Network's Board of Directors. Behavioral Health Network (referred to as BHN), is a non-profit organization committed to operating as a comprehensive community behavioral health organization serving Pioneer Valley. There are 4 corporate relationships with BHN through which are offered an array of social services to over 12,000 clients each year. It represents oversight of an employee work force of over 775 employees in 14 sites both outpatient and residential inpatient. Services are offered in schools, agencies, hospitals, corrections and courts and embrace a range of mental health, health and daily living support services. The Board of Directors are charged with oversight and fiscal monitoring, quality review of activities and services and compliance with standards, policy and direction of the organization, development, and consultation on business, asset management and facility operational issues. Dr. DeCou considers this an extreme honor to serve to support this organization since it represents the one of the largest purveyors of social services within the 4 western Massachusetts counties - and serves some of the most challenged members of our community. |
SSW Field Director Presentation at the 2008 Symposium of the National Association of Social Workers
 William Fisher, Director of Field Education |
William T. Fisher, Ed.D., Director Of Field Education in the Springfield College School of Social Work, will present at the April 2008 Symposium of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers: "Preparing Students for Future Practice: What Do Students Need to Know to Build Strategic Skills Through Field Education Experiences?," with Dr. Mary Byrne, Salem State College. |
Research Consultation on the Impact of Economic Poverty in Western Massachussetts
 John Habif, Assistant Professor |
The School of Social Work will engage in research consultation in January 2008 to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) for its’ Five and Under Initiative. The Foundation has funded as many as 11 high impact educational programs which will enable impoverished families with children five years of age and younger to improve their lives through collaborative, dynamic interventions. Springfield College School of Social Work will undertake action-oriented research consultation on behalf of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) Five and Under Initiative to identify lessons learned by the grantees as well as Best Practices for achieving the goals of the Initiative. In particular, SCSSW will facilitate focus groups to obtain qualitative data from grantees and conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to identify Best Practices. Dean Francine Vecchiolla and Professor Miguel Arce were instrumental in securing the contract. Dr. Katherine Walsh and Professor John Habif will provide the consultation services. |
 Katherine Walsh, Professor |
Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla to Serve as the New Chair of the Council on Leadership Development for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
 Francine Vecchiolla, Dean & Professor |
Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla will serve as the new Chair of the Council on Leadership Development for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Vecchiolla was appointed to this three-year post by CSWE Executive Director Dr. Julia Watkins. The CSWE Council on Leadership Development will work in partnership with the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work Leadership Committee, on which Vechiolla also serves, to develop a proposal for the CSWE Leadership Institute, to be presented to the CSWE Board of Directors in April 2008. |
Martin Luther King Charter School
Professor Joseph Gianesin, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Miguel Arce, M.S.W., continue their volunteer roles at the Martin Luther King Charter School. Within the last two months they have provided valued services through their involvement with governace, Friend of the MLKCS in fundraising, and selection of architects for the redesigning of a building that might be redeveloped as a new school site in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. SSW faculty also assisted in the planning and development of a grant to expand social work services at MLKCS.Suicide Prevention and Intervention Grant From the MA. Department of Public Health
 Walter Mullin, Associate Professor |
The School of Social Work received a continuation grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to implement a plan that integrates and enhances suicide prevention education in the Master of Social Work degree curriculum. Supplemental funding awarded on this grant will enable Walter Mullin, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Joseph Gianesin, M.S.W., Ph.D. to create a Suicide Prevention Fellows Program and plan a suicide prevention conference in the Spring of 2008. The Springfield College School of Social Work will recruit four post-graduate fellows to research and examine suicide prevention and intervention. Each of the fellows will received an honorarium for their contribution. The fellows will be recruited from local mental health and human service agencies. Their research will end with a comprehensive report to the school. Interested social work professionals should contact Dr. Mullin or Dr. Gianesin for more information. The same supplemental grant will fund a local conference on suicide prevention with adolescents and young adults in the Spring of 2008. A call for interested papers and workshops will be advertised in the near future. |
 Joseph Gianesin, Professor |
BEST Oral Health Project of Partners for a Healthier Community
 Miguel Arce, Associate Professor  James Canning, Associate Professor |
Professors James Canning, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Miguel Arce, M.S.W. are continuing their qualitative evaluation of the BEST Oral Health Project the goal of which is provide a “dental home” for all pre-schoolers in Hampden County. This important project is successfully entering its middle phase, with many Early Education Centers having received training from project professionals and already delivering on-site dental care to hundreds of children. Prisca Okeahialam, a second-year student, has begun her field practicum at Partners for a Healthier Community and will be assisting, Frank Robinson, Ph.D. on projects including Best Oral Health. Dr. Robinson is Executive Director of Partners and a valued faculty member at the Springfield College School of Social Work. |
Post Master's Certificate Program
The Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Advanced Practice with Children and Adolescents accepted two new students who began the program this past September. These students will join the six continuing students. All of the students in the program bring a wealth of experience in child welfare, child mental health and education. The program is focused on knowledge and skills in the ways to work with the most difficult, at-risk youth. The Certificate Program is accepting applicants for Spring 2008. |
Special License Review Program at SCSSW
SSW hosted a Special License Review Program with Social Work Examination Services. The comprehensive two-day review was designed for recent graduates and experienced practitioners taking Social Work Licensing Examinations in all states. The next License Review Program will be offered at SCSSW on June 14,15, 2008. To register call Social Work Examination Services (SWES) at 1-800-933-8802, or register online at www.swes.net.
|
Address
- Springfield College
School of Social Work
Brennan Center
45 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Phone Number
- Main Phone: 413-748-3065
- Admissions Phone: 413-748-3060