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Experiences Of Former Foster Youths With Learning Disabilities Who Transitioned Into Adulthood, Phyllis J. Phillips

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Foster youths with learning disabilities face numerous challenges as they transition out of care, including housing instability, unemployment, and mental health issues. Despite these barriers, research focusing on this specific population is limited. Guided by Taormina’s adult personal resilience theory, this qualitative case study explored the experiences and perceptions of former foster youths with learning disabilities to inform interventions and improve service delivery and policy improvements. The research questions addressed the experiences of former foster youths with learning disabilities transitioning out of care, the unique challenges associated with transitioning out of foster care as experienced by former foster youths with …

Perceptions And Role Of Cultural Competency In Clinical Social Work Practice, Vivian Adelaide Aba Dadzie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In practice, social workers are expected to translate cultural competency skills and knowledge they have acquired to handle diverse clients whose gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and personal beliefs and orientations can conflict. Using a qualitative research approach, the study addressed perceptions and roles of cultural competence in social work practice. Three research questions guided the study. The Campinha-Bacote framework of culturally competent healthcare was used for this study. The study involved employing thematic analysis to analyze research questions. It was determined that social workers must meet clients where they are culturally, respecting and learning from them to adapt interventions accordingly. …

Perspectives Of Juvenile Violence Prevention Programs, Tamlar D. Walton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increase in violent behavior among individuals aged 12 to 19 prompted a nonprofit organization to consider adopting a more proactive approach to reduce such violence in the community while also expanding the range of services offered to address this concern. The organization leaders recognized the necessity of improving their knowledge in this area, prompting them to enlist the services of a research consultant who utilized a generic qualitative research method to explore juvenile violence prevention programs. This professional administrative study examined the experiences and perspectives of public servants who engaged with juvenile offenders, focusing on the influence of their …

Factors Associated With Parental Substance Use And Child Welfare In Nevada 2019-2021, Lisa Christine Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use is a growing public health concern that is adversely impacting reproductive-aged individuals and families (Bruzelius & Martins, 2022). Parental substance use is increasingly driving family separation through the child welfare system. Substance use and family separation intersect with trauma and adverse childhood experiences in a variety of ways. Risk factors and race/ethnicity may contribute to family surveillance, bias, and disproportionality in child welfare and impact reunification and cause further trauma. This study explored associations between household characteristics and risk factors and services provided to families with reunification goals for families with child welfare involvement due to substance use …

Factors Associated With Parental Substance Use And Child Welfare In Nevada 2019-2021, Lisa Christine Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Substance use is a growing public health concern that is adversely impacting reproductive-aged individuals and families (Bruzelius & Martins, 2022). Parental substance use is increasingly driving family separation through the child welfare system. Substance use and family separation intersect with trauma and adverse childhood experiences in a variety of ways. Risk factors and race/ethnicity may contribute to family surveillance, bias, and disproportionality in child welfare and impact reunification and cause further trauma. This study explored associations between household characteristics and risk factors and services provided to families with reunification goals for families with child welfare involvement due to substance use …

Substance Use Prevention For Lgbtq+ Youth And Young Adults, Dustin Braley

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: Improve mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth by reducing the prevalence of substance use through strategic prevention measures.

Significant Findings: LGBTQ+ youth experience significantly higher rates of substance use compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, often as a way to cope with systemic discrimination, family rejection, and a lack of culturally competent support (Marshal et al., 2008; Madireddy & Madireddy, 2022; Mallory, Brown, & Sears, 2019; The Trevor Project, 2022). This paper examines how family-centered models like FCU and FAP can improve prevention by addressing parent-child dynamics and supporting LGBTQ+ youth. It explores barriers created by discriminatory …

Childhood Trauma As An Influencing Factor On Obesity Among Black Women, Andréa Autum Michel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood trauma and obesity have a significant impact on development throughout the lifespan. Black women have the highest prevalence of obesity and experience more severe and a greater number of traumatic events than their White peers. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how Black women perceived the role of childhood trauma in their struggles with obesity. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. The central research question explored the experiences of Black women who experienced childhood trauma and were struggling with obesity as adults. A secondary question explored coping mechanisms developed to …

Training Strategies To Mitigate Residential Youth Care Employee Turnover And Increase Care Quality, Fatima Sylvertooth

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High employee turnover in residential youth care facilities has the potential to decrease the accomplishment of the facilities’ organizational goals. Business owners are concerned with employee intent to leave, as it is the number-one predictor of employee turnover. Grounded in job embeddedness theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was conducted to explore training strategies some residential facility leaders use to mitigate employee turnover and increase care quality. The study participants were eight residential youth care leaders in the state of Michigan who use successful strategies to mitigate employee turnover in residential youth care facilities. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Through …

Foster Parents Assisting Transitioning Foster Care Youth In Maintaining Stable Housing, Cecilann Morrison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Foster Parents Assisting Transitioning Foster Care Youth In Maintaining Stable Housing, Cecilann Morrison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Foster Parents Assisting Transitioning Foster Care Youth in Maintaining Stable Housing by Cecilann Morrison MA, National University, 2013 BS, Fresno Pacific University, 2011 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human and Social Service Walden University June 2024

Implicit Biases And Attitudes On Decision Making Among Child Protection Workers, Demetria Turnage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Racial disproportionality remains a historical issue in child welfare systems. It was important for this research to focus on characteristics, professional qualifications, and racial attitudes of those in child welfare decision-making roles to examine how they contributed to racism. To address the gap in the literature, the relationship between years of experience, race/ethnicity, risk of harm, advocacy, racial attitudes, and decision-making among child protection were examined to develop a greater understanding of the ongoing issues and development of reforming the child welfare decision-making process to capture racism among child protection workers. Increasing equality in the child welfare system will benefit …

Implicit Biases And Attitudes On Decision Making Among Child Protection Workers, Demetria Turnage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Racial disproportionality remains a historical issue in child welfare systems. It was important for this research to focus on characteristics, professional qualifications, and racial attitudes of those in child welfare decision-making roles to examine how they contributed to racism. To address the gap in the literature, the relationship between years of experience, race/ethnicity, risk of harm, advocacy, racial attitudes, and decision-making among child protection were examined to develop a greater understanding of the ongoing issues and development of reforming the child welfare decision-making process to capture racism among child protection workers. Increasing equality in the child welfare system will benefit …

An Evaluation Of The Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Programs, William Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This evaluation study addressed the need to increase the participation of teenagers in the Youth Service Agency ABC (YSA ABC). ABC offers positive, powerful, and empowering experiences for area teens. These programs help them with character development, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, healthy well-being, and many other skills and tools to help teens reach their full potential. The organization was faced with decreasing teen participation and a lack of knowledge about the teen programs and services that would attract them to ABC. The purpose of this evaluation was to learn from ABC staff who worked closely with teens (Club site directors/unit …

An Evaluation Of The Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Programs, William Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This evaluation study addressed the need to increase the participation of teenagers in the Youth Service Agency ABC (YSA ABC). ABC offers positive, powerful, and empowering experiences for area teens. These programs help them with character development, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, healthy well-being, and many other skills and tools to help teens reach their full potential. The organization was faced with decreasing teen participation and a lack of knowledge about the teen programs and services that would attract them to ABC. The purpose of this evaluation was to learn from ABC staff who worked closely with teens (Club site directors/unit …

Case Manager Perceptions Of Trauma-Informed Practice And Policy In Human Service Organizations, Lachandra Brooks Prim

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One of the goals of human service organizations is to provide help to victims of trauma, but they are often the cause of retraumatization to those individuals. The problem that was addressed in this study was the negative repercussions of retraumatization such as feelings of being unsafe, anger, guilt, shame, depression, and secondary trauma due to human service organizations not being based in trauma-informed approaches. The purpose of this generic qualitative research study was to describe and understand case managers’ perceptions of trauma-informed practices and policies across organizations and services. Ecological systems theory served as the theoretical framework for this …

Evaluating Safety, Permanency, And Well-Being Outcomes For Adolescents In Family Home Program Care, Tami C. Soper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Policy decision makers have restricted the use of residential behavioral health services for youth involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems, threatening their existence. Family Home Program (FHP), an evidence-based residential model, is an example of a program at risk of extinction because of negative characterization. While in-home, community-based, and foster care levels of child welfare services are assessed for conformity with federal outcomes using the federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR), residential care does not receive this review. The purpose of this study was to bridge the evaluation gap between in-home and community-based child welfare programs and …

The Effects Of Parent’S History Of Childhood Maltreatment On Child Maltreatment Behaviors And Relationship Quality, Randi Crabtree

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Stress Management Experiences Of Msw Graduates Transitioning From College To Child Welfare, Danielle Linette Young

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Supporting Entry-Level Staff In Managing Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In A Respite Care Program, Brittany Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Suicide Awareness And Prevention With Montana (Three Forks) Youth, Joshua Jarvis

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: Lower the number of suicide attempts or completions with Montana (Three Forks) youth.

Significant Findings: The rate of suicide has increased dramatically over the last 30 years, and the rate for suicide for those between the ages of 5-14 have increased at least 60% since 1981 (Rosston, 2022). The population for this social change portfolio is Montana youth and the problem is suicide attempts and completions. Not all groups of youth are equally at risk for suicide, with Native Americans and the LGBTQ+ population facing a much higher risk of suicide attempts and completions (Rosston, 2022). The consequences …

Patterns Of Parent Behavior Related To Childhood Physical And Mental Abuse, Cassondra J. Widrick-Phillips

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The issue of child abuse is a growing concern in society. However, the limited amount of research available on parent–child relationships poses a challenge in terms of developing effective prevention strategies. The aim of the study was to analyze the connection between a parent who is abusive and their child who is being abused. The main objective of the study was to identify if the gender of the parent had a relationship with abusing the child of the same or different gender. Bowen’s family systems theory was used to support the study because of the assumption that family relationships are …

Gang Diversion Programs In The Success Of Reducing Youth Gang Membership, Francis Songtiib Laari

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe rate of youth involvement in gang membership and crime has become a problem in Fairfax County, Virginia. It has increased violent crimes, drug trade, and incarceration rates for youths and decreased child school graduation rates. Youth gang membership is a significant public issue with broad mental and psychological implications for the child, family, and community because of the potential to commit a crime. Early exposure to gangs and violent neighborhoods can profoundly and negatively impact the residents. Researchers have explored why many children join gangs, but none have examined gang diversion programs' success in reducing youth gang membership. In …

Advisor Perceptions On Relationship-Based Advising And Student Retention, Sharene Leek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research shows that relationship-based advising has a track record of producing better student outcomes and retention, thus local college administrators chose relationship-based advising as the advising model to be used at the campus. The problem addressed in this study was inconsistent implementation of the relationship-based advising model by the advisors at the local community college. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate how advisors were implementing the relationship-based advising method when advising students. Guided by Vygotsky’s social interaction theory, the perspectives and experiences of advisors were explored regarding how relationship-based advising was implemented at the college. Ten …

Juvenile Delinquency: The Effectiveness Of The Juvenile Direct File Law, Kimberlee Nicole Taggart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The juvenile direct file law stands firm among Florida laws despite lacking research to show its effectiveness in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. In Florida, juvenile delinquency and the juvenile direct file law cause significant concern due to the uncertainty surrounding the law. The Florida juvenile justice system fosters a vital position in the lives of many children, young adults, and families. Florida’s direct file law has a negative impact on the health, mental health, education, and brain development of juveniles and their ability to separate from a criminal lifestyle. Identifying the direct file law’s effects on the future of …

Juvenile Delinquency: The Effectiveness Of The Juvenile Direct File Law, Kimberlee Nicole Taggart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The juvenile direct file law stands firm among Florida laws despite lacking research to show its effectiveness in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. In Florida, juvenile delinquency and the juvenile direct file law cause significant concern due to the uncertainty surrounding the law. The Florida juvenile justice system fosters a vital position in the lives of many children, young adults, and families. Florida’s direct file law has a negative impact on the health, mental health, education, and brain development of juveniles and their ability to separate from a criminal lifestyle. Identifying the direct file law’s effects on the future of …

Attorney Perspectives Regarding Use Of Federal Confidential Informants In White-Collar Crimes, Richard Dwayne Britt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Most federal white-collar cases involve the use of confidential informants (CIs) to obtain convictions. However, there was a gap in research regarding the examination of CI efficacy safeguards and whether combinations of safeguards produce desired effects from the perspectives of private practice attorneys with defense and prosecutor experience. The purpose of this historical research qualitative study was to explore the literature related to whether federal CI policies of safeguards influenced the national use of CIs to obtain convictions in federal white-collar cases based on the perspectives of private practice attorneys with defense and prosecutorial experience as gathered through participant interviews. …

The Impact Of Economic Uncertainty On Nonprofit Leaders’ Decision To Expand Services, Shawndra Maine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) play a pivotal role in lower socioeconomic communities. Leaders of nonprofits are frequently faced with multiple, complex, and often-competing objectives. This qualitative case study was conducted to explore and understand how economic uncertainties impact an NPO and, specifically, how economic uncertainty has affected nonprofit executives’ development of strategies and decision making regarding expanding services. Data were collected through interviews and review of secondary data and the organization’s website from the executive director, president/chief executive officer, and funders. The Baldrige Framework of Excellence was used to support the foundations of this study. The collected data were analyzed, and …

Prevention Of Early Adolescent Substance Misuse And Addiction In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alisha J. Thomas

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: This portfolio intends to educate children ages 9 to 11 about addiction and its effects in an effort to prevent future alcohol and drug experimentation.

Significant Findings: This paper explores the issue of early adolescent substance use in Bernalillo County, New Mexico also known as Albuquerque. According to the New Mexico Voices for Children (n.d.), in 2017, 9.6% of 12-17-year-olds within the county participated in binge drinking. Internal and external individual risk factors significantly influence a young person’s ambivalence, decision-making, and behaviors to use harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs. The Mexican-American population is a subgroup that …

Youth Mental Health Awareness, Hillsborough County, Fl, Kelce Minor

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: This social change portfolio aims to increase awareness of youth mental health and provide resources for easy access to mental health services, ultimately improving the psychological health outcomes of young people in Hillsborough County.

Significant Findings: Numerous adolescents in Hillsborough County report experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. The youths also lack mental health awareness and assistance access. The portfolio suggests increasing mental health resources, school-based programs, and mental health awareness campaigns to address these issues.

Preventing Consequences Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) In Black Youths In Oakland, Ca, Althea M. O'Brien

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to create a prevention program that could be utilized by the counselor for Black youth in Oakland, California who have experienced adverse childhood experience (ACEs) in order to strengthen protective factors in Black youth, thus preventing future behavioral, mental, physical health, and downstream consequences (Bhushan et al., 2020).

Significant Findings: The population of focus are Black Youths, which are affected by ACES at disproportionate rates (Bhushan et al., 2020). According to the 2020 California Surgeon General’s Report, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is a health crisis; more than 6 out of …