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Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Why Applicants Leave The Extended Welfare Application Process, Marci Ybarra

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Since welfare reform of 1996, the use of extended application periods as a condition of welfare participation has become increasingly popular. Extended application periods include mandatory work activities and caseworker meetings for a period of time as a condition of and prerequisite to eligibility for welfare services. While much scholarly work has focused on welfare participants, we know comparatively less about those who apply for services but ultimately do not participate or receive benefits. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a random sample of twenty recent welfare applicants in the state of Wisconsin who did not complete the extended welfare application …

U.S. Immigration Policy And Immigrant Children's Well-Being: The Impact Of Policy Shifts, David K. Androff, Cecilia Ayon, David Becerra, Maria Gurrola, Lorraine Salas, Judy Krysik, Karen Gerdes, Elizabeth Segal

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

America is built upon a history of immigration; yet current immigration policy and anti-immigrant sentiment negatively affect the vulnerable population of immigrant families and children. Immigrant children face many problems, including economic insecurity, barriers to education, poor health outcomes, the arrest and deportation of family members, discrimination, and trauma and harm to their communities. These areas of immigrant children's economic and material well-being are examined in light of restrictive and punitive immigration policies at the federal and local level. Implications for social policy reform, such as decriminalization, are discussed.

Inabel Burns Lindsay: Social Work Pioneer Contributor To Practice And Education Through A Socio-Cultural Perspective, Annie Woodley Brown, Ruby Morton Gourdine, Sandra Edmonds Crewe

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Dr. Inabel Burns Lindsay (1900-1983), founding dean of the Howard University School of Social Work, was an early proponent for the consideration of race and culture in social work education and practice with racial and ethnic minorities. Using primary and secondary data sources, the authors trace the evolution of Dr. Lindsay's thinking on the role of race, class, gender and ethnicity in the helping process and finally her development of a socio-cultural perspective. Particular attention is given to her persistent efforts to disseminate this information and incorporate it into the curriculum of the Howard University School of Social Work decades …

Surviving The Early Years Of The Personal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, Joyce Bialik

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A system that increasingly stigmatized its recipients only became more stigmatizing with the enactment in 1996 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) program. This program has been so successful in deterring cashneedy people from applying for assistance that the decline in participation from the start of the program continues-even in times of economic downturn. The study reported here follows 150 impoverished families during the first three years of PRWORA, when the economy was booming. The data were derived from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project of 1996-2001. Through this secondary analysis a construct was …

Stretching The Paradigm: Crisis As A Problem In Mental Health Research, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Crisis intervention is an established paradigm of community mental health theory and practice in which the nature and circumstances of crises are assumed to be well understood and the subject of established research findings and theory. Review of existing crisis research literature fails to support such assumptions. There is, in fact, little current evidence available on the nature and circumstances of mental health crises, despite the importance of crisis intervention in contemporary practice. This paper presents descriptive findings of a study of the frequency, duration and severity of mental health crises, based on analysis of more than 500 crisis incidents …

Closing The Wealth Gap: Promoting Change By Working Together, Jennifer Heffern, Aja Riley

Center for Social Development Research

Closing the Wealth Gap: Promoting Change by Working Together

The Age Old Question, Which Comes First? A Simultaneous Test Of Children's Savings And Children's College-Bound Identity, William Elliott Iii, Eun Hee Choi, Mesmin Destin, Kevin H. Kim

Center for Social Development Research

This study has three goals: (1) to provide an extensive review of research on the assets/expectation relationship, (2) to provide a conceptual framework for how children’s savings effects children’s college-bound identity (children’s college expectations are a proxy for children’s college-bound identity), and (3) to conduct a simultaneous test of whether owning a savings account leads to college-bound identity or college-bound identity lead to owning a savings account using path analytic technique with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our review reveals asset researchers theorize about college-bound identity in two distinct but compatible ways: college-bound identity as a “linking mechanism," and college-bound identity …

Survey Response In A Statewide Social Experiment: Differences In Being Located And Collaborating By Race And Hispanic Origin, Yunju Nam, Lisa Reyes Mason, Youngmi Kim, Margaret Clancy, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

This study examines whether and how survey response differs by race and Hispanic origin, using data from birth certificates and survey administrative data from a large-scale statewide experiment. The sample consists of mothers of infants selected from Oklahoma birth certificates using a stratified random sampling method (N=7,11). This study uses Heckman probit analysis to consider two stages of survey response: (1) being located by the survey team and (2) completing a questionnaire through collaboration with the survey team. Analysis results show that African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be located during the study recruitment than …

Ten Year Trends (1992 To 2002) In Sociodemographic Predictors And Indicators Of Alcohol Abuse And Dependence Among Whites, Blacks, And Hispanics In The U.S, Raul Caetano, Jonali Baruah, Karen G. Chartier

Social Work Publications

Background

The objective of this paper is to examine 10-year trends (1992–2002) in the number and type of indicators of DSM-IV abuse and dependence among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics in the U.S.

Methods

Data are from the 1991–1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES; n = 42,862) and the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; n = 43,093). Both surveys used multistage cluster sample procedures to select respondents 18 years of age and older from the U.S. household population.

Results

Increases in the prevalence of alcohol abuse between 1992 and 2002seem associated to a rise in …

American Indian And Alaska Native Grandfamilies: The Impact On Child Development, Suzanne Cross, Angelique Day, Patricia Farrell

Social Work Faculty Publications

Traditionally, grandparents and other family members have assumed integral roles in raising children within American Indian/Alaska Native communities. The existence of an extensive support system assisted parents in passing on to their children the knowledge of customs, culture, and language essential to community survival and well-being. An increasing number of children are now being raised in “grandfamilies,” a type of family constellation where grandparents take on the role of sole or primary caregiver for their grandchildren under eighteen years of age.

Trends In Alcohol Services Utilization From 1991–1992 To 2001–2002: Ethnic Group Differences In The U.S. Population, Karen G. Chartier, Raul Caetano

Social Work Publications

Background:  During the early 1990s in the United States, changes to the provision and financing of alcohol treatment services included reductions in inpatient treatment services and in private sector spending for treatment. We investigated trends in alcohol services utilization over the 10‐year period from 1991–1992 to 2001–2002 among U.S. whites, blacks, and Hispanics.

Methods:  Data come from 2 household surveys of the U.S. adult population. The 1991 to 1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey and the 2001 to 2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions conducted face‐to‐face interviews with a multistage cluster sample of individuals 18 years of …

Child Neglect And Its Association With Subsequent Juvenile Drug And Alcohol Offense., Ellen Delara, J Propp, W Chen, K Corvo

Falk College Research Center

No abstract provided.

Family Involvement Within Assisted Living: Care-Receivers' And Caregivers' Roles And Relationships, Rachel Vineet Solomon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Family systems providing informal care and support to their aging relatives, who were residing in assisted living systems and receiving formal care were central to this study. A broader understanding of family involvement, with respect to exploring both care-receiver and caregiver roles and relationships, within the regulatory and environmental context of assisted living was sought through a qualitative research process. This study employed a phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interview sessions with eight pairs of participants, comprising elderly residents in five assisted living facilities and their respective caregiving family members, typically a daughter or son and, in one case, a …

The Relationship Between Vicarious Traumatization And Job Retention Among Child Welfare Professionals, Jennifer S. Middleton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation study examined the relationship between vicarious traumatization and job retention among 1,192 child welfare professionals in five different child welfare organizations. Propositions from Constructivist Self Development Theory (CSDT) were utilized to examine the differential factors influencing the impact of vicarious trauma on child welfare professionals' intent to leave their organization, including coping strategies, professional efficacy, and professional satisfaction. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to assess the degree of fit between the observed data and several hypothesized theoretical models examining the relationship between vicarious trauma, coping strategies, professional efficacy, professional satisfaction, and retention. Findings from SEM analyses revealed …

Gratitude Intervention And Its Effect On Substance Abusers, Patricia Kelleen Mcclanahan

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of an intervention seen to increase life satisfaction in substance abuse treatment. While treatment models have improved, results remain low for long-term abstinence. The study participants were substance-abuse treatment clients at Mental Health Systems (MHS). This study will measure, in terms of increased life satisfaction, the effectiveness of a daily gratitude list on the negative mindset of substance abusers in treatment. The focus of this study will be the use of intervention that has been seen as beneficial in enhancing personal well-being.

Substance Abuse Treatment For Women With Children, Jean Mary Mccarthy

Theses Digitization Project

The significance of this project is the need to further the steps that have been taken to provide comprehensive substance abuse treatment for women with children and argue for additional funding for these types of treatment facilities.

The Relationship Between Acculturation And Depression Among Latina College Students, Carla Elizabeth Bryant

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between acculturation and depression among Latina college students. Out of 72 participants, the respondents had low reports of experiencing depressive symptoms and had an equal balance between traditional culture and western culture. Seventy-two students from the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) undergraduate program were administered questionaires to participate in this study. The study sample consists of only Latina women of Mexican origin.

Evaluation Of The Effectiveneess Of Social Work Intervention In The "Making Attendance A Priority Program", Justine Beatriz Rangel

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to address the problem of truancy by looking at what types of effective interventions helped to decrease truancy within the preadolescent population. This study looks at the correlation between a social work intervention and attendence with 27 fifth grade students who were in the MAPP program (Making Attendance a Priority Program). An evaluation of the effectiveness of a social work intervention on truancy rates for students in the MAPP program.

Former Foster Youths' Perceptions Of Their Life Experiences, Yodit Tesfia Zerai

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to examine the perceptions of former foster youths' life experience while in foster care and after leaving the foster care system. It was also recommended for child welfare social workers to have contact with former foster youth on a regular basis and to provide services as needed even after they exited the system.

Choosing The Gift Of Down Syndrome: Families' Experiences Internationally Adopting A Child With Down Syndrome, Erika Susan Lazo

Theses Digitization Project

This qualitative study explores the experiences of families who choose to internationally adopt a child with Down syndrome. This study was conducted in order to address the current scarcity of research on this population and their specific needs and strengths in order to equip social work practitioners to more effectively work with these families. Mothers were interviewed about their family's adoption process, the service they utilized, and the process of integrating the newly adopted child into the existing family unit. A sample of nine families who had completed an international adoption of a child with Down syndrome were gathered. These …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Sports Interventions On Mental Health: Exploring The Perspectives Of Professional Educators, Isais Wellington Smith, Gamaliel Beltran

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine sports interventions among professional educators and how sports as an exercise method can contribute to mental health well being. Sports and exercise in many therapeutic environments may help individuals alleviate symptoms pertaining to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bi-polar, and many other mental health disorders.

What Are The Characteristics Of Families With Three Or More Referrals To Children And Family Services Within A Twelve Month Period?, Elizabeth Irene Valenzuela

Theses Digitization Project

In order to better serve those famailies that are chronically involved with Children and Family Services and prevent their future involvement with the system, social service workers should be able to identify and understand what characteristics are causing referral. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of families with three or more referrals within a twelve month period that significantly impact the number of referrals a family receives.

Effects Of Substance Abuse Services On Child Reunification, Peter Charles Shorts

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive and inferential analysis of the effect of substance abuse treatment upon the family reunification process. The research revealed a significant relationship between the median age of custodial parents whose parental rights were terminated and the median age of parents whose parental rights were not terminated.

Exploring The Effective Components Of The Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy: Violence Intervention And Prevention Program, Maria Catharina Johanna Lurinks

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effective components of the Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy: Violence Intervention, and Prevention program. It is found that an effective violence intervention program can help reduce the violent crime rates among juveniles in San Bernardino County.

The Stigmatization Of Methadone Maintenance Treatment And Its Effect On Social Support, Kenia Gabriela Rivas, Franceen Mary Rosales

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between perceived stigmatization from family as well as friends and its probable effects on social support from the same. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is a treatment modality that has been proven to help achieve abstinence. However, due to controversy over MMT, this has brought stigmatization, social injustice and powerlessness to those who seek out treatment.

The Association Between Eating Disorders And Substance Abuse, Jandely Liviel Eich, Luisa Rodriguez

Theses Digitization Project

The goal of this study was to explore the prevalence rates of substance abuse in women that are at risk of eating disorders. At the present time there are no formal treatment programs that address the unique needs of clients with both eating disorders and substance abuse problems. Most agenices will treat these disorders separately.

Job Satisfaction Of Nonprofit Workers, Christine Sarah Johnson

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall job satisfaction of employees that work in nonprofit organizations that have religious names. The study used individual survey methods to collect its data. Participants for this study were recruited from paid employees of Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside (CCSBR), one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Inland Empire. A total of 48 employees participated in this study.

Knowledge Of Master Of Social Work Students Regarding Parental Incarceration: An Exploratory Study, Shyra Lynn Harris

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research study was to explore the level of knowledge among Master's of Social Work (MSW) students regarding the effects of parental incarceration on the children and families involved, and the special needs that result from this experience. This study utilized an online survey targeting MSW students at three Southern California Schools of Social Work to assess their overall knowledge of this topic, how this knowledge was attained, and level of competence and confidence that the respondents felt in meeting the psycho-social needs of the population. A total of 70 surveys were completed by the target respondents.

Perceptions Of Former Foster Youth Regarding Their Experiences With Mentorship Programs/Relationships While In Foster Care, Kwaku Antwi Boasiako, Ryan Eugene Shroads

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of former foster youth regarding the experiences with mentor programs/relationships while in foster care.

Sacred Silence: Domestic Abuse In Conservative Christian Communities, Michelle Louise Pontell

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to better understand the experience of conservative Christian women who are victims of domestic violence and to identify service delivery strategies and interventions that could help to benefit this under served population. This study found that the biblical teachings on divorce and submission were two primary factors contributing to Christian women staying in abusive marriages.