Social Work Programs

Healthy Aging & Wellness Committee (HAWC)

The Healthy Aging and Wellness Committee has provided “Feel Good Bingo” and “12 Steps to Healthy Aging” presentations to various community agencies/senior residential facilities and programs throughout Marion County.  The Social Work Department offers this interactive presentation to community agencies, churches or social groups upon requests.  This committee also provides helpful information to adults, their family members and caregivers about clinical depression.

The Healthy Aging and Wellness committee represents the Social Work Department at the MCPHD sponsored Healthy Older People Program (HOPP).

School-Based Social Work Services

Social Work/Behavioral Health Services are provided via School-Based Health Clinics at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet School.  The School-Based Health Clinic teams work within a multi-disciplinary team approach that includes a social worker, adolescent counselor, nurse practitioner, physician, nurse and dietitian in an effort to meet the health/physical and psychosocial needs of the students.

The department also provides social work/behavioral health services to students at John Marshall School, Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School, and Arlington School.  Counseling services and group interactions are provided to help students better prepare for their future. Topics of discussion include grief and loss, communication skills, substance abuse, coping skills, relationship skills, and self-esteem.

D.A.E.S. (Drug Awareness Education Series)

The D.A.E.S. Program provides assessments, screenings, and substance use psycho-education to those experiencing initial substance use problems or issues. The JASAE assessment tool is utilized for this program and initial screenings.

Mental Health and Wellness Committee

Members of the Social Work staff participate in providing depression screenings at various community locations throughout the year and help bring awareness to the stigma of Suicide and Mental Health.

Safe Sitters Program

Safe Sitter Classes

The Social Work Department facilitates 4 classes a year,throughout Marion County, to educate youth 11-14 on safe childcare sitting, skills, and techniques.

Mother/Baby Healthline (MBHL)

The Mother/Baby Healthline is a free confidential information and referral telephone service originally designed to combat infant mortality; and continues to promote healthy pregnancies, infants/children, and families in Marion County. Callers are also screened in the following areas; and provided resource information as/if needed to address: Family Planning, Family Violence, Immunizations, Lead in Homes, and Substance Abuse.

Community Initiatives

• • Indiana Women’s Prison – Parenting groups (four weeks curriculum) facilitated by Social Work department staff approximately 7 times a year covering bonding, child development, discipline, and stress management/safety
  • Mary Riggs Community Center- Individual counseling at the center for those clients in need of general and or behavioral health counseling services-facilitated weekly by SW department staff.
  • Bullying Prevention – Psycho-educational groups facilitated by SW staff in conjunction with violence prevention coordinator at various schools, churches, youth groups, in Marion County.
  • Hoarding Presentations and Compassion Fatigue: Help for Care Givers Presentation – Presented by Social Work staff members to various community agencies and organizations
  • Disaster Readiness/ Mental Health-Staff trained in Psychological First-Aid and Crisis/Disaster response to Public Health Emergencies in our Community.  Collaborate with District 5 Mental Health Team as needed for other County and State disasters.
  • Youthbuild Indy – Anger Management and Parenting groups – eight weeks and four weeks curriculum, respectively, facilitated weekly from April to October
  • Safe Sitters – Provide 3-4 safe-sitter trainings (curriculum) per year throughout Marion County.
  • Brightwood Community Center-Summer Programs: life skill classes as requested.
  • October Depression Screening & Awareness Month – Depression screenings administered and offered by SW staff at various community locations such as Barbershops, Central library (downtown), health fairs, community health centers, schools, colleges, etc., throughout the month each year.