Social Work Commons^™

Chronic Child Neglect: A Journey Of Junctures, Margaret Shoemaker

Theses and Graduate Projects

Child neglect is the number one reason children are placed in out-of-home care in Minnesota. In this exploratory study, four young adults, with a history of child neglect, family preservation services, and out-of-home placement in one northern Minnesota county, were interviewed. Participants shared their opinions about how social workers and foster parents helped them develop life-sustaining relationships with a family. Findings are discussed in the context of a literature review which explores the relationship between attachment theory, chronic child neglect and the array of family preservation services offered to families. Participants provide advice for practitioners working with families who have …

Adoption Assistance Is Crucial To Facilitate Placement And Ensure Permanency For Children With Special Needs: Perceptions Of North Dakota Parents Who Adopt, Kathlyn D. Thoreson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This descriptive study measures and analyzes the benefits and barriers of the adoption assistance program in the state of North Dakota. Data are drawn from a mail survey of the total population of 193 adoptive families, who adopted 250 children with special needs and who were receiving financial or medical assistance through the adoption assistance program in North Dakota as of October, 1995. The response return rate was 60% (116) of the families and was in regard to 65% (163) of the children in the program as of the specified date. Analysis reveals broad themes including the importance of monthly …

Exploring The Relationship Between Parental Satisfaction With Ctars And Improving Child's School Performance And To Identity The Resilient Attributes In These Children, Kathy A. Oelze

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this research was to explore parental satisfaction with CTARS, an early intervention program, housed in an elementary in South East Minneapolis. The study also examined whether there was a. Relationship between parental satisfaction and improved child’s school performance. Finally, the study identified resilient attributes in children within this program. The research focused on parents of 5^th grade students who participated in CTARS during the 1994-95 academic school year. The research design included both qualitative and quantitative methods. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 24 parents. Findings indicate that, parental participation and satisfaction with CTARS does …

An Exploration Of The Needs Of Students Who Attend An Alternative Junior High School, Chrislee Jacobs

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the needs of students who attend Plymouth Christian Youth Center's (PCYC) alternative junior high school, which is located in North Minneapolis. Previous research indicates that students who attend alternative schools may be dealing with a multitude of issues, and therefore, have a wide array of needs which must be addressed. Due to the unique characteristics of alternative schools, these school environments seem to more efficiently meet the needs of their students. Existing literature suggests that when students' needs are met, their school experience will be more satisfying and successful.

Data for …

Factors Which Influence Recidivism Rates For Individuals At A Regional Treatment Center (Rtc) Who Have Been Dually Diagnosed With Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency (Mi/Cd), Gina Marie Schmerler

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study was conducted to examine factors associated with the recidivism rate of hospitalization admissions for individuals who have been admitted to a mentally ill and chemically dependent unit at a local Regional Treatment Center (RTC). The subject population consists of 23 men and 7 women between the ages of 19-49 years of age who have been court-mandated to the state treatment facility due to severe psychological disorders. For the purpose of this study, the term recidivism is defined as readmission to the facility within one year of discharge. The data were drawn from existing records, such as psychosocial …

Determinants Of Resilience In Mothers Of Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Study, Anne Dussol Humes

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the factors that contribute to the resilience of mothers of children with disabilities. Two measures of resources and support were administered to 16 mothers of children with disabilities who attended parent support groups offered by three agencies in the Twin Cities area. Findings indicated that social support, employment status, and number of children with disabilities are important to the understanding of resilience within this population. The small sample size and variability in scores suggest caution in the clinical application of the findings.

A Descriptive Study: Identifying The Number Of Youth And Parents Served By The North Dakota Path Program That Have Substance Abuse Issues, Mari M. Daugherty

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is a descriptive study that identifies the number of youth and parents served by the North Dakota PATH program that have substance abuse issues- An analysis of existing files regarding youth placed with PATH and their parents was completed by social workers. A total of 79 cases were reviewed. Thirty point four percent of the youth served by PATH were found to have substance abuse issues. Their Parents also had high percentages of substance abuse issues, mothers 30.4%, and fathers 60.8%. The Researcher discusses the importance of educating social workers, families, foster parents, and youth in care on substance …

Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren: Increased Stress Due To Role Restriction And Social Isolation, Jan B. Haugrud

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory and descriptive study identifies stress associated with surrogate parenting by grandparents by surveying a small sample of grandparents raising their grandchildren in west central Minnesota. It is indicated that parenting a grandchild(ren) may lead to higher levels of stress due to role restriction and social isolation. A self-administered quantitative mail survey with a 45% response rate found grandparents who are employed and have informal- custody arrangements have increased stress, more concerns and increased need for services than grandparents who are not employed and have legal custody. Implications of the findings include the need for support services for grandparents …

Descriptive Analysis Of The Elderly Who Utilize Mental Health Services With Implications For Program And Policy Development, Timothy P. Mahoney

Theses and Graduate Projects

The utilization of mental health services by community-dwelling elderly is examined in this study. The number of elderly in the U. S. population is increasing significantly and is projected to continue to do so for the next 40 years. Literature indicates that the mental health component of services for the elderly is strikingly underdeveloped and underutilized. Past research suggests that factors influencing this low level of service development and utilization can be found in the characteristics of the population as well as in the characteristics of the mental health care system.

In this study, data were collected on 62 elderly …

Evaluation For Intensive Home Community Based Services: A Program For At-Risk Youth And Their Families, Bonnie Tali Cooper/Scheff

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this longitudinal evaluation study was to examine client perceptions of the Home Community Based Services Program (HCBS) located in two rural counties in Central Minnesota. It was hypothesized that adjudicated youth (ages 12-17), who have access to the HCBS Program may experience less out-of-home placements and less criminal re-offending. Data was collected utilizing two surveys, one at exit of services, and one six months after discharge of services.

Findings indicated clients perceived the HCBS Program a positive experience introducing change in the family system. Less out-of-home placement was experienced for youth involved in the HCBS Program.

The …

Social Support And Single Parent Families: An Evaluation Of Family Support Services, Cathy Maki

Theses and Graduate Projects

At-risk families, both single and two-parent, are those families which may not be providing children with the necessary developmental assets to thrive. Families headed by a single parent are especially at risk for financial, social and academic pressures. Social support networks can help provide resources to families dealing with these stressors.

Data obtained in this program evaluation of Family Support Services of Independent School District 191 verified the programs' effectiveness in providing instrumental and emotional support, as well as a link to community resources, for at-risk families in the district. Results also indicated that further support is needed to help …

Gender Specific Programming For Female Adolescents, Sandra J. Lindgren

Theses and Graduate Projects

Adolescent females hove criticol needs specificolly related to their psychosocial development. This study examines important factors to consider when providing gender specific services for female adolescents, Members of the Minnesota Adolescent Female Subcommittee of the Advisory Task Force on the Femole Offender in Corrections were surveyed to submit o definition of gender specific programming and using the Q-sort method, to prioritize 23 factors considered important to females, The Q-sorted factors were analyzed and categorized by level of importance. Through integration of information from the literature review ond this research study, the following definition of gender specific programming wos developed: "Comprehensive …

Heterosexual Women Arrested For Domestic Violence: Practice Guidelines For Assessment And Treatment Planning, Michele R. Braley

Theses and Graduate Projects

Heterosexual women arrested for violence are often referred to supportive services similar to those provided for battered women although there is limited documentation to justify similar treatment. The results of a questionnaire mailed to 20 practitioners and researchers form the basis for practice guidelines to standardize assessment and treatment planning for heterosexual women arrested for domestic violence. The emphasis of the practice guidelines is on the complex assessment and intervention decisions that arise when a woman has been arrested for using violence in self-defense. Practice guidelines will assist practitioners in justifying decisions about interventions for women arrested for violence against …

How Rural School Social Workers Perceive Elementary Nonattendance: Underlying Causes, Practical Interventions, And Role Identification, Anita M. Larsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research study explored what school social workers in rural Minnesota are doing to address elementary nonattendance. Elementary was defined as any grade between kindergarten and fifth, and rural was defined as outside the 7 county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The research design utilized a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed to 118 school social workers. Of the 76 returned surveys, 62 met the criteria for inclusion in the research. Findings from quantitative and qualitative data indicate that school social workers perceive elementary nonattendance as a problem and that contributing factors include the child, family, school, and community. The roles and intervention …

Imagery Rescripting And Incest: Therapist Dialogue And Contextual Unique Change In Women Clients With Post-Traumatic Stress, Carmen M. Agbuis

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Function And Meaning Of Imagery Experienced By Rape Survivors, Mary Qualey Beale

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Behavioral Programming And The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program: A Caregiver's Perspective., Wendy S. Walker

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine the effectiveness of behavioral services offered to adults, ages sixteen to sixty-five, through the Traumatic Brain lnjury Waiver Program (TBIW). This community-based program provides the level of behavioral services previously only available to institutionalized individuals. 2l identified primary caregivers were sent a questionnaire consisting of qualitative ond quantitative questions to assess their perceptions and understanding of the services provided. Discussion focuses on a comparison of the research findings in relation to existing literature. Implications for the social work practice include the need for ongoing education and community support for individuals with …

The Relationship Of Relapse Into Alcohol And Drug Use And Emphatic Needs In The Dual Diagnosed Client, Jeanne M. Engel

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Constructivist Inquiry Of The Bicultural Experiences And Social Support Systems Of Southeast Asian Refugee Youth, Emilio Russ Layon Bermejo

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Literature Of Change: Slave Narrative Rhetoric In Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, Andrew Jack Loverde

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Inter-Generational Activities In Structured Environments For Seniors, Raymond Vanek, Sophie Walker

Theses Digitization Project

This survey research project explored different factors influencing the desire of seniors living in structured residential centers to have inter-generational activities with children from their communities.

An Exploratory Study Of Heroin Addicts' Perceptions Of Methadone Treatment, Sandra Ellen Nehring

Theses Digitization Project

Methadone treatment continues to be the most widely used treatment modality for heroin addiction despite continued controversy. The efficacy of methadone treatment has been determined primarily by statistical research of program outcomes. This study explored heroin addicts' perceptions of methadone treatment.

Correlation Study Of Methamphetamine Abuse And Resultant Levels Of Child Neglect, Marjorie Nodelman-Niedringhaus

Theses Digitization Project

This positivist research project will attempt to show a correlation between levels of child neglect and proportionate levels of methamphetamine abuse. The term abuse will be used to refer to the chronic, compulsive use of methamphetamine in such a manner, that it will assume a central and negative role in the individual's life style and will result in impaired functioning and parenting.

A Program Evaluation Of A Structured Homeless Shelter, Joellen Marie Atkinson

Theses Digitization Project

This study compared homeless shelters, one was a structured homeless shelter and the other a non-structured homeless shelter, evaluating the residents' level of social functioning and level of self-sufficiency at both shelters. A structured shelter may offer counseling, parenting classes, money management, nutrition classes, a 12-step program and support groups, and after school and summer programs for youths. Whereas a non-structured shelter is one that only offers a place to sleep and some food.

Participating Foster Care Youths' Perceptions Of An Independent Living Program, Sonja Anita Flowers

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Cross Cultural Survey Of Study Habits And Use Of Campus Services By Eops And Non-Eops Community College Students, Diane Mitzenmacher

Theses Digitization Project

The following study surveyed 111 community college students to identify patterns in study habits and use of services to examine whether differences exist between ethnic backgrounds or grade point averages, in the utilization of skills or services.

Male Sexual Abuse: A Retrospective Study, Gary Wayne Deaton

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Post-Positivist Study Of The Experience Of Parenting From A Strengths Perspective, Karen Dail Atwater

Theses Digitization Project

In an effort to explore the multi-faceted subject of parenting in a more holistic manner, a post-positivist model of research was utilized for this study of the experience of parenting from a strengths perspective. Twelve parents were interviewed in-depth, exploring their experiences of having been parented and their experiences of parenting their own children.

The Efficacy Of The Augmented Board And Care (Abc) System In Reducing Rehospitalization Of Identified "High End User" Residents Of San Bernardino County, Rowena Mateo

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Factors Affecting Hispanic Adolescent Substance Abuse, Patricia Joanne Williams

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.