Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Which Influence Recidivism Rates For Individuals At A Regional Treatment Center (Rtc) Who Have Been Dually Diagnosed With Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency (Mi/Cd), Gina Marie Schmerler

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study was conducted to examine factors associated with the recidivism rate of hospitalization admissions for individuals who have been admitted to a mentally ill and chemically dependent unit at a local Regional Treatment Center (RTC). The subject population consists of 23 men and 7 women between the ages of 19-49 years of age who have been court-mandated to the state treatment facility due to severe psychological disorders. For the purpose of this study, the term recidivism is defined as readmission to the facility within one year of discharge. The data were drawn from existing records, such as psychosocial …

An Exploration Of The Needs Of Students Who Attend An Alternative Junior High School, Chrislee Jacobs

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the needs of students who attend Plymouth Christian Youth Center's (PCYC) alternative junior high school, which is located in North Minneapolis. Previous research indicates that students who attend alternative schools may be dealing with a multitude of issues, and therefore, have a wide array of needs which must be addressed. Due to the unique characteristics of alternative schools, these school environments seem to more efficiently meet the needs of their students. Existing literature suggests that when students' needs are met, their school experience will be more satisfying and successful.

Data for …

Exploring The Relationship Between Parental Satisfaction With Ctars And Improving Child's School Performance And To Identity The Resilient Attributes In These Children, Kathy A. Oelze

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this research was to explore parental satisfaction with CTARS, an early intervention program, housed in an elementary in South East Minneapolis. The study also examined whether there was a. Relationship between parental satisfaction and improved child’s school performance. Finally, the study identified resilient attributes in children within this program. The research focused on parents of 5^th grade students who participated in CTARS during the 1994-95 academic school year. The research design included both qualitative and quantitative methods. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 24 parents. Findings indicate that, parental participation and satisfaction with CTARS does …

The Social Work Docuverse, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The impact of electronic technology on social work has not been fundamental or transformative in any way comparable to the impact upon a variety of other professions and disciplines. A major potential impact of electronic systems for communications-based knowledge systems like social work lies in the area of textual processing systems which are only beginning to come to the fore. This article concentrates on one such set of technology -- hypermedia -- which already makes possible the construction and delivery of a social work docuverse which contains an electronic knowledge base of the field. Actual realization of such a web …

Determinants Of Resilience In Mothers Of Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Study, Anne Dussol Humes

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the factors that contribute to the resilience of mothers of children with disabilities. Two measures of resources and support were administered to 16 mothers of children with disabilities who attended parent support groups offered by three agencies in the Twin Cities area. Findings indicated that social support, employment status, and number of children with disabilities are important to the understanding of resilience within this population. The small sample size and variability in scores suggest caution in the clinical application of the findings.

A Descriptive Study: Identifying The Number Of Youth And Parents Served By The North Dakota Path Program That Have Substance Abuse Issues, Mari M. Daugherty

Theses and Graduate Projects

This is a descriptive study that identifies the number of youth and parents served by the North Dakota PATH program that have substance abuse issues- An analysis of existing files regarding youth placed with PATH and their parents was completed by social workers. A total of 79 cases were reviewed. Thirty point four percent of the youth served by PATH were found to have substance abuse issues. Their Parents also had high percentages of substance abuse issues, mothers 30.4%, and fathers 60.8%. The Researcher discusses the importance of educating social workers, families, foster parents, and youth in care on substance …

Descriptive Analysis Of The Elderly Who Utilize Mental Health Services With Implications For Program And Policy Development, Timothy P. Mahoney

Theses and Graduate Projects

The utilization of mental health services by community-dwelling elderly is examined in this study. The number of elderly in the U. S. population is increasing significantly and is projected to continue to do so for the next 40 years. Literature indicates that the mental health component of services for the elderly is strikingly underdeveloped and underutilized. Past research suggests that factors influencing this low level of service development and utilization can be found in the characteristics of the population as well as in the characteristics of the mental health care system.

In this study, data were collected on 62 elderly …

Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren: Increased Stress Due To Role Restriction And Social Isolation, Jan B. Haugrud

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory and descriptive study identifies stress associated with surrogate parenting by grandparents by surveying a small sample of grandparents raising their grandchildren in west central Minnesota. It is indicated that parenting a grandchild(ren) may lead to higher levels of stress due to role restriction and social isolation. A self-administered quantitative mail survey with a 45% response rate found grandparents who are employed and have informal- custody arrangements have increased stress, more concerns and increased need for services than grandparents who are not employed and have legal custody. Implications of the findings include the need for support services for grandparents …

Evaluation For Intensive Home Community Based Services: A Program For At-Risk Youth And Their Families, Bonnie Tali Cooper/Scheff

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this longitudinal evaluation study was to examine client perceptions of the Home Community Based Services Program (HCBS) located in two rural counties in Central Minnesota. It was hypothesized that adjudicated youth (ages 12-17), who have access to the HCBS Program may experience less out-of-home placements and less criminal re-offending. Data was collected utilizing two surveys, one at exit of services, and one six months after discharge of services.

Findings indicated clients perceived the HCBS Program a positive experience introducing change in the family system. Less out-of-home placement was experienced for youth involved in the HCBS Program.

The …

On The Cross-Cultural Attitudes And Experiences Of Recently Returned Lds Missionaries, Timothy B. Smith, Richard N. Roberts, Burton Kerr

Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy

No abstract provided.

Social Support And Single Parent Families: An Evaluation Of Family Support Services, Cathy Maki

Theses and Graduate Projects

At-risk families, both single and two-parent, are those families which may not be providing children with the necessary developmental assets to thrive. Families headed by a single parent are especially at risk for financial, social and academic pressures. Social support networks can help provide resources to families dealing with these stressors.

Data obtained in this program evaluation of Family Support Services of Independent School District 191 verified the programs' effectiveness in providing instrumental and emotional support, as well as a link to community resources, for at-risk families in the district. Results also indicated that further support is needed to help …

Gender Specific Programming For Female Adolescents, Sandra J. Lindgren

Theses and Graduate Projects

Adolescent females hove criticol needs specificolly related to their psychosocial development. This study examines important factors to consider when providing gender specific services for female adolescents, Members of the Minnesota Adolescent Female Subcommittee of the Advisory Task Force on the Femole Offender in Corrections were surveyed to submit o definition of gender specific programming and using the Q-sort method, to prioritize 23 factors considered important to females, The Q-sorted factors were analyzed and categorized by level of importance. Through integration of information from the literature review ond this research study, the following definition of gender specific programming wos developed: "Comprehensive …

Heterosexual Women Arrested For Domestic Violence: Practice Guidelines For Assessment And Treatment Planning, Michele R. Braley

Theses and Graduate Projects

Heterosexual women arrested for violence are often referred to supportive services similar to those provided for battered women although there is limited documentation to justify similar treatment. The results of a questionnaire mailed to 20 practitioners and researchers form the basis for practice guidelines to standardize assessment and treatment planning for heterosexual women arrested for domestic violence. The emphasis of the practice guidelines is on the complex assessment and intervention decisions that arise when a woman has been arrested for using violence in self-defense. Practice guidelines will assist practitioners in justifying decisions about interventions for women arrested for violence against …

How Rural School Social Workers Perceive Elementary Nonattendance: Underlying Causes, Practical Interventions, And Role Identification, Anita M. Larsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research study explored what school social workers in rural Minnesota are doing to address elementary nonattendance. Elementary was defined as any grade between kindergarten and fifth, and rural was defined as outside the 7 county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The research design utilized a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed to 118 school social workers. Of the 76 returned surveys, 62 met the criteria for inclusion in the research. Findings from quantitative and qualitative data indicate that school social workers perceive elementary nonattendance as a problem and that contributing factors include the child, family, school, and community. The roles and intervention …

Poverty And The Underclass: Changing Perceptions Of The Poor In America. William A. Kelso.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

William A, Kelso, Poverty and the Underclass: Changing Perceptions of the Poor in America. New York: New York University Press, 1994. $34.95 hardcover.

Market Mechanisms And Consumer Involvement In The Delivery Of Mental Health Services: A Uk-Us Comparison, Wes Shera

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Both the United Kingdom and the United States Are in the midst of health care reform. By focusing on services for the severely mentally ill this paper compares recent developments in managed care in the U.S. and care management in the U.K. It particularly focuses on the use of market mechanisms and consumer involvement in these reforms.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 23, No. 1 (March 1996)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION - James Midgley
• MARKET MECHANISMS AND CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: A UK - US COMPARISON - Wes Shera
• THE IMPACT OF MARKET ECONOMY TRANSITION ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE: THE CASE OF POLAND - Morgan Tracy and Martin B. Tracy
• THE MARGINALIZATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A STUDY OF FOUR THEORIES OF SOCIAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT - K. L. Tang
• TOWARDS A DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL OF SOCIAL POLICY: RELEVANCE OF THE THIRD WORLD EXPERIENCE - James Midgley
• SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: NECESSARY PARTNERS FOR THE FUTURE IN …

Refugee Resettlement In The United States: Implications For International Social Welfare, Miriam Potocky

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An analysis of U.S. refugee resettlement policy reveals approaches that do not address several root causes of resettlement difficulties: cultural differences, post-traumatic stress disorder, and discrimination by the host culture. Several recommendations are made for policy improvements, and suggestions for the future of international social welfare are presented.

Review Of Old And Homeless: Double Jeopardy. Dianne Wiatt Rich, Thomas A. Rich And Larry C. Mullins (Eds.). Reviewed By Martin B. Tracy, Southern Illinois University., Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Diane Wiatt Rich, Thomas A. Rich and Larry C. Mullins (Eds.). Old and Homeless: Double Jeopardy. Westport, CT: Auburn House, 1995. $49.95 hardcover.

Review Of John C. Rife, Employment Of The Elderly: An Annotated Bibliography. Reviewed By Martin B. Tracy, Southern Illinois University., Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

John C. Rife, Employment of the Elderly: An Annotated Bibliography. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1995. $59.95 hardcover.

The Careless Society: Community And Its Counterfeits. John Mcknight.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

John McKnight, The Careless Society: Community and its Counterfeits. New York: Basic Books, 1995. $21.00 hardcover.

Toward A Developmental Model Of Social Policy: Relevance Of The Third World Experience, James Midgley

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Growing dissatisfaction with conventional social policy approaches, as embodied in the residual and institutional models, has fostered a search for new ideas. The developmental social policy model offers a viable alternative but it is relatively unknown in the industrial nations. Drawing on the experience of Third World countries, this paper describes the developmental model and examines its implications for social policy in the West.

New Themes In International Social Welfare: Introduction, James Midgley

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This introductory article provides a brief overview of developments in international social welfare paying particular attention to the major themes which have characterized the field. It summarizes the new themes reflected in the contributions to the special issue, noting that they are indicative of future directions for international social welfare investigation.

The Impact Of Market Economy Transition On Social Security And Social Welfare In Poland, Morgan A. Tracy, Martin B. Tracy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The development of certain facets of Poland's social protection system since the collapse of state socialism in 1989 is analyzed using a comparative policy process analysis model. Particulara ttention is given to the programs of social assistance, child-care and family benefits, and old-age pensions in the Polish context. On the basis of the analysis it is argued that policy makers should give greater consideration to Poland's unique historical and cultural experience relative to addressing social issues.

The Marginalization Of Social Welfare In Developing Countries: The Relevance Of Theories Of Social Policy Development, Kwong-Leung Tang

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Social welfare development has been marginalized in many developing countries. This study examines the social policies of developing countries and refers to four major theories of social policy development (social conscience, modernization, dependency and diffusion) to see if they offer an explanation of the phenomenon. It is argued that dependency theory and diffusion theory provide better interpretations than the other two theories. The paper shows how theories of social policy have international relevance in explaining current trends in social welfare.

Equality And Family Policy In International Perspective: Toward A Feminist Theory Of The State, Patricia Spakes

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This three country comparison uses case studies of family policy in Britain, Canada and the US to explain how governments utilize family policies to maintain patriarchal systems and to promote labor force and economic goals. The paper examines how equality/difference theories are applied in family policy. Propositions are developed in order to provide a basis for developing new approaches to family policy based on gender equality.

Deforestation And Rural Poverty In Developing Countries: The Role Of Social Work, Shanta Pandey

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

To alleviate rural poverty most developing countries have been launching a wide variety of rural development activities. In this paper I discuss the relationship between deforestation and rural poverty, policies governing reforestation initiatives and the role of social workers in these efforts. The paper argues for and illustrates the various roles social workers can play in development programs to alleviate rural poverty in developing countries.

The Work-Family Needs Of Single Parents: A Comparison Of American And Swedish Policy Trends, Lena Lundgren-Gaveras

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper compares recent policy trends affecting the work-family needs of women heading households, a population that has increased dramatically in both America and Sweden. Unlike existing American policy debates that largely discuss single mothers as a public welfare dependent population, this paper addresses female-headed householders as high-level users of policies and programs aimed at integrating work life and family life.

Most cross-national research and policy debate efforts argue that Swedish policy, in stark contrast to American policy, promote women combining employment with parenting responsibilities. This study argues that policy developments directly targeted to enhance an employee's ability to combine …

A Tale Of Two Hannas: Observations On Israeli And Palestinian Women's Resistance To Occupation (1991-1995), Christina Pratt

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An observer reviews the successes and failures of grassroots strategies of non-violent resistance to military occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Particular attention is paid to the role of women's groups and peace organizations in Israel as well as in Israeli Occupied Arab Territories.

Review Of Comparing Welfare States: Britain In International Context. Allan Cochrane And John Clark. Reviewed By Kwong Leung Tang, University Of Northern British Columbia., Kwong Leung Tang

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Allan Cochrane and John Clarke, Comparing Welfare States: Britain in International Context. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1993. $21.95 papercover.