Social Work Commons^™

The Plight Of Paternalism In French Child Welfare And Protective Policies And Practices, Alain Grevot

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

For 40 years, the French child protection system has been based on a structure set up at the dawn of the Fifth Republic, giving a strong role, and a monopoly to the State to support families in trouble. The role of Children’s Judges has been designed to personify the constitutional duty of the State to control and support the role of parents as defined by the civil code. The evolution of the structure of French society (family models, multicultural communities), the impact of more liberal economic and social policies (in a country strongly characterized by centralization and Jacobinism), the growth …

Learning From Difference: Comparing Child Welfare Systems, Rachael Hetherington

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

Child welfare and child protection are integral aspects of the welfare regimes of all post-industrial societies. However, although the needs of children and the dangers of child abuse are so widely acknowledged, the ways in which these needs and risks are met varies considerably, even between countries with similar structures. By studying the ways in which other countries deal with similar problems, we can learn about new ways of responding and may find ideas that we can adapt for use in our own context. But we can do much more than this. By looking at differences, and using the power …

Maori Perspectives On Collaboration And Colonisation In Contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand Child And Family Welfare Policies And Practices, Catherine Love

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

Colonization involves the appropriation and disfigurement of resources, the most valuable of these being people. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, indigenous Maori experiences of colonization parallel those of indigenous peoples around the world. The British modelled child welfare system in particular has been held responsible for the fragmentation of Maori families/whanau and communities. In 1989, new legislation was heralded as a radical departure from the previous legalistic, coercive and punitive system. The ‘Children, Young Person’s and their Families Act’ (CYP&F, 1989) signalled a partnership approach whereby Western welfare authorities and indigenous Maori communities would collaborate to protect ‘the best interests of the …

Problems And Potential For Canadian Child Welfare, K. Swift, M. Callahan

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

Canadian child welfare is not one single system, but more than 13 systems overseen by provincial and territorial governments and First Nations jurisdictions. However, there are many similarities among systems and general trends and directions common to them. One of these is a tendency for child welfare to become isolated from communities and related services because of its increasingly complex legislation and investigative mandates (Swift, 2001). Another is the challenge of serving peoples of diverse cultural and racial backgrounds, including First Nations peoples. Of course, each jurisdiction also responds to its particular social and political context in unique ways. In …

Promoting Change From ‘Child Protection’ To ‘Child And Family Welfare’: The Problems Of The English System, Rachael Hetherington, Tracey Nurse

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

In England, the system for children and families in need of state intervention has developed in response to a series of political changes and to high profile and highly publicised child welfare ‘cases’. This has led over the past 20 years to a focus on child protection as the most important aspect of the work. For the last 5-8 years, attempts have been made at many levels to redress this imbalance and put more emphasis on family support. However, there are barriers to change, in the existing structures, in the distribution of resources and in anxieties about public responses to …

The Clinical Irrelevance And Scientific Invalidity Of The "Minority" Notion: Deleting It From The Social Science Vocabulary, Doris Wilkinson

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

A systematic socio-linguistic and historical analysis of the minority label reveals its multiple irregularities and imperfections. These encompass a misleading array of vastly dissimilar nationality or group designations and the erroneous comparison of behaviors and life styles with racial status. As it is currently applied in U.S. political culture and in a variety of disciplines including sociology and social work, the concept has virtually no substantive meaning nor reality-linked usefulness. A thorough appraisal of the consequences of the perpetual reliance on the notion demonstrates that it eradicates ethnic cultural diversity and ignores historical antecedents and the "lived" experiences of oppressed …

Perceived Effects Of Voluntarism On Marital Life In Late Adulthood, Liat Kulik

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The article presents a study dealing with the perceived effects of voluntarism on marital life in late adulthood among a sample of 595 Israelis (336 men and 259 women). These perceptions were examined from three perspectives: benefits, spousal accommodation, and harmful effects. Comparisons focused on different types of families, based on employment status (pre-retired versus retired) and actual volunteer activity (volunteer versus non-volunteer). The findings revealed that among all types of families, the prevailing tendency was to emphasize the beneficial effects of voluntarism on marital life, whereas perceived harmful effects were least prevalent. Synchronous families (both partners pre-retired) and asynchronous …

Child Support Payment And Child Visitation: Perspectives From Nonresident Fathers And Resident Mothers, Stacey R. Bloomer, Theresa Ann Sipe, Danielle E. Ruedt

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the child support and visitation perspectives of nonresidential fathers and custodial mothers. The focus of the study was to present definitions of child support from both noncustodial fathers and custodial mothers, the barriers they experience that prevent child support and visitation, and suggestions the parents have for improvements in the child support system. The data suggest that although nonresidential fathers and custodial mothers have similar definitions of what characteristicsd efine child support, they have vastly different views of what barriers prevent child support and visitation. Interparental hostility appeared to shape their …

Review Of The Color Of Opportunity: Pathways To Family Welfare And Work. Haya Stier And Marta Tienda. Review By Eric Swank., Eric Swank

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Haya Steir and Marta Tienda. The Color of Opportunity: Pathways to Family, Welfare, and Work. University of Chicago Press, 2001. $32.50 hardcover.

Disempowering Minorities: A Critique Of Wilkinson's 'Task For Social Scientists And Practitioners', Mitch Berbrier

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In this article, I examine Wilkinson's (2000) injunction that practitioners "omit entirely the 'minority' concept" (pp. 124-25). I maintain that Wilkinson's argument disempowers groups-such as gays and the disabledwho have used a "minority" identity effectively, and speciously indicates that African-Americans would benefit from such retrenchment, thereby implying that social justice is a zero-sum game. Rather, "minority" coalitions are effectively pursuing justice for all. Moreover, Wilkinson's deconstruction of "minority" conflates conceptual breadth with conceptual vagueness, and conveniently ignores (or denies) the socially constructed character of "race" and "ethnicity." I suggest that practitioners learn more about the historical development of all of …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 29, No. 2 (June 2002)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• DISEMPOWERING MINORITIES: A CRITIQUE OF WILKINSON'S 'TASK FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS AND PRACTITIONERS' - Mitch Berbrier
• THE CLINICAL IRRELEVANCE AND SCIENTIFIC INVALIDITY OF THE "MINORITY" NOTION: DELETING IT FROM THE SOCIAL SCIENCE VOCABULARY - Doris Wilkinson
• PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARISM ON MARITAL LIFE IN LATE ADULTHOOD - Liat Kulik
• WILL CHURCHES RESPOND TO THE CALL? RELIGION, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, AND SOCIAL SERVICE - Emily A. Leventhal and Daniel P. Mears
• CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT AND CHILD VISITATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM NONRESIDENT FATHERS AND RESIDENT MOTHERS - Stacey R. Bloomer, Theresa Ann Sipe, and Danielle E. Ruedt
• SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IN HARTFORD, …

Will Churches Respond To The Call? Religion, Civic Responsibility, And Social Service, Emily A. Leventhal, Daniel P. Mears

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite national calls for churches to become more involved in social service, many churches may not be willing or able to respond. Drawing on sociological theory, previous research, and interviews with pastors and parish social ministers from Catholic congregations in a large, urban city in Texas, we examine key factors linked to church-based social service efforts. Particulara ttention is given to church leadership,r ace/ethnicity,o rganizational characteristics, social and political networks, and the intersection of these factors in affecting service provision and advocacy. We then discuss the likely impacts of policies calling for religious organizations to increase their social service activities.

Review Of Building Community Capacity. Robert J. Chaskin, Prudence Brown, Sudhir Venkatesh And Avis Vidal. Review By Michelle Livermore., Michelle Livermore

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Robert J. Chaskin, Prudence Brown, Sudhir Venkatesh, and Avis Vidal, Building Community Capacity. Hathorne, NY: Aldine d Gruyter, 2001. $ 25.95 papercover.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 29, No. 1 (March 2002)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SYMPOSIUM ON NATIVE AMERICAN WELLNESS

Guest Editors - Hilary N. Weaver & Maria Napoli

• PERSPECTIVES ON WELLNESS: JOURNEYS ON THE RED ROAD - Hilary N. Weaver
• NATIVE WELLNESS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM: THE IMPACT OF GAMING - Maria Napoli
• O'ODHAM HIMDAG AS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND WELLNESS AMONG THE TOHONO O'ODHAM OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA AND NORTHERN SONORA, MEXICO - Teri Knutson Woods, Karen Blaine, and Lauri Francisco
• USING REASONS FOR LIVING TO CONNECT TO AMERICAN INDIAN HEALING TRADITIONS - Thomas L. Crofoot Graham
• ENVISIONING A HEALTHY FUTURE: A RE-BECOMING OF NATIVE AMERICAN MEN - Paul Rock …

Race, Welfare Reform, And Nonprofit Organizations, Michael Reisch, David Sommerfeld

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article presents research on the impact of welfare reform on 90 nonprofit organizations in Southeast Michigan. Utilizing a refined survey instrument, in-depth interviews and focus groups with agency executives and staff, and the analysis of agency documents, it assesses how the racial characteristics of agencies' client populations affected the organizational consequences of welfare reform. The study confirmed that welfare reform has affected the ability of nonprofit organizations to meet the increased expectations generated by recent legislation. These effects have been particularly pronounced among agencies serving a high proportion of racial minority clients.

Review Of The Living Legacy Of Marx, Durkheim And Weber. Richard Altschuler (Ed.). Reviewed By Shana Cohen., Shana Cohen

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Richard Altschuler (Ed.), The Living Legacy of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. New York: Gordion Knot Books, 2000. (2 volumes at $39.95 each in paperback).

Tripping On The Color Line: Black-White Multiracial Families In A Racially Divided World. Heather M. Dalmage.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book note for Heather M. Dalmage, Tripping on the Color Line: Black-White Multiracial Families in a Racially Divided World. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2000. $50.00 hardcover, $20 papercover.

Weg Von Der Armut Durch Soziokulturelle Integration : Bei Sozialhilfeabhängigkeit, Alter Und Behinderung, Jonas Strom, Matthias Szadrowsky, Isidor Wallimann

Books

A person who has to live alone is marginalized and impoverished socially and culturally. A person must be able to participate in society - through education, culture, through the inclusion in civil society organizations, family and politics. If this is achieved, it will result in the person having more opportunities to secure this social and material existence and will more slowly become financially dependent and would be dependent for a shorter period of time. This in turn means financial relief for the State. It also ensures that human rights are afforded and promotes personal development.Previous research has provided many answers …

Latinas' Utilization Of Domestic Violence Resources, Lillian Navas, Lilia Santoyo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to develop a better understanding of the barriers faced by Latinas when confronted with domestic violence.

An Analysis Of Coping Strategies Used By Women Residing In Domestic Violence Shelters, Bonnie Beatrice Mcpherson

Theses Digitization Project

This project explored the associations between the type of coping strategies used among women who live in domestic violence shelters and their overall well-being.

An Evaluation Of Parent Effectiveness Training Provided By A Faith-Based Organization, Kim Lynette Braxton

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of parent training seminars. The intention of this study is to find out if parents' knowledge increased in their understanding of 4 areas of parenting: Discipline, communication between parent-child, communication with teachers and effective parenting style.

Lack Of Positive Social Support: The Effect On The Recidivism Rate Of Youthful Offenders, Marsha Fielding-Payton, Adriana Cebreros Torres

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to determine how the lack of social support can contribute to the recidivism rate of youthful offenders once they are released back into the community.

An Examination Of Pet Ownership Among Elderly Caregivers And How It Contributes To Their Well-Being, Cynthia Ann Fiello

Theses Digitization Project

As the older population increases, there is a need for increased support for caregivers most of them older themselves. Owning a pet may providesome of this support. This study looked at caregivers age 55 and older of brain-impaired adults and examined whether or not the social support provided by pets during the caregiving time contributes to their well-being.

Family Mealtimes: Topics Associated With The Adolescent's Academic Standing And Self-Esteem, Deborah Ann Vandenboom

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to investigate family mealtime dynamics from the adolescent's perspective and explore what topics are discussed compared to what topics they would like to discuss, and to examine the association among mealtimes and the adolescent's academic status and self-esteem.

Biracial Identity: A Study Of The Biracial Experience With Biracial College Students, Evelyn Louise Galasso

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to examine biracial identity, and the specific identitiy choices made by biracial individuals at the college level. In addition, this study explored the many factors that may be associated with the choice of a racial/biracial identity.

Condom Use In 15-19 Year Old Adolescent Girls Before And After Initiating Hormonal Contraception, Mary Louise Placencia

Theses Digitization Project

This study provides data suggesting that adolescent girls who receive education and hormonal contraceptive methods at a school-based clinic in the Fontana Unified School District, are more likely to have a signficant improvement in condom use, which improves safe sex practices and reduces the risks of sexually transmitted diseases.

Outcome Measures In Adult Protective Services Interventions, Theresa Angela Parrella

Theses Digitization Project

With the aging of the baby boomers there is a concern for the liklihood of an increase in reported cases of adult and dependent abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS). This study examined what the social work implications were regarding clients who refuse APS interventions and what subsequent outcomes existed. Data was extracted from closed case files for the period of January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2001 in the high desert region of San Bernardino County.

The Relationship Between Long-Term Effects Of Child Neglect And Parenting Styles, Triny Marilyn Brown, Valerie Jean Bedore

Theses Digitization Project

The relationship between long-term effects of child neglect and parenting styles were examined in this study. It was predicted that adults who have been neglected, as children, would be more likely to adopt an authoritarian parenting style.

A Comparison Of Grandmothers' And Grandfathers' Stress In Raising Their Grandchildren, Mia Lucero Attruia, Doris Lorraine. Morrow

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to build on previous descriptive research on grandparents' experiences of stress in raising their grandchildren. The research method used was a qualitative approach. The goal in utilizing a qualitative approach lay in a desire to understand the unique stress experience of grandfathers and grandmothers in raising their grandchildren, as they live it and feel it.

Acculturation Experience Of Africa Immigrants In The United States Of American, Judi Minage Ukiru

Theses Digitization Project

The conclusions extracted from this research project show that little research has been done on social issues presented by the African immigrant to America. Those charged with public welfare research and intervention must develop tools and strategies necessary to assess the needs of African immigrants, to facilitate their improved adjustment to their environment. African immigrants in the United States can benefit from similar research designs and resources accorded to the Latino and Asian populations.