6.11 Emotionally Distressed Students in Field Placement

On occasion, a student may manifest signs of distress while in field practicum due to personal problems, health or mental health issues, or community events either they or their family are experiencing. Any indication that a student may have difficulty in safely and effectively practicing social work in a field placement setting will be directly addressed and further assessed. These issues may be detected by agency personnel, by Field Consultants or Field Instructors, by other students or colleagues, or by the student themselves. Our objective in addressing such situations is to preserve student confidentiality to the greatest extent possible, to offer the student referral to help, to make accommodations in the field where appropriate and possible, and most important of all, to ensure that agency clients and services are not adversely affected by student distress.

If the student indicates that the noted behavioral issues arise from an underlying disability, the Field Consultant will refer the student to the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) for evaluation. DSP may, in turn, request specific accommodations for the student’s disability. The consultant may also refer the student for assistance Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the Tang Center for assistance. The Field Consultant will make clear that use of DSP and CPS services are voluntary. Under certain circumstances where there is concern about the student’s safety or health, the Field Consultant may involve other campus resources such as the Center for Support and Intervention.

Depending upon the student’s circumstance and the degree to which they appear able to meet the eligibility requirements for field placement, arrangements may be made such as taking a temporary leave from field placement, requesting a temporary reduction of hours or restriction of duties, continuing on with more applied supports, or other alternatives that balance protecting the student’s health, their education, and their duties to the clients and agency.

Students experiencing prolonged distress for any reason may remain ineligible for field placement, and may be encouraged to consider withdrawing from the program and applying for re-enrollment at a later time. In some cases medical clearance may be required before a student is allowed to resume learning in a social work field placement.