The Greatest Challenges in Social Work | Draga Ilievski​ | Women’s Healthcare

Society is rapidly transforming, and social workers must provide the best possible support to their clients. Due to the increasing number of cases involving violence, substance abuse, and inequality, social workers are now faced with more complex issues. They can effectively address these issues with the right training and a positive mindset.

To effectively address these issues, social workers must first consider these challenges. This article aims to better understand these issues and how social workers can use effective interventions.

Ensuring Development for Youth

One in 10 children in the US has a severe mental health issue. In 2011, the rate of depression among youths was 8.5 percent, which increased to 11.1% in 2014. Unfortunately, many kids are not receiving adequate treatment. Family-focused programs can help parents identify and implement effective mental health and development strategies.

Closing the Health Gap

Having limited access to health care can lead to an increase in the likelihood of getting sick. This is why social workers can play a vital role in addressing the healthcare gap by developing effective interventions.

Aging Population

The Census Bureau noted that the aging population in the US is expected to increase significantly over the next couple of decades. It is estimated that the number of people over 65 will reach 83.7 million by 2050 , almost double the number in 2012.

As the number of people over 65 continues to increase, the demand for social services and health care will increase. This is why social workers must develop effective interventions that can help the elderly and promote better health.

Reducing Economic Inequality

Economic inequality can have a negative impact on the well-being of the less fortunate members of society. By developing effective ways to address the wage and tax differences between the rich and the poor, it can help alleviate this issue.

Using Technology for the Greater Good

In addition to improving the quality of life for the poor, technology can also help social workers provide effective services to communities. Through the use of new technology, social workers can create effective case-planning tools and conduct assessments.

As society continues to change, it is important that social workers continue to improve their skills to keep up with the changes. To ensure that they can effectively address society’s various challenges, they must pursue a Master of Social Work program. This program allows social workers to develop their skills and provide effective solutions to some of the country’s most challenging problems.

Originally published at https://dragailievski.org on October 6, 2022.