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A social worker talks with a client.

Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work

How do professionals confront ethical dilemmas in social work while supporting human rights? To discover more, explore VCU’s Online Master of Social Work.
A social worker meets with a group of clients.

Trauma and Substance Use: How Social Workers Can Help

Social workers can help lessen the link between substance use and trauma. Explore the role of substance use social workers and how they help clients.
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Edge Media Network: Shelter Not in Place: Solving the LGBTQ Homeless Epidemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates conditions for LGBTQ youth who are homeless, proposed solutions often fall short, according to Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor. “I think more shelters and affordable housing will be created, but it likely won't be enough and there is still no agreed-upon definition of affordable housing. … Public housing is currently being demolished in cities across America without being replaced, which decreases the affordable housing stock.”
A social worker leans across a desk while counseling a client.

What Is Compassion Fatigue in Social Work?

What is compassion fatigue in social work? Explore the causes of compassion fatigue, as well as tips and strategies for overcoming it and avoiding burnout.
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Dallas Voice: Easing anxiety in LGBTQ youth

Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor, addresses how the pandemic, politics and social movements are affecting LGBTQ+ youth. “Youth are leading the way in shaping the current political climate. The calls for equality, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights and climate justice all have strong youth involvement and leadership.”
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NBC News: ‘Powerful in its Simplicity’ – As the pandemic endures, mayors call for guaranteed income

A coalition of mayors from around the country is exploring the model of guaranteed income – monthly funds to help fight poverty and close the racial wealth gap. But, says Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor, monthly checks may not help those like homeless or housing-insecure youth who don’t have permanent addresses or banking accounts.
Dr. Nicole O-Pries, Associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work.

VCU Social Work: Nicole O-Pries Advocates for Trauma-Informed Care

VCU's Nicole O-Pries advocates for trauma-informed care. Read the blog to learn about her approach and background.
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Progressive Farmer: After the Pandemic – Meat Shortages Building More Market Connections

COVID-19 has changed all the rules about how food gets from farm to table, and increasingly farmers will be selling more beef directly to consumers, says Dr. Basil Gooden, a visiting scholar at the VCU School of Social Work, specializing in sustainable food access. ”If you can sell directly to the people who will cook and consume your product, that is ideal. You develop a relationship with that end consumer,” says Gooden, a former Virginia Secretary of Agriculture, who owns 80 head of cattle on his family farm.
People sit in circle during group therapy session.

What Is Trauma-Informed Practice in Social Work?

Misdiagnosis and mistreatment of trauma-related symptoms are common. Explore trauma-informed practice in social work.
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Popsugar: Disney-Pixar’s First Official LGBTQ+ Character Is a Start, but There’s More to Be Done

The Pixar movie Onward features an openly gay character, Officer Specter. But Dr. Maurice Gattis, VCU School of Social Work associate professor, says the significance is diminished by a bit role with only a few seconds of screen time. “The superficial nature of the relationship may be a letdown for the … LGBTQ+ community. …”