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Bridging Generations in Social Work: Insights from Two Generations of Caseworkers
A Second Chance, Inc. stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of social work, where experienced professionals and newer generations converge to address the complex needs of children and families. Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy, and support, ASCI plays a key role in shaping the future of social work. As social work education has evolved from its early 20th-century origins—when the first formal programs were introduced—professionals like Debra Williams and Natalie Babenic, from different generational perspectives, exemplify the changing face of the field. Their insights provide a valuable understanding of how new approaches to education, hands-on experience, and technological integration influence how social workers are preparing to meet the challenges of today’s child welfare system.
Debra Williams, with 19 years of experience at A Second Chance, Inc., highlights the positive impact of the upcoming generation of social workers’ openness. “The younger generation is very open,” Debra says. “The children will be more comfortable with them because of how open they are.” This openness, she believes, will create stronger connections with children and families, enabling social workers to approach challenges with empathy and understanding.
Research shows that building meaningful connections with families is not only essential for effective social work but also plays a significant role in how social workers, particularly those of newer generations, relate to the children they serve. Echoing this sentiment, Natalie Babenic, who is newer to the field, also sees the upcoming generation of human services workers’ familiarity with today’s world as a major advantage in relating to children. “I think having a more common experience growing up in the world that we’re in today helps them relate more to the children,” she shares. This shared experience allows new social workers to creatively approach challenges and find solutions that might not have been considered by previous generations. This approach, further enhanced by field placements, provide students with the hands-on experience necessary to develop critical skills.
Studies show that students who engage in field placements demonstrate higher levels of critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. These real-world experiences enable students to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing them to face the challenges they will encounter as professionals.
However, both Debra and Natalie agree that social work education must improve to better prepare professionals for the complexities they will face. For Debra, one crucial area for improvement is the integration of more comprehensive training on trauma, mental health, and abuse. “We should always have [this information] on deck before we go,” Debra emphasizes, reflecting on the importance of being fully prepared to address the holistic needs of the triad before entering a home.
As social work education evolves, there is growing recognition of the importance of trauma-informed care. Social workers who are trained to recognize and address the effects of trauma are better equipped to support children and families, especially in high-risk environments like child welfare.
Natalie also believes that social work education needs to focus more on real-world experience. “It’s so different being in the field and dealing with situations as they arise,” she notes. For her, learning through real-life experiences is key to becoming an effective social worker. I think more programs should allow workers to be in the field, rather than just learning from sitting in training or role-play scenarios,” Natalie shares.
I think more programs should allow workers to be in the field, rather than just learning from sitting in training or role-play scenarios.
Natalie Babinec
Building on the importance of real-life experiences, Debra and Natalie recognize the growing role of technology in social work education. As the field evolves, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) emphasizes the value of incorporating digital tools into training, helping students prepare for the modern realities of social work practice.
Natalie shares a similar vision of integrating technology into training, having experienced the benefits of virtual reality (VR) during her college education. “In college, I was part of a program with a VR headset where I walked into a home and interacted with a family. It simulated a home visit, and that experience was so cool!” She sees this as just one example of how technology can offer hands-on experience that prepares social workers for the real challenges they will face.
The integration of technology in social work education is crucial as it helps meet the demands of a profession that is increasingly digital. From virtual learning platforms to tools like VR, these technologies enhance students’ preparedness for the field. The use of technology has been shown to improve training effectiveness and engagement, ensuring that social workers are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-paced world.
This focus on technology’s role in enhancing social work training seamlessly leads into broader conversation about sustaining social workers’ well-being, as both Debra and Natalie emphasize the importance of preventing burnout in the field. For Debra, recognizing the signs of burnout and taking time to recharge is essential for maintaining compassion in the job. “I knew that I was on the verge of burning out, so I had to let my supervisor know I needed time away so that I could truly help my families. I can’t help my families correctly if I need help,” she shares. Natalie also stresses the importance of supporting workers in taking care of themselves to avoid burning out in such a demanding field.
Looking to the future, Debra is optimistic about the upcoming generation of social workers’ ability to address the evolving needs of children and families in the child welfare system. “These young people can handle this work. They’re swift and fast in everything they do, which is a good thing. The younger generation is built for this. They have it going on,” Debra concludes.
These young people can handle this work. They’re swift and fast in everything they do, which is a good thing. The younger generation is built for this. They have it going on!
Debra Harper
Natalie chimes in with a piece of advice for young people entering the field, “”Do your research on local programs and resources families can use. Many families will ask about available support, and unless you’re familiar with what’s in the area, you’ll learn through experience as you go.”
Both perspectives offer a glimpse into the future of social work—one that is more open, inclusive, and technologically advanced. They believe that by emphasizing real-world experience, improving education, embracing technology, and prioritizing mental health, the next generation of social workers will be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead and make a meaningful impact on the children and families they serve.