RIDING THE GIRAFFE: A SOCIAL WORKER'S NINE YEAR JOURNEY.

Authors

  • Lonnie R. Helton Assistant Professor. Department of Social Work, Cleveland State University, Cleveland OH

Abstract

This narrative recounts my work with a family of a mother and her two sons over 9 years. The oldest child had a rare developmental disability known as Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome In this story I explore the different ways I tried to assist the family in supporting their adaptive capabilities in the context of many setbacks and challenges. This personal account describes my own success and failures over this 9 year relationship. At times I questioned my ability to help them as they faced so many obstacles. The family's energy to advocate for their child continually restored my confidence that! could make a difference in their lives. Nine years is a long period of time to be doing social work with a family. It's unlikely that it could occur today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]


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Published

2014-06-13

How to Cite

Helton, L. R. (2014). RIDING THE GIRAFFE: A SOCIAL WORKER’S NINE YEAR JOURNEY. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 2(4), 40–48. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/457

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Section

General Submissions