William Turner

Hello,

My name is Will, and I am an abolitionist social worker. From the Network to Advance Abolitionist Social Work:

“Abolitionist social work partners in the work of ending state and institutional violence, while supporting life-affirming relationships, practices, and organizing. We are committed to working towards a social work rooted in solidarity over charity, one that is decolonized, de-professionalized, anti-capitalist, and is committed to accountability, reparations, and continual transformation. This requires that social work become unrecognizable from its current form.”

I strive to be inclusive, advocating for and supporting all people regardless of race, ethnicity, origin, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, religion, or status. I have experience with all age demographics. In clinical practice (youth or adults), I meet clients where they are, using a client-centered, strengths-based, solution-oriented approach. I advocate for restorative practices and welcome incorporating home practices or curricula for children and students.

While I advocate for an anti-capitalist, de-professionalized, and decolonized trade of social work, I only provide my credentials and experience to reflect my commitment. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023 from Sonoma State University with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology. I am a first-year Title IV-E MSW student at San Francisco State University and will earn my pupil personnel services credential (PPSC) by the year’s end, allowing me to work in schools.

In practice, I strive to uphold the following professional principles:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Advancing human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
• Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI)
• Practice- and research-informed approaches
• Policy advocacy on how local, state, and federal policies impact well-being and services
• Holistic client engagement across families, groups, and communities

My experience includes:

• 15 years working with youth and children
• 10 years of summer camp experience
• 2 years using Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) with an Autistic youth
• 2 years of case management with unhoused and former foster transitional-aged youth (18–24)
• 2 years of outreach to unhoused adults and transitional-aged youth in Santa Clara County