Discrimination of the AIDS Population 

In Chapter 13 of the text, the author gives an analogy concerning discrimination of the AIDS population.  It is under “Who Is Responsible for AIDS?” in the second paragraph.  Post your reaction to his analogy and comment on his statement “Groups of disposable people”.  What strategies/tactics can the Human Service worker apply/utilize to combat this type of attitude?

Substance Abuse Treatment 

The treatment of substance abuse is one of the most complicated behaviors to bring about effective and lasting change.  The author states in Chapter 15:  “Failure to identify the contributing and resulting connections between substance abuse and the client’s presenting problems with health, the law, money, work, school, society, family, and self will spell a decisive failure in care, however well packaged the plan and well intentioned the delivery”.  Should human service professionals be required to have additional certification in the treatment of this population?  Why or why not?  Support your discussion with a minimum of one scholarly, peer-reviewed source that was published within the last five years and cited according to APA guidelines.

Media and the Human Service Agenda 

Chapter 18 of the text takes an aggressive adversarial role in accomplishing the human services agenda.  Do you agree with this approach?  Why or why not?  If not, what approach do you suggest and why? Support your discussion with a minimum of one scholarly, peer-reviewed source that was published within the last five years and cited according to APA guidelines.

Right of Privacy 

The right of privacy is a major component of confidentiality.  Chapter 22 discusses the importance and application of this right.  Discuss your ideas in terms of the human service profession of how the right to privacy can be protected in an evolving, open information society? What laws pertain specifically to human service workers in protecting/honoring patient/client confidentiality? Provide a specific circumstance/case/example drawn from real life.

Cultural Diversity 

Cultural diversity will continue to be an active aspect of the human services profession.  In Chapter 26 of the text, Table 26.1 breaks down “value emphasis” across four major cultural groups.  Post how you feel the human services professional can broaden their skills to meet the needs of various cultural values.  What are the challenges involved in achieving this goal? Support your discussion with a minimum of one scholarly, peer-reviewed source that was published within the last five years and cited according to APA guidelines.

Technology in the Human Service Field 

Chapter 28 presents historical challenges to creating “a sense of personal meaning and value in life” with the growth of technology. What additional supports/strategies might be used to complement using technology in the human services field?  How can these services be used to enhance socialization?