SOCIAL WORK
MYTH OR FACT:
Social workers can take kids away.
Myth
Social workers work with families to keep them together. Only in extreme high risk situations does a separation occur through the court system.
MYTH OR FACT:
People with mental health issues are violent and unpredictable.
Myth
The majority of people with mental health issues are nonviolent. Only 3-5% of violent acts are committed by someone with a mental illness.
MYTH OR FACT:
Social workers respect the lives of those they work with.
Fact
Respecting those we serve is part of the social work code of ethics.MYTH OR FACT:
Mental health has nothing to do with being weak or lazy.
FACT
Just like a physical illness, biological and environmental factors influence a person's ability to develop mental health issues.
MYTH OR FACT:
Social workers are not paid well.
Myth:
Social Worker Salaries can range anywhere from 30,000 to 81,000 dollars. Just like in other professional fields.
MYTH OR FACT:
Mental health issues will never affect me.
Myth
Mental health problems are very common and you may already know someone with a mental illness.