Digital Commons Network^™

Continuity Of Care For Adult Offenders With Severe And Persistent Mental Illnesses: An Action Research Study, Lakeshia C. Gonzalez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

For decades, the representation of adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) in the criminal justice system has steadily grown despite public recognition and increased federal implementation of mental health courts and diversion programs. Though more is known about risk factors associated with psychiatric and criminal recidivism among this population, a gap in the literature remains on collaborative interventions and continuity of care between inpatient mental health and criminal justice facilities. Grounded in resilience theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine challenges social workers faced when attempting to facilitate discharge planning between inpatient mental health facilities …

Lived Experiences Of Black Male Ex-Offenders In Recovery, Sheila Khadijah Hameen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAlthough a body of literature aimed at documenting the positive effects of the rehabilitative qualities of Alcoholics Anonymous existed, much of the research examining the ways that Black members make use of AA focuses on ethnic and cultural differences that may affect the way that members engage in AA because they are Black as opposed to what qualities (i.e., social support) AA has that may appeal to Black members. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the experience of Black male ex-offenders’ choice of AA as a self-help program for recovery. Social control theory was used as …

Parenting Black Daughters: The Parenting Experiences Of Previously Incarcerated African American Males., Sarai D. Hollis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Having a parent incarcerated can have a major effect on children. As it is difficult for the child, it is also difficult for fathers to be away from their children. African American males suffer from various issues revolving around not being present in their children's lives. African American males are one of the largest populations of men incarcerated, and that has a strain on their relationship with their children during and after their release from incarceration. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of the parenting role of African American males while incarcerated to …

The Association Between Vocational Training Programs And Recidivism In A South Florida Prison, Audrey Karlene Ives

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractTo lower recidivism, a private rehabilitation and correctional facility (PRCF) in South Florida provides educational and therapeutic programs to inmates; however, the facility reported increased recidivism rates for several successive years. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between 12 vocational training programs at the local PRCF and recidivism. The study’s theoretical framework was Hirschi’s social bond theory of attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief. The research question sought to determine whether significant associations exist between specific vocational training programs and recidivism. A convenience sample of 187 inmates who completed one vocational training program and left the …

Benefits And Barriers That African American Men Experience With Financial Assistance, C. Alan Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Policymakers often design public policies and programs to assist populations in improving their social status, economic standing, or overall well-being. The problem addressed in this study is the gap in understanding the perspectives of African American men related to policies and programs that provide them with financial assistance. Ingram et al.’s social construction and policy design theory provided the framework for this qualitative study, which aimed to understand the benefits and barriers African American men experienced with public programs that provided financial assistance and its impact on their financial stability. Eleven African American men, selected using purposive sampling, responded to …

The Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of Young Adults Who Have Transitioned Out Of State Or Other Care, Linda Rose Ross

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractOver 20,000 young adults are released from state care annually and 100,000 young adults are released from justice centers. Past studies have revealed that young adults 18-24 years of age transitioning out of care are not prepared for independent living and may face many adversities. The problem is that young adults have difficulties finding permanent housing once emancipated from state care, their biological homes, or juvenile justice centers. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of young adults 18-24 years of age and how their experiences and life skills helped on their journey to acquire …

A Case Study Of Senate Bill 123 Nonviolent Felony Offenders Suboxone Use, Jessica Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2003, a midwestern state passed legislation implementing a program with the goal of treating nonviolent felony offenders leaving prison sentences for more severe crimes. The current study examined legislation focusing on substance abuse treatment rather than incarceration. The purpose of this was to bridge this gap in knowledge by investigating the legislative session’s actions to aid members in the provision of services related to the Senate Bill 123 program. The central research question of this study examined the experiences of healthcare practitioners and addiction counselors associated with SB 123 nonviolent adult offenders requiring drug and alcohol treatment concerning Suboxone …

Cultural Responsiveness In Policing, Stacy Berry Workman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Over the last decade, headlines have highlighted police-citizen conflicts. With the continuing change in communities to an increasingly diverse population, communication and interactions between officers and citizens must progress towards fairness and transparency. The delivery of culturally competent public safety services facilitates more favorable client outcomes, more effective interpersonal communication, and increased service satisfaction from clients. Although this is heavily stressed in public safety agencies and can decrease the possibility of tort liability for failing to provide adequate services or appropriate treatment, the emphasis varies. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the policies and influences of law …

Applying Situational Crime Prevention To Terrorism Against Stadiums, Emanuel Maurice Yeoman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to recent studies, there has been increasing concern of terrorist threats to U.S. stadiums. The research problem is that existing U.S. stadium policies, procedures, and plans do not adequately address evacuation of special populations in the event of a terrorist threat. There is a particular concern regarding the adequacy of existing stadium evacuation plans for patrons with special needs. In the current study there were three research questions examining the organizational deficiencies and best practices of stadium evacuation plans currently in place to respond to terrorist threats How situational crime prevention (SCP) can help in the identification of deficiencies …

Factors Impacting Vicarious Traumatization In Metropolitan Law Enforcement Officers, Falisa Asberry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe exposure to work-related trauma and the relationship to gender, age, years of service, and education level and their impact on the development of vicarious traumatization (VT) on metropolitan law enforcement officers has been underexamined. This quantitative correlational study aimed to examine whether the mediating variable resilience, along with the independent variables gender, age, years of service, and level of education, impacted the dependent variable VT. The constructivist self-development theory and the resilience theory were used as the framework for the study. The professional quality of life scale was used to measure the independent variables and VT. The resilience scale …

Examining Possible Challenges In The Recruitment And Retention Of Female Police Officers In The Southeast Texas Region, Kim Eikenberg

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite progress in other career fields, women remain underrepresented in law enforcement by a large margin, and recent numbers have been stable. Issues for women in law enforcement have been well researched; however, few recent studies have detailed female police officers’ personal experiences. The study problem concerned the challenges and barriers faced by women who choose law enforcement as a career and their underrepresentation. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of female police officers, recruits, and applicants living in southeastern Texas and their perceptions of challenges and barriers for women in the field. Data …

Returning Home: The Reported Reintegration Experiences Of Parents/Guardians Of African American Female Youth, Jenay Garrett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American, female youth remain overrepresented in juvenile detention centers. Parental involvement has been identified as a major factor in the success of a youth’s reintegration into the community post detention; however, there is limited information about the experiences of parents/guardians of African American female youth during reintegration. The purpose of this generic, qualitative study was to gain insight and understanding regarding the reported reintegration experiences of parents/guardians of African American teenage daughters returning, home post detention, regarding their role development as parents/guardians during that time. The theoretical framework for this study is parent development theory (PDT) developed by Dr. …

Racial Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion Workplace Competencies At A Washington State Agency, Yolanda Denise Geolingo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative project provided a content analysis of secondary data to develop and implement racial equity, diversity, and inclusion workplace competencies for a White-led Washington State government organization. This organization sought to work towards racial equity at its center, based on Governor Jay Inslee's mandate. Consequently, leaders have redesigned systems and cultures using a racial equity lens to understand the concept better. Understanding racism helps to bridge a gap in the literature on how personal and professional beliefs play a significant role in institutional racism and its operation within their organization. The critical race theory informed leaders on how policy, …

A Qualitative Study Exploring How Male U.S. Veterans Experience Empathy, Elda Marina Stepp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThis qualitative study explored the lived experiences of male U.S. combat veterans with empathy and how this features in their transition back into society. Davis’s cognitive and emotional empathy served as the conceptual framework to expand further on this topic. Seven male U.S. combat veterans who had deployed at least once in their military career and lived as civilians for the past 10 to 15 years were interviewed through Zoom. Recruiting methods included social media, veteran meeting places, and snowballing approaches. Results from interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data included six main themes: feelings of compassion before deployment, feelings …

Experiences Of Counselors Who Provide Services To African American Men With Repeated Domestic Violence Abuse Reports, Miselene Kruer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence has been a major concern in the United States. To effectively work with domestic violence offenders, counselors must have the skills and knowledge needed. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand lived experiences of counselors who provide in-home counseling services to African American men who are repeat domestic violence offenders and received a subsequent abuse report within 6 months after in-home services were discontinued. The goal was to try to develop an understanding of experiences of counselors who provide services to these men. Interviews were used to collect data. I used Otter to transcribe all …

Lawyers’ Perspective: The Criminal Justice System’S Support Of Domestic Abuse Victims In Jamaica., Sonia Burrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence in Jamaica can be contextually understood through radical feminism and social learning theory used in this study to explain the patriarchal social structures, intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence, and normalization of this behavior. This phenomenological study examined the criminal justice system's support of victims of intimate partner violence and results indicated reforms to improve initiatives to eradicate this violent conduct. The data collection method was semi-structured interviews of 12 lawyers in Jamaica, functioning in a legal capacity as prosecutors and family law practitioners, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results demonstrated that the criminal justice system reduces …

Society’S Perception Of Former Offender’S Impact On Housing Accommodation Options, Fealita Kimbre Prunty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was designed to explore United States societal members’ perception of the term offender and crime type concerning post-incarceration housing accommodations in the United States. Housing is an essential need for offenders re-entering society and can contribute to recidivism rates. The purpose of this study was to explore United States adult societal members’ perception of the term offender and crime type concerning post-incarceration housing accommodations in the United States. This study included a parallel mixed-method design inspired by Teddlie and Tashakkori. The theoretical framework incorporated Becker’s labeling theory. This study examined the United States adult societal members’ perception of …

Food Availability And Sanitation Conditions In Pademba Road Prisons, A Case Study, Santos Alimamy Bangura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Prisons generally suffer from poor sanitation and food shortages that undermine the health and overall quality of inmates’ lives. Focusing on Pademba Road Prison in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the purpose of this study was to provide policy recommendations that benefit the inmates by ensuring they receive nutritious meals and improved conditions of hygiene. The following research question shaped the study: What policies can be formulated that would give inmates access to adequate food and improved sanitation at Pademba Road Prison? This qualitative case study took place in single research setting and focused on the dilemma of the workers and …

Perspectives Of Law Enforcement Officers In A Suburban Community On Use Of Body Cameras, Todd Samuel Nagbe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

As law enforcement in the United States struggles to improve relationships with the communities they serve, especially in the wake of unprecedented police use of deadly force incidents, police community relations continue to deteriorate. With advancements in technology and the creation and introduction of the Internet, footage of police misconduct including the use of deadly force has been shared on social media in real time. This has made situations between the community and police fragile to a point where it sometimes results in rioting and other public disturbances. Many have asked if the introduction of police worn-body camera systems …

Self-Identified Atheists In 12-Step Substance Use Disorder Treatment And Aftercare, Elizabeth Clare Bayley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Minnesota model is ubiquitous in the United States for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). The model uses 12 steps and is centered on a belief in god(s) or a higher power; however, it is anathema to an atheist worldview. Researchers have noted that atheists do not readily become involved with 12-step programs and tend to drop out; however, there had been no qualitative investigations of the lived experiences of atheists in 12-step SUD treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 12-step SUD treatment was problematic for atheists. An integrated theoretical framework was used. Minority …

Relationships Between Social Bonds And Non-Reoffender Status Among Female Offenders, Tiffinny Beard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe purpose of this quantitative longitudinal correlational study was to examine whether positive social bonds with caring, supportive family, prosocial peers, and spouses/partners were significantly predictive of non-reoffender status using archival data from a sample of female offenders who were under community supervision in the state of Michigan during the years 2011–2014. The study had three interval predictor variables: positive social bonds with family, prosocial peers, and spouse/partner. The dichotomous criterion variable was recidivism (i.e., reoffending within a three-year period). The study sample was 325 female offenders on probation or parole in Michigan during the years of 2011–2014. Most of …

Workforce Development Strategies That Impact Reentry Of Released Females In New York City, Shonae L. Mills

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Formerly incarcerated women often find it difficult to reintegrate into their communities after release. For this population, adjustment to changes directly impacts their reentry success in all areas of life. Previous research has identified significant gaps in social services for formerly incarcerated females (FIFs). Service providers' perspectives about practices and policies to address the problem are inadequate, and as a result, service provisions suffer. Therefore, this qualitative study was used to examine the shared experiences of 15 workforce development professionals who assist FIFs during their reentry process to evaluate and assess the most effective methods or policies that assist this …

An Exploration Of Male Ex-Offenders' Experiences Of Postsecondary Education And Reentry, Marvin Lee Moore, Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem addressed in this study is postsecondary education in prisons, ex-offenders, and the issues surrounding their reintegration into society. The primary focus is on ex-offenders who had received postsecondary education in prison, their experience obtaining a credential, and their ability to cease criminalistic behavior. After time served and education acquired, lack of inclusion within society perpetuated the problems ex-offenders faced when reentry occurred. This study includes an exploration of the experiences of ex-offenders who had received postsecondary education while in prison. The theoretical frameworks for this study were Leibrich’s desistance theory and Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The generic qualitative …

Understanding The Perspectives Of African American Gay And Bisexual Men Toward Hiv, Victor Onwezi , Ikechukwu Nwanguma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is an urgent need to stop the HIV epidemic among African American gay and bisexual men in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify the health issues responsible for the HIV epidemic among African gay and bisexual men. Two theoretical frameworks that guided the study were the transtheoretical model and the syndemic theory. The study's research involved understanding African American gay and bisexual men's perspective toward HIV infections and their understanding of possible reasons HIV rates appear to increase in their community. Semi-structured telephone interviews and field notes were used to collect primary …

Principals’ Perceptions Of How To Reduce Discipline Disparities For Black Students, Brandi Lee Pineda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Disparity exists in disciplinary actions taken toward Black students compared to White students in the public schools of a county school district in a Southwest U.S. state. Successful school leadership practices are needed to minimize the disproportionality of Black students being expelled, suspended, and routed to the school-to-prison pipeline. The purpose of this basic qualitative case study was to explore school leaders’ perceptions of how to reduce the disciplinary actions taken with Black students in the public schools of a county school district in a Southwest U.S. state. The conceptual framework was critical race theory. The research questions addressed (a) …

Experiences Of Social Workers Providing Sentencing Advocacy For Youth Of Color, Steven Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The punitive sentencing of minority youthful offenders is contrary to the juvenile justice system’s founding principles of rehabilitation. Moreover, the introduction of mitigation helps to inform the courts’ decisions on the most appropriate recourse; however, few researchers have studied the experiences of social workers who provide sentencing advocacy for minority youth. This basic qualitative study explored the experiences of social workers in Louisiana involved in addressing sentencing disparities of minority youth and the changes social workers perceive as necessary to reduce these disparities. Six social workers in Louisiana were interviewed regarding their experiences related to providing sentencing advocacy for minority …

Law Enforcement Officers’ Lived Experiences With Male Victims Of Intimate Partner Violence, Selena Sanchez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects every race, culture, orientation, and sex. However, researchers focus largely on women as victims of IPV by men. Unfortunately, social and gender norms contribute to the focus on women as victims while adult heterosexual men remain underreported, underrepresented, and viewed predominantly as perpetrators. For example, 91% of men were arrested when IPV was reported, and officers responded to the call. This was referred to as gendered stigmatization. This transcendental qualitative phenomenological approach focused on the lived experiences of law enforcement officers who were called to the scene where IPV had occurred or was occurring, and …

Prison Medical Professionals’ Perspectives On Dignity In Death For End-Of-Life Inmates, Charlene Lupo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health care requirements of older persons in prison are complicated, and many may require palliative care before their term is completed. The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis was to explore perspectives on dignity in death for end-of-life inmates through the lens of nine prison medical professionals. Concepts of dignity provided the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected from one-to-one audio-recorded Zoom interviews and reflective literature articles. Axial coding and thematic data analysis were used to identify five themes: committed to their vocation, lack of services in administering proper health care, institutional barriers prohibiting death with dignity, …

Fiscal Capacity And Decision Making Flexibility And The Title Iv-E Waiver, Laura Ann Mayate-Deandreis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public managers must reconcile fiscal constraints within a confined decision-making environment. This study was conducted to examine the extent to which policy tools, such as the Title IV-E waiver demonstration, facilitate cost control and increased decision-making flexibility. The central question guiding the study was whether policy tools enable public managers to effectively meet policy goals within inelastic fiscal and regulatory environments. Choice theories provided a theoretical framework to examine the multidimensional aspects of decision making and policy prioritization. An exploratory case study approach was employed to compare the change in fiscal capacity and flexibility of California counties participating in the …

The Narratives Of Cross-Cultural Misidentification And Exoneration In Wrongly Convicted Men, Miki L. Ross-Elster

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Wrongful conviction is often due to misidentification, particularly cross-cultural misidentification. DNA errors and other influences (including weapon focus effect, mugshot error, police suggestibility) also increase the risk of wrongful conviction, and the process of exoneration is onerous. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of cross-cultural misidentification, wrongful conviction, exoneration, and the return to society of formerly incarcerated men. Implicit bias theory served as the theoretical framework and refers to both attitudes and stereotypes that people hold without realizing it and which unconsciously affect the way they see a particular person or event. A narrative analysis …