Digital Commons Network^™

San Bernardino County Social Workers' Level Of Assessment Skills And Knowledge Of Resources On Victims Of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, Elizabeth Marie Alvarado-Estrada, Juanita Maria Angelica. Guevara

Theses Digitization Project

There were two implications for this study. The first would be to conduct a more complex and in-depth survey and data analysis for researchers to gain a better understanding of the professionals and their needs to serve the population. The second implication would be to incorporate training on assessment skills and resource knowledge for minor victims of sex trafficking in the education of new social workers. This study was done within the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services.

The Influences On Job Search Behaviors Among Convicted Felons With Substance Abuse Disorders, Anthony Raymond Saldana

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined job search intensity among felony-convicted, substance-abusing individuals who have been court mandated to attend community based treatment. Drug courts provide counseling and other services to help convicted felons become productive members of society. Studies show that if released prisoners become employed, they are less likely to return to prison.

A Path Analysis On The Acquisition Of Mental Health Treatment And The Effect Of That Treatment On Subsequent Offending, Gabriel Jude Saucedo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to determine how various demographic and systemic factors interacted to either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of mental health treatment, and if once acquired, what effect did that treatment have on subsequent offending. Mental health treatment is viewed as an effective and cost effective way of reducing offending in this population. Unfortunately, research also indicates that many juveniles due to various demographic and systemic impediments, do not acquire the mental health treatment they need. Consequently, their symptoms deteriorate to the point they manifest as delinquent.

International Cocaine And Heroin Trafficking: A Network Approach, Stephen Richard Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

This current study extends our understanding of international illicit drug trafficking of cocaine and heroin. Much of the research examining drug trafficking between countries has been done at the regional level. Although these two drugs are only produced within a small number of countries, they end up being used all over the world. This research provides a global portrait of the architecture of cocaine and heroin trade and tests whether crime opportunity theory can account for the relative position of transhipment nations. This project focuses on recent trafficking trends. The data used to build the architecture of each drug treade …

Adolescent And Adult Nicotine Exposure On The Acquisition Of Methamphetamine Self-Administration And The Reinstatement Of Extinguished Methamphetamine-Seeking In Male Rats, Joseph Allan Pipkin

Theses Digitization Project

This study sought to determine the individual and combined contribution of adolescent and adult nicotine exposure on METH self-administration and METH-seeking behavior in male rats. Nicotine is a commonly abused substance among adolescents and is believed to be a "gateway" to other drugs of abuse. In support of the gateway hypothesis, cigarette smoking during adolescence is related to increased methamphetamine (METH) use in adulthood.

Drone Effects: Structural Change In Al Qa̕ Ida Communications, Stacy Michelle Bush

Theses Digitization Project

This study focused on the effects of drone attacks on the Al Qa ̕ida organization because the former CIA director, Leon Panetta, believed that this is the only tool that allows the United States to tackle or try to disrupt the leadership of Al Qa ̕ida. The use of drones as a tool to moderate situations and conduct covert operations by the CIA and U.S. military is a topic of debate and controversy. Drones are invaluable in regards to maintaining a presence in areas that can be extremely dangerous for service members or other individuals.

The Attitudes Of Police Officers Towards Mental Health Services, Rebecca Ann Irwin, Jill Adrianne Kays

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of police officers toward mental health services and the perceptions of police departments toward the promotion of dependable support systems and mandatory counseling in the work environment. Understanding the culture and norms within a law enforcement agency is critical to the well-being of officers and the communities they serve.

Recognition Of Loss: Disenfranchised Grief And The Children Of Incarcerated Parents, Julia Anna Soto

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to assess provider awareness and perception of service needs, and of the grief and loss issues that children with incarcerated parents face. These issues include the behavioral and emotional state of the child, the attribution of behaviors and emotions to grief, types of referrals, support and services offered for these children, placement disruptions, and keeping maternal contact.

Risk Assessment For Sex Trafficking Victimization In The Mental Health Field, Kimberly Dawn Nichole Mena

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research project was to examine mental health workers' knowledge about sex trafficking, ability to assess for sex trafficking victimization and existence of educaiton and training about sex trafficking in the social work field. The study showed that participants were not educated on sex trafficking while obtaining their Master of Social Work degree. It was also found that risk assessment for sex trafficking and having a standardized risk assessment instrument would be beneficial.

Foster Parents' Perceptions On The Implementation Of Extended Foster Care, Sandy Lee Melancon, Heidie Kay Morris

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore, from the perspectives of the foster parents, what services were being utilized, what assistance have been provided, and what more can be done to assist young adults in the process of transitioning from foster care to extended foster care. This study focused on the implementation process and beginning outcomes of extended foster care using the unique perspective of foster parents who currently care for a foster care young adult. This study examined San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services (CFS) foster parents' views on the implementation of Ecological Systems Theory …

Restoration Of Suffrage For California's Ex-Felons: Will They Vote?, Genevieve Anne West

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to examine the knowledge of parolees regarding their voting rights. Further, the purpose of the study was to determine if ex-parolees will vote once educated about their voting rights. In California individuals that have been released from parole are eligible to vote. The qualifications for individuals to participate in this study were the participants had to have discharged parole and graduated from Cal State San Bernardino Reentry Initiative. This study surveyed 25 participants that graduated from the Cal State Reentry Initiative and discharged parole. Cal State San Bernardino Reentry Initiative focuses on providing services …

The Effects Of Volunteer And Required Participation In Evidence-Based Juvenile Justice Programs, Jr Williams Louis George.

Theses Digitization Project

This study examines how the methods of assigning evidence-based programs are to be conducted for high risk youth in the juvenile justice system. It compares the costs of programs versus the costs of incarceration. The data collection site was NA Charderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton, California. The "Incarcerated Men Putting Away Childish Things (IMPACT) program" was selected for this study. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/Division of Juvenile Justice contracts with IMPACT, a non-profit organization, to facilitate self-help groups with a goal to reduce violence in institutions. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to survey 50 subjects.

Social Workers' Perspectives On Implementation Of Extended Foster Care In San Bernardino County Children And Family Services, Brandi Vanessa Guzman

Theses Digitization Project

This study partners with San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) to assess child welfare employees on how extended foster care is being implemented. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with extended foster (EFC) social workers. The goals of this study were to assess the needs of non minor dependents through qualitative interviews with case carrying workers, to assess the strengths and areas of need in services for non-minor dependents, to evaluate initial outcomes of Extended Foster Care (EFC) from the workers perspective, to identify and provide education and training suggestions and materials for future and current child welfare …

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Barriers In The Treatment And Community Reintegration Of Sex Offenders, Zayra Janeth Angeles, Sonia Ann Zuniga

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined barriers to community reintegration and the treatment needs of sex offenders as identified by social workers in the mental health field. Sex offenders undoubtedly experience many barriers which impact their successful community reintegration. Stigma has been strongly implicated by social workers in this study as a major barrier to the treatment and community reintegration of sex offenders.

The Effectiveness Of Peer Strategies To Counter Bullying: Undercover Anti-Bullying Teams, Felipe De Jesus Barba

Theses Digitization Project

The following project is an analysis of a section of data collected during the development of thirty-two different undercover anti-bullying teams at Edgewater College. Edgewater College is situated by the Tamaki estuary in Pakuranga, Auckland, New England. The research was based on the data collected from mainstream students, both male and female, with ages ranging from 13-18 years old. The students in this sample have an involvement in bullying that ranges from being peer bystanders, perpetrators and/or bullying targets.

Caregivers' Perspectives On Self-Discipline, Honor, Obedience, Character And Knowledge (S.H.O.C.K.) Program, Marlene Carrillo Lopez

Theses Digitization Project

The youth population is vulnerable to the constant changes that they are encountering. The stressors of school, their changing bodies, and coping with the stressors of home all play an important role in the way that they develop themselves as responsible citizens. The purpose of this study is to add new information to the field of social work and enhance the current practices that are implemented in the criminal justice system to help juvenile dilinquents. The study examines the caregiver's perspective on the effectiveness of a scared straight program known as Self-Discipline, Honor, Obedience, Character and Knowledge (S.H.O.C.K).

Risk Factors For The Commercial Sexual Explotation Of Children, Melinda Ann Anderson, Daniel Gregory Fletcher

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to compare known risk factors for sexual exploitation among young adults in transitional housing, such as young adults having recently aged out of the foster care system.

Ex-Prisoners' Reintegration Into Society: A Look At How Employment Affects Reintegration, Cynthia Beatriz Urrutia

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to find out if having employment deters ex-prisoner's involvement in illegal economic activities. The number of adults in the correctional population has been increasing at a fast pace and so have recidivism rates. Employment has been recongnized to deter recidivism.

Evaluating Integrated Treatment Of Co-Occurring Disorders Throughout San Bernardino And Riverside County, Joseph Hugo Bermudez

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders by examing the dual diagnosis programs currently available throughout San Bernardino and Riverside County.

The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support And Criminal Recidivism For Asian Pacific Islanders, Vuong Thanh Vo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to determine if a relationship exists between perceived social support from family and friends and criminal recidivism for Asian Pacific Islanders residing in California.

The Physics Of School Culture: Unleashing Student Voice In The Quest For School Improvement, Henry Elizarraraz Yzaguirre

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to examine the lived experiences of students attending a predominately Latino urban high school in the southwest region of the United States, using interviews, focus groups, and observations to gain an insight on student engagement and disengagement from school. Riverview High School was selected as the prime site for exploring student engagement based mainly on the poor student population of color, low school retention rate, and high suspension rate. Three focus groups were identified of about 6 students each for a total of eighteen 11th grade students. Each focus group was digitally recorded …

Professionals' Perspectives On Juvenile Recidivism, Maribel Lopez

Theses Digitization Project

This study identified important risk factors that literature has shown to contribute to juvenile recidivism. Probation officers and social workers were able to provide their professional opinions on the nature of these risk factors.

Organizational Behavior In Mental Health Services: A Needs Assessment, Geovana Varela

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to know the needs of non-profit organizations that will help increase their effectiveness and enhance the delivery of mental health services.

Identity Theft: A Problem Of Complex Systems Or Moral Panic?, Matthew Timothy Tracy

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project showed that identity theft can take on many forms including the theft of bank account numbers, photo ID's, drivers licenses, social security numbers, or credit card numbers. This problem deserves more attention and research than it is currently receiving. Some people view identity theft as an unstoppable crime.

Clients' Perceptions Of Protective And Risk Factors Influencing Substance Abuse Recovery, Bev Nora-Lea Scott

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify client perceptions of protective and risk factors that might influence recovery from substance abuse. Fifty clients in an outpatient drug treatment program in San Bernardino, California completed a survey containing both multiple choice and open-ended questions related to protective and risk factors the literature suggested might be related to recovery.

Empirical Test Of The General Strain Theory On Workplace Shootings, Joshwan Marcus Cobbs

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research paper is to look at the occupational setting within America and determine the cause of workplace shootings, how workplace violence is defined, what workplace shootings are more susceptible to workplace violence, which conditions of the work setting predisposes workplace violence, how often does workplace violence occur, identifying warning signs that leads to murderous outbursts, and what are the causes of such heinous acts. A content analysis has been conducted to determine how adult employee's perception of mistreatment and unfairness by co-workers within a professional setting affects their attitudes and behavior. 50 case studies involving random …

Surviving As A Runaway: Services For This Population, Noelia Sanchez

Theses Digitization Project

There are thousands of children who run away from their homes each year for a variety of reasons. These children involved themselves in risky behaviors to survive while on the streets. This has been an ongoing problem that many have tried to alleviate by providing- different types of resources throughout the United States. However, there is more that could be done to help our youth stay safe. This population should be of great concern to society because they are part of the future.

This study looked into what runaways have to do to survive while on the streets by interviewing …

Born Criminal: The Criminalization Of African Americans, Debra Carolyn Wasserman

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined the factors that have contributed to the overrepresentation of Black Americans in the criminal justice system.

Blackness As A Weapon: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of The 2009 Henry Louis Gates Arrest In National Mainstream Media, Ashley Ann Jones

Theses Digitization Project

This study analyzed the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and USA Today's contributions to portraying the 2009 Henry L. Gates arrest. This study is interested in finding out how nationally circulated mainstream dailies and weeklies framed the indident and Gates' image within their news coverage. This study also seeks to find out how the media constructed race. Most importantly, this study seeks to uncover racial stereotypes as they relate to race and social status.

The Relationship Between Sexual Assault Disclosure Reactions And Psychological Symptoms, Danielle Renee Buckland

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual assault disclosure reactions and psychological symptoms. It was predicted that negative disclosure reactions would be positively correlated with psychological symptoms and positive disclosure reactions would be negatively correlated with psychological symptoms. Participants include twenty-nine females who had previously experienced a sexual assault. Each participant filled out several on-line questionnaires.