Winter 2025 Issue

Editor’s Note: When Winter Comes Around
By Josh Hildebrand
Social Work Today
Vol. 25 No. 1 P. 4

Winter symbolically represents an “end.” It is the final stage, ushered in by fall, as the leaves fade gold and gently glide from trees, and makes itself known as snow covers the ground. At the end of the season’s cycle, as the sun slowly sets on one year, the world prepares for the next. Those of us affected by this season’s shorter days may hide away from its biting chill. But the cycle continues, and daybreak follows even the darkest of nights. The end of one thing intimates the start of something new.

For those unaware, my name is Josh Hildebrand, and I recently stepped into the role of editor for Social Work Today, a role I am honored to fulfill. I look forward to taking this journey with all of you, keeping you abreast of the relevant happenings in the realm of social work.

So, what can you look forward to in this issue?

The foster care system can feel overwhelming, leaving those within it feeling powerless. Authors Leah Sutterlin and Ryan Hanlon, PhD, discuss the numerous ways in which social workers can better advocate for this population, from ensuring family suitability to paying closer attention to adoptee input on where they will be placed.

This issue also explores starting a group practice. While outwardly, it may seem easy, group practices function similarly to a business, providing service to the community. Social workers should be aware of all it entails before diving in.

Another feature touches on how, often, a child’s illness, whether mental or physical, can have an impact on that child’s siblings. While it is necessary to dedicate resources to addressing a child’s illness, devoting some resources to a child’s siblings may offset any negative mental effects the illness may have on them.

Finally, Sue Coyle explains the value of certification programs as they pertain to long term care employees. With the robust variation in needs among the populations within long term care facilities, it’s never a bad idea to encourage employees to further their knowledge.

With all that being said, read on, learn something new, and, of course, enjoy the issue.

— Josh Hildebrand
jhildebrand@gvpub.com