Running head: Gerlean LeFlore

1
MSW Admissions Statement
NASW Code of Ethics

The ethical standard guidelines set by the National Association of Social Workers will be
adhere for my clients as I practice the social work skills. The code of ethics will provide a
foundation to guide me in social and ethical issues that may arise. My values of respect and
caring for people are a great asset as I practice my social work skills on a professional level. As
a social worker, I will continue to learn to enhance my skills as much as possible to help others
in need. What is important to me is to keep in mind to encourage my clients to enhance their
skills through education and teaching. However, it is important to meet the client at their need
and allow the client to make their decisions based on their own well-being, according to the code
1.02 Self-Determination. This code of ethic and others will enable me to be aware of the
concepts of diverse cultures when engaging with clients and various culture systems.
If an ethical issue should arise and I am not able to handle the situation, I will consult
with my supervisor to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent a conflict of interest. I am
aware that I cannot and will not implement my personal values on any client.
I believe that my values, goals and previous accomplishments will fit with the mission on
Wayne States School of Social Work. I have volunteered with many activities within my church
(Ebenezer A.M.E. Church), which involved services in the community. I plan to learn as much as
possible in my social work practice to educate and service the oppressed and vulnerable
individuals. One of my goal is to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

Gerlean LeFlore

2
Social Justice

During the winter of 2016, I had the opportunity to take a course SW 6535: Youth,
Delinquency, and Juvenile Justice, as an elective. One of our assignment consisted of a
presentation based on an issue regarding juvenile justice. This presentation were based on a
group debate. As a group, we chose LGBTQ legal rights. As I sought out the research on this
topic, I realized how unfairly the LGBTQ community were mistreated. The stigma they imposed
are fags and HIV carriers. The LGBTQ teens are treated unfairly by the juvenile justice
system. For example, if a homosexual teen is arrested and put in detention, the teen is potentially
at a high risk of being sexual assaulted, beaten and isolated. The right for confidentiality about
their identity is decreased because of the cruel behaviors of other inmates and security guards.
PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) was put in place to protect these teens and others children
from the dangers in adult jails and prisons. The LGBTQ teens are discriminated by their family
members and bully by their peers. These factors also poses a threat of sexual abuse and
homelessness. These teens deserve dignity and worth as well as social justice. I plan to continue
my research, support affiliated organizations and advocate for the LGBTQ teens and other
children who are abused by the juvenile justice system.
Strength and Challenges
Compassion for people is my strength. I enjoy talking, listening and learning from different
cultures. Engaging with various cultures have broaden my knowledge on various cultures and
their life styles. Building a rapport with different cultures are not only educational, but, it has
help me to communicate more effectively.
The willingness to learn about the Arab Americans were a challenge for me. I reside in
close proximity to their community. The social media portrayed the Arab Americans as terrorists.

Gerlean LeFlore

I cannot judge the Arab Americans based on the social media. I have engaged with this culture
through work and school. People should not be judged based on social media, color of their skin
or their beliefs. I believe that people should be embrace with respect because they are human
beings. We must be open minded to all cultures. Helping others has no boundaries within the
social work practice, but, the boundaries must be set forth according to the NASW code of
ethics.
I challenged myself to enter into Wayne State University, School of Social Work, after a
long break from school. It has been a journey of long hours of studying and sacrifices to meet my
goal of accomplishment. I plan to continue my journey for a higher level of education in the
MSW Program. I am honor, blessed and proud of myself for the academic performance I have
achieved thus far.
Preparations
In preparation for the MSW Program, I plan to organize my household affairs that may
arise. I will continue to plan my courses and text books early. This will eliminate stress prior to
the start of classes. I plan to attend the MSW Program as a part-time student. I am a full-time
employee with flexible hours, which will allow me to balance time for homework, study and
field placement.
During the BSW Program, I found myself overwhelmed, because I did not take any
quality time for myself and family. I was determine not to be a failure to myself or my courses.
However, I had to take a step back and rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. Currently, I am a
member of the Wellness Warriors, exercise and meditation. I will continue to implement this
regimen and spend at least twice a month of quality time with my family.

Gerlean LeFlore

In regard to my finances, employee tuition is provided through Wayne State University.

However, I plan to apply for available scholarships to ease the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.
To my knowledge, the only incomplete that I may have obtained at Henry Ford
Community College was Statistics. I repeated this course and received an A. I also attended
University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne County Community College and Highland Park Community
College. Any incompletes or withdraws from these colleges may have been due to academic
circumstances.
I did not have any employment suspensions or terminations. There are no past or current
misdemeanor or felony charges.