Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Deinstitutionalization On Individuals Who Receive Services From Guild Incorporated, Meredith K. Foster

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to gain a deeper understanding of the impact that deinstitutionalization has had on individuals who receive case management services from Guild Incorporated. Participants will be gathered for the qualitative portion using a non-probability sample, and identified by a professional within the agency. Research for this portion was conducted through an in-depth interview where participants were asked to describe the impact that deinstitutionalization has had in their lives. Results for this study show that individuals who moved out of Guild Hall initially felt fear and helplessness, loss of support, and financial burden after moving …

Services Provided For Sexually Abused Children In Staffed Emergency Children's Shelters In The Metro Area, Kylie L. Davis

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research work investigates what types of services are being provided to address the needs of sexually abused children in emergency shelters located in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The study was done in order to determine if the children's shelters are serving the needs of sexually abused children who are removed from their homes. This study surveyed directors of children's emergency shelters in the metropolitan area on what services are provided by their shelter to this population of children. The results of the survey showed that the services provided for this specific population of children are …

Stride And Mfip: Outcome Differences, Melissa A. Bate

Theses and Graduate Projects

Changing societal attitudes about responsibility for the poor have led to the creation of a succession of different welfare programs. This study compared two Minnesota welfare programs, STRIDE and MFIP, with regard to outcome data including wage at termination, education level at termination, and total time the individual spent on welfare. This was a quantitative study of data from archived files of 50 STRIDE and 50 MFIP participants (n = 100). The data were analyzed to determine statistically significant differences in outcomes between the two programs. The difference on the emphasis on education and work between the two programs and …

Sense Of Humor, Stress, And Burnout In Medical Social Workers, Kerby Plante

Theses and Graduate Projects

This quantitative study used survey research methodology to explore the relationship befween sense of humor, stress, and burnout in medical social workers. The hypothesis of this study is that a sense of humor will decrease stress, which in turn will descrease burnout for social workers. This study surveyed 75 medical social workers in the State of Minnesota on their use of humor and their current stress and burnout level. The study used the Sense of Humor Rating Scale, the Job Stress Survey, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory as the measures to quantify the variables. The study found that stress is …

Spirituality And Disability : What Are The Dynamics And Significance Of Spirituality In The Lives Of People With Physical Disabilities, Michele Berndt

Theses and Graduate Projects

This qualitative study attempted to explore the significance and dynamics of spirituality in the lives of people with physical disabilities in coping with barriers that are placed on them by society. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the importance of the spiritual dimension in constructing disability. This study was based on a pure qualitative strategy. Data that reveal the participants' experiential point of view have been evaluated and analyzed using elements of Hermaneutics. The data was obtained by conducting in-depth interviews with four physically disabled individuals. The interview questions focused on the psycho-social-spiritual perspectives of disability. The participants …

An Exploratory Internet Study Of Perceptions Of Academic Accommodations Among Post-Secondary Students With Disabilities, Lance Hotchkiss

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is an exploratory internet study of post-secondary students with disabilities regarding their academic accommodations. Review of the literature on academic accommodations shows that a decade after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) there is still room for improvement. Previous studies found that social work schools and programs were not following their own code of ethics in the education of social work students with disabilities. Implications for social work include: working with students with disabilities as part of an active team, firm policies on campuses about accommodations, ways of accessing a respondent base for further studies, institutional …

Child Abuse Reported To The Police., David Finkelhor, Richard Ormrod

Crimes Against Children Research Center

Child abuse is commonly regarded as a child welfare problem, and a considerable amount of information has been amassed from this perspective. When a child is assaulted, however, it is not only a child welfare problem, it is a crime, and yet there is a lack of law enforcement data available for researchers to analyze. Use of the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which collects detailed data about crime and its victims, should help fill this gap. This Bulletin describes NIBRS and its role in depicting police experience with child abuse and reports key findings derived from NIBRS data. Analysis …

A Hermeneutic Study: The Impacts Of The Harm Reduction Approach On Women Living In Abusive Relationships, Darla Segelstrom

Theses and Graduate Projects

Despite the number of services available to battered women, few focus on working with those who remain in the abusive relationships. The Harm Reduction approach is one geared towards working with women who have not yet made the decision to leave their abusive partner. This hermeneutic, interpretive study of women's narratives revealed that the harm reduction approach provided non-judgmental support, which was conducive to increasing women's overall awareness of themselves, their situation, and their options. It is recommended that social workers and other human service agencies recognize the complexity, individuality and strength in each battered woman they encounter, facilitate a …

Positive Possibilities For Child And Family Welfare: Options For Expanding The Anglo-American Child Protection Paradigm, Gary Cameron, Nancy Colleen Freymond, Denise Cornfield, Sally Palmer

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

The creation of the ‘problem of child maltreatment’ and how we deal with it are best understood as particular discourses which grow out of specific histories and social configurations. The Anglo-American child protection paradigm can be viewed as a particular configuration rooted in our vision for children, families, community, and society. However, other settings have constructed quite different responses reflecting their own priorities and desired outcomes. This paper is an effort to understand the choices made in Ontario’s child protection system by examining its history and the underlying beliefs and values which have fostered its development. In addition, the paper …

Focal Point, Volume 15 Number 01, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

Transitions are difficult for all of us, but for children and youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, transitions are often both more difficult and more frequent than for their peers. Even “normal”, age-defined transitions such as the transition to kindergarten or the transition to independent living are often extremely difficult for children and youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, and for their families or other caregivers. Transitions—accompanied by the disruption of routine and the need to interact with unfamiliar people—are precisely the types of situations that are often most unsettling and stressful for these children.

The Financial Vulnerability Of People With Disabilities: Assessing Poverty Risks, Andrew I. Batavia, Richard Beaulaurier

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The economic self-sufficiency and independence of people with disabilities depend largely on their capacity to maintain financial stability. As a group, such individuals have among the highest poverty rates, lowest educational levels, lowest average incomes, and highest out-of-pocket expenses of all population groups. Any substantial shock to the financial stability of people with disabilities can threaten their access to necessary housing, nutrition, medical care, and other resources, the absence of which may result in further vulnerability and possible poverty. This article offers a theoretical framework for understanding disability poverty risk. Empirical studies are needed to test this model, quantifying the …

Defining Human Services, Chaim Zins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study aims at formulating adequate criteria for designing the field of human services. Based on a conceptual analysis of "human services" the study establishes the theoretical ground of a four-category model for classifying human service organizations, and three alternative definitions of the field. The classificatory principle underlying the model and the definitions reflects the contribution of human services to overall societal wellbeing. I conclude the study by discussing the implications for social welfare policy planning, service design and evaluation, and shaping the nature of the helping professions.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 28, No. 1 (March 2001)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• DEFINING HUMAN SERVICES - Chaim Zins
• SOCIAL WORK AND LABOR: A LOOK AT THE NORTH AMERICAN AGREEMENT ON LABOR COOPERATION - Constance Phelps
• CRIME RATES AND CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE: AMERICA'S CHANGING ATTITUTES TOWARD CRIME AND POLICY, 1972-1999 - Georgia Ackerman, Bobbie Anderson, Scott Jensen, Randy Ludwig, Darrel Montero, Nicole Plante, and Vince Yanez
• THE EFFECTIVENESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF A TEEN CURFEW LAW - Richard D. Sutphen and Janet Ford
• THE INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF GRANDMOTHER-GRANDCHILD CO-RESIDENCY - Richard K. Caputo
• THE TRANSFORMATION OF RUSSIAN SOCIAL POLICY IN THE TRANSITION TOWARD A MARKET ECONOMY - Isabel Pla Julian …

Residential Mobility And Youth Well-Being: Research, Policy, And Practice Issues, Edward Scanlon, Kevin Devine

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite an extensive body of sociological work suggesting that residential mobility reduces child well-being, the subject of relocation has been largely overlooked in social work and social welfare literature. Recent social policies threaten to increase the incidence of moving among low-income families in the United States. This paper reviews theoretical and empirical literature in this area and finds evidence that residential mobility reduces children's academic functioning, and may negatively affect other aspects of child well-being. These effects are especially strong for poor children from single parent families, making this issue of particular relevance for social work. The authors suggest implications …

The Transformation Of Russian Social Policy In The Transition Toward A Market Economy, Isabel Pla Julian

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The last few years have witnessed truly extraordinary events in the formerly communist societies. These countries were characterized by the great importance attached to social policy as opposed to market economy countries with a similar level of economic growth. However, the transition process toward a market economy has set new conditions for the functioning of governing levels and companies, which has affected social policies altogether. On the one hand, economic liberalization has brought about a reduction of the Russian Government's intervention in the economy, particularly in social policy. On the other hand, the privatization of the state company in a …

Neighbor's Knowledge And Reaction To Suspected Child Abuse In An Urban Setting, Gary Paquin, John Schafer, Adam Carle

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Neighbors are seen as an important source of child abuse prevention and reporting. This article reports the result of a random telephone survey of a large mid-western city (n = 513) which examined the extent to which respondents suspected their neighbors of physical child abuse. Data was also collected on how respondents learned of such physical abuse, what their response to it was, and whether they noticed a difference in the frequency of the abuse after they did or did not respond. In this urban environment, relatively few knew of their neighbors' physical abuse, and those who did learned of …

Treatment Of Choice Or A Last Resort? A Review Of Residential Mental Health Placements For Children And Adolescents, Karen Frensch, Gary Cameron, Gerald R. Adams

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

Residential treatment is often regarded as a treatment of ‘last resort’ and, increasingly, residential treatment programs are being asked to address the needs of very troubled children and adolescents. This paper is an effort to summarize what is currently known about the effects of residential treatment for children and adolescents. The review is organized into two sections: studies of the effectiveness of group home residential treatment and studies of the effectiveness of residential treatment delivered in residential treatment centres. In both areas, we attempt to identify trends within treatment, as well as patterns found in the literature that characterize post …

An African-Centered Model For The Group Treatment Of Domestic Violence, Robert John Wehling

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a group treatment program for social workers to help them work effectively with African-American men who have committed domestic violence. The program model uses an African-Centered perspective, incorporating differentiation therapy and an ecological, systems perspective. A twelve-week group treatment program is developed to help men understand and take responsibility for their abusive behavior. It empowers men by helping them take control of their lives, to improve their self-definition, regulate their emotional state, and deepen their understanding of their rich cultural heritage.

Perceptions Of Social Workers Concerning Possible Gaps In The Discharge Planning Process At Regional Treatment Centers, Kathleen A. Goblirsch

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the possible barriers that social

workers encountered in both rural and urban regional mental

health treatment centers. Twenty-three social workers at four

regional treatment centers completed a questionnaire that was

used to determine perceived roles and decision-making processes

used by the respondents. Social workers evaluated and made

recommendations to improve the discharge process. Social workers

identified housing limitations, patient disagreement, waiting

lists, behavior problems, and lack of community services as

factors that limit patients from being discharged from regional

treatment centers. Social workers discussed the need for

community resources to be more accessible and the need …

The Social Group Work Tradition: Toward Social Justice A Free Society, Albert S. Alissi

Social Group Work Foundation Occasional Papers

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Variables Associated With Re-Arrest Among Graduates Of A Juvenile Diversion Program, Eileen Gail Holguin, Melody June O'Neill

Theses Digitization Project

The Home Run Program that operates in San Bernardino County was developed to address rehabilitation of high-risk youthful offenders using a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) approach to treatment. Despite the fact the program was developed to address recidivism among a delinquent population, recidivism continues to be an issue for participants. This study evaluated specific social and demographic factors and the bearing they had on successful rehabilitation outcome.

Characteristics Of Male Childhood Sexual Abuse, Teresa Solomon Billings, Judith Gardner Simolke

Theses Digitization Project

The current study investigated characteristics and case variables of sexually abused male children, and how those variables affect the outcome of cases investigated by Child Protective Services. Data was obtained from the RIverside County Department of Social Services, Child Welfare System/Case Management System. It was found that the largest percentages of perpetrators were the siblings of the victims.

The Barriers In Custodial Grandparenting, Sheila Grant

Theses Digitization Project

The quantitative study attempted to examine the barriers and challenges of grandparents raising grandchildren. The primary focus is to explore the problems and concerns to determine what are the specific needs of these redefined families. The researcher employed a questionnaire with some closed and open-ended questions, pertaining to the problems and concerns of custodial grandparents. Twenty-five grandparents in San Bernardino County were interviewed to obtain data regarding this issue. The findings of the study revealed that grandparents and grandchildren both are in need of internal and external resources to enhance, empower and support their inner ability to adjust and cope …

The Effect Of A Lesbian Woman's Coming-Out Experience On Her Psychological Well-Being, Carrie Elizabeth Allen, Cheryl Marie Hughes

Theses Digitization Project

This study was performed to provide social workers with knowledge about the psychosocial risks of a lesbian client's coming-out event. A survey was administered consisting of 22 questions and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depressed Mood Scale (CES-D).

The Effects Of New Members On Perceived Group Cohesion, Kristie Lynn Bott, Michele Dawn Reed

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Human Sexuality Knowledge And Attitudes Among Graduate Social Work Students, Denette Michelle Wilson

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research was to obtain empirical evidence regarding the knowledge and attitudes among graduate social work students. It examines the relationship between age, previous sex education, marital status and the amount of human sexuality knowledge.

The Effects Of Pubertal Timing On Deviant Behaviors In Adolescent Females, Angela Sadowski

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research project was to examine the relationship between age at menarche and the development of behavior problems. The research was designed to determine if there is any significance to the hypothesis that early maturing girls engage in more problematic behaviors than their on-time or later maturing peer.

Study Of A Gang Risk Intervention Program: A Profile Of At-Risk Youth In The Public School Setting, Patrick Saint Francis Muller

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was (1) to review programs directed towards students defined "at risk" in the literature, (2) to construct a profile of the at-risk population served by the Gang Risk Intervention Program (GRIP) in Riverside County, and (3) to make future recommendations towards enhanced service delivery to the same.

Differences Between Personality Traits Of Dcs Intake And Carrier Workers, Their Goodness Of Job Fit, And Its Effect On Job Satisfaction, Diane Lynne Mathis, Virginia Lynne Reed

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a different personality trait between Department of Children's Services, intake and carrier workers. If there is a difference, does it effect job satisfaction when the worker is placed in a position that is not compatible with their personality trait?

An Examination Of The Association Between Psychosocial Stressors And Drinking Patterns Among Gay Men, Dawn Melissa Linne, Jamie Danielle Grossberg

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined alcohol usage among gay men in terms of the relationship between specific psychosocial stressors and rates of alcohol usage.