Jennifer Groebe

Your friend may be in denial of the type of care her mother needs. She may be experiencing depression. Most cities have Adult Protective Services or even Legal Assistance for Seniors. A call to them to ask about neglect and abuse.

Being a social worker can involve stress whether the stress is from case load size or serving a population with grave needs. In my experience there are supports to social workers in terms of training, continuing education, etc.
specialty areas such as hospice include workplace support groups or time to discuss and process the work. However, like life in general, it is up to you to first examine how you currently manage or release stress and if social work is the profession for you. A balanced life that includes, physical activity, good nutrition, mindfulness and good sleep is a great way to live and work. You may better tolerate a part time social service job and a part time job in a less stressful setting.
If working directly with clients has too much stress, there are other ways social workers contribute in politics as mayors, commissioners and more to be the change agents social workers strive to be.

The difference is in the education and training. Social work schools have tracks to indicate the practice setting. The graduate programs include internships so you can gain experience in healthcare or school social work. Healthcare settings are more rigorous as hospitals and clinics are open year round. A schoolyear schedule is often sought after by people with school age children. Social work is a profession with different work setting opportunities.

There are three types of degrees on social work also know on diplomas as social welfare
- BSW, MSW and DSW
Bachelor's level social workers function as case managers and work in a variety of settings.
Masters level social workers have the opportunity to earn a clinical license within their state. They can function as private practitioners.
Doctorate level social workers may have a more administrative, research or policy function.

Congrats on your journey. Continue to attend meetings and find support. .Look for other support groups for mothers/parents in similar situations. Think of seeking reunification through your local family court system. You may be able to begin with visitation or supervised visitation that may help your mom feel more comfortable. Some agencies offer an advocate who can accompany you to court so you are not alone. Realize this is part of your journey and it includes your daughter and your mother.. I recommend listening to the podcast- Be Careful Who You have Kids With available as an Amazon music app or do a google search. Many topics related to child custody are discussed.

Depending upon where you live you may want to engage an attorney to help you design the custody agreement you are seeking. It is not unlikely for fathers to gain full custody. It can happen. Most family courts offer a list of low cost or self help references. Look for a parenting support group where you can find others in your position who can offer advice from their experiences.

A social worker is educated and trained to help your daughter navigate this time in life of divorce and puberty. A social worker will assess and monitor your daughter's social, emotional, physical and mental functioning and connect her with appropriate community programs. Ask her pediatrician about meeting with a social worker.

When an adoption is legal and officially completed in court, the judge states the child is to be considered the same as a natural child and is entitled to everything as well. This includes emotional, physical and financial support and legal status regarding benefits or estate matters. Would you introduce your child as your child or your adopted child? Do you need an extra label? There are open adoptions whereby the child knows and has contact with people in the birth family. On the positive side it can be good to know siblings, etc. However it can raise questions like "why was I adopted out and not my sister." Other families never discuss being adopted and leave it to the child to seek out their birth family as an adult. Each situation is different as is each family dynamic. Adoptive families experience divorce like other families. Once the child enters school you may find there are more adoptive families and you will see how different families operate. Lead with love, create a family of your own with your 'fingerprint'. Take time to bond right away. Parents might find other adoptive parents who can be supportive as you navigate this journey. Jennifer Groebe, LCSW

You are right to be concerned about some of your observations. The school social worker seems like the appropriate person to express your concerns to. You may receive referrals for indivual or group counseling for your son. Another place to express your concerns is with his primary care provider. When the time seems right ask your son how he is feeling about himself, his friends and his life. There may be some aha moments for both of you. Find the right balance as a parent, between being a helicopter and distancing. Your son may have insight as to what he needs from you.