Virtual client Experience

ADVOCACY

Advocating Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

Simulated Client
In this simulation activity, social work students will participate in a meeting with a state senator who is responsible for passing laws and setting policies for the state. The meeting is led by a school social worker in a multicultural high school with a support group for LGBTQIA+ youth. The State Assembly has passed a law that will make it illegal for teachers and school employees to discuss issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. The social worker's goal is to advocate that the senator vote against the bill and explain the work they do, how it impacts students, and what voting yes/no would mean to their students. During the simulation, students will be prompted to use their advocacy and persuasion skills to address the senator's concerns and explain the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in schools. This simulation is designed to help social work students develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for policies that support marginalized communities, including advocacy, persuasion, and cultural competence. By practicing real-world scenarios in a safe and supportive environment, students will be better prepared to provide quality care to individuals and communities in their future social work careers.

Advocating For Troubled Youth

Simulated Client
In this simulation activity, social work students will participate in a case involving Lucas, who has been placed in the Youth Court program after being arrested for "poppy slumping." Officer John Macauley has been assigned by the court to monitor Lucas and ensure that he meets all the terms of Youth Court. However, Macauley is a stickler for the rules and may remand Lucas to the detention facility for missing three days of school, even though he has been doing well in counseling. Macauley is resistant to intervention from social workers. During the simulation, students will be prompted to work with Macauley to develop a plan that addresses Lucas's needs and ensures that he meets the terms of Youth Court while also addressing his academic and counseling needs. This simulation is designed to help social work students develop the skills and confidence needed to work with law enforcement and address the complex needs of youth in the justice system. By practicing real-world scenarios in a safe and supportive environment, students will be better prepared to provide quality care to youth in the justice system in their future social work careers.

Immigration Assistance

Simulated Client
In this simulation activity, social work students will participate in a case involving Christina and Max Pierre, middle-class Haitian immigrants seeking assistance from a social worker at a non-profit agency for undocumented immigrants. The Pierres are trying to reunite with their two children, Analisse and Brigette, who were caught trying to cross the Mexico/United States border with a smuggler and were sent to a detention center, where they were separated. Christina and Max are concerned about their children's safety and feel helpless as immigration is offering no assistance. During the simulation, students will be prompted to work with the Pierres to develop a plan to reunite the family while addressing their legal and emotional needs. This simulation is designed to help social work students develop the skills and confidence needed to work with immigrant families who have experienced trauma and are facing legal challenges, including advocacy, empathy, and cultural competence. By practicing real-world scenarios in a safe and supportive environment, students will be better prepared to provide quality care to immigrant families in their future social work careers.