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Cambodian Refugee Experience History Of Genocide Implications For Social Workers, Mark Cavanaugh

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide social workers and other human service professionals with an understanding of the Cambodian refugee experience. Understanding the history of the Genocide and the horrific impact it has had upon the Khmer is an important dynamic in understanding the Khmer experience.Cambodian civilians who survived the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge regime experienced massive trauma. As a result, Khmer refugees in the United States face a special challenge in the areas of social and psychological adjustment.This research examines the historical and political events which led to the communist take over of Cambodia. It also …

Bringing Violence Out Of The Closet: An Exploration Of Domestic Violence In Gay And Bisexual Male Intimate Relationships, Anthony D. Weeks

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis explores the type and frequency of domestic violence among gay and bisexual men. The thesis also addresses the willingness of gay and bisexual men to seek intervention services for domestic violence-related issues. Respondents to the written, self-report survey questionnaire were clients at a gay-affirmative chemical dependency treatment center and a community-based mental health/social service agency in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Research findings indicated that most respondents had experienced some form of abuse from an intimate partner. Fewer, but still a considerable number, of respondents had been abusive to an intimate partner at least once. Although the sample …

Lesbian Battering: An Exploratory Study, Raquel Volaco Simoes

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this research study was to examine the incidence of same-sex female battering. An overview of the existing material on lesbian abusive relationships confirmed the need to further validate and clarify this problem. The Conflict Tactics Scales, Couple Form R, was used to gather data. Fifty percent of the sample reported having perpetuated or experienced physical abuse in current or past relationships. Due to the sample size, the results from this study may not be generalized to the larger lesbian/bisexual community.

Adolescents' Perceptions Of Long-Term Hospitalization And Post-Hospitalization Experience, Mary J. Kacvinsky

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide a description of adolescents' perceptions of their long-term hospitalization and post-hospitalization experience. The study sample included ten previously hospitalized adolescents (aged 13-18) who had been hospitalized long-term (6+ weeks) at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Twin Cities Unit, a pediatric orthopedic hospital. They were interviewed by telephone to get their perceptions of past hospital experiences. Study findings indicate that adolescent patients become very knowledgeable about life in the hospital and what is allowed and expected of them. Findings are consistent with the review of the literature which indicated that, giving up independence …

Socio-Economic And Political Implications Of The Termination Of General Assistance Benefits For Undocumented Victims Of Torture In Minnesota, Evelyn C. Lennon

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Minnesota State Legislature amended the General Assistance benefits statutes, effective October 1, 1993, to exclude undocumented persons. This research project attempts to define the socio-economic and political issues as they impact victims of political torture who reside in Minnesota without legal status. The history of public assistance, its underlying social problem, and its judicial context reveals the controversy over entitlements versus rights. Social program and policy systems analysis highlights the linkage between the goals and objectives of the legislation and the message that is inherent in the delivery of services. An examination of the files of four clients of …

A Short-Term Group Model For Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Linda M. Pavic

Theses and Graduate Projects

The current changes in the health care system require mental health professionals to provide short-term, cost-effective services that are accessible to a broader population. Chrysalis Mental Health Clinic is meeting this challenge. The clinic has designed and implemented a short-term psycho educational group model for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This thesis is an evaluation of the group model's effectiveness from the members' perspective. The evaluation examines the following three research questions: 1) From the group members' perspective, how helpful is the psycho educational approach of the short-term group model at Chrysalis Mental Health Clinic?; 2) Was a feeling …

The Evaluation Of Organizational Structure In The Rape Crisis Movement In Minnesota From 1970-1990, Cheryl A. Champion

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study documents the changes in the organizational structure of the rape crisis centers (RCC) in Minnesota. It compares the organizational types of similar alternative agencies with those organizational types that emerged in RCC. It considers a framework that predicts at what period in the natural history of a social movement changes in organizational structure and personnel occur. It determines how the evolution of RCC reflects this framework. Finally, it assesses the relationship between feminist ideology and organizational functioning. Several findings emerge from this study. Over time, RCC evolved from grassroot collectives into programs of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. …

Changes In Labor Force Activities And Income Of The Elderly Before And After Retirement: A Longitudinal Analysis, Namkee G. Choi

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper analyzes the changes in work hours and the economic profile of the elderly for a period of 11 years before and after retirement. Workers of all economic status decreased their work hours gradually as retirement approached. But findings show that, as they decreased their work hours, workers with higher preretirement economic status experienced more drastic reduction in income than those with lower economic status. Nevertheless, the preretirement income gap was maintained in postretirment economic status mostly due to differences in asset income and pension benefits. Policies to assist low-income retirees are recommended.

A View From The Inside Out: Recipients' Perceptions Of Welfare, Mark R. Rank

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Welfare use is a highly stigmatized behavior in American society. The word itself conjures up various images of disdain in the minds of most Americans. Yet how do the recipients of welfare discern and react to being on public assistance? The focus of this paper is on understanding the manner in which recipients view their own situation, how they perceive the general public's attitudes toward themselves, and their views on fellow welfare recipients. Also examined are how such attitudes influence recipients' behavior towards welfare. These perceptions and behaviors are explored in detail through the use of in-depth, open-ended qualitative interviews …

Social Work, Social Science And The Disease Concept: New Directions For Addiction Treatment, Douglas Frans

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The perception of alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders as disease entities is a view ardently defended not only among chemical dependency professionals but, increasingly, by the general public as well. Over the past two decades, this perspective has also become so ensconced within the addiction treatment industry that alternative interventions are almost nonexistent even though evidence of their effectiveness is available (Miller & Hester, 1989). And yet, "no leading research authorities accept the classic disease concept" (Fingarette, 1988, p. 3). Competing views are generally characterized as irresponsible, and their sponsors summarily dismissed as dangerously uninformed by disease view proponents …

Client-Driven Advocacy And Psychiatric Disability: A Model For Social Work Practice, David P. Moxley, Paul P. Freddolino

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper presents an innovative advocacy model designed to assist people coping with psychiatric disabilities to fulfill their basic living needs. The model emphasizes the importance of clients defining their own needs for advocacy and then, with the support and assistance of an advocate, taking direct action to fulfill these needs. The model is elaborated in terms of its basic attributes, the interlocking roles of both clients and advocates, the importance of the advocacy relationship, and seven core processes of advocacy. The authors conclude with a discussion of possible effects of introducing the model into social work practice in mental …

Review Of Vision And Aging: Crossroads For Service Delivery. Albert L. Orr. Reviewed By James A. Leja, Western Michigan University., James A. Leja

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Orr, Alberta L., Vision and Aging: Crossroads for Service Delivery. New York: American Foundation for the Blind. 1992. $29.95 papercover.

An Examination Of The Ecosystems Perspective In Consideration Of New Theories In Biology And Thermodynamics, Barney Mcdowell

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Eco-systems perspective and its predecessor, systems theory, have been put forth as the guiding methodological framework for social work. In fact, operationally and theoretically most of these formulations are mechanistic and dualistic. Social work systems theory claims ecology, thermodynamics, and biology as its historical roots. It is, therefore, incumbent on the profession to examine the fundamentals of those disciplines. This paper examines social work's eco-systemic formulations in light of new hypotheses in biology and thermodynamics as well as the ecological crisis of our times. Professionalism will then be discussed as the operational demonstration of social work's mechanistic philosophy.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 21, No. 2 (June 1994)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• CHANGES IN LABOR FORCE ACTIVITES AND INCOME OF THE ELDERLY BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS - Namkee G. Choi
• A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE OUT: RECIPIENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF WELFARE - Mark R. Rank
• AN EXAMINATION OF ECOSYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE IN CONSIDERATION OF NEW THEORIES IN BIOLOGY AND THERMODYNAMICS - Barney McDowell
• SOCIAL WORK, SOCIAL SCIENCE AND THE DISEASE MODEL: NEW DIRECTIONS FOR ADDICTIONS TREATMENT - Douglas Frans
• CLIENT-DRIVEN ADVOCACY AND PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY: A MODEL FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE - David P. Moxley and Paula P. Freddolino
• A MARXIAN REVIEW OF GERONTOLOGICAL LITERATURE - Stephen M. Marson …

A Marxian Review Of Gerontological Literature, Stephen M. Marson, L. Richard Della Fave

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A major concern for the sociology of aging and social gerontology is the lack of theoretical rigor. In particular, Birren and Bengtson (1988) describe all of social gerontology as "data-rich but theory-poor." In an effort to deal with the lack of theory, this essay reviews the general social gerontology literature from a Marxian perspective. The findings suggest that the Marxian framework can illuminate aspects of social gerontology hitherto left unexamined in both the academic and applied arenas.

With A Little Help From Our Friends: Social Support As A Source Of Well-Being And Of Coping With Stress, Darlyne Bailey, Donald M. Wolfe, Christopher R. Wolfe

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The relationship between one's psycho-emotional and physiological health has long been of interest to social scientists. While many factors have been examined for their impact on causation and prevention, over the past two decades the concepts of social support, stress and well-being have undergone much scrutiny. In this article the authors provide empirical data to enhance our understanding of the interrelatedness of these three concepts.

Based on the findings from a study of stress and health in organizations, a model is proposed which elucidates some of the conditions under which social support networks mediate the impact of stress on psychological …

Same-Sex Marriage Legislation And The Extension Of Rights To People Who Are Homosexual, Quin Ripley Buchtel

Theses and Graduate Projects

Many of the rights and privileges that heterosexual couples experience in their daily lives are not provided to couples who are gay and lesbian. Even if gays and lesbians choose to form a committed permanent relationship, there are no legal validations or endorsements to insure protection for these unions. The instrument used for this study was an opinion survey. Polled were 41 employees, of a small rural social service agency, who routinely provide a variety of services to diverse populations. The findings suggest that there is resistance to supporting the legalization of same-sex marriages to legitimize these domestic partnerships.

The Efficacy Of Residential Treatment Services For A Child Diagnosed With Schizophrenia: A Case Study, Roxanne F. O'Connor

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of residential treatment services for a child diagnosed with schizophrenia. The literature review completed indicates that fewer than 200 cases of childhood schizophrenia have been described in the world literature. Children with this rare disease are served a number of ways in l{Minnesota, one of those ways being residential treatment services. In studying the effectiveness of this treatment modality for a child with schizophrenia, f have completed an intensive ease study of a child who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has completed residential treatment services. Records were reviewed and interviews conducted with the identified child, …

Training Foster Parents And Birth Families In Caring For American Indian Children Who Have Experienced Both Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Or Effects And Sexual Abuse, Vi E. Rocek

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis examines the effects of both child sexual abuse and fetal alcohol syndrome or effects on American Indian children in foster care. These children manifest a variety of particular behaviors and mental incapabilities causing them to be exceptionally difficult to parent. Using a conceptual framework based on the perspectives of ecology, competence, human development, and permanency planning, the author develops a training program for foster parents, birth parents and extended family. The training provides concrete, workable and easy to apply strategies for caregivers to address the special needs and demands of these children. The rationale for joining foster parents …

Special Needs Adoption: Characteristics Of Children Who Wait, Sandra K. Taylor Nelson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Children who have been removed from their birth parent(s)' care,

due to abuse, neglect, or other maltreatment are generally placed in

one of several out-of home placement arrangements. The birth parents

of many of these children subsequently have their parental rights

terminated, and these children then become wards of the State. For

this thesis, case records of seventy children who are wards of the

State of Minnesota receiving services from the Hennepin County

Children and Family Services Department Adoption Program' were

reviewed for the purpose of gathering descriptive information about

this population. This study found that number of placements, Iength …

An Historic Review Of Special Education And The Effects Of Segregation On Educational Service Provision, Leslie E. Green

Theses and Graduate Projects

Millions of Americans sincerely believe that children who have special needs are entitled to individualized educational programming. Without this commitment, children who have special needs cannot attain their rightful, productive places in society. The purpose of this thesis will be to trace the origin and the historical development of Special Education. It will also consider and attempt to draw conclusions as to the level of segregation of services provided for students.

Exploration Of Human And Social Service Needs Of The Transgender Community: Guidelines For Social Workers, Lori A. Stark

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this research is to assist the author in developing guidelines for social workers who work with the transgender community, or may come in contact with a transgender client at some point. Although upon completion, this thesis will not be in guideline form, the thesis, as well as the guidelines to follow, will contain definitions and explanations of different areas of the transgendered community, and a list of resource and referral sources that may be useful when working with a transgendered client. The following research questions will be explored in this study : l) What are all of …

Ageism: An Exploration Of Social Workers' Attitudes Toward Psychological Services For Elders, Anita L. Raymond-Wrage

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study sought to explore the value placed on psychological services for elders by social workers. Previous research indicates that psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians and other professionals are biased against the effectiveness of psychological services for older people. Because social workers for elders are often the source of referrals for other types of service provision to meet the needs of older adults, the social worker's ability to recognize depression and to understand the appropriateness of services such as psychotherapy, couple$, group, and family therapy is necessary to ensure all the needs of the older adult are met. By responding to a …

The Impact Of Whole Family Foster Care On Social Support Networks, Sheri A. Olson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the impact of a whole family foster care program on the social support networks of parents placed in care. Comparisons of networks of five parents before and during placement were made. The results suggest that a possible relationship exists on the amount of support received. Increases in network size, concrete, informational and emotional support, reciprocity of help, and the amount of contacts were reported by parents during placement in the program. The overall percentage of criticalness decreased during placement. This suggests an improvement in the quality of social support networks during placement in whole family foster …

The Definition Of Stalking: Its Historical Context And Current Status, Christine M. Freund

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the historical context of stalking to determine i ts current status as a social problem. in the past 30 years stalking has increased in both reported extent and severity. The study tracked stalking through history from the Roman era to the present. Data was collected through the examination of legal testimonials, popular Literature and articles by those currently working with stalking victims and stalkers. The study found, evidence that stalking is gradually becoming recognized as a social problem.

It's Time To Prepare: Death Education For Social Workers, Leah Walton

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a training program for social workers on death and dying. Data was collected by reviewing the literature, conducting interviews with professionals in the field of death and dying, and the participation in a seminar entitled "The Ticking of the Clock and The Tolling of the Bells". The information collected was combined and developed into a training program for social workers in long term care or hospital settings. The training program can also be adapted for use in the class room setting at the undergraduate or graduate level. The training program outlined five …

Respite Care For Children With Emotional / Behavioral Disorders In A Foster Care Setting, Marcia L. Bolte

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Time Apart respite program provides short-term, temporary care, outside the home of the primary caregiver. In the evaluation process, questionnaires were given to social workers and case managers whose clients have used the program and to liscensed, specially trained, foster parents who provided respite services. The study was designed to answer the following seven questions: 1) What are the characteristics of the consumers of this program?; 2) Does the respite provider training address the needs of respite providers in serving the children in their care?; 3) Does the child information packet given to providers supply the information they need …

Development Of Workshop For School Social Workers: A Framework For Addressing Sexually Abused Adolescents, Lisa M. Baird

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a training program to equip school social workers to work effectively with the growing population of adolescents who have suffered sexual abuse. The framework of the program focuses on empowering the victims to move from the mindset of feeling controlled by the victimization to utilizing their freedom to choose positive behaviors and taking responsibility for those choices, despite their suffering.

A workshop was developed for presentation to school social workers. The workshop educates social workers on a framework from which to address the adolescent victim. It presents an overview of sexual abuse, …

Evaluating A Grandparent Support Group, Mary A. Taylor

Theses and Graduate Projects

Having developed a grandparent support group for grandparents raising grandchildren, the author conducted an evaluation of the group using both quantitative and qualitative information from group members. The support group was sponsored by a Western suburban school district in the Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolitan area. The author utilizes attachment theory in an attempt to understand the needs of grandparents raising their grandchildren, an increasing phenomena. After reviewing research findings on the usefulness of support groups, especially those sponsored by schools, the evaluation of this support group and its usefulness to grandparents are presented. Suggestions for future groups and information …

Minnesota Youth In Care: Voices Of Wisdom, Michelle L. Chalmers

Theses and Graduate Projects

Adolescents currently make up the largest proportion of young people entering substitute care in the state of Minnesota. In this exploratory project, eleven young adults with a history of out of home placement in two Minnesota counties were interviewed. Participants shared their perceptions on the degree of influence they feel they had when decisions regarding their placements were made. They provided "advice" for youth currently entering the system and for practitioners working with adolescents in care. A review of the literature exploring the relationship between empowerment theories and youth participation in service provision provides a foundation for the study. Literature …