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Articles 61 - 90 of 95
Full-Text Articles in Social Work
The Internal And External Affects Of A Governor's State Budget Cuts On The Department Of Child Welfare, Tara Albury
The Internal And External Affects Of A Governor's State Budget Cuts On The Department Of Child Welfare, Tara Albury
Social Work Theses
State budget cuts reduce the resources available to the Department of Child Welfare. The Child Welfare Unit has had an increase in caseloads and a decrease in workers, resulting in an increase in caseloads for the remaining workers. In January 2009, the Department of Child Welfare made a transition with a community wide initiative to a more family directed all inclusive, team approach to service provision. The State was divided into four Initiative Regions, with a lead agency in each. This research examines areas of success, changes in staff responsibilities, changes in clients’ participation in services and barriers to the …
The Elderly: A Descriptive Study Of The Perceptions Of The Elderly And Their Driving Abilities, Kimberly Pine
The Elderly: A Descriptive Study Of The Perceptions Of The Elderly And Their Driving Abilities, Kimberly Pine
Social Work Theses
This study advances the understanding of older driver’s perceptions on their driving abilities. It focuses on examining a deeper and more detailed understanding of the different challenges the elderly are experiencing, in respect to driving and retention of their license. Additionally, it is important for others (such as family, doctors, social workers etc.) to interact with the elderly and assist them in receiving services if they are no longer capable of driving a vehicle, as well as talk with them if they are struggling with giving up their license and consequently their independence. Specifically, the analysis focuses on which gender …
An Exploration Of Morale And Decision Making Of Children And Youths In Foster And Residential Care, Kevin Stanford
An Exploration Of Morale And Decision Making Of Children And Youths In Foster And Residential Care, Kevin Stanford
Social Work Theses
Children who are forced into foster or residential care are one of the most vulnerable populations in the United States. Many of these children have not had the benefit of a positive adult role model in their lives and therefore lack social skills and self-esteem often resulting in criminal activity. Previous research indicates various positive and negative influences on morale and decision making of children and youths in both of these populations. This study aims to build upon previous research in an attempt to improve the lives of youths in foster and residential care by further delving into the influences …
Providing For Rhode Islands Juvenile Delinquents: Community Based Services Vs. Incarceration, Shannon Fitzgerald
Providing For Rhode Islands Juvenile Delinquents: Community Based Services Vs. Incarceration, Shannon Fitzgerald
Social Work Theses
National research has shown that high quality, alternative community based diversionary programs for delinquent youth are both more effective at reducing recidivism and less expensive than incarceration. As the state of Rhode Island faces budgetary issues, not unlike the issues the United States is facing on the national level, they have begun to move toward this model as a way to address juvenile delinquency. But the question is, does Rhode Island have the available resources to provide a better alternative for these youths than incarceration? This exploratory study’s objective was to explore if Rhode Island’s juvenile delinquents will be better …
Human Trafficking And Global Policy: A Study On The Casual Factors Of Human Trafficking, Ashley Margarida
Human Trafficking And Global Policy: A Study On The Casual Factors Of Human Trafficking, Ashley Margarida
Social Work Theses
Victims of human trafficking may be exploited for prostitution, sweatshop labor, domestic work, and as child soldiers for armed conflicts. Elements of human trafficking include deception, recruitment, transportation, coercion, exploitation, and forced labor. Statistics of individuals trafficked vary according to source, but it is estimated that 700,000 to 4 million individuals become new victims of human trafficking every year. The literature on policies pertaining to human trafficking demonstrates a lack of international collaboration and inattention to the causal factors associated with human trafficking. This studied hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between a country’s view on prostitution, tolerance of male …
New Ways Of Addressing The Psychological Traumas Of War: Supplementing Traditional Social Supports To Prevent Homelessness Among Mentally Ill Veterans, Leeann Byrne
Social Work Theses
Both nationally and in Rhode Island, there is a high prevalence of veterans in the homeless population. Many homeless veterans suffer from serious mental health issues and military specific traumas, adding to the social stigma they face. To avoid homelessness, veterans need to treat their mental illness with the assistance of their social support networks. Despite incredible advances in technology and mental health care, provision of mental health services to veterans still remains very traditional. With an influx of veterans returning from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, a greater number of younger clients will be entering the system. …
Francophone African Immigration To The United States: Causes And Implications For American Social Work Practice, Whitney R. Henderson
Francophone African Immigration To The United States: Causes And Implications For American Social Work Practice, Whitney R. Henderson
Social Work Theses
Francophone, or French-speaking, West Africans immigrants within the United States are of particular interest due to their choice of relocation. It is noteworthy because they are choosing not to immigrate to France, where there is excellent healthcare offered and the language commonality between France and the immigrant. This research studies why members of this population were choosing the United States over France. This exploratory research of Francophone West African immigration to the United States was conducted via face-to-face interviews with three members of this particular population in Providence, Rhode Island. Results from the interviews indicated that there are various reasons …
Dealing With The Unsuccessful Cases: An Assessment Of The Experiences And Process Of Coping With Patient Suicide In Mental Healthcare Professionals, Jennifer Heinemann
Dealing With The Unsuccessful Cases: An Assessment Of The Experiences And Process Of Coping With Patient Suicide In Mental Healthcare Professionals, Jennifer Heinemann
Social Work Theses
Mental health care professionals will inevitably encounter all types of “unsuccessful cases” in their line of work. Patient suicide is the extreme of these cases and can have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. This study sought to continue and expand research in this area by investigating the experiences and impact of patient suicide on all mental health professionals, the services available to them, and their opinions on best practice methods. Twenty- eight in-patient and five out-patient mental healthcare workers in Rhode Island were surveyed for this study. Analysis confirmed the impact of patient suicide on professionals …
Barriers To Utilization Of Prenatal Care For Low Income Women Living In Rhode Island: Impact Of The Client-Service Provider Relationship, Nicole Lescarbeau
Barriers To Utilization Of Prenatal Care For Low Income Women Living In Rhode Island: Impact Of The Client-Service Provider Relationship, Nicole Lescarbeau
Social Work Theses
Federal legislation was enacted in the 1980’s to expand Medicaid eligibility of prenatal care coverage. Despite this focus however, many women still continue to not utilize care early or adequately (Regenstein, Cummings, & Huang, 2005, p.1). This study examines how barriers to utilizing early and adequate prenatal care, such as a lack of transportation and/or childcare, affect women of low income living in Rhode Island. Specifically, the focus is on the clients’ perceptions of the client-prenatal service provider relationship. This study also examines the impact of utilization of early and adequate prenatal services, and of substance use, on birth outcomes …
International Policies And The Social Work Response: The Example Of Nafta, Lindsay Adamski
International Policies And The Social Work Response: The Example Of Nafta, Lindsay Adamski
Social Work Theses
The policies made in the United States can have an important impact on the rest of the world and policy makers must consider the effect of U.S. policies not only on the citizens of the United States, but the global community as well. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an example of a policy of the United States that has changed the economy of Mexico, and in many ways made Mexico more dependent on the United States. This paper looks at the effect NAFTA has had on the economies, jobs, and workers of both Mexico and the United …
The Increase Of Bipolar Disorder In Children And Adolescents, Kristen Wroblewski
The Increase Of Bipolar Disorder In Children And Adolescents, Kristen Wroblewski
Social Work Theses
This cluster study investigates the different possibilities that may have caused an increase in the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder in children and adolescents, including comparison to diagnosis in other countries. The same criteria for diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder for adults are used for children and adolescents, which may be misdiagnosed due to other disorders having the same characteristics, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the cluster study, current and past students’ files at an alternative school were analyzed to determine whether the diagnosis had increased within the setting. Main findings were that Bipolar Disorder did increase over the …
The Relationship Between Parental Substance Abuse And The Effects On Young Children, Lindsey Capaldi
The Relationship Between Parental Substance Abuse And The Effects On Young Children, Lindsey Capaldi
Social Work Theses
This was a relational study investigating the implications of a parents drug use on a young child’s life. A review of the literature revealed that a child is severely impacted by their parent’s drug and alcohol abuse. Prenatal or postnatal use of drugs or alcohol can mean health, mental, social and emotional issues for a child. The relational study compared children whose parents have a history of drug or alcohol abuse to the children whose parents did not. The sample was observed in the Head Start setting and consisted of 77 children. The children whose family life did not include …
Foster Youth And The "Aging Out" Age In Rhode Island, Kelsey Creeden
Foster Youth And The "Aging Out" Age In Rhode Island, Kelsey Creeden
Social Work Theses
Foster care is a temporary placement of children and youth with others outside of their home due to child abuse or neglect. Since its 19th century origins, the foster care system has evolved to focus on three goals of providing safety, well-being, and permanency until the child leaves the system, either by reunification, adoption, or “aging out”. Because these youth often “age out” without a home, job, or support system, programs such as the Life Skills Program and the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative are working toward providing this population with skills that will assist them in successfully aging out …
The Lack Of Mental Health Professionals And Services For Children Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Kiley Morgart
The Lack Of Mental Health Professionals And Services For Children Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Kiley Morgart
Social Work Theses
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing are vulnerable to abuse and are not receiving proper care at an early age due to their parents’ negative reactions towards having a child who has a hearing impairment. The lack of proper care and their vulnerability to abuse puts these children at a high risk of not developing properly. A qualitative study was undertaken using interviews to find services/agencies that provide help to parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Rhode Island. Findings indicate that there is a sufficient amount of service for parents but these parents …
Effective Interventions For Treating Superficial Self Mutilators, Maria Palladini
Effective Interventions For Treating Superficial Self Mutilators, Maria Palladini
Social Work Theses
Self-cutting is the most common form of self-mutilation in adolescents but there is insufficient knowledge as to which treatment methods to reduce self-mutilation are most effective. This exploration into the causes of self-cutting and the treatment interventions, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), compares adolescents who had DBT treatment with those who have used other treatment methods. Research findings indicate that the average age of adolescents in treatment was 15 years old and had been in treatment at least one time prior. Adolescents in DBT treatment showed signs in reducing/stopping self-cutting behavior along with improving communication skills with caregivers. Implications …
The Need For Gender And Age Specific Life Skill Groups, Sara Pateras
The Need For Gender And Age Specific Life Skill Groups, Sara Pateras
Social Work Theses
Adolescent life skill groups can strengthen self-esteem, develop appropriate body image, and improve peer and adult relationships while providing a sense of unity and support for its members. By separating boys and girls, adolescent life skill groups encourage the easeful gender specific discussions. This research investigated the effectiveness of adolescent girls’ life skill groups on increasing self-esteem, developing appropriate body image, and improving both peer and romantic relationships. This research evaluated the results of a pre-test and post-test administered to 174 participants in a life skill group ran by Big Sisters of Rhode Island. This study found that the average …
A Call For The Spiritual Dimension To Be Included In Social Work Education, Stephanie Sullivan
A Call For The Spiritual Dimension To Be Included In Social Work Education, Stephanie Sullivan
Social Work Theses
Spirituality is a concept that is not easily definable and because of that, many people shy away from fully understanding how one’s belief system can affect other factors in life. As a professional social worker, it is one’s duty to look at the whole individual because every system is intertwined with another. When pondering over whether or not aspects of spirituality is used in everyday social work practice, one must ask the question about the worker’s view on spirituality. This qualitative research study shows how spirituality in social work is arguably important both personally and professionally in the profession. After …
Confronting Death: Co-Infection With Hiv/Aids And Hepatitis C, Ian Parker
Confronting Death: Co-Infection With Hiv/Aids And Hepatitis C, Ian Parker
Social Work Theses
This paper discusses a qualitative study completed by the researcher revealing the need for assistance for people living with a co-infection of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. It is the role of a social worker to assist this at-risk population. Services must be made available to those co-infected, including courses on end of life coping skills, substance abuse, stigma, and depression and anxiety. Included in this article is a study that documents qualitative data from clients at a Drop-in Center in Providence, Rhode Island for people living with HIV/AIDS. The data proved inconclusive with regards to co-infection and death and dying, …
Social Work With Affluent And Low-Income Families: Attribution Theory, Katharine Terbush
Social Work With Affluent And Low-Income Families: Attribution Theory, Katharine Terbush
Social Work Theses
A study to assess attribution theory and the work done by social workers with wealthy and poor families was performed using two vignettes identical in information suggesting abuse, with one described as a wealthy family and the other a family living in poverty. Attribution theory suggests that humans label and assume certain traits to be true of different persons based on their status in our society. A person with a wealthy status may be viewed by their social worker as less likely to be abusive to their children because of their status, while a person living in poverty would be …
Issues Regarding The Peruvian Maternal And Child Healthcare System, Patrick Cassidy
Issues Regarding The Peruvian Maternal And Child Healthcare System, Patrick Cassidy
Social Work Theses
This paper highlights the deficiencies of the Peruvian Healthcare system. Despite the treaties and covenants the Peruvian government has signed, it has done little to mitigate the ills of its broken healthcare system. Peru’s current healthcare system is characterized by inequality between women, children, the poor and the wealthy. Furthermore, there is a lack of accessibility to maternal and child healthcare services that violates every individual’s right to health. The Peruvian government has been unresponsive towards the needs of women, children, and rural culture. Ineffective non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been incapable of alleviating Peru’s broken system. Additionally, Peru has not …
The Role Of Elementary School Physical Activity In Combating Childhood Obesity, Bridget Freeman
The Role Of Elementary School Physical Activity In Combating Childhood Obesity, Bridget Freeman
Social Work Theses
Childhood obesity is currently on the rise because of the lack of emphasis on physical activity, overeating and malnutrition; it has especially been escalating in children of low income families. Physical education and recess in elementary and high schools are being eliminated or reduced as the requirements of the “No Child Left Behind Act”. This study compared the opportunities available to exercise in eleven low income, medium income, high income, and private elementary schools hypothesizing that low Socioeconomic status children may be at greater risk due to the cost of healthy food, neighborhood safety, and issues restricting at home physical …
The Contributing Factors To Student Absenteeism/Truancy And The Effectiveness Of Social Services And Interventions, Courtney Hocking
The Contributing Factors To Student Absenteeism/Truancy And The Effectiveness Of Social Services And Interventions, Courtney Hocking
Social Work Theses
One major issue that schools are currently facing and seeing little or no improvement with is effectively dealing with student absenteeism and truancy. Despite early interventions, programs are still failing to effectively motivate students to attend school. This research study examines the success of an implementation of a perfect attendance award within an elementary school to increase student attendance. An examination of student attendance from the 2006-2007 academic year and from the 2007-2008 academic year, suggested that the perfect attendance certificate distributed monthly to students with no absences for that month is a positive motivator for students to attend school …
Bullying In The Elementary And Middle School Levels, Caitrin O’Rourke
Bullying In The Elementary And Middle School Levels, Caitrin O’Rourke
Social Work Theses
Bullying can be defined as deliberately hurting someone emotionally or physically. Although bullying is a serious issue, at times, it is instigated by overprotective parents or the lack of resiliency in students. This research study, using pre-tests, a PowerPoint presentation and a book on bullying, and post-tests, was conducted in order to determine whether or not a presentation on bullying could educate students about bullying and assist in preventing it in the future. Findings indicate that an educational presentation on bullying did educate elementary school students on bullying (p<.05) but did not educate middle school students (p>.05). Findings also indicate that a presentation on bullying does not …
Relative Versus Non-Relative Foster Care: A Comparative Study, Victoria Picinich
Relative Versus Non-Relative Foster Care: A Comparative Study, Victoria Picinich
Social Work Theses
This study explored the benefits and limitations of relative foster care versus non-relative foster care. This study hypothesized, that despite the limitations of relative placement, the emotional benefit to the child placed in a relative setting far outweighs the challenges of it. The methodology employed quantitative and qualitative measurements. An in-depth questionnaire survey was mailed to 150 relative and 150 non-relative providers; and a focus group was facilitated. The study revealed that relative foster care, when available, is superior to non-relative foster care because of the emotional and social connection present as a result of the pre-existing relationship between the …
Social Skills Group Therapy For Children With Emotional And Behavioral Problems, Lilith Chunn
Social Skills Group Therapy For Children With Emotional And Behavioral Problems, Lilith Chunn
Social Work Theses
The topic of this research was the utilization of social skills group therapy with children with poor social skills and emotional and behavioral problems. The literature explains that group therapy has many benefits to clients that are not available in individual work with clients. Social skills group therapy is theorized to be helpful for children with mental health disorders, especially children who are physically aggressive. In this type of group therapy, it is effective to teach children the phases of using social skills and using discussion and role-play to understand each social skill. A social skills therapy group was conducted …
Parents As Partners: An Analysis Of The Barriers To Parental Involvement In Special Education, Sarah Arnini
Parents As Partners: An Analysis Of The Barriers To Parental Involvement In Special Education, Sarah Arnini
Social Work Theses
The purpose of the following exploratory study is to examine the interest levels, barriers and motivating factors influencing attendance at informational Parent Group Meetings held for parents of children who are part of the special education preschool program- both the Developmental Learning Program (DLP) and Integrated preschool classroom- in the Cranston Public School System. Existing literature expresses the importance of parent involvement in special education services, some of the barriers to participation, and the importance of periodically evaluating parents’ needs. A Needs Assessment Survey was sent out to approximately 85 families involved in the DLP/Integrated Preschool Program in the Cranston …
The Effects Of Mood Disorders On Families And Their Well Being, Kristen Mccauliff
The Effects Of Mood Disorders On Families And Their Well Being, Kristen Mccauliff
Social Work Theses
People who suffer from bi-polar disorder or other types of depression experience a range of symptoms and reactions due to the disorder that causes not only themselves but their loved ones, to experience negative effects. In the relationship between parent and child, the parent’s mental status is altered, in effect taking a toll on their abilities to care for their children. The literature provides examples of how depression affects parenting abilities and in turn affects the development of children of those that suffer from a depressive disorder. The literature does not claim that parents who suffer from these disorders are …
Social Workers’ Knowledge Of Human Trafficking, Tiffany Polanco
Social Workers’ Knowledge Of Human Trafficking, Tiffany Polanco
Social Work Theses
The purpose of this study was to assess social workers’ knowledge of human trafficking. The hypothesis was that social workers needed to be further educated on this issue. A survey to assess social workers’ knowledge of human trafficking was placed in the quarterly newsletter of the Rhode Island National Association of Social Workers. Fourteen surveys were returned revealing the actual level of knowledge of these participants. The study revealed that social workers have differing competencies pertaining to knowledge of human trafficking. It is recommended that it is necessary to increase knowledge and identification of human trafficking. Implications for policy are …
Understanding The Demand For Human Sex Trafficking: A Study Of Attitudes Regarding The Commercial Sex Industry, Giselle Routhier
Understanding The Demand For Human Sex Trafficking: A Study Of Attitudes Regarding The Commercial Sex Industry, Giselle Routhier
Social Work Theses
No abstract provided.
Meaningful Self-Reporting Of Quality Of Life In People Living With Dementia, Julie Sullivan
Meaningful Self-Reporting Of Quality Of Life In People Living With Dementia, Julie Sullivan
Social Work Theses
The aim of this research study is to investigate the hypothesis that people living with dementia can comment meaningfully on their quality of life. A careful literature review revealed that “while it is generally agreed that any appraisal of quality of life should as far as possible rely on the individual’s own perspective, having people with dementia evaluate their own quality of life remains a much-debated issue” although the findings of many recent studies support the theory that people with dementia can evaluate their own quality of life (Cahill et al., 2004, p. 313). A 32-question questionnaire adapted from the …