Social Work Jargon

noun physical or mental damage or injury

verb to cause physical or mental damage or injury

• It is important to consider the potential harm that may result from this decision.
• Be careful not to harm yourself while using that tool.
• Don't do anything stupid that could cause harm to yourself or others.
• His words were like a weapon, causing more harm than he realized.

verb to be confined or imprisoned

adjective imprisoned or confined in a jail or prison

• The individual was incarcerated for committing a serious crime.
• He got locked up for stealing a car.
• She got thrown in the slammer for shoplifting.
• His mind felt incarcerated by the constraints of his own fears.

noun a person who is easily affected by emotions or physical conditions; someone who is easily offended or hurt

adjective referring to a person who is easily affected by emotions or physical conditions; easily offended or hurt

• It is important to handle sensitive information with care and confidentiality.
• She is very sensitive to criticism and gets upset easily.
• I can't believe he's so sensitive about his hair, he gets defensive whenever someone mentions it.
• The artist's work is so sensitive to light that it changes appearance throughout the day.

adjective describing a person or thing that is not accompanied by others

adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or other adverb to indicate time, manner, place, or degree

• The unaccompanied minor was escorted by airline staff to ensure their safety.
• She decided to walk unaccompanied to the store down the street.
• I can't believe he went to the concert unaccompanied, what a rebel!
• The unaccompanied melody of the violin echoed through the empty hall.

noun a person in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect

adjective susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm

• The new policy aims to provide support for vulnerable populations in our community.
• She felt vulnerable after sharing her personal story with the group.
• I always feel so exposed and vulnerable when I have to give a presentation.
• Opening up about his feelings made him feel emotionally vulnerable.

noun something found and unclaimed, as an object cast up by the sea

• The waif was found wandering the streets, looking for shelter.
• I saw a waif outside the store asking for spare change.
• That waif is always hanging out at the park, trying to bum cigarettes.
• The abandoned house stood like a waif, forgotten and alone.

noun a person who provides care and support to individuals with disabilities or special needs, typically in a home setting

• The Zambrano carer program allows undocumented immigrants to stay in the country to care for their sick or elderly relatives.
• My friend's mom is a Zambrano carer, so she can't leave the country to visit her family back home.
• I heard that Zambrano carers get some benefits from the government to help with their expenses.
• Being a Zambrano carer means taking on a huge responsibility and sacrificing a lot for your loved ones.

noun Violence Against Women (VAW) refers to any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women.

• Violence against women (VAW) is a serious human rights violation that must be addressed by society.
• VAW is never okay and should never be tolerated.
• Any guy who commits VAW is a total loser.
• VAW is like a dark cloud hanging over our society, affecting everyone in its path.