Scientific Annals of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iaşi. New Series SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK Section

THE INFLUENCE OF MENTORING AND INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS ON GOOD PRACTICE MODELS AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN SOCIAL WORK

Nina Mihaela MIHALACHE — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The relationship with social institutions and the business environment is an essential component both in terms of the employability of graduates of the Social Work specialization and the adaptation of educational plans, of the contents taught to the existing changes in the economic and social environment by consulting employers and professional associations. Beyond the institutional, administrative, and legislative aspects regarding the training of professionals in the field of social assistance, the usefulness of mentors and models of good practice is considered. The practical research from the social assistance specialization of the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iași regarding the importance and usefulness of students' practice in their professional training, had as its objectives the identification of difficulties in training professional skills for obtaining skills, the collaboration between professionals and practicing students, the importance practices for social assistance specialization, identifying the perception of professionals towards practicing students as well as identifying the professional's image as a mentor and model for them. The questionnaire was used for the practice coordinators, and for the undergraduate students from the social assistance specialization, reports of the practical activity, structured thematically, were used. The conclusions of the research highlighted their perceptions on the role and training of social workers through practice activity as well as the practical implications and benefits of inter-institutional collaboration in professional training.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND DEONTOLOGY IN THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK

Cristina CRUDU — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The article is focused on the characterization of the main obligations and responsibilities of the social worker, provided by the deontology of social assistance. The author mentions that nowadays each profession has its own deontology, an elaborated system of rules and norms that must be respected to ensure the professional success of any specialist. The deontology of social assistance represents a complex of norms, rules, prescriptions and provisions about professional duty and obligations, about all types of responsibilities of the social workers. The author further exposes the social worker's responsibilities in various types of relationships (social worker - beneficiary; social worker - colleague; social worker - employing institution), with ethics in social work as the main support. In this sense, paying a special attention to ethical considerations is an important means in affirming the integrity of the profession, the desire and the decision to provide through social assistance a better knowledge, as well as an understanding the human life meaning, highlighting as the first "duty" the service as optimal as possible for the beneficiary, because the mission of the social worker is to help people who are temporarily in difficulty.

THE SKILL TO WORK WITH DATA OF SOCIAL WORKERS: REALITIES VERSUS THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN IT

Anastasia OCERETNÎI — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyses the results of the sociological study carried out by the Department of Sociology and Social Work (Moldova State University), in 2022, with the aim of determining the particularities of training of the competence of data using among professionals in the field of social work. The study highlighted a weak capacity of professionals in the field of social work in operating with data and in using it in decision-making; the use of registers in letter format and poor digitization of the system affects the generation of reliable data and the lack of effective management of human resources and others. The results of the research allowed the identification of the need for interventions in the coming years, which would focus on reducing the gaps in the professional training of social workers and the integration of technological innovations in the system.

THE ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL WORK NEEDS AND PRIORITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ARMED CONFLICT IN UKRAINE

Khrystyna VELYCHKO — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the context of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, the research endeavors to unravel the multifaceted challenges faced by social work practitioners as they navigate the complexities of providing support during conflict. This research is motivated by a deep commitment to understanding the complex interplay between social dynamics and the evolving needs of individuals and communities affected by armed conflict. Drawing on a comprehensive review of existing literature, theoretical frameworks, and empirical data, the study explores the complex dynamics of social work within the challenging landscape of armed conflict. Highlighting the ethical considerations inherent in such contexts, the research examines the evolving needs of conflict-affected individuals and outlines priorities for effective intervention. This study aims to make significant contributions to informing and improving social work practice in the specific context of war in Ukraine. In doing so, the research aims not only to respond to the immediate needs of those affected, but also to contribute to a broader discourse on effective humanitarian interventions and the role of social work in conflict zones.

OLDER PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR RIGHTS

Liliana SALCUȚAN — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This article has allowed to identify the opinions of elderly citizens on their rights, who in this difficult period of life continue to individually face their problems and needs. Poor information of pensioners accentuates the manifestation of discrimination, isolation, and indifference toward this group of population. Although R. Moldova has a rich agenda of normative acts that must work in our society in favour of elderly citizens, social, medical, economic institutions, etc., continues the production of age segregation processes, which is felt by the interviewed seniors. To reduce the daily tensions and worries of the elderly, it is necessary to create institutions (at all levels) that would provide support, protection and insurance with the rights of older citizens, becoming the key solution to their problems.

SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AS A HUMAN RIGHT

Tatiana CERNOMORIȚ — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyses education and inclusive education from human rights and human rights-based approach perspective. The analysis of the international legal framework in the field of human rights highlights the interrelatedness of international treaties, and that the education was recognized as a human right attributed without discrimination for all, including for children with disabilities, 75 years ago when “Universal Declaration for Human Rights” was adopted. The Declaration highlights the equality in rights for all persons, including persons with disabilities. Education is a right and not a privilege, thus the state has the obligation of respect, protection and fulfilment of the right to education in a mainstream and inclusive environment. The article is developed by the author based on the analysis of international legal framework in the field.

SITUATION OF CHILDREN FROM PLACEMENT CENTERS (CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA)

Cristina COROBAN — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The article presents the analysis of some results regarding the research of the situation of children from placement centers based on the study carried out by the PRODOCS Association. A considerable part of the children in risk situations grow up and are educated in the 26 functional placement centers in the Republic of Moldova. The profile of the beneficiaries from placement centers consists of children with disabilities, children with traumas, abused, children with difficult behaviour, aged 4-18. The separation of the child from the family of origin, even if it is not functional, brings a series of negative emotional, cognitive, social, and physical consequences. The most relevant problems faced by children from placement centers are: lack of parental affection, learning difficulties, insufficiently developed social skills, limited vocational orientation, discrimination. The situation of children from 11 placement centers was analysed and studied by applying quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research results show that children lack developed social skills manifests through fits of anger, apathy or passivity, aggression, and dismissive attitudes. One of the conclusions is that the children's learning difficulties are not the result of mental retardation or sensory deficiencies, but are the result of the environmental and cultural factors.

THE EFFECTS OF PATERNITY LEAVE AND LONG-TERM TRENDS: THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Inga CHISTRUGA-SÎNCHEVICI — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The content of the article reflects some results of the sociological study "Implementation of paternity leave in the Republic of Moldova" conducted by the author in 2022. Paternity leave is an important tool that allows to enhance the role of father and husband/partner. Being on paternity leave generated for all fathers participating in the study a positive impact for him, the newborn, the wife and other family members. Although the Moldovan authorities provide suitable conditions for accessing paternity leave, the proportion of fathers taking paternity leave is low. Simply offering paternity leave is not enough, as fathers face many social, professional, financial and cultural difficulties in accessing it. The data from interviews with fathers who took paternity leave and fathers who did not take paternity leave showed that their profile differed according to socio-demographic characteristics, work situation, level of pay, relationship with the wife and her professional status. The article concludes with recommendations to increase the take-up of paternity leave and to increase the number of fathers who are with their mothers and newborn babies after birth to support them and enjoy the full exercise of their role as fathers.

WELL-BEING AND VULNERABILITY. ENHANCING SOCIAL INCLUSION AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Alexandra DAMASCHIN, Romeo ASIMINEI — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present paper brings into discussion the importance of working together for the well-being of the children. The current and hardest realities as Covid-19 pandemic, extremely difficult conflicts from certain countries, emphasize and demonstrated that children's rights are violated even in these times of postmodernity. In this line, the paper has an awareness purpose and underlines how can we as individuals and professionals may act in promoting and respecting each individual child’s right. The topics as well-being, vulnerability, empowerment, and resilience are discussed, presenting an overview for understanding the factors that influence and determine the realities that lead towards a social exclusion, rather than a social inclusion. Finally, the paper empathised the importance of developing social integrated services for ensuring the well-being among children, enhancing thus the social inclusion of vulnerable children.

EVIDENCE-BASED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND INCREASING PSYCHOSOCIAL RESILIENCE IN PUPILS

CARMEN PALAGHIA — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

School social work has a long history internationally, being the oldest subspecialisation in the field, and for over 20 years, emphasis has been placed on evidence-based practice. The recent events humanity has faced highlight the necessity for students to be prepared for major traumatic situations. In many countries, efforts have been made to facilitate practitioners' access to the latest research to enhance intervention effectiveness. The main purpose of this work is to highlight the most effective evidence-based intervention methods that school social workers need to use when working with students dealing with depression, age-specific anxieties, phobias, frustration intolerance, the parents' divorce, homelessness, anger, aggression, suicidal thoughts, or attempts. We present the PREPaRE Model, an effective response to school crisis situations, and an effective way to enhance psychosocial resilience in students, The Window of Empowerment and Resilience (Șoitu, 2012). Evidence-based school social work is founded on the proven-effective research for addressing emotional management, stress, and anger in (pre)adolescent students.

THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF ACADEMIC IDENTIFICATION AND TRAIT ANXIETY FOR EARLY ACADEMIC DROPOUT INTENTIONS

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, we test the association of academic identification (AI) and trait anxiety (TA) with early academic dropout intentions (EADI). Additionally, we test the impact of the interaction between AI and TA, while controlling for socio-demographic covariates specific to the participants, over EADI (i.e., gender, parents` education background, and educational expectancies). Our sample consisted of 439 first-year university students. We used the social identification theoretical background and results show that AI is associated with low scores of EADI. Still, the high trait anxiety context in which students find themselves in their first year is a risk factor, when AI is low or average. Results also show gender differences (i.e., men have a higher risk of EADI, compared to women). Results highlight the need to invest more in the development of AI to counter and thwart the risk of emphasizing AT for young people.

Marius Lazar, Teoria blocului de gheață. Explorări în sociologia relațiilor interetnice [Ice block theory. Explorations in the Sociology of Interethnic Relations], (2023)

Adrian NETEDU — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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