Social Work Commons^™

Purchase Of Service Contracting Versus Government Service Delivery: The Views Of State Human Service Administrators, Peter M. Kettner, Lawrence L. Martin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Purchase of service contracting (POSC) as a mode of human service delivery is based largely on untested normative grounds. This article presents the results of a national study comparing the views of state human service administrators on the relative merits of POSC versus government service delivery in four issue areas: (1) service costs, (2) service quality, (3) bureaucracy and red tape, and (4) effect on government employees. The study results provide some support for POSC in three of the four issues areas. The study finds that geography plays no role in the views of state human service administrators, but that …

Fax: May 4, 1996, The White House, Office Of The Press Secretary

Saffy Collection - All Textual Materials

A fax sent to Dr. Edna L. Saffy: Radio Address by The President to the Nation. The press release is about American jobs, families and the economy.

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.

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.

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.

Graduate Bulletin, 1996-1998 (1996), Moorhead State University

Graduate Bulletins (Catalogs)

No abstract provided.

Public Spending On Income-Tested Social Welfare Programs For Investment And Consumption Purposes, Martha N. Ozawa

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The Clinton administration contends that public spending for investment should be increased, but public spending for consumption should be decreased. This article reports findings from a study that investigated the trend in public spending from 1975 to 1992 for social welfare programs that are targeted to low-income families and individuals. The study found that public spending for social welfare programs for investment purposes declined generally during that period and public spending for consumption purposes increased primarily because of the increase in medical benefits.

From Welfare State To Social Compacts: Welfare Transformation In Poland, David Stoesz, Mark W. Lusk

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Recent social, political, and economic development have strained the credibility of conventional constructs for organizing social welfare. In contrast to the "welfare state" construct that evolved during the industrial era, a "Social Compact" model is presented as more consonant with a postindustrial context. Features of the social compact are discussed, as well as its applicability to Poland.

Demographic Differences Between Sheltered Homeless Families And Housed Poor Families: Implications For Policy And Practice, Alice K. Johnson, Kay Young Mcchesney, Cynthia J. Rocha, William H. Butterfield

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study compares homeless families with a representative sample of low income family households in St. Louis city and county to determine how they differ on key demographic variables. The research addresses methodological problems in prior research by comparing the findings of this study's random sample to the findings of four previous comparison studies. Findings from this study's random comparison sample are presented. Homeless families are significantly younger, never married, female-headed families of color. Housed and homeless families are not significantly different in the number of children or in the educational level of the head of household but housed families …

Focal Point, Volume 09 Number 02, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

Men are increasingly discovering the many joys of active involvement in their children's lives. The special bond between father and child produces measurable, positive effects in regards to a child's self-esteem, gender identity, intellectual growth, curiosity and social skills. Current literature increasingly portrays dads as caretakers, supportive, sensitive and caring. However, this enhanced involvement can be sorely tested when a child has a disability or chronic illness. The dreams fathers have for their child's life, educational, athletic and vocational achievements are threatened.

1995-1996 Home Energy Assistance Program (Heap) Rule, Maine State Housing Authority

Maine Collection

1995-1996 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Rule

State of Maine / Maine State Housing Authority / David Lakari, Director

Augusta, Maine, September 1995.

(Proposed Amendments to Home Energy Assistance Program Rule)

Chapter 24 - Home Energy Assistance Program Rule

Sections: 1. Definitions / 2. Eligibility / 3. Sub-Grantees / 4. Application / 5. Payment of Benefits / 6. Energy Crisis Intervention Program / 7. HEAP Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) / 8. Indian Tribes / 9. Administration of HEAP / 10. Monitoring / 11. Noncompliance / 12. Procurement / 13. Fair Hearings / 14. Additional Provisions

Policy Implementation In Social Welfare: A Framework For Analysis, Valire Carr Copeland, Sandra Wexler

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A review of the research on implementation of federal-state partnership programs indicates a need for more analyses of the post-legislative phase of social welfare policy. This paper addresses the importance of research on policy implementation in social welfare. It examines some critical tools in the policy implementation analysis process, presents a framework for analysis, and offers recommendations to stimulate interest in the study of the implementation process.

Elder Law: Practice Developments And 1995 Legislative Outcomes, Oregon Law Institute, Wesley D. Fitzwater, Charles E. Davis, Laurie P. Sitton, Sharon Gary Smith, Sally Ringholm, Mark M. Williams, Lisa N, Bertalan, Penny L. Davis, Rees C. Johnson

Oregon Law Institute, 1995

Course Materials from the July 28, 1995 Program in Portland

Nonprofit Community Service And The Hidden Cost Of Information Technology, Roger A. Lohmann, Nancy Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Will the information superhighway – like its concrete counterpart, the interstate highway system – turn out to be a good idea but too expensive to maintain properly? This paper will explore issues associated with the initial and ongoing costs of adopting information technology for nonprofit community service organizations, with particular attention to access and use of the information superhighway. Several possible explanations for the lag in adoption of internet technology will be explored. One of these will be the "null hypothesis" that resources and services currently available over the internet may still be insufficient to justify the costs involved for …

Philanthropic Partnerships: The Theory Of The Commons, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

In Anglo-American traditions, the concept of a commons has historically been most frequently attached to shared land in joint use by a village or community. The common theory of voluntary action presents organized collective action as consisting of shared purposes, shared resources and voluntary participation resulting in an evolving sense of mutuality, and moral order, consisting of shared norms of fairness and participation.

Hypertext And The Docuverse: A Research Memo, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The term docuverse was first developed by Apple Computer guru Allen Kay in the late 1960’s. The underlying idea can be traced back decades earlier, to the visionary Vannevar Bush and the Memex (Bush, 1945). According to Kay, a docuverse is a set of related documents together with the linkages between them. In this paper, a docuverse is conceived as a collection of related scholarly documents together with the links, ties and bonds that can bring them together into an integrated logical and conceptual whole. Kay who also coined the term hypertext, which refers to an electronic document with existing …

Why Didn't The Dogs Bark?, Roger A. Lohmann, Shirley Stewart Burns

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This study examines patterns of news coverage of five West Virginia mining disasters in local, regional and national news media. It grew out of an effort to follow up an earlier study of relief efforts at the Monongah mine disaster of 1907. One of the principal findings is that local newspapers consistently provided limited coverage of mining disasters and almost no coverage of relief efforts carried on in the wake of disasters. National coverage, by the New York Times and regional coverage by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reveals a number of persistent themes and some important differences.

State Welfare Reforms: Typology And Analysis, Malinda B. Orlin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Recent state initiatives to change the AFDC program are usually described as a unified welfare reform movement with the single goal of decreasing welfare usage. However, analysis of state waiver applications submitted to HHS finds no single purpose in the reforms. Additionally, the net effect of the state experiments would be to increase usage by expanding eligibility.

It's The Budget, Stupid: A Policy Analysis Of Clinton's First Budget, James Max Fendrich, Jamie Miller, Tim Nickel

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper analyzes President Clinton's first budget. Clinton's budget is his public policy. The budget is compared to Clinton's three stated objectives of stimulating the economy, investing in the future and reducing the deficit. His proposed budget and subsequent modifications are also compared to the budgets of previous administrations. In contrast to Reagan's first budget, which was a radical modification of public policy, Clinton's budget is only an incremental change from the public policies of the Reagan/Bush years.

New Opportunities, New Responsibilities: Welfare Reform In Wyoming, Mark W. Lusk, Joseph D. Nies

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Early experiments with welfare-to-work programs and other welfare reform initiatives had disappointing results, but successful state trial programs since the Family Support Act of 1988 are changing the prevailing wisdom. With evidence that reform can enhance self-sufficiency, many states are embarking on a redefinition of public assistance. Wyoming, a conservative frontier state, is implementing a welfare reform plan that incorporates components shown to be successful elsewhere. In addition to enhanced child support enforcement and workfare, Wyoming welfare reform stresses job preparation, education, and training up to the university level. Degree programs utilize the state's video network and are adapted to …

Public Child Welfare Professionals - Those Who Stay, Rhonda Reagh

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Public child welfare workers-especially those working in the "trenches" -are the life blood of child protection. Yet, the ever present challenge is keeping committed and talented professionals in the field. This article is based on a 1990 study which examined the phenomena of staying in the field through the eyes of the professionals who have done so. The study investigated the life histories and work experiences of 18 selected child welfare workers in a mid-western state through data gathered from in-depth written and oral life histories. Findings provide insight into the world of the child welfare worker.

Commodification, The Welfare State And Israeli Kibbutz, John Gal

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The notion of commodification refers to the degree to which the individual is dependent upon the market for the satisfaction of his economic and social needs. The welfare state has been described as having a decommodifying influence in that it provides the individual with the means to maintain a reasonable standard of living while not working. An examination of the Israeli Kibbutz is undertaken in order to understand the workings of an extreme case of decommodification. In Kibbutzim, there exists a very highly developed system of welfare services that arc determined by individual needs and not by individual earning power. …

Focal Point, Volume 08 Number 02, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

There is an increasing awareness of the role culture plays in the delivery of health and human services (10, 30, 32). One recent response in the area of children's mental health has been the emergence of the Child and Adolescent Service Program's (CASSP's) cultural competence model.

A View From The Inside Out: Recipients' Perceptions Of Welfare, Mark R. Rank

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Welfare use is a highly stigmatized behavior in American society. The word itself conjures up various images of disdain in the minds of most Americans. Yet how do the recipients of welfare discern and react to being on public assistance? The focus of this paper is on understanding the manner in which recipients view their own situation, how they perceive the general public's attitudes toward themselves, and their views on fellow welfare recipients. Also examined are how such attitudes influence recipients' behavior towards welfare. These perceptions and behaviors are explored in detail through the use of in-depth, open-ended qualitative interviews …

Survey Associates: Support Group For A Successful Nonprofit Journalistic Enterprise, 1912-1952, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

More than a century before the current wave of popularity of nonprofit journalism, a group associated with the emerging social work profession developed a successful journalistic support organization in the years before World War I. It continued to provide support and funding for The Survey, a national social work newspaper for the next fifty years.

Focal Point, Volume 08 Number 01, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

The 103rd Congress has set itself an ambitious agenda. Between now and October, five Congressional committees are to report out their versions of health care reform legislation, from which a single piece of legislation must be written and forwarded to President Clinton for his signature.

The Employed Homeless: A Crisis In Public Policy, Frederick A. Diblasio, John R. Belcher, Kathleen A. Connors

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Departing from the conventional wisdom of who constitutes the homeless, the "employed homeless" emerge as a subgroup of the homeless population in a state-wide Maryland Study (n= 178) at 25 shelter facilities. Twenty-four percent. of the homeless were found to work fulltime and eleven percent part-time. Gender disability, health, previous mental health hospitalization, military experience and education were significantly associated with employment status in the bivariate analysis. From these exploratory findings a theory of economic dislocation is hypothesized.

The Internet As Commons: A Tale Of Enclosure, Roger A. Lohmann

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The original model of the internet developed as an electronic commons for scientists and academics. It will be only a matter of time before the same rich and powerful information barons who already control such "fourth estate" communication industries as newspaper, magazine and book publishing, television networks and movie production facilities establish their toll-booths on the information superhighway as well. Fortunately, within this electronic ocean of corporate and proprietary feudalism, there may also be room for an archipelago of freistaaten; "free citystates" functioning as autonomous and self-governing islands for the arts, sciences, humanities, social service and community.

Public Policy And The Energy Needs Of Low Income Families, W.M. Theisen

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The Iowa legislature debated whether to change its utility disconnection policy. The debate centered around three questions: 1) whether family size or income influences energy consumption; 2) whether elderly people consume more energy than families; and 3) whether energy subsidies foster increased energy use and energy waste. This paper reports energy consumption patterns for a sample of low income people. Economic demand theory predicts that energy consumption will increase as income increases. This hypothesis was statistically rejected. Second, legislators assumptions about energy consumption were formulated into hypotheses. These hypotheses were statistically rejected.