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Implicit Beliefs About Change: A Theory-Grounded Measure Applied To Community Organizations Serving Children, Youth, And Families, Susan B. Silverberg, Sherry C. Betts, Angela J. Huebner, Sonia Cota-Robles

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a theory-grounded measure that taps staff beliefs about the possibility for change in an organization which serves children, youth and families at the community level. The rationale for measuring staff beliefs about change derived from a motivation theory that features two contrasting beliefs structures (entity vs. incremental), and the goals and behavioral dispositions associated with each (Dweck & Leggett, 1988). Twenty-nine individuals associated with the community-based organization completed the newly developed Implicit Beliefs About Change Scale (IBACS) and participatedi n a semi-structured interview. Quantitative analyses indicated that the IBACS has …

The Populist Persuasion. Michael Kazin.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Michael Kazin, The Populist Persuasion. New York: Basic Books, 1995. $24.00 hardcover.

The Underdevelopment Of Development: Essays In Honor Of Andre Gunder Frank. Sing C. Chew And Robert A. Denmark, (Eds.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Sing C. Chew and Robert A. Denmark, (Eds.), The Underdevelopment of Development: Essays in Honor of Andre Gunder Frank. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996. $58.00 hardcover, $27.95 papercover.

Predictors Of Depression Among Workers At The Time Of A Plant Closing, Nancy R. Vosler, Deborah Page-Adams

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Using an ecological theoretical perspective, this study of white male UAW workers stressed by a plant closing explored predictors of depression at multiple systems levels. The five best predictors of workers' depression were family strengths, age, economic strain, health, and social support. Additional bivariate predictors included self-esteem and having an alcohol problem at the individual level, marital status and family satisfaction at the family system level, and household income, home ownership, and key relationships at the social-environmental level. Implications for collaboration between direct-service and policy-practice social workers are discussed.

Review Of Challenges To Social Security: An International Expoloration. James Midgley And Martin B. Tracy (Eds.). Reviewed By Leon Ginsberg, University Of South Carolina., Leon Ginsberg

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

James Midgley and Martin B. Tracy, Challenges to Social Security: An International Exploration. Westport, CT: Auburn House. 1996, $49.95.

Review Of Black Wealth. White Wealth. Melvin L. Oliver And Thomas M. Shapiro. Reviewed By Lolita Perkins, Louisiana State University., Lolita Perkins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Melvin L. Oliver and Thomas M. Shapiro, Black Wealth/White Wealth: A New Perspective on Racial Inequality. New York: Routledge, 1995 $22.95 Hardcover.

Review Of Small Change: Domestic Policy Under The Clinton Presidency. David Stoesz. Reviewed By James Midgley, Louisiana State University., James Midgley

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

David Stoesz, Small Change: Domestic Policy under the Clinton Presidency. New White Plains, NY: Longman, 1996. $25.00 papercover.

The New Generational Contract: Intergenerational Relations, Old Age And Welfare. Alan Walker (Ed.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Alan Walker (Ed.), The New Generational Contract: Intergenerational Relations, Old Age and Welfare. London: UCL Press, 1996. $24.95 papercover. [Available from Taylor and Francis, Bristol, PA].

Understanding Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Khmer Traditional Healers: A Case Study, Chang Thach

Theses and Graduate Projects

Approximately three million Cambodian (Khmer) people were victims of political genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge in 1975 inside Cambodia. A significant number of survivors of this holocaust immigrated to Minnesota. The psychological trauma of living through the genocide by the Khmer Rouge has caused many Khmer immigrants to seek mental health services. Many of these seeking mental health services have been diagnosed as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Two groups of Khmer healers currently live in Minnesota: the Buddhist monk and Kru healer. Traditional Khmer immigrants suffering from PTSD symptoms may be inclined to seek help from …

Personal And Social Factors Related To Adolescent Recidivism, Edgar Young Jr

Theses and Graduate Projects

More than 45,000 Minnesota juveniles were arrested for all types of offenses in 1993, and 8.3 out of every 100 Minnesota juveniles arrested were between the ages of 10 and 17 (MN State Legislative Auditor, 1995). This exploratory research is a study using face to face interviews with seven professionals working directly with adolescent males who have been arrested and convicted of illegal activity (including status offenses). Six social service professionals from Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding metro counties were interviewed. Participants shared their perspective on the personal and social forces they think influence adolescent recidivism. Recidivism in this study is …

Children: America's Greatest Natural Resource, Don P. Diffine Ph.D.

Belden Center Books

This book deals with two profound questions: First, "what can we do, in the name of Godly charity and true religion, to keep on providing help, assistance, support, love, care and nurturing for birthmothers? And second, "what can we also do to keep finding ways, in these complex legal times, that such children can continue to fill the aching voids in the hearts of other childless couples?"

Focal Point, Volume 10 Number 02, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

The federal Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP), launched in 1984, has been an important contributor to the movement to make major changes in the way services are provided to children with severe emotional disorders and their families . The principles underlying CASSP call for community-based systems of care that are comprehensive and emphasize coordination among child-serving agencies, service delivery in the least restrictive environment, full involvement of families, and cultural competence. These principles have been widely accepted in the worlds of child welfare, child mental health, juvenile justice and special education.

Review Of The Civil Rights Of Homeless People: Law, Social Policy And Social Work Practice. Madeleine R. Stoner. Reviewed By Larry W. Kreuger, University Of Missouri-Columbia., Larry W. Kreuger

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Madeline R. Stoner, The Civil Rights of Homeless People: Law, Social Policy, and Social Work Practice. New York: Aldine DrGruyter, 1995. $38.95 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

Review Of Social Development: The Development Perspective In Social Welfare. James Midgley. Reviewed By Martin B. Tracy, Southern Illinois University At Carbondale, Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

James Midgley, Social Development: The Developmental Perspective in Social Welfare. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1995. $65.00 hardcover, $21.95 papercover.

Review Of The Handbook Of Children's Rights: Comparative Policy And Practice. Bob Franklin (Ed). Reviewed By Joseph Wronka, Springfield College., Joseph Wronka

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Bob Franklin (Ed.) The Handbook of Children's Rights: Comparative Policy and Practice. New York: Routledge, 1995. $59.95 hardcover; $17.95 papercover.

Determinants Of The Timing Of Social Policy Adoption, Chulsoo Kim

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study presents a macro-sociological analysis of welfare state development, particularly focusing on the timing of adoption of social legislation, by examining the dynamic relations between the historical constellation of social and political forces and the rationalities of three key social actors in the development of social policy. After a critical analysis of current theories, the variables are tested concerning the effects of different historical sequencing and the accompanying bargaining power of the social actors on the timing of social policy adoption in the western European countries from 1871 to 1976 using event-history analysis. Such variables as the level of …

International Handbook On Social Work Education. Thomas D. Watts, Doreen Elliott And Nazneen Mayadas (Ed.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Thomas D. Watts, Doreen Elliott and Nazneen Mayadas (Eds), International Handbook on Social Work Education. Westport. CT: Greenwood Press, 1995. $99.50 hardcover.

Incarnating Heaven: Making The Hospice Philosophy Mean Business, Mark A. Mesler, Pamela J. Miller

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Hospice providers in the U.S. are on the horns of a dilemma. Survival of individual programs may require accreditation for third party reimbursement, but this stronger alignment with the business world of medicine may jeopardize their unique philosophy of care for dying persons. Hospice's current business/philosophy dilemma was expressed succinctly by a study participant as attempting to incarnate heaven. Data gathered through an ongoing participant observation study reveals the effects of current third party reimbursement on hospice practice. Further, these effects have implications for current U.S. health care reform efforts which are discussed in conclusion.

Reconceptualizing Women's Work: A Focus On The Domestic And Eligibility Work Of Women On Welfare, Alice Abel Kemp, Pam Jenkins, Molly Biehl

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The types of work performed by women receiving public assistance are examined. Research on women's work often neglects the labor of poor women, reinforcing the view that women receiving welfare do not work. This perspective is challenged with focus group and interview data from welfare recipients in New Orleans, Louisiana. We conclude that within the restrictions of public assistance, poor women are engaging in three types of work: domestic work for their families, economic work for cash-both legal and illegal work, and eligibility work. Eligibility work is defined as the labor necessary to obtain and maintain public assistance.

Real Welfare Reform Requires Jobs: Lessons From A Progressive Welfare Agency, Robert J. Sheak, Warren Haydon

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article discusses evidence from a local progressive welfare agency that has, along with other achievements, created innovate work programs within the framework of Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS). We discuss the institutional and bureaucratic limits of what such agencies can accomplish and that there has been some room for innovation for agencies that are so inclined. We then focus on two work-related innovations within the local JOBS program that demonstrate that there are many welfare clients ready and able to work in useful jobs. We take the position that government job creation is necessary to fill the employment …

Reasonable Efforts, Unreasonable Effects: A Retrospective Analysis Of The 'Reasonable Efforts' Clause In The Adoption Assistance And Child Welfare Act Of 1980, Wendy Whiting Blome

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Hidden in the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 are two words that came to summarize the expectations of the law, typify its vagueness, and predict its controversy-"reasonable efforts." This article explores five factors to clarify the policy implications of the reasonable efforts phrase: " the disproportionately large effects of the requirement for "reasonable efforts;"

• the unanticipated consequences of the clause;
• the shift in the locus of control from social service agencies to court authorities;
• the reduction in discretion for direct and administrative social work personnel; and
• the social, political, and economic realities that framed the reasonable efforts …

Residualism And Rural America: A Decade Later, Steve Jacob, Fern K. Willits, Leif Jensen

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Rural residents, more so than their urban counterparts are popularly believed to view the use of social welfare programs as appropriate only as last (residual) means of obtaining help. The extent to which this belief reflected reality was assessed by Camasso and Moore (1985) a decade ago using data from a 1980 survey of Pennsylvania residents. Congruent with the residualist hypotheses they found that rural residents were less supportive than urban people of social welfare programming, even when the effects of various personal sociodemographic characteristics were controlled. This paper replicates the workof Camasso and Moore by reporting findings from a …

Review Of The Youth Gang Problem: A Community Approach. Irving A. Spergel. Reviewed By James Callicut, University Of Texas, Arlington., James W. Callicutt

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Irving A. Spergel, The Youth Gang Problem: A Community Approach. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. $24.00 papercover.

Coherency Among Substance Abuse Models, Stephen Kauffman, John Poulin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social policy decisions are often made based upon socially constructed models of human behavior. As such, understanding the social constructions in a given policy area is of utmost importance. This study examines three competing models within the substance abuse area: the moral model, the disease model, and the biopsychosocial model. Utilizing survey data from a random sample telephone survey of 1,019 residents of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the study examines a) the degree to which individual models are internally consistent between beliefs about causes and beliefs about solutions, b) whether the assumptions in competing models are in fact different; and c) …

Welfare To Work: What Are The Obstacles?, Maureen O. Marcenko, Jay Fagan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

U.S. welfare reform initiatives are based on the assumption that the primary barriers to economic independence are individual deficits. However, the policy does not adequately account for situational and personal factors necessary for a successful transition from welfare to work. Without greater attention to these barriers, the policy is likely to fail or be implemented at high personal cost to recipients and their families. This paper uses a personin- environment social systems framework to examine the personal and family resources available to a group of women who were receiving AFDC and participating in an urban Head Start program. Structured interviews …

Review Of Native American Postcolonial Psychology. Eduardo Duran And Bonnie Duran. Reviewed By Dana Wilson Klar, Washington University., Dana Wilson Klar

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Eduardo Duran and Bonnie Duran, Native American Postcolonial Psychology. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1995. $16.95 hardcover.

Review Of Young Men In The Street: Help Seeking Behaviour Of Young Male Prostitutes. Cudore L. Snell. Reviewed By Ronald J. Mancoske, Southern University At New Orleans., Ronald J. Mancoske

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Cudore L. Snell, Young Men in the Street: Help Seeking Behavior of Young Male Prostitutes. Greenwood, CT: Praeger Publishers, 1995. $39.95 hardcover.

Review Of Supportive Interviewing In Human Service Organizations: Fundamental Skills For Gathering Information And Encouraging Productive Change. Kenneth France And Michelle Kish. Reviewed By Nazneen Mayadas, University Of Texas, Arlington., Nazneen Mayadas

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Kenneth France and Michelle Kish, Supportive Interviewing in Human Service Organizations: Fundamental Skills for Gathering Information and Encouraging Productive Change. Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas Publisher, 1995. $65.95 hardcover, $36.95 papercover.

The Legal Environment Of Social Work. Leila O. Schroeder.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Leila O. Schroeder, The Legal Environment of Social Work, Washington, DC: NASW Press, 1995. $34.95.

Strategies Of Community Intervention. (Fifth Edition). Jack Rothman, John L. Erlich And John E. Tropman (Eds.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Jack Rothman, John L. Erlich and John E. Tropman (Eds.), Strategies of Community Intervention. (Fifth Edition). Itasca, IL: F. E. Peacock, 1995. $36.50 papercover.