Social Work Commons^™

Recruitment Of American Indian Foster Parents, Donna Vig

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

• Help Family Connect meet the needs of Native American Foster Children.
• Increase the number of American Indian families who provide foster care for enrolled (or eligible for enrollment) tribal children.
• Educate all foster families by providing a cultural resource guide.

Best Practice Resource Manual For New Social Workers At District 77, Shelby Lenzen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

When starting a new job many places of employment have new employee orientation. During this process many employers educate the new employee on the background of the company or organization, policies and procedures, what their job entails and the employers expectations of the new social work employee. However, currently in the Mankato School District 77 there is no orientation specific for incoming school social workers or interns to help guide them in their job. This would also benefit MSW practicum students as they enter the school district. Also, when the social worker or intern starts with District 77 they do …

A Community Based System Of Integrated Clinical Care: Primary Care, Mental Health And Substance Use Treatment, Terri Reuvers

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Our segregated medical and mental health care system misses opportunities for early detection of physical disease. Missed opportunities lead to increased costs. Colorado’s Medicaid health plan estimates that an integrated health program will reduce costs for patients with psychiatric disorders by 10%. The cost of doing nothing may exceed $300 billion per year in the United States (NCCBH, 2010). The purpose of this Capstone project is to critically examine existing models of Integrated Primary and Mental Health care. These models will then be evaluated to identify those most compatible with rural communities in Southern Minnesota.

Evidence-Based Protocols For Assessment And Treatment Of Adolescent Suicide Risk In An Emergency Department, Rebecca Bentele

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Suicide and suicide attempts are a frequently encountered clinical crisis and the assessment, management and treatment of suicidal patients is one of the most stressful tasks for clinicians (Fowler, 2012). The purpose of this project was to examine whether current assessment and treatment protocols followed in the ED, Mankato, adhere to best-­‐practices as identified through research, as well as to make recommendations to MCHS-­‐Mankato for future considerations and potential modifications to existing protocols.

The Working Alliance: A Survey Of An Outpatient Mental Health Center, Jennifer Bramstedt

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research investigated the working alliance between therapist and client at RiverView Clinic, an outpatient mental health center. Utilizing data captured by the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised (WAI-SR), the research posited the following:

• median total scores from therapist’s would be higher than median scores of the working alliance from clients
• clients who presented with mild to moderate concerns would have higher working alliance scores than clients who reported moderate to severe concerns
• new clients would have higher task and goal sub-scores than clients in therapy for more than fifteen sessions
• if working alliance scores reflected ruptures or strains in the …

Truancy Intervention And Prevention Programs For The Marshall Middle School, Gayle Chandler

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

After completing a field practicum at the Marshall Middle School in Marshall, MN it was realized that like many other schools in the nation; the truancy problem is growing at an alarmingly fast rate.

• The Marshall Middle School is comprised of grades 5-8.
• Under the age of 12 would be considered educational neglect.
• 12 years of age and older is considered truancy per Minnesota State Statute.

This project aims to research intervention and prevention programs for both truancy and educational neglect that have been tested, compare them to the needs of the Marshall Middle School, and make a recommendation as …

Strategies For Success In A Residential Program, Madison Kaye

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The question that this researcher sought to answer is the reasons for success of the Cedar Crest residential program. Hopefully, this information would help aid the program director and program manager with continuing the success of the program as well as to train incoming staff. In addition, it was the goal of this researcher to provide information to the program director that may help aid with success at other programs run by Thomas Allen, Inc. (TAI).

A Guide To Understanding, Building And Sustaining An Effective Therapeutic Community, Sara Loose

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this guide is to facilitate an understanding of therapeutic community/ milieu therapy concepts as well as building and sustaining an effective therapeutic community on each unit, in each cottage, and within Leo A. Hoffmann Center as a whole. This guide includes evidence based research that supports the use of therapeutic community principles, and interventions and evaluation tools that can potentially be used by Leo A. Hoffmann Center to enhance services. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to provide the agency with a tangible, well rounded resource that can be used by the multidisciplinary team to provide …

Paraphilias: Relevant Factors For Treatment Providers Of Sexual Offenders, Darren Tungsvik

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

• To educate clinical staff at MSOP of Paraphilic disorders and their factors related to the treatment of sexual offenders.
• Contribute to MSOP’s mission of promoting public safety through providing comprehensive treatment and reintegration opportunities for civilly committed sexual offenders.
• Need exists at MSOP with a lack of educational training materials for clinical staff of Paraphilic disorders and their treatment.

Evidence-Based Marketing Strategies To Increase Student Membership In A Professional Association, Laura Aldrich

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Membership acquisition and attrition is vital to the survival and growth of a voluntary professional association. The percentage of social work students who are members of social work voluntary professional associations is low (Attinson & Glassberg, 1983). The purpose of this project is to understand the acquisition and attrition of students in order to develop marketing strategies to increase student membership. Voluntary professional associations value student members because they are the future of the profession and the association (NASW, 2013). Student membership in a voluntary professional association is important for students as this participation provides students with opportunities for socialization …

Evidence-Based Treatment For Anxiety Disorders And Marijuana Use Across The Lifespan, Tanya Borchert

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to identify evidence-based practices relating to anxiety disorders and cannabis use throughout the lifespan. Identification of the practices will more effectively meet the needs of the clients served at the Dual Recovery Program and allow the agency to best serve clients with co-occurring anxiety disorders and cannabis use in a parallel manner. The literature indicates that there is a correlation between anxiety disorders and cannabis abuse (Buckner & Schmidt, 2011; Buckner, Zvolensky, & Schmidt, 2012; Bricker, et al., 2006; Bonn-Miller, Vujanovic, Boden, & Gross, 2011). If the anxiety disorder can be properly diagnosed …

Respectful Workplace And Violence Prevention A Fidelity Checklist For Mndot D7, Annemarie Burgess

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Minnesota Department of Transportation strives to provide a safe and respectful workplace. Wiens (2011) notes that “Government makes up 18 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service; yet, 30 percent of victims of workplace violence are federal, state or local government employees”(p. 5). District 7 of the Minnesota Department of Transportation has identified issues of ongoing concern that include: communication problems, gender and generational differences, and potential union based seniority conflicts resulting in perceived intimidation and interpersonal conflict. This Capstone project was an effort to develop a fidelity checklist to ensure that state …

Evidence Based Practices In Providing Treatment Foster Care To Delinquent Youth, Jay S. Kimball

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Family Connect/PATH is a Treatment Foster Care agency that provides services in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Idaho. Treatment Foster Care is a unique model of care that provides the best components of traditional foster care and residential care (Foster Family-­‐Based Treatment Association, 2004). There is an increase interest in exploring the provision of Treatment Foster Care for adjudicated youth. The purpose of this Capstone project is to determine the evidence-­‐based components or models for working with adjudicated delinquent youth in foster care and make recommendations to Family Connect/PATH.

Identifying Cultural Framework For Assessing Cultural Components In Client Systems And Recommendations For Agency And Practitioner Level Culturally Responsive Practice, Imad Mohamed

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

A lack of cultural appropriate practice introduces barriers to case assessment, diagnostics assessment, intervention, and evaluation (Kirmayer, Groleau, Guzder, Blake, & Jarvis, 2003; Tyson & Flaskerud, 2009; Zayas, Torres, & Cabassa, 2009). Addressing these barriers starts with identifying a framework that provides holistic approach in promoting culturally responsive practice.

Best Practices For Implementing Trauma-Informed Care With Youth Who Are Homeless Or At- Risk Of Being Homeless, Ellen Morrow

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Exposure to traumatic events during childhood can affect brain development, how someone reacts to stress, and what they may find threatening or unsafe. Trauma can be a precursor to the development of a range of psychopathology including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality distortions and psychosis (APA, 2000, Rose, Freeman & Proudlock, 2012). Left untreated trauma can also result in medical conditions later in life including heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems and social conditions such as homelessness, prostitution or delinquency (Steele & Malchiodi, 2012; WISQARS, 2010). Maschi and Schwalbe (2012) cite studies which estimate up to 93% of …

Evaluation Of Family Skills Group At Fernbrook Family Center, Jessica Robertson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This project evaluated the Parenting Piece by Piece curriculum. This project sought to gain feedback on the ways the agency can improve family skills groups to better meet the needs of the client population Fernbrook Family Center serves. Parenting Piece by Piece is an eight-week program teaching parents new parenting skills.

Development Of A Social Understanding Group Resource Manual, Tristann Carter

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Social Understanding Group Resource Manual was developed to address the expressed need for a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum resource manual which would provide facilitators with easy reference to access categorized materials, activities, worksheets, and resources for Wayzata West Middle School’s Social Understanding Groups.

Incredible Years Parenting Program: Developing And Evidenced-Based Implementation Protocol, Brooklynn Fredericksen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based implementation protocol for the Incredible Years program at Fernbrook Family Center. The significance of this project was to generate a protocol manual that can be used as a guide for future implementation of the Incredible Years program.

Best Practices In The Provision Of Group Therapy For Adult Male Clients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia At Fernbrook Family Center, Nathaniel S. Gendron

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to provide Fernbrook Family Center with evidence-based research on treatment modalities, strategies, and curricula that have been proven successful for group based therapy with adult males who are suffering from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This included group screening protocol, group therapy techniques, and cohesion in the group process. The importance of group therapy was explored and why it is an appropriate treatment recommendation for adult males with Schizophrenia.

School Social Work: A Vital Link In Schools: A Report On School Work Services For The Mankato Area Public School District, Rachel Johnston

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

• The purpose of this research project was to obtain additional information, beyond the school social work job description, and document the job responsibilities, roles, activities, challenges, and contributions of the three school social workers working in the Mankato Area Public School District.
• The primary research question was: To what extent does the school social work job description match the work actually performed by the school social workers?
• The recommended ratio of school social worker to students by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) is 1:250 general education students or 1:50 at-risk or intensive needs students 16 The 3 school …

Factors Affecting Timeliness Of Permanency For Children In Out-Of-Home Placement, Michelle C. Holt

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Achieving timely legal permanency for children placed in out-of-home care due to abuse or neglect is one of the primary goals set forth by the state of Minnesota and the Department of Human Services. In recent years some counties have failed to achieve the percentage of finalized permanency cases at the targeted time intervals required by the state. A comprehensive review of one county was conducted of the 49 cases reaching permanency during 2011 and 2012 to determine if there is a correlation between certain demographic factors and/or key court dates on the length of time to achieve permanency.

Social Worker’S Guide To Engaging Families In Family Group Conference, Tiffany Kacir

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to provide training materials to social workers that is relatable and practical regarding researched best practices for engaging families during the Family Group Conference process. In Olmsted County, Family Group Conferences have been utilized since 1996 becoming an engrained practice model and a cornerstone of permanency planning for children. The capstone project focused on developing a training manual to enhance current practice in Olmsted County and implement newer best practice strategies throughout the Family Group Conference process--from prior to a referral to a post-conference follow up meetings--to ensure better outcomes for the children …

An Analysis Of The Re-Education Philosophy And The Applicability To Individual And Group Therapy, Psychoeducation And Skills, Sarah Manthei

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

An evaluation was conducted of the Re-Education philosophy, current practices of individual and group therapy, skills training, and psychoeducation for Level IV special education students diagnosed with an emotional behavioral disorder and/or mental health diagnosis. An assessment of current evidenced based practices for school-based mental health services was integrated. This provided the foundation for recommendations that are congruent with the Re-Education philosophy and for an evaluation tool to measure student success in learning and comprehending the skills curriculums.

The Use Of Electroconvulsive Therapy In An Acute Care Setting: Enhancing The Knowledge And Skills Of Mental Health Professionals, Lori Thom

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

1.To enhance the knowledge of mental health professionals working in the psychiatric care unit of the New Ulm Medical Center on the current use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

2.To enhance the knowledge, insights, and skills of mental health professionals working in the psychiatric care unit of the New Ulm Medical Center in working with patients and their families when ECT would be a beneficial component of mental health treatment.

Family Counts: Education For Family Systems Impacted By Addiction, Tanya Friese

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Educating and empowering families through education. By educating the families of Project Turnabout patients and families will be more able to take care of themselves. When a family members needs are met they will in turn be more able to support their loved ones recovery. The goal of the Capstone is to have 3 to 4 modules of education to share with families over the course of their participation in the Project Turnabout family program.

Evaluation Guide: Mower County Health And Human Services Child Welfare Preventative Programs, Tina Meyer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 2010 identifies that State child protection systems should include interventions to prevent the occurrence and reoccurrence of child maltreatment. The Juvenile Protection Provisions of the Juvenile Court Act, describes the requirement of county social service agencies to provide reasonable efforts to prevent placement prior to the removal of any child from the home. Family poverty is cited as a central risk factor for child maltreatment. Vulnerability has an exponential relationship to risk exposure, and risk should not be considered as linear. Thus, families with multiple risk factors are at increased likelihood …

Identification Of Effective Play Techniques For Use With Children In A Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Jan Schwarzrock

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research project was to identify which play techniques are the most effective and produce good outcomes for children. Children enter therapy for a number of reasons to improve their emotional and cognitive wellbeing, however engaging them can be challenging. During a therapeutic session, children use play to share experiences through the toys they choose, whereas adults verbally express themselves. The Allina Health/NUMC Outpatient Therapy Department was interested in the identification of play techniques that they could be used to enhance their work with children with the intent to explore the impact of using play techniques on …

Best Practices For Designing And Implementing A Food Pantry In St. Peter Middle And High School, Kira Wellner

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In St. Peter's Independent School District #508, 50% of all elementary school students are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch, which is available only to low‐income households (Greater Mankato Area United Way, 2008). Furthermore, the overall food insecurity rate for Nicollet County is 9.6%, which translates to 3,090 people (Feeding America, 2013). Of those 3,090 people faced with food insecurity in Nicollet County, 1,000 are youth (Feeding America, 2013). This translates to a rate of 14.4% of youth facing food insecurity in Nicollet County (Feeding America, 2013). Even more distressing is that 39% of these youth are ineligible for …