Social Work Commons^™

Tweeting Social Justice: How Social Work Faculty Use Twitter, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Seongho An, Jia Xue, Allison E. Thompson, Chao Guo

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Youth Reported To Child Welfare: Results From The National Survey Of Child & Adolescent Wellbeing, Antonio R. Garcia, Meera Gupta Md, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson, Christina Denard

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Development, Feasibility, And Piloting Of A Novel Natural Mentoring Intervention For Older Youth In Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

A First Look At Natural Mentoring Among Preadolescent Foster Children, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Lindsey Weiler, Allison E. Thompson, Heather Taussig

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Natural Mentoring Among Older Youth In And Aging Out Of Foster Care: A Systematic Review, Allison E. Thompson, Johanna K.P. Greeson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

From Placement To Prison Revisited: Do Mental Health Services Disrupt The Delinquency Pipeline Among Latino, African American And Caucasian Youth In The Child Welfare System?, Antonio R. Garcia, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Minseop Kim, Allison E. Thompson, Christina Denard

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Racial and ethnic disparities in delinquency among child welfare-involved youth are well documented. However, less is known about the mechanisms through which these disparities occur. This study explores the extent to which sets of variables predict the occurrence of juvenile delinquency and whether race/ethnicity moderates the strength of the relationships between (1) social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) problems and delinquency and (2) mental health service use and delinquency. We used a nationally representative sample of 727 African American, Caucasian, and Latino youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who were referred to the child welfare system. Controlling for age, …

It's Good To Know That You Got Somebody That's Not Going Anywhere: Attitudes And Beliefs Of Older Youth In Foster Care About Child Welfare-Based Natural Mentoring, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson, Samira Ali, Rebecca Stern Wenger

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This exploratory study is the first to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of older adolescents in foster care toward the implementation of a child welfare-based natural mentoring intervention designed to promote enduring, growth-fostering relationships between youth at risk of emancipation and caring, supportive nonparental adults from within the youth's existing social network. Six focus groups were conducted with 17 older youth in foster care attending a specialized charter high school for young people in out-of-home care in a large, urban city in the Northeast United States. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. The …

Development & Maintenance Of Social Support Among Aged Out Foster Youth Who Received Independent Living Services: Results From The Multi-Site Evaluation Of Foster Youth Programs, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Antonio R. Garcia, Minseop Kim, Allison E. Thompson, Mark E. Courtney

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This study uses secondary data from the Multi-Site Evaluation of Foster Youth Programs, a randomized controlled trial of four independent living programs for youth in foster care. The subject of this investigation is the Life Skills Training Program (LST) of Los Angeles County, CA.We had three interrelated aims: (1) Evaluate the effectiveness of the LST program as compared to services as usual on the change in social support over time; (2) Examine the differences over time in social support by race and ethnicity among LST participants; and (3) Investigate the explanatory value of prosocial activities, educational involvement, current living arrangement, …

Aging Out Of Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a significant developmental stage. When foster youth age out of the child welfare system, they are at risk of having to transition without family support. This chapter applies the life course perspective to describe the theoretical and contextual foundation that explains the hardships foster youth experience when emancipated from the US child welfare system. Next, the theoretical basis for natural mentoring among foster youth is explored using the resiliency perspective to frame the discussion. Then, current research on natural mentoring among foster youth is reviewed. Implications are drawn for US child welfare practice, …

Child Welfare Professionals’ Attitudes And Beliefs About Child-Welfare Based Natural Mentoring For Older Youth In Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson, Michelle Evans-Chase, Samira Ali

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This qualitative study is the first to explore child welfare professionals’ attitudes and beliefs about implementing natural mentoring as a promising way to smooth the road to independence for older foster youth. The term, “natural mentor,” refers to a nonparental, caring adult whom a youth identifies in his/her existing social network (e.g., teachers, coaches, adult relatives). Five focus groups were conducted with 20 child welfare professionals from a Department of Human Services (DHS) located in a large urban city in the Northeast United States. This study used the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment) framework to explicate the organizational challenges …

Foster Youth & Social Support: The First Rct Of Independent Living Services, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Antonio R. Garcia, Minseop Kim, Mark E. Courtney

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Objective: Conduct secondary data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of Massachusetts’ Adolescent Outreach Program for Youths in Intensive Foster Care (Outreach) for increasing social support (SS) among enrolled youth. Participants: 194 youth in intensive foster care under the guardianship of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families with a goal of independent living (IL) or long-term substitute care, and born between August 1985 and December 1990 (67% female, 66% White, 27% Hispanic) participated in the study between September 2004 and March 2009. Method: We hypothesized that Outreach compared to services as usual (SAU; control group) would increase participants’ SS and …

Social Capital And Homeownership In Low To Moderate Income Neighborhoods, Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Yeong Hun Yeo, Kim R. Manturuk, Mathieu R. Despard, Krista A. Holub, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Roberto G. Quercia

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This study examined the relationship between homeownership and social capital among low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. Using data from the Community Advantage Panel Study, the authors used propensity score weighting and regression analyses to explore the relationship between LMI homeownership, neighborhood conditions, and social capital. After controlling for several important individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics, the authors found that homeownership is related to greater access to social resources in general but not to social resources within the neighborhood. Instead, resource generation within the neighborhood is largely predicted by neighborhood stability and perceived neighborhood size. Policy implications are discussed.

Foster Youth & The Transition To Adulthood: The Theoretical & Conceptual Basis For Natural Mentoring, Johanna K.P. Greeson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is considered a significant developmental stage in a young person’s growth. Most youth receive family support to help them weather the difficulties associated with this stage. When foster youth age out of the child welfare system, they confront the challenges associated with this developmental stage and are at risk of having to transition without family support. This article applies the life course perspective to describe the theoretical and contextual foundation that explains the hardships foster youth experience when they emancipate from the U.S. child welfare system. Next, the theoretical basis for natural mentoring among …

Evidence-Based Practice For Youth In Supervised Out- Of-Home Care: A Framework For Development, Definition, And Evaluation, Richard P. Barth, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Sarah R. Zlotnik, Laura K. Chintapalli

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Adolescents comprise more than half of the children in child welfare supervised out-of-home care. This article considers the evidence-base for an array of services to adolescents in out-of-home care and evaluates the existing research base for each program. This review advances a framework for considering the critical need to develop, define, and evaluate the essential elements of out-of-home care services for older foster youth. Policy, program, and evaluation recommendations are forwarded.

One Adult Who Is Crazy About You: Can Natural Mentoring Relationships Increase Assets Among Young Adults With And Without Foster Care Experience?, Johanna K.P. Greeson, C. Lynn Usher, Michal Grinstein-Weiss

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

During emerging adulthood, most youth receive family support to help them weather the difficulties associated with transitioning to independence. When foster youth emancipate, they confront the challenges associated with emerging adulthood, and are at risk of having to transition without family support. Many are in danger of failing to meet minimal levels of self-sufficiency. A caring adult who offers social support is normative for adolescent development and protective for youth across many risk conditions. Natural mentoring can cultivate such relationships. This study examines the association between natural mentor relationship characteristics, and material hardship and asset-related outcomes during the emerging adulthood …

Homeownership And Parenting Practices: Evidence From The Community Advantage Panel, Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Trina R.W. Shanks, Kim R. Manturuk, Clinton C. Key, Jong-Gyu Paik, Johanna K.P. Greeson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This study examines whether there is a significant relationship between homeownership and engaged parenting practices among low- and moderate-income households. Using analytic methods which account for selection effects and clustering, we test whether homeownership can act as a protective factor against parental disengagement from children. Controlling for individual characteristics, analyses demonstrate that homeowners are more likely than renters to demonstrate engaged parenting behaviors such as organizing structured activities for their children. While renters are more likely to read to their children, the children of homeowners spend less time watching television and playing video games. Implications for low-income housing policy are …

Contributions Of Therapist Characteristics And Stability To Intensive In-Home Therapy Youth Outcomes, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Shenyang Guo, Richard P. Barth, Sarah Hurley, Jocelyn Sisson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Objective: This study examines the influence of therapist and youth characteristics on post-discharge outcomes from intensive in-home therapy. Method: Data for 1,416 youth and 412 therapists were obtained from a behavioral health services provider. The Huber–White method was used to account for nested data; ordered logistic regression was employed to assess outcomes. Results: Therapist gender and employment stability were significantly associated with youth outcomes. The likelihood of an undesirable outcome was significantly less for cases with female therapists. Conclusion: Findings underscore the need for additional study concerning the impact of therapist characteristics and stability on youth outcomes, and to improve …

The Impact Of Low- And Moderate-Wealth Homeownership On Parental Attitudes And Behavior: Evidence From The Community Advantage Panel, Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Yeong H. Yeo, Susanna S. Birdsong, Mathieu R. Despard, Roberto G. Quercia

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Considerable research has suggested that homeownership imparts a variety of positive individual, family, neighborhood, and community effects. Yet, much of the research to date has failed to examine such effects by level of income [Dietz, R.D., & Haurin, D.R. (2003). The social and private micro-level consequences of homeownership. Journal of Urban Economics, 54(3), 401–450.]. This study adds to the limited research on the impact of assets on parental attitude and behavior among low- and moderate-income (LMI) families. Data used in this study are from the evaluation of Self-Help's Community Advantage Home Loan Secondary Market Program. Specifically, we focus on the …

“She Holds My Hand”: The Experiences Of Foster Youth With Their Natural Mentors, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Natasha K. Bowen

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The vulnerability and adversity that youth frequently experience following aging out of foster care are well-documented. However, much less is known about the positive experiences and healthy relationships that may buffer these youth from the negative outcomes following emancipation. Utilizing a strengths perspective, this exploratory study gathered qualitative data about the experiences of older foster youth with their natural mentors. Although other at-risk and marginalized groups are represented in the natural mentoring literature, representation of female foster youth of color is scarce. Seven female foster youth of color were individually interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Data were analyzed using the …

Fostering Low-Income Homeownership: A Longitudinal Randomized Experiment On Individual Development Accounts, Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Jung-Sook Lee, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Chang-Keun Han, Yeong H. Yeo, Kate Irish

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

For low-income families, homeownership represents an important strategy for promoting long-term social and economic development. Individual Development Account (IDA) programs facilitate saving toward assets such as a home through matching, financial education, and case management. Using longitudinal experimental data from the American Dream Demonstration, this study examines the impact of IDA participation on homeownership rates and on clearing old debts. Low-income participants were interviewed after 18 months (Wave 2) and after program completion at 48 months (Wave 3). Logistic regression results indicate that among those who were renters at baseline, IDA participation significantly increases the clearing of old debts at …

Changes In Family Functioning And Child Behavior Following Intensive In-Home Therapy, Richard P. Barth, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Shenyang Guo, Rebecca L. Green, Sarah Hurley, Jocelyn Sisson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Mechanisms by which intensive in-home therapy results in positive outcomes are little explored. This study tests the efficacy of standardized intake assessments to predict educational, correctional and placement outcomes for troubled youth after an intervention derived from MST (Intercept). Demographics, prior risk, and assessments of family functioning (FAM-Gen III), family structure (FACES-III) and child behavior (CBCL) were completed for 862 youth at intake who received intensive in-home therapy. One year post-discharge outcomes including living situation, out-of-home placement, trouble with the law, and educational progress are described. Cox–Snell pseudo-R2 is used to assess the contribution of the independent variables. Results show …

Outcomes For Youth Receiving Intensive In-Home Therapy Or Residential Care: A Comparison Using Propensity Scores, Richard P. Barth, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Shenyang Guo, Rebecca L. Green, Sarah Hurley, Jocelyn Sisson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This study compares outcomes for behaviorally troubled children receiving intensive in-home therapy (IIHT) and those receiving residential care (RC). Propensity score matching is used to identify matched pairs of youth (n=786) with equivalent propensity for IIHT. The majority of pretreatment differences between the IIHT and RC groups are eliminated following matching. Logistic regression is then conducted on outcome differences at 1 year postdischarge. Results show that IIHT recipients had a greater tendency (.615) toward living with family, making progress in school, not experiencing trouble with the law, and placement stability compared with RC youth (.558; p<.10). This suggests that IIHT is at least as effective for achieving positive outcomes. Given IIHT’s reduced restrictiveness and cost, intensive in-home services should be the preferred treatment over RC in most cases.