Whitley Barnes

I am just a girl trying to find a place in this world- currently I am a WKU grad student earning my MSW to help others find their place in this world!

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@HollyyatesM I fully support this act- and it makes becoming a social worker even more rewarding to advocate and support change for the LGBTQ+ population.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@TammyVantrease My closest friend in 8th grade was a boy that identified as a female. We were part of a research study and we were gender split that whole year- he was put into the male classes and he struggled so much, he was bullied. I pray another student never feels this way again.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

Stopping and preventing harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ youth can be developed by ensuring schools and out-of-home care settings are supporting this youth. NASW is in committed to social justice. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@CasssterlingMSW @KimberlyB_BSW I am in total agreement with you and I also love this youtube video. Social workers are the first to advocate for change and support of the individuals who are coming to the United States for a better life.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@jjeremy1075 This is a great list of things to help improve with this social problem. I am so glad that NASW supports development and implementation of policies to help increase awareness and improve the major barriers.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

Racial Equity is the main focus. NASW is committed to ending racism through public education, social justice advocacy, and professional training. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@LaurenB17130472 I do agree that elder abuse is not as talked about and focused on as much as other topics. Social workers should advocate and help support change for this population.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@srjohnson581 This is a great example of when social workers will need to put aside personal beliefs in order to provide the support needed for the client, along with self-care.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

In support of the Social Security Act to help the older adult population. NASW supports advocating for clients' needs and rights to help live a healthy and fulfilling life. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

Support Children’s Alliance programs whose mission is to promote and support communities in providing a coordinated investigation and comprehensive response to child victims of abuse. NASW ensures safety for ALL children. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@Britt_Spencerrr I can definitely tell an increase in mental health while working at a community mental health center. I have noticed a lot of depression and anxiety- while also struggling with staffing issues as well due to covid19.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@AlexBray2020 This is a great contribution to the mental health providers and individuals that struggle with a mental health disorder. I feel like it is frowned upon in the rural areas to discuss mental health, so this awareness I feel will "normalize" mental health needs.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@AlexBray2020 This would be a great addition to the school system, especially considering that the school system has changed the role of most guidance counselors, and funds for the school to have a mental health clinician either onsite or contracted has been decreasing.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@StutzEmma I hate that Kentucky is number 1 for this. I have often wanted to do research and find out who is the lowest state of child abuse and find out how their system works and things they are doing that we, as in Kentucky, can mimic to try and decrease this number.

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

Bill 957- allow individuals with DDID to have the same respect and rights as other individuals. NASW Code of Ethics report that social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@AlexBray2020 What a high statistic, I am in support of this bill as well. I recently lost a friend from breast cancer and I am hoping that healthcare bills like this can be passed in order to help prevent illnesses. @WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@CasssterlingMSW @ErinWarfel I currently work in the mental health field, and I can honestly say that mental health concerns are at their peak, and I have noticed a lot more depression and anxiety diagnoses lately. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

Physician-Assisted Suicide is illegal in Kentucky. This gives the right to an individual to have control to end their suffering. NASW promotes access to care for all people facing end-of-life situations. #WKUsocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@HollyyatesM @SenatorParrett I have worked at a community mental health facility and when I would go into the schools I would often talk to guidance counselors who wanted a child involved in services but the parent would not allow it, mainly because of stigma. Normalize mental health #WKUSocialworkpolicy

[Whitley Barnes @WhitleyBarnes10]

@TammyVantrease @pattiminter4ky I agree and feel like this bill needs to be passed. What is the average consequence for an individual that participates in this act? I feel like a lot of mental health services should also be included in this as well.
#WKUsocialworkpolicy