Historical and Intergenerational Trauma: Indigenous Populations

Historical trauma originated with the social construction of subordinate group statuses through migration, annexation of land, and colonialism. The consequences of creating subordinate group statuses include genocide, segregation, and assimilation. Settler colonialism takes land with militaristic control, labels local inhabitants as deviant and inferior, then violently confines and oppresses the original occupants of the land. Confinement includes relocation, restriction of movement, settlement of lands required for sustenance, as well as confinement in orphanages, boarding schools, and prisons. Historical trauma includes suppression of language, culture, and religion with the threat of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Original inhabitant abuse often results in issues with health, mental health, substance abuse, and generational emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Culturally safe (engagement that respects identity) and trauma-informed social work practices acknowledge the systemic causes of disparities in groups experiencing marginalization and oppression and focus on healing and addressing systemic causes of disparities.

Reinherz, Helen Zarsky

Helen Zarsky Reinherz (1923–2017), Professor at Simmons College, was a social work pioneer known for her independence, work ethic, and intellect. She was considered a pioneer in the field of social work during her 43-year career as a beloved professor and faculty member at Simmons College. But it is her work as the principal investigator on the groundbreaking Simmons Longitudinal Study focusing on preschool children and adolescents that was considered her most impactful contribution to the field of social work.

Feldman, Frances Lomas

Frances Lomas Feldman (1912–2008), Professor Emerita at University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work, was an indomitable force in the social work profession. Her primary research focus was the social and psychological meanings of work and money in American life. She will be remembered for her compassion and for establishing a standard of best practice to families that protected their dignity and supported their inner strengths when seeking aid.

Karls, James M.

James M. Karls (1927–2008) had an extensive career as a clinician, administrator, and teacher in social work. He significantly advanced social work theory and practice through his conceptualization of the person in the environment (PIE) assessment system.

Rockmore, John Myron

John Myron Rockmore (1913–2002) had an outstanding career in which he developed and expanded psychiatric social work practice as an essential component of World War II and post-World War II mental health programs. He was a strong advocate for a strong social work presence in the Connecticut mental health department.

Wallace, John A.

John A. Wallace (1913–2000) was a pioneer in the field of corrections. He provided expert services both nationally and internationally. He also served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. military in World War II and in the Reserve Officer Corps following active military duty.

Hawkins, Eulene Vivian

Eulene Vivian Hawkins (1906–2000) provided 60 years of leadership to social service programs. She worked in local, state, federal, private, and public welfare settings, and her life was representative of a lifetime of professional achievement.

Krise, Edward Fisher

Edward Fisher Krise (1924–2003), an army colonel and social service administrator, was a trailblazer, problem-solver, and a leader in his military career and in civilian life.

International Association of Social Work with Groups

The International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG) is a nonprofit, volunteer membership association that advocates for effective group work education and practice. It was founded in 1979. Previously known as the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, the organization name was changed in 2012 to accurately recognize its global identity. IASWG has 21 chapters and numerous organizational and individual members. Through a series of programs and advocacy, it seeks to promote and support group work practitioners, scholars, academics, and students engaged in group work practice, education, field instruction, research, and publication. Key offerings include an annual 4-day international educational symposium, the creation and dissemination of the IASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups, stimulation and support for innovative group work initiatives, sponsorship of Group Work Camps, and ongoing opportunities for scholarship and publication about group work.

Mental Health Disparities

Millions of Americans are affected by a mental illness or disorder each year. Given the prevalence, it is unfortunate that significant disparities exist within mental health care. Some of the most common reasons mental health disparities exist include stigma, previous negative experiences, limited mental health literacy, lack of culturally aware providers and services, language access, and lack of financial resources. Additionally, members of racial and ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation minority groups, who already encounter higher levels of bias, experience poorer mental health outcomes due to disparities than their counterparts. Grounded in the values and ethics of the profession, it is no surprise that social workers play a vital role in reducing mental health disparities.