Blog
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Case Management for Housing: A Guide for Working With Homeless Individuals
Helping people move from homelessness to stable housing takes a hands-on, compassionate approach. Case management for housing is a crucial part of this process. Case managers play a key role in guiding clients through each step, from securing emergency shelter to finding long-term housing and building stability. By providing personalized support, navigating housing resources, and
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Navigating Resistance and More in Building Relationships With Clients
Efficient, effective case management relies on strong relationships between clients and case managers, but creating these relationships takes effort. Case managers may encounter resistance, mistrust, and communication barriers, all of which can hinder the development of a productive relationship. Navigating resistance in relationship-building requires a combination of empathy, skill, and strategy, all while maintaining a
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Technology Best Practices in Social Work Case Management
Technology has transformed the social work case management process by removing the manual element from many processes and standardizing case notes for accessibility. Social work-specific technology also helps to improve communication and client engagement. However, technology best practices are necessary for upholding ethical standards while providing efficient service. Commitment to Clients To provide the best
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The Impact of Case Management in Cradle-to-Career Initiatives
A family’s resources and the doors they open cast a long shadow over children’s life trajectories.The Long Shadow: Family Background, Disadvantaged Urban Youth, and the Transition to Adulthood Karl Alexander, et al, Johns Hopkins University Over the course of a 25-year study on how socioeconomic status affects the long-term success of individuals from childhood through
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The Vicious Cycle of Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addiction: Breaking the Loop
Homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction are deeply intertwined, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape. Mental illness and substance use disorders can contribute to homelessness. At the same time, the harsh realities of living without stable shelter can worsen both conditions. Understanding this cycle is crucial for developing effective solutions that address
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Overcoming Burnout During the Holidays
It’s no secret that social work case management can be stressful. The challenges that clients face can happen at any time, and can be exacerbated by special events, such as holidays. The additional pressures that come during the holiday season can stall client progress and upend carefully collaborated goals. Holidays can stir up different types
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Give Me Shelter: The Role of Trauma-Informed Care in Homeless Shelters
Homelessness often results from a complex mix of factors, including poverty, mental health challenges, substance use, and systemic barriers. However, trauma is one of the most significant yet frequently overlooked contributors. In a shelter setting, trauma-informed care is essential to addressing the needs of those affected. Many individuals in homeless shelters have endured profound trauma,
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A Case Manager’s Guide to Helping Clients Overcome Learned Helplessness
Learned helplessness — a psychological state in which individuals believe they lack control over their circumstances — can be a significant challenge in social work case management. Individuals who experience repeated failures, trauma, or dependency on social support systems may believe they can never achieve healing or success. The resulting passivity and resignation are at