Digital Commons Network^™

Creating The Tradition Of Honoring The Older Population, Catherine Weisbeck

Masters Theses

This qualitative research study explored what it would take to create the tradition of honoring the older population in American culture. In this exploratory study, 15 participants were interviewed in person using a series of ten open ended questions. The participants were selected according to the criteria of being an older adult, working with or volunteering for older adults, or having been involved in a project which considered the older population as a subgroup within the total population. The participants were personally invited by the researcher to be interviewed and the interview took approximately 40 minutes. Results indicated that creating …

Advancing The Study Of Violence Against Women: Response To Commentaries And Next Steps, Carol E. Jordan

Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women Publications

No abstract provided.

Institutional Responses To Self-Injurious Behavior Among Inmates, Dana D. Dehart, Hayden P. Smith, Robert J. Kaminski

Faculty and Staff Publications

To date, little research has systematically investigated perceptions of mental health professionals regarding perceived motivations for self-injury among prison inmates. To help fill this gap, descriptive techniques were used to examine self-injurious behavior among inmates from the perspective of correctional mental health professionals. A quantitative survey was used to assess perceptions of mental health staff regarding etiology, motivations, and manifestations of self-injury. A qualitative interview component was used to explicate responses from the survey. Findings indicate that inmate cutting, scratching, opening old wounds, and inserting objects were the most commonly witnessed behaviors. There were indications that self-injury occurred regularly and …

“But Who Can I Talk To?” Psychological Services For The Parents And Children Of Apdk, Jessica Steinke

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This is a study examining the adequacy of the psychological services and support offered by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, APDK, to the children in its care and the families who utilize the centre. First and foremost this study examined the psychological effect physical disabilities have on children and their families to determine what services are necessary for these individuals. The availability of mental health services was then analyzed in the context of the need for them as expressed by children at APDK and parents of disabled children. It was discovered that very few services are available …

Substance Abuse Program Availability And Child Maltreatment, Cindy Juby Ph.D.

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between substance abuse treatment availability, drug and DUI arrests, and child maltreatment across metropolitan, nonmetropolitan/adjacent, and nonmetropolitan/nonadjacent counties in Iowa. County-level data from Iowa between 2002 and 2005 were analyzed for associations between the selected variables. Regression and a path model were the methods of analysis and minority and poverty status were included in the design as control variables. The results revealed that counties with further proximity from metropolitan areas, those with increased drug arrest rates, and those with the highest poverty rates had positive and significant impacts on child …

Beliefs And Behaviors Regarding Substance Use And Hiv Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm) In A Mid-Sized U.S. Community, David A. Patterson Silver Wolf (Adelv Unegv Waya) Phd, Martin Hall Mssw, Seana Golder Phd

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper explores the beliefs and behaviors surrounding substance use and HIV risk among a convenience sample of 98 MSM in a mid-size community located in the central U.S. Several interesting patterns were identified in the descriptive analyses. Multivariate analysis identified two variables, belief that recreational drug use made sexual experiences better and reports that most MSM friends drank alcohol or took recreational drugs that were significant predictors of engagement in substance using behavior. Models accounted for 24% of the variance in drinking behavior and 15% of the variance in drug using behavior. Suggestions for HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention and …

Elder Abuse: A Policy Analysis, Cortni Davis

Undergraduate Research Conference

Elder abuse is a growing social problem in the United States. It takes on many forms, and is prevalent throughout various cultures. Elder Abuse Reporting Laws have been enacted throughout various states to prevent and intervene in elder abuse cases. California’s Financial Abuse Reporting Act of 2005 is one among many laws in the United States which was formed to help ensure social justice for the elderly citizens of America.

Taking It To The Streets! Engaging In The Praxis Of Community Organization, Paul Force-Emery Mackie

Social Work Department Publications

This grassroots action focused on excessive property development of affordable, single-family homes against aggressive property developers. This presentation traces the author's involvement with a variety of neighborhood stakeholders, socio-political entities, and BSSW students to work for real, positive, sustainable social change to improve their local community.

Seed Account Monitoring Research: Participants, Savings, And Accumulation, Lisa Reyes Mason, Yunju Reyes Mason, Margaret Clancy, Vernon Loke, Youngmi Kim

Center for Social Development Research

SEED Account Monitoring Research: Participants, Savings, and Accumulation

Youth Service In Comparative Perspective, Amanda Moore Mcbride, Leila Patel, Maud Simonet, Gesa Birnkraut, Tserendorjiin Erdenechimeg, Tumurbaatariin Bulganzaya, Radnaagiin Gantumur, Danielle M. Vogenbeck Varda, Wale Adebanwi, Alvino E. Fantini

Center for Social Development Research

Youth Service in Comparative Perspective

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 36, No. 1 (March 2009)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF ADOLESCENT DATING VIOLENCE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND - Penchan Pradubmook-Sherer
• CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT FUND: A POLICY ANALYSIS - Colleen K. Vesely and Elaine A. Anderson
• PARENTAL ASSETS: A PATHWAY TO POSITIVE CHILD EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES - Michal Grins tein-Weiss, Yeong Hun Yeo, Kate Irish, and Min Zhan
• PROMOTING POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR HEALTHY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: UTILIZING SOCIAL CAPITAL THEORY - Julie Anne Laser and George Stuart Leibowitz
• THE FAILURES OF AMERICAN POVERTY MEASURES - Stephen Pimpare
• STRUCTURATION THEORY AND CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS: POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE - Jennifer Wheeler-Brooks
• WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD: DOES WHERE …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Adolescent Dating Violence In Bangkok, Thailand, Penchan Pradubmook-Sherer

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study explored the incidence and severity of violence in dating relationships, and identified variables that explain dating violence perpetration by Thai youths. The sample consisted of 1,296 adolescents from high schools, vocational schools, and out-of-school adolescents, between the ages of 14 and 19. Findings indicate that Thai youths maintain very intensive dating relationships. The out-of-school adolescents hold the highest dating violent behaviors. While males' dating violence scores were higher, the females were involved in all types of dating violence, exceeding the males on verbal/emotional violence. The results provide useful information about cultural influences on dating violence, and have practical …

Parental Assets: A Pathway To Positive Child Educational Outcomes, Michal Grinstein-Weiss, Yeong Hun Yeo, Kate Irish, Min Zhan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A growing body of evidence suggests parental assets have positive effects on children's well-being. Using 2004 data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this study tests the effect of parental asset holding on child educational outcomes, and explores whether parental involvement and expectations mediate this relationship. Results indicate that assets are a significant predictor of all child academic outcomes of our study; however, income is not a significant predictor for school outcomes when controlling for assets. The mediation analyses show the effect of assets on school outcomes is mediated by two of the three parenting measures: parental expectations …

Promoting Positive Outcomes For Healthy Youth Development: Utilizing Social Capital Theory, Julie Anne Laser, George Stuart Leibowitz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article discusses the central tenets of the theories of social capital, which include exchanges, trust, obligation, bonding, bridging, and issues concerning the marginalization of certain groups. Included is an exploration of the limitations of the approaches of the key theorists, followed by the presentation of a theoretical framework and model of the development of social capital among youth. Additionally, the article discusses the relevancy of social capital for social work practice.

Welcome To The Neighborhood: Does Where You Live Affect The Use Of Nutrition, Health, And Welfare Programs?, Molly De Marco, Allison C. De Marco

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite the recent upsurge in neighborhood effects research, few studies have examined the impact of neighborhood characteristics on the use of nutrition, health, and welfare programs. To explore these issues, this study used data from Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three-City Study, a longitudinal dataset comprised of low-income neighborhoods in Boston, San Antonio, and Chicago (n=1,712). Using hierarchical linear models, the results indicated that both individual (education, employment, and marriage) and perceived neighborhood disorder factors were related to social service use.

Testing The Relationship Of Formal Bonding, Informal Bonding, And Formal Bridging Social Capital On Key Outcomes For Families In Low-Income Neighborhoods, Daniel Brisson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The development of social capital among families living in low income neighborhoods has become a popular poverty reduction and economic advancement strategy. However conceptual scholarship suggests the broad use of social capital has diminished its importance. Scholars have begun to identify the multiple and overlapping characteristics of social capital and the field now needs empirical studies to show how specific types of social capital are important for families living in low-income neighborhoods. This study tests the relationship between three types of social capital (informal bonding social capital, formal bonding social capital and formal bridging social capital) and important outcomes for …

Social Security In The 21st Century, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

Social Security in the 21st Century

Ida Evaluation Handbook: A Practical Guide And Tools For Evaluation Of Pioneering Ida Projects, Michael Sherraden, Deborah Page-Adams, Shirley Emerson, Sondra Beverly, Edward Scanlon, Li-Chen Cheng, Margaret S. Sherraden, Lissa Johnson

Center for Social Development Research

This IDA Evaluation Handbook is designed as a practical guide with tools for emergent, pioneering IDA (Individual Development Accounts) projects. The goal of this Handbook is to promote early evaluations of IDAs and learn as much as possible from each project.

Exploring The Impact And Implications Of Residential Mobility: From The Neighborhood To The School, Robin L. Ersing, Richard D. Sutphen, Diane N. Loeffler

Social Work Faculty Publications

This cross-sectional study examines residential relocation among a cohort of 495 fifth graders in one urban community in the Southeastern U.S. The impact of residential mobility is discussed in relation to student/family outcomes as well as the stressors placed upon schools. Results support previous findings which suggest residential relocation is correlated with academic problems. In addition, highly mobile students are twice as likely to be referred by teachers for disciplinary intervention and families are five times more likely than their residentially stable counterparts to be involved with child protective services. Implications from this study address the need for school systems, …

A Proposed Program To Reduce Risk Of Recidivism For First Time Juvenile Sex Offenders, Lorna E. Grant

Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice

This proposed pilot project is intended for juvenile sex offenders and their parents. The program aims to guide juvenile sex offenders into successful reintegration into their communities, and prevent re-incarcera-tion/relapse of juveniles released from juvenile correctional facilities and the family court using a multi-sys-temic approach. A developmental evaluation is proposed to be conducted from the behavioral objectives approach to measure the effectiveness of a 12-months pilot program.

Stress And Coping Behavior : The Effects Of Poverty On Women And Children, Laura J. Sorensen Lyons

Graduate Research Papers

The following paper reviews research on poverty, its effects on women and their children, and how they cope with the increased level of stress. There are more single headed households now than ever, the majority headed by women. This adds an increased level of stress on both the women and the children they care for. Research also shows that a large number of these families are also coping with the special needs of their children. This stress leads many women and children to cope in some conventional and unconventional ways.

Schools are playing an increasingly larger role in the lives …

A Critical Realist Exploration Of The Relationship Between Personal And Professional Value Systems In Social Workers And The Impact On Motivations For Participation In A Social Work Community Of Practice, Philip Jonathan Osteen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses questions about the nature of relationships between personal and professional value systems and between personal and professional identities, about motivations for engaging in a social work community of practice, and about alternative statistical methods for evaluating the psychometric properties of an original measure of motivation for participation in a social work community of practice. By merging communities of practice theory, derived from social learning theory, and critical social realist theory, this study bridges an ideological gap between the origins and evolution of personal and social identities. The study utilizes a mixed-method approach to (1) develop a measure …

Creating An Indian Space In The City: Development, Maintenance, And Evolution Of Cultural Identity And Cultural Connectedness Among Multiple Generations Of Urban American Indians, Nancy Marie Lucero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the cultural identity and cultural connectedness of multiple generations of American Indians whose families had been living continuously in an urban area for 40 to 50 years. The intent of the current study was to better understand how members of this group developed and maintained their cultural identities while living away from a tribal community and as a small percentage of the population of a large and culturally diverse metropolitan area. The study also sought to identify what constituted cultural connectedness--a term used frequently amongst urban Indians that appears to encompass factors of importance to being American …

Private Foster Family Agencies' Certified Foster Parents' Perceptions Of County Social Workers And Services, Maria Gabriela Casillas

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore the support and services available to foster parents from government-run services and to examine attitudes resulting from the contact they have with county social workers and the services they received from them. The foster parent's suggestions and/or responses allowed this study to uncover frequent themes that lead to a theory of their perceptions, and served to add knowledge and make changes in social work practice at the micro and/or macro levels of human organization. This study was conducted with 15 foster parents that provide foster care for the agency, Community Access Network …

The Impact Of California's Service Delivery System On Developmentally Disabled Youth Emancipating From The Child Welfare System, Carey Ann Doetschman

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine public child welfare and regional center workers' perceptions of the experiences that developmentally disabled youth have as they emancipate from child welfare services into the adult developmental service sector. Data was collected by interviewing workers from Inland Regional Center and San Bernardino County's Child Welfare Department. The sample of this study included nine case managers and social workers who presented nine cases. Qualitative Interviews were designed and conducted with workers from both agencies utilizing the same basic interview guide.

Establishing Adult Lifelong Connections For Emancipating Foster Youth, Tylia Lindsey Jones

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which Riverside County Children's Social Services Workers (CSSW's) are establishing adult lifelong connections for emancipating foster youth. Interviews were conducted with CSSW's from the Independent Living Program (ILP) and the Planned Permanency Living Arrangement (PPLA) units. The purpose of the interviews was to identify resources that CSSW's are using to secure adult lifelong connections for youth transitioning out of the foster care system.

The Relationship Between Kinship Support Services And Placement Outcomes, Maria De Jesus Flores, Jennifer Lau

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined the relationship between kinship support services and placement outcomes using secondary data collected by Chang and Liles (2004) in the Counties of San Bernardino and Riverside. This study aimed at assessing kinship care placement outcomes by reviewing the characteristics of kin caregivers and their dependent children, types of financial support and services received, and contact with social workers. This study sample included 130 kinship caregivers and 291 dependent children from the original study (Chang & Liles, 2007).

Perceptions About The Effectiveness Of Play Therapy Among Parents, Maria Nina Joy Malasig Flores

Theses Digitization Project

This thesis will explore the perceptions about the effectiveness of play therapy among parents. This study will work with Bilingual Family Counseling Services, (BFCS) in Ontario, with their school based program. Their school based program runs throughout the Montclair and Ontario school districts and helps counsel children with behavioral problems who are from 5-12 years of age with play therapy. The issue that will be addressed in this study is to find out through the perception of the parent whether or not play therapy has been effective with their child. This study will survey parents about their child's progress throughout …

Substance Abuse Among The Aging Population: A Needs Assessment, Stephen Michael Clark

Theses Digitization Project

This needs assessment was composed of 33 clinicians' in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that work in the substance abuse field. This study was developed to test if there is a need to increase clinicians' knowledge level base when working with older adults age 65 plus with a substance abuse problem. This needs assessment looked at demographics and tested the differences between self reported knowledge and what instruments their agencies are currently using.

Attitudes Regarding Gang Affiliation Of Select Adolescent Boys Residing In Group Homes, Gina Michelle Aguirre

Theses Digitization Project

This study contains a program evaluation of a four week series of group sessions, involving a variety of group activites, including role plays, exposure to a former gang member, and group dialogues on a variety of topics, to determine whether the program caused a change in the attitudes of adolescent males residing in group homes regarding gang affiliation. The research utilized a convenience sample, utilizing male residents of Fields Comprehensive Group Homes, between the ages of 15 and 18, residing at one of two affiliated locations. Each location housed six adolescent boys. One group home was randomly selected as the …