Social Work Commons^™

Practicing What I Value: Growth And Identity In Social Work, Janelle Diane Schmit

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio showcases my growth as a social worker during the MSW program, highlighting both my academic accomplishments and practicum experiences. It contains artifacts that illustrate my proficiency in the key areas of social work practice. Guided by my personal and professional values, my work focuses on empowering individuals and communities in a variety of settings.

Integrative Synchronicity: Learning To Hold The Space Between, Kelsey M. Bogumill

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

From Sea To Shining Sea: A Mastery Of Social Work Through A Critical Thinking And Social Justice Lens, Paige M. Gilchrist

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Completing a Master of Social Work degree across three years and two universities, Paige Gilchrist outlines how she has mastered the Five Elements of Advanced Integrated Practice and Ten Competencies required by the University of Montana to prove social work competency through a social justice lens.

Msw Portfolio: A Comprehensive Showcase Of Academic Work And Achievements, Emma Elizabeth Piskolich

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

Social work practice carries significant professional responsibility. As political systems evolve and new research continues to emerge, it is essential for practitioners to remain committed to ongoing learning and professional development. The nature of social work involves serving vulnerable and impacted populations, which requires that care be delivered with the profession’s core values at the forefront. My approach to social work practice is guided by several theoretical perspectives that shape my professional framework. I am particularly drawn to Empowerment Theory, Systems Theory, and Ecological Frameworks. In practice, I integrate these with the Strengths-Based Perspective, the Person-in-Environment perspective, and trauma-informed approaches …

Transforming Experience Into Practice: A Portfolio Of Growth, Identity, And Leadership, Ana I. Loli

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio documents the integration of my academic learning, practicum experience, and personal transformation throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Drawing from trauma‑informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, I demonstrate competency across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, ADEI engagement, community assessment, policy analysis, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership. Through narrative reflections and applied artifacts—including case analyses, simulated clinical sessions, community-based research, organizational evaluation, and leadership implementation—I illustrate how meaning, context, power, history, and possibility shape my approach to social work. This portfolio highlights my development …

National Center For Children In Poverty Releases 2025/2026 Tanf Cash Assistance Policy Series, Karen Chatfield, Sydney Elltringham

All Faculty and Staff Papers and Presentations

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) at Bank Street Graduate School of Education has released its 2025/2026 TANF Cash Assistance Policy Series to help support policymakers and advocates in strengthening these vital supports.

Healing Words: A Resilience Memoir By The Watsonville Women, Teresa L. Munoz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Women in Watsonville face preventable health risks exacerbated by limited access to consistent physical activity and holistic wellness practices. This capstone project was conducted in collaboration with a local non-profit organization, Growing Greatness, that provides wellness-focused programming in organized group activities. This program serves Watsonville families and primarily supports women from underserved communities who are at greater risk of chronic health conditions due to socioeconomic and environmental factors. This project developed a memoir that documents the participants' experiences in activities such as bike riding, camping trips, and retreats that include yoga, hiking, tai-chi, meditation and other restorative activities. The purpose …

Streamlining Client Information For Post-Conviction Relief In Monterey County, Selena Lopez Arizmendi

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addresses barriers to record clearing services that impact recidivism and reentry outcomes in California. Individuals with criminal records often face challenges in securing employment, housing, and stability, increasing the likelihood of continued justice system involvement. The Clean Slate Program at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office provides post-conviction relief services to help reduce these barriers. Although Proposition 47 funding ended in February 2026, program services have continued. This project identified a need for a standardized, client-friendly informational resource, as key information has historically been communicated verbally, limiting understanding and retention. To address this gap, a concise Clean …

Beyond The Straight Road: A Narrative Of Growth Toward Integrated Social Work Practice, Samantha Bymaster

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio: Advancing Social Work Practice In International And Marginalized Communities, Emily L. Curtis

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

My portfolio presents an integrated reflection of advanced social work practice developed through my academic training and immersive field experiences across the United States, Germany, and New Zealand. Grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and strengths-based approaches, it demonstrates my application of the ten core social work competencies and five elements of advanced integrated practice within diverse and marginalized communities.

Drawing on my work with Māori and Pasifika women, refugee populations, and rural communities, this portfolio explains the importance of understanding individuals within broader cultural, historical, and systemic contexts. It emphasizes the need for socially just, culturally responsive, and relationship-centered …

Transition From Group Homes To Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs: A Qualitative Study, Sam Alexander Skipper

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines California’s shift from traditional group homes to Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs), a central component of the state’s Continuum of Care Reform (CCR). STRTPs were introduced to provide intensive, trauma-informed treatment for youth with complex behavioral and mental health needs. While the policy goals behind this reform are well-intended, less is understood about how the transition has affected young people’s lived experiences and longer-term outcomes. Using a qualitative design grounded in Transition Theory, this research centers on the perspectives of young adults ages 18–25 who moved into an STRTP within the past six to twenty-four months. This …

Maltreatment In Out-Of-Home Care: Former Foster Youths' Perspectives On Experiences And Investigation, Sarah Avila

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the tasks of the public child welfare system (PCWS) is to remove children from their home when abuse or neglect has occurred at a level that warrants removal. The PCWS places these children in licensed foster homes under the assumption that they will be safe and nurtured under the care of licensed foster caregivers. However, previous research have consistently shown that children experience ongoing maltreatment while in out-of-home care. This negligence is especially alarming when considering the United States’ rates of children in the foster care system. Despite the prevalence of this issue, little qualitative studies have been …

Latino Men’S Experience Of Dui Conviction In Imperial County: A Narrative Theory Approach, Jhonathan Fajardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

According to California Department of Justice data, Latino drivers accounted for the largest share of any racial or ethnic group for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests. Latino men are disproportionately affected by DUI arrests and alcohol-related harms in California, yet little is known about how they themselves understand and navigate life after a DUI. This study examines Latino men’s narratives of life before, during, and after a DUI conviction. Prior scholarship has largely relied on quantitative data to show that Latino men are overrepresented in DUI statistics. What remains underexplored are Latino men’s first-person, culturally grounded narratives of what …

Factors Contributing To The Effectiveness Of Reentry Programs For Formerly Incarcerated Adults, William Lopez Jr, Falina Rose Gonzales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Reentry into society following incarceration represents a critical transition that significantly influences long-term stability and recidivism outcomes. Formerly incarcerated adults frequently encounter structural barriers related to housing, employment, behavioral health access, and social reintegration, highlighting the need for effective reentry programming. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine factors that contribute to the effectiveness of community-based reentry programs for formerly incarcerated adults and to understand how participants and service providers perceive successful reintegration outcomes. Guided by ecological systems theory and empowerment theory, this study employs a qualitative phenomenological design using semi-structured interviews with approximately 15 formerly incarcerated adults …

Juvenile Custody Severity And Adult Mental Health Outcomes Among Black Men: The Role Of Trauma Informed And Culturally Responsive Care, Leslie Moreno, Tammy Monique Borunda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Black young men are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, yet limited research has examined how severe custody experiences are related to mental health in adulthood. This study will examine how the severity of juvenile custody experiences is related to adult mental health outcomes among Black men who have been released from custody for at least two years. Being able to understand these long-term outcomes is important for addressing disparities in mental health and access to care. This research will utilize the principles of trauma theory and will use a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study will use a purposive snowball …

Deferred Dreams: Mental Health Challenges And Access To Services Among Daca Recipients, Jamie G. Ruiz, Marlene Ortiz, Denisse Salvatierra

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an administrative program that protects young immigrants from deportation while granting them access to education and employment. DACA recipients face challenges in accessing resources due to their temporary status and the unpredictability of immigration laws, leading to mental health risks from stigma, anxiety, and fear of deportation. However, little research has examined how DACA's instability and immigration politics affect psychological well-being and access to services over time. This study examines how restrictive immigration policies affect DACA and undocumented people's mental health and access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and social services. This …

Analyzing Social Implications Of The Gender Wage Gap, Jessie A. Clarke

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The researcher seeks to understand the gender wage gap in the United States. The research question studied is “Why do women in the United States on average earn less income than men?” Women gain less power and resources as they earn less income than men. The researcher explores the phenomenon in this paper. This research proposal utilizes qualitative methods via interviews, and analysis through coding. In previous research, there is a lack of inclusion on the gender wage gap regarding various identities such as sexual orientation, other gender identities, and race/ethnicity. The researcher hopes to fill in these gaps in …

Disproportionate Use Of Behavioral Restraint In Schools A Descriptive Study Of The K-12 System In California, Samuel F. Deck

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Behavioral restraint is widely used in California schools with the stated purpose of ensuring safety, despite being an unsafe intervention that can exacerbate unsafe behaviors. Certain student demographics and school district policies are associated with disproportionate behavioral restraint risk; however, these disproportionalities have not been systematically examined at the district level within California in a way that directly benefits affected students. This study aims to examine which student identifying factors were associated with the disproportionate use of behavioral restraints in California school districts during the 2023-2024 school year. Using the Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) framework, this research will calculate …

Exploring Resilience Factors And Interventions Among Transition-Age Youth Facing Homelessness, Sandy Flores

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study will explore the resilience factors and interventions that promote positive outcomes among transition-age youth (18–24 years old) experiencing homelessness in Southern California. Youth homelessness is a critical issue linked to systemic barriers and limited resources. This research will address the gap in understanding how resilience mechanisms enable youth to overcome challenges and navigate support systems. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 20 participants located in San Diego County to examine their coping strategies, social networks, and experiences with interventions. Thematic analysis will be used to identify key resilience factors, barriers, and facilitators, providing insights …

Success Rate Of Batterers Intervention Programs, Brittney Perez, Manuel Mercado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The success rate of men completing the Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIPs) using the Duluth Model remains a significant concern in domestic violence prevention. The Duluth Model, designed to challenge patriarchal beliefs and promote nonviolent behavior, has shown mixed results. Factors such as program length, financial barriers, and prior offense influence completion rates. While some research suggests reduced recidivism among program completers, high drop out rates undermine overall effectiveness. This study aims to assess the success rates of men completing BIPs using the Duluth Model, focusing on factors influencing program completion, recidivism, dropout rates, and long-term behavioral change over two to …

Impact Of Social Worker Bias On African American Fathers With Open Children Family Services Cases, Jenna Espinosa, Cecil Perry, Jasmine Alvarado, Jennifer Garcia, Lacrietia Grate-Dixson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Systemic barriers and biases within institutions and policies affect how African American fathers engage with Children and Family Services (CFS). According to research, social worker bias, whether overt or covert, can influence case decision-making, affecting fathers' access to resources and overall involvement in their children’s lives. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of social worker bias on African American fathers' engagement by evaluating service completion rates at the .21e hearing. A quantitative research design will be utilized by implementing a validated survey to measure social worker bias and case file reviews to assess service completion. Statistical analyses, including …

The Historical And Systemic Effects On Racial Disparities In Incarceration Rates Among Black Individuals, Vanessa Valentine

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Racial disparities in incarceration rates within the United States have existed for decades. This paper will examine these disparities in order to understand how Black individuals and communities are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. By exploring historical and systemic factors that have contributed to these disparities such as structural racism, discriminatory policing, and unequal sentencing policies this research will highlight how these practices have reinforced racial inequality within the criminal justice system. The significance of the presenting issue will be explored by analyzing how these disparities affect the incarcerated individual and their family and community. Using a mixed …

Building Resilience: How Protective Factors Mitigate Acculturative Stress In The Latinx Immigrant Community, Andres I. Delgado, Jamie Tierrablanca

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This literature underscores the vital role of protective factors in reducing

acculturative stress among Latinx immigrants. Key factors such as social

support, religious affiliation, familism, and physical activity help contribute to

mitigating the negative effects of acculturation. The Latinx community can

significantly benefit from integrative, culturally responsive interventions informed

by social work frameworks such as ecosystems theory and critical race theory

(CRT) as they are essential in addressing the mental health needs of this

population. Despite existing research, gaps remain in understanding the full

scope of the Latinx immigrant experience, suggesting a need for further

exploration. The expected findings will …

Narrating Experience: How Undergraduate Social Work Students See Themselves In The Social Justice Curriculum, Emily C. Soener

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Social justice is widely recognized as a foundational value of the social work profession, yet research indicates inconsistencies in how social justice is defined, taught, and experienced within social work education. This study examines how undergraduate social work students make meaning of social justice learning in relation to their own lived experiences. Using a critical narrative inquiry approach grounded in constructivist qualitative methodology, this study explores how students narrate their experiences of social justice education and how those narratives reveal tensions between professional ideals and classroom realities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eleven undergraduate social work students enrolled …

An Empirical Case Study Of Substance Abuse Treatment Retention For Black Women In Boston, Melinda Asiamah

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This research investigates the disproportionate impact of substance use disorders (SUD) on Black women, a population facing critically low treatment retention rates, evidenced by outpatient dropout rates averaging 55%. Despite the efficacy of sustained treatment, Black women consistently underutilize and prematurely exit services compared to other demographics. This study asserts that identifying the drivers behind these disparities requires a shift from traditional public health lenses toward a framework that centers racial oppression, systemic barriers, and cultural obstacles.

By integrating Critical Race Theory (CRT), Black Feminist Theory, Social Determinants of Mental Health, and Biopsychosocial Theory, this research explores the impact of …

Hb 1938: Ending Prison Privatization In Tennessee, Skyler J. Duplessis, Xavier Tharpe-Patton, Josie Lerer, Carley Wood

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The term recidivism refers to the tendency of an individual convicted of a crime to reoffend after release. A growing body of research has found that individuals incarcerated in privately operated correctional facilities often demonstrate higher rates of recidivism compared to those held in publicly managed prisons. Scholars suggest that differences in access to rehabilitative programming, staffing patterns, and institutional resources may contribute to these disparities. Critics argue that cost-containment priorities unique to for-profit correction can conflict with investment in education, treatment, and reentry preparation -factors consistently linked in the literature to reduced reoffending and improved community reintegration. This is …

Book Review: Social Justice Design And Implementation In Library And Information Science Edited By Bharat Mehra, Ellie F. Kawada

School of Information Student Research Journal

Social Justice Design and Implementation in Library and Information Science, edited by Bharat Mehra, is an engaging volume that explores the pursuit of social justice in its many forms in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The included chapters cover case studies of social justice implementation in library services, theoretical frameworks for subversive methods of research and education, and the future of library advocacy for social justice. While the volume is centered on English-speaking countries and lacks the perspective of paraprofessional library staff, the themes and examples presented in the book are invaluable to any LIS students, professionals, …

Eyes Wide Shut: Sex Trafficking In The Black Community, Stephany Powell

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Listening To Survivors: A Community Conversation, Jonathan Jackson

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Panelists: Sex Trafficking Of Black Women And Girls, Stephany Powell

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

No abstract provided.