INTEGRATIVE THEORY PAPER

Integrative Theory Paper

Integrative Theory Paper

Introduction

The many social problems that face our youths have increased the complexity of helping them cope. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) believes that it is time to develop standards for social work practice with adolescents to serve as a guide for social workers in their numerous roles as they work with youths. These standards address the ways in which social workers should work with all adolescents to assist them deal with their problems. NASW identifies that because of budget, resource, and personnel shortages, these standards represent goals to strive for and that some agencies and some social workers may be adept to implement the standards only gradually. Although generally comprehensive, the standards do not deal with the specialized areas of expertise needed for social work with diverse groups of adolescents for example those in gangs, substance abusers, and pregnant or parenting youths. NASW hopes that these standards will be useful in establishing the goals that every social worker and administrator trial to achieve in their work with adolescents (Leighninger, 2002).

Discussion and Analysis

Adolescence is a time of turbulence, when youths proceed through biological, psychological, and social changes as they grow from childhood to adulthood. For numerous youths, rapid physical changes often outpace their social and emotional maturity, yet social expectations increase because they are viewed by some as more like adults than like children. Teenagers reside in a state of ambiguity. They are usually held responsible for their actions and sometimes treated as adults, yet legally in most situations they are considered children with few rights. Adolescents strive for autonomy and self-identity, trial to define their values, and increasingly rely on peers for advice, yet they are still dependent on adults. All adolescents have mood swings as they struggle with strong feelings that reflect a desire to characterise their goals and confusing expectations because of their conflicting needs for dependence and autonomy (Lubove, 2000).

The problems adolescents experience are exacerbated by the invasion of drugs, violence, and AIDS into their homes, schools, and social environments. Many live in poor families and unhealthy environments and have no access to health care. Many are abused or neglected. Two-thirds of all runaways, for demonstration, have been abused by a parent. Many lack exposure to appropriate role models. Youths who have been abused, neglected, unloved, or have low self-esteem for other reasons have difficulty achieving emotional and social maturity (Weismiller, 1995).

Most young people become competent adults who are adept to function effectively in society. They are motivated by caring adults and peers who assist them to develop the knowledge and skills that they need. Of particular concern to social workers, although, are those adolescents who are at risk due to a harmful or nonsupportive environment and behaviors for example dropping out of school, utilising drugs and alcohol, committing status offenses (activities that would not be against the law for an adult), engaging in delinquent activities, having unprotected sexy activity, and attempting suicide (Leighninger, ...