Social Work News
Get started on a career path that makes a difference with Nov. 4 Information Session
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies M.A., M.S., Ph.D.
- Marriage and Family Therapy M.A., Ph.D.
- Addiction Studies M.A.
- Food Studies M.S.
- Global Health M.S.
- Nutrition Science M.A., M.S.
- Public Health M.S.
- Social Work M.S.W.
- Sport Venue and Event Management M.S.
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy M.A./M.S.W.
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies and global health.
Falk hosts November 4 Graduate Program Information Session
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies, MA, MS, PhD
- Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, PhD
- Addiction Studies, MA
- Food Studies, MS
- Global Health, MS
- Nutrition Science, MA, MS
- Public Health, MS
- Social Work, MSW
- Sport Venue and Event Management, MS
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy, MA/MSW
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies, global health, and intercollegiate athletic advising and support.
Your chance to have an impact: What a graduate degree means at Falk College
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies M.A., M.S., Ph.D.
- Marriage and Family Therapy M.A., Ph.D.
- Addiction Studies M.A.
- Food Studies M.S.
- Global Health M.S.
- Nutrition Science M.A., M.S.
- Public Health M.S.
- Social Work M.S.W.
- Sport Venue and Event Management M.S.
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy M.A./M.S.W.
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies, global health, and intercollegiate athletic advising and support.
Social work professor discusses effects of bullying with HealthLink on Air
With over 30 years of experience working with children and adults as a practicing family therapist, Ellen Walser deLara, Ph.D., LCSW-R., ACSW, BCD, focuses on the lasting impact of bullying on children, adolescents and adults in her recently released book, Bullying Scars: The impact on adult life and relationships.
In a recent podcast by Upstate Medical University’s HealthLink on Air, deLara discusses the long-term effects of bullying.
deLara describes the profile for children most commonly targeted by bullies as anyone “demonstrating difference of any kind,” such as those in the disabled or LGBT communities. For children, she explains, bullying can happen at school with teachers or at home by parents or siblings. The long-term effects, she says, are more severe than other forms of child maltreatment.
Unfortunately, victims of bullying sometimes become abusers and bullies themselves. Others turn to the misuse of substances. There are victims, however, who say they’re stronger as individuals because of their experiences. deLara explains that a surprisingly high percentage of victims say bullying impacted their moral development, and sometimes their experiences have led them to careers that involve helping others.
deLara advises victims and bullies may need the help of a professional to overcome the impact in their lives. In her recent article, “Talking with Children about Bullying and Violence,” deLara explains that dialogue is key in helping children and teens manage their exposure to violence at school, at home, and also through the media.
Falk College attends graduate school fairs across New York, U.S. this fall
Falk College will attend many graduate school fairs this fall to connect with prospective graduate students in person and discuss interests and opportunities. This season’s travel schedule will take Falk College graduate admissions staff to many regional events in New York State and to major cities across the United States, such as Philadelphia, Boston, San Diego, and Washington D.C.
Falk College highlights graduate programs at November 4 information session
Syracuse University faculty, staff and current students will welcome potential graduate students interested in Falk College graduate studies in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management during its Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
In addition, information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies and global health.
There will be time for a question-and-answer session, as well as a time to meet with faculty, staff and current students. Light refreshments will be served.
Genesis Health Project launches Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia caregivers support program
A $500,000 grant from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) will fund programming to deliver Alzheimer’s Disease and caregiving support to the African American community in Syracuse —including respite care and connections to community resources—as part of the Genesis Health Project. This initiative, led by Syracuse University’s Falk College, is part of the NYSDOH’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program, which implemented a $25 million strategy in 2015 to support people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias and their caregivers.
The goals of the African American Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregivers Support Program (AADCS) are to provide Alzheimer’s and dementia education to inner-city African Americans and increase use of available resources to diminish caregiver stress. The programs include educational seminars and cultural competency training for community-based partners. A 12-Week Healthy Living Program was launched August 13, encompassing Alzheimer’s Disease and nutrition education, exercise sessions and yoga and meditation.
Launched in 2004, the Genesis Project is part of a larger minority health initiative, in partnership with Falk College, corporate donors, government agencies and other regional partners. The multi-year, community-based initiative aims to reduce health disparities and to promote healthy lifestyles among African Americans. Targeting underserved populations in the area through a network of health advocate volunteers at local churches, the Genesis Project has focused on health issues such as diabetes prevention and management, obesity, and prostate and breast cancer awareness and education in addition to its newest focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia caregiving.
Under the leadership of Falk College public health professor Luvenia Cowart, Ed.D., R.N., co-founder of the Genesis Project, collaborating with co-investigator Maria T. Brown, L.M.S.W., Ph.D., an assistant research professor at Syracuse University’s Aging Studies Institute, the project will implement multiple strategies, including:
- creating opportunities for partner organizations to offer education, assessments, referrals;
- offering funding to support caregivers’ involvement in GHP;
- supporting community members as they explore and consider available resources and services, and; provide self-care and stress management education for caregivers in African American faith-based communities.
Dr. Cowart’s academic interests are focused on public health and health education among minorities, community partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations, health disparities and mental health issues. Dr. Brown is a social gerontologist who studies later-life experiences of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, women, and racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities.
Meet the Race Symposium Participants: Moderator Keith A. Alford
On Thursday, Sept. 1, Syracuse University will host the inaugural Fall 2016 Symposium on Race and Our Communities. This inaugural symposium will feature student speakers, a keynote address by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and a panel discussion including an esteemed panel of scholars, activists and experts. Moderating the symposium is Keith A. Alford, School of Social Work chair and graduate program director and associate professor of social work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.
Alford teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in social work, including human diversity in social contexts, strategies of social work intervention and social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. His research specializations include mental health service delivery to children and families, culturally specific programming for children in out-of-home care, contemporary rites of passage programming and loss/grief reactions among African American families. He was also named one of the “30 Most Influential Social Workers Alive Today” by Social Work Degree Guide magazine.
A 2009 recipient of SU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Unsung Hero Award, Alford earned a Ph.D. and M.S.W. from The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers.
The Fall 2016 “Symposium on Race and Our Communities: Race, Justice, Violence and Police in 21st Century America” is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. Tickets are available at the Schine Student Center Box Office; students, faculty and staff must present valid Syracuse University ID.
Associate professor of social work Ellen deLara gives insight on talking to children about bullying, violence
In a recent article authored by Falk associate professor of social work, Ellen Walser deLara offers insight on how to help children talk about violence and bullying. It’s troubling to think about the reality that children and adolescents are surrounded by a culture of bullying at school, and for some of them, at home. Furthermore, in an age where communities, societies and continents are more connected than ever before, children are living with an awareness of violence on a global scale. Dr. deLara explains that dialogue is key in helping children and teens cope with violence they experience at school, at home and through the media.
With over 30 years of experience working with children and adults as a practicing family therapist, deLara focuses on the lasting impact of bullying on children, adolescents and adults in her recently released book, Bullying Scars: The impact on adult life and relationships.
In her book, she indicates a critical point of intervention is dialogue. “We want to create an open and non-judgmental dialogue to which children can return repeatedly with a sense of trust,” deLara notes. She explains that creating a safe environment free of distraction will help foster a beneficial conversation for children and teens alike.
Not all children have the presence of caring adults in their lives, says deLara, which makes it important for community members to be aware of these issues. “All caring adults need to be ready to have these kinds of conversations. Many children are not fortunate enough to have parents or caretakers who can or will.”
Falk College Faculty Offers Advice on Addressing Recent News Stories With Kids
From Keith Kobland with SU News
Given the violent incidents that have dominated the news lately, these can be trying times for parents who are trying to make sense of it all for their children. Much of it can be hard enough to process as an adult, but it can make youngsters question their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Ellen deLara, associate professor of social work at Falk College, has studied the issue and offers her thoughts on approaching difficult subject material.
Q: If my child asks about news coverage, how best to respond?
A: First, find a spot away from distractions so that you can truly listen and have a conversation. When children ask about a news story they have heard about or have witnessed on television, it is best to ask the question, “What would you like to know?” The reason for doing this is because adults either fail to answer the question the child has in mind or give too much information, more than the child wants or needs. When children begin to fidget excessively, drift off or just plain walk away, they have heard enough for now.
Q: Would the response be different based on the age of the child? Race of the child? Whether he or she is the child of a police officer?
A: Absolutely. Responses first need to match the child’s age and level of development. In other words, adolescents are able to understand a great deal more of what is going on—and may have encountered more experiences themselves—than little children. Little children are very concrete in their thinking. The most basic response with the fewest words typically will satisfy them.
Indeed, race is a critical factor in talking with children about community violence. African American parents, for example, have long known that they have to educate their children from a very young age, especially their boys, to be as respectful as possible and to avoid any appearance of trouble. The other aspect of race to take into account is that as parents of any race/ethnicity, we don’t want to be inculcating prejudice inadvertently by our explanations. It is critical to inform children that there are many differences among us and this is to be celebrated.
The child of a police officer should know that his/her mother or father goes out every day to protect everyone. They are heroes to their community. Sometimes, just like in any profession, there are people who are racist or who behave egregiously out of their own fear.
Q: Is it best to regulate/restrict TV viewing among young people, especially those who are troubled by what they are seeing?
A: It is best to restrict TV viewing for young children. These moments on television pervade their sensibility and create the feeling that they are not safe. It may create a general state of anxiety. It may be important to restrict viewing for tweens and young teens also if they seem to be obsessed with the news or if they appear to be have a continuous emotional reaction such as persistent crying, deep anxiety, depression or avoiding typical daily activities.
Q: What is the best way to make this a “teachable moment?”
A: Sadly, the events of the last several weeks are “teachable moments.” We, as adults, must make sure that we don’t ourselves ignore what is happening in our country. Ignoring, or falling back into stasis, is the typical response after tragedy in the U.S.
To make this a teachable moment to children, engage them in a conversation about what they can do (with their families, with their classmates) that will demonstrate caring. The range of what can be done is very broad, only limited by imagination. In my work, I have seen numerous instances in which one person, even a child, has made an impressive difference and increased awareness for many.
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