Digital Commons Network^™

Foster Care Alumni And Their Experiences Coping With Life After Care From The Perspective Of Pertinent Professionals, Nancy Morales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Background: Children in foster care face significant challenges, and their transition to independent living presents even greater difficulties, such as securing housing, accessing healthcare, and achieving financial independence. Although recent policy reforms, such as increased emphasis on family reunification and support services, have aimed to improve the outcomes of foster care, alumni of the system continue to face disproportionately high rates of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and social instability. Existing literature highlights the significant barriers foster youth encounter during and after their time in care, yet there remains a critical gap in understanding the experiences of these individuals …

Within The Diverse Latino/Hispanic Community In The Inland Valley, How Does Paternal Alcohol Use Impact The Personal Growth, Positive Relationships, And Psychological Well-Being Of Their Offspring In Adulthood?, Lizbeth Carrillo, Angela M. Sandoval

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This proposed study aims to explore the psychological effects, personal growth, and development of positive relationships among Latino/Hispanic adult children of alcoholics faced in their adulthood specifically within the Inland Valley empire. Using a quantitative method approach, the proposed research will employ surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term emotional, behavioral, and relational outcomes experienced by ACOA’s. Participants will be selected within the Latino/Hispanic community, aged 18-65 years old, who have had a father with a history of alcohol abuse. The findings from this study will contribute to bridging gaps in understanding the unique challenges and strengths …

Does Income Inequality Affect The Long-Term Well-Being Of African American And Latino Populations In California?, Jintill Hart

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project investigated the complex issue of income inequality and its effects on the long-term well-being of African American and Latino populations in California. The study adhered to a post-positivist paradigm, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the experiences of the participants. Qualitative data were gathered through individual interviews with twelve participants, representing diverse perspectives within these communities. To analyze the qualitative data, a bottom-up approach was utilized, leading in the identification of seven open codes and four axial codes. The open codes included: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Family; Meaningful Activities; Emotional Well-Being; Life Satisfaction; Socioeconomic Impact on Education; …

Addressing The Needs Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Desert Cities Of Southern California: A Qualitative Study, Amber R. Shupe

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects millions of children in the United States. However, there is a lack of services to meet the needs of children with ASD, especially in desert areas. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) identify factors associated with the lack of services for children with ASD in desert cities of Southern California and 2) explore ways to address the needs of children with ASD in the desert cities of Southern California. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with families that have one or more children diagnosed with ASD and service providers …

Addressing Transphobia In The Twenty-First Century: A Survey Of Teachers' Awareness And Receptiveness In California, Melissa Rachel Pflug

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transphobia is a form of discrimination against transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, genderqueer, and intersex individuals based on their gender identity. Transphobia and transphobic rhetoric result in higher rates of bullying and mental health challenges for transgender students. A significant obstacle presented in the education system for transgender students is the lack of education on interventions against transphobic bullying. This study assessed the awareness and receptiveness of K -12 teachers in California regarding the use of school-based interventions against transphobia. Using a purposive sampling method, this cross-sectional study surveyed K -12 teachers across California to determine their awareness and receptiveness levels regarding …

Exploring Foster Parent Readiness And Willingness To Foster Children In San Bernardino County, Brianna P. Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the U.S., there is a shortage of foster parents, which limits the number of children placed in homes that are appropriate to their needs. Many states across the U.S. are experiencing an increase in the number of children in foster care as well as high foster parent turnover rates and low retention rates. This proposed research study will examine the readiness and willingness of foster parents in San Bernardino County, California to care for children who have multiple placement moves, behavioral issues, trauma, and insecure attachments. Based on their experiences, participants will be asked to evaluate and discuss fostering …

Cultural And Social Factors In Postpartum Depression: A Study Of Latina And White Mothers, Juana Gutierrez-Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Postpartum depression is a prevalent mood disorder that impacts 10-20% of women annually in the United States following childbirth. While all pregnant women are at risk of PPD, existing literature suggests that Latina mothers report PPD and seek treatment at lower rates than White mothers. Prior studies have identified risk factors and barriers that impact reporting and treatment among Latinas. The aim of this study is to investigate the interplay of race, depression, marital status, education, poverty level, and social support among White and Latina mothers. Using combined data from the 2017 and 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we …

Formerly Incarcerated People's Experiences Trying To Access Affordable Housing, Maira Y. Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Lack of affordable housing among formerly incarcerated people continues to be a major social issue, as thousands of individuals and families in the United States continue to struggle with being unsheltered. Formerly incarcerated people build up 69% of the population who reside within these shelters in the United States (Glassman, 2024). The literature in this research discusses that common systemic barriers among formerly incarcerated individuals accessing housing are lack of affordable housing, facing stigma and discrimination, or no employment opportunities. Previous research shows that there is a limited number of participants and is focused on newly released prisoners in their …

Impact Of Opiate Crisis On Twelve Step Participants, Mackenzie Buchanan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research is an exploratory study to gain a better understanding and new perspectives of the impact of the opiate crisis and the effect it has had on twelve step participants. This study will be utilizing qualitative research to further explore the impacts. A phenomenological approach will be utilized to explore the participant’s experiences. Participants will participate in a semi-structured interview with the researcher with close-ended questions that focus on demographics and approximately eight open-ended questions that focus on the research question. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the data by following Braun and Clarke’s (2019) protocol; this researcher …

A Systematic Review Of The Effects Of Family Separation On Children’S Psychological Development, Janice Garcia, Jazmin Elizabeth Barriga

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Under the Zero-Tolerance policy formulated by President Donald Trump, families were forced to separate from their children, which led to a broken bond between parents and their children. As a result, children were classified as unaccompanied alien children to be put in the care and custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. Research has found that separating families at the border has harmful and lasting effects on children’s psychological development. However, no research efforts have been made to systematically synthesize the evidence on the effects of family separation. Objective: This systematic review proposes to review recent literature …

Investigating Independent And Transitional Living Programs: A Systematic Review, Alexandra Torres, Jordi E. Marquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Approximately, 20,000 youths in the United States age out of the foster care system every year. Youths are face with the heightened risks of homelessness, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges. Despite the implementation of Independent Living Programs (ILPs) and Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) created to assist foster youths through this transition, research indicates limitations in their effectiveness to address the emotional, interpersonal, and long-term effects. Present research additionally lacks the intersectional analysis to address the needs of LGBTQ+ and racial minority youths. These fundamental limitations call for more comprehensive, strength-based frameworks to improve the outcomes for transitioning foster youths. …

Beneficial Impacts Of Extended Foster Care On Young Adults Transitioning Into Independence, Latricia A. Reed

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Foster youth transitioning into adulthood face significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health struggles, and difficulty attaining higher education. Extended Foster Care (EFC) programs aim to provide additional support, stability, and resources to help these young adults successfully transition to independent living. This proposed study examines the impact of EFC on housing stability and educational attainment among foster youth aged 18–21 in California. Using secondary data from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the proposed research would employ a quantitative approach to analyze key outcomes. If completed, the study would highlight the importance of social support networks, mentorship, and policy …

Examining Spirituality/Religiousness As A Protective Factor For The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Selena M. Balderas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The school to prison pipeline (STPP) is a systemic issue that reflects the intersection of educational inequities and punitive practices disproportionately affecting society’s youth in underserved communities. The STPP funnels students out of educational environments and into the criminal justice system through the overuse of punitive practices such as suspension, expulsion, and school-based arrests. This especially affects students of color, LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities and perpetuates cycles of injustice, poverty, marginalization, and incarceration. The social control theory provides a useful framework in understanding the relationship between deviant behavior and social bonds (Stewart & Rapp, 2017). When individuals …

Effects Of Project Rebound On Reducing Recidivism, Lisa A. Ravega, Ashley Van Mouwerik

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Recidivism is the tendency of justice-involved individuals to relapse into criminal behavior and remains a critical challenge within the justice system. Objective: This proposed research aims to assess the effectiveness of campus-based programs to assist individuals with enrollment and success in higher education, specifically Project Rebound. Project Rebound is a campus-based re-entry program that assists justice-involved college students in obtaining their educational goals through such support as enrollment and counseling services. Methods: The proposed research suggests utilizing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison group design to examine the impact of Project Rebound on reducing recidivism among justice-involved college students at California …

Incarcerated Parents And Their Minor Children: A Study On The Impact Of Maintaining Relationships, Jennifer M. Upstill-Tokaji

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Parental incarceration is a social problem that has not received enough attention in the criminal justice literature despite the increase in the prison population over the years and the large number of children adversely impacted by this issue. The purpose of this research proposal is to determine if regular communication between incarcerated parents and their minor children has a positive influence on their rehabilitation and if that communication is also beneficial for the development and well-being of children. Using convenience and snowball sampling methods, this cross-sectional study will recruit approximately formerly incarcerated individuals who had at least one minor child …

Mental Illness Among The Homeless Communities, Tania Wilcox

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of individuals with substance use and mental illness on their co-occurring conditions. Mental illness and substance use disorder are commonly known in homeless communities, especially those experiencing chronic homelessness. Other social factors like gentrification, displacement, systemic racism, and insufficient affordable housing also contribute to the problem by restricting the availability of shelter for vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the lack of stable, affordable housing in California is a significant problem, and having access to comprehensive healthcare services exacerbates these problems.

The Stigmatization Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Noah R. Ramirez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The research on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is historically limited and understanding what knowledge college students have on the topic could allow researchers to have a baseline for understanding where the stigma comes from. This proposal aims to interview college students at California State University with the intention of understanding how much is known about OCD. Gaining this knowledge will hopefully further help society understand why OCD is considered something that is undermined. First, literature and current study was done on what is available. It was understood that the students at California State University, San Bernardino have never been asked …

Understanding Victim Blaming In Domestic Violence Among Adults In The U.S., Katja Estrada, Juliana Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Domestic violence, encompassing a range of abusive behaviors, remains a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals globally. Understanding the factors that shape attitudes toward domestic violence is crucial for developing effective interventions and prevention strategies. This study intends to explore the relationship between gender role belief, cultural orientation, and media influences and attitudes toward domestic violence. A non-random sample of 92 participants currently residing within the United States and over the age of 18 were recruited to participate in an online survey. Regression analyses revealed significant associations between attitudes toward domestic violence and gender role beliefs, indicating that individuals with more …

Evaluating School-Based Interventions And Programs In Treating Children Mental Health Disorders, Rozandra Yazmin Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The implementation of mental health services such as school-based interventions and programs have been well established within schools. However, it is uncertain how effective school-based interventions and programs are in treating children who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder specifically for children who are younger than 11 years old as it has not been explored. Objective: This proposed quasi-experimental study aims to determine the effectiveness of school-based mental health intervention programs in supporting and treating children (ages 6 to 11) who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder by evaluating their symptoms. Method: The proposed study would collect …

Evaluating Trauma-Informed Care In Higher Education For Hispanics, Latino/A/X/E, And Afro-Latinos Impacted By Adverse Childhood Experiences, Daylene A. Medina, Lilian Grijalva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Henshaw (2022) discusses the importance of trauma-informed approaches in higher education institutes by implementing culturally responsive policy, research, and practice to support students impacted by trauma. However, less is known about how effective trauma-informed care is and its impact on the educational outcomes of racial and ethnic minority students, specifically Hispanics, Latino/a/x/e, and Afro-Latinos students in community colleges. Past studies have excluded Hispanics, Latino/a/x/e, and Afro-Latinos from research due to insignificant participation and risk re-traumatization. Objective: This evaluative study aims to determine effectiveness of trauma-informed care for adult (18 and older) Moreno Valley College students in their last academic …

Examining The Transmission Of Paternal Trauma Across Generations And Its Effects On Offspring’S Developmental Outcomes, Brianna R. Montano, Margarita Balderas Barbosa

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and emotional difficulties across the lifespan. While significant research has examined the impact of maternal ACEs, limited attention has been given to the role of paternal trauma in shaping child development. Objective: This study proposes to use a quantitative descriptive design to examine the relationship between parental, particularly paternal, ACEs and developmental outcomes in children aged 0 to 5 years. Guided by social learning theory and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s (NCTSN) core concepts of trauma, the study explores how trauma-related behaviors and coping mechanisms …

Law Enforcement Perspectives Towards Mental Health Crisis Interventions, Anna P. Silva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health crisis calls create significant challenges for law enforcement officers, who often serve as the first responders to individuals experiencing psychological distress. Research indicates that 50% of fatal encounters with law enforcement involve individuals with a mental health disorder (Fuller et al., 2015; Kindy & Elliott, 2015). Although the increasing prevalence of mental health- related calls, law enforcement officers frequently lack the specialized training and resources necessary to effectively de-escalate these situations (Cohen & Bagwell, 2023). As a result, interactions between police officers and individuals with mental illness tend to lead to criminalization, unnecessary incarceration, and even fatal outcomes. …

Examining Support Systems For Youth With Type-1 Diabetes In Foster Care, Garrett Copeland

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Chronic illnesses such as type 1 diabetes can be hard diagnoses for children to understand and are a detriment to their mental and physical health. Evaluating current support systems for this interest group is necessary to make sure that they are receiving the best resources possible. Questioning type 1 diabetics who have grown out of the system, adults involved with T1D care, and social workers are included in the research design. Reviewing the ratings for each question allowed researchers to see where resources are lacking and what needs to be improved or implemented. Social workers should see the importance of …

Exploring The Contributing Factors To College Completion Among Csec Former Foster Youth, Xandra Vaughn

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: While 33% of the general population earns a college degree, only 3% of foster youth who age out of the child welfare system achieve this milestone. This percentage may be even lower among former foster youths who were commercially sexually exploited. Understanding the factors contributing to the lower educational attainment in this population is a critical step toward addressing this disparity. Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether social capital is a contributing factor to college completion among former foster youths who were commercially sexually exploited in San Bernardino County. Methods: This …

Psychological Interventions For Addressing Suicidal Behaviours Among Lgbtq+ Adolescents Who Experienced Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review, Catherine Galvan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and cyberbullying is often a major reason behind it. Understanding how these two are connected is important for finding ways to help. This chapter will look at how cyberbullying leads to suicide, who is most at risk, and what can be done to prevent it. Objective: The main objective of this research is to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents, especially LGBTQ+ adolescents, who have experienced cyberbullying. Method: In this systematic review, we plan to extract information …

Exploring The Factors That Influence Telehealth Usage Among Immigrants In The United States: A Mixed Methods Study, Jose M. Garcia-Castañeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Immigrants in the United States continue to face barriers in accessing healthcare services which are rooted in systemic inequities, cultural disconnects, and language-related challenges. The growing presence of telehealth services has offered new opportunities to expand access, but it has also highlighted new barriers which are language proficiency and digital literacy which could increase the gap in services for already marginalized populations. These barriers are factors that influence outcomes such as delayed care, reduced preventative care, and overall poorer health outcomes. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Service Use (Andersen, 1995) provides a useful framework in understanding how predisposing, …

Exploring Factors That Contribute To Poverty Among Singleparent Households Headed By Latinas: A Qualitative Study, Jeffrey M. Balencia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Despite the new strategies and programs being developed and implemented, poverty still finds itself at a continuous increase yearly (Banovcinova et al., 2014). Families have been found to be the most susceptible group compared to everyone else due to the many factors they face that can affect them. By using the information provided by other articles, gaps identified is there are lack of studies on the factors that contribute to poverty among singleparent households headed by Latinas. Objective: This exploratory study aims to identify contributing factors to poverty among single-parent households headed by Latinas. Method: Qualitative data will be …

Evaluating The Effects Of Parental Serious Mental Illness On Life Functioning Of Adult Offspring: A Longitudinal Study, Lena E. Leyva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Parental mental illness greatly impacts a child’s development by posing great risks to their physical and mental health, academic success, and overall functioning (Naughton et al., 2019; Adjej et al., 2023). It remains clear that exposure to parental mental illness has short-term implications. However, long-term impacts on offspring while entering and managing adulthood has not been thoroughly examined. Objective: This longitudinal study proposes to determine the effects of parental mental illness on life functioning of adult offspring at baseline and then occur every two years over the course of eight years. Method: Quantitative data will be collected from 120 …

Effectiveness Of Mental Health Interventions Amongst Parents With Child Welfare Involvement, Clarisa Grano

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the effectiveness of mental health interventions provided by child welfare agencies to parents involved in the child welfare system. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the research aims to assess intervention outcomes, identify barriers to service utilization, and provide qualitative insights into parents' experiences with mental health services. The quantitative component will gather data on mental health outcomes through structured surveys, while the qualitative component will explore the lived experiences of parents through semi-structured interviews. Findings from this study will contribute to the development of culturally competent interventions and inform policy changes that address systemic inequities in mental …

Effective Interventions For Women With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Kathryn Antoinette Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Women diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often undergo powerless treatment interventions according to research. Institutionalized inequalities among service systems challenge women to receive access, begin, engage, and complete mental health services for PTSD. This mixed-methods systematic review sought to determine interventions that are effective for treating this client population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) tool was used to screen four different electronic databases: PsycINFO, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and OneSearch to identify peer-reviewed articles under a purposive sampling method strategy. Of the 159 studies screened, 15 met the inclusion criteria for this review (n =15). …