Social Work Commons^™

Foster Youth Perspectives On The Effectiveness Of School-Based Academic Support, Stephanie Monroy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research aims to explore how foster youth perceive the effectiveness of various evidence-based interventions that have previously been used to support their education. Due to the various barriers that foster youth face, they often experience significantly lower academic performance than their non-foster youth peers. Consequently, high school graduation rates among foster youth remain significantly lower than those of their non-foster youth peers. Much of the existing literature is outdated and does not adequately reflect current educational realities for foster youth. Additionally, existing literature primarily focuses on measurable outcomes and program evaluations, with less emphasis on ensuring the lived experiences …

Parental Rejection, Identity Development, And Mental Health Among Lgbtqia+ Youth, Litzy Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, LGBTQIA+ youth continue to experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidality, and identity development distress. Parental rejection has been identified as the central impact of these outcomes. However, limited research has examined the influence of parental responses on identity development and the role of micro-level supports, such as counseling and support groups, and macro-level supports, such as inclusive policies and community protections. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine the relationship between early parental rejection or acceptance and LGBTQIA+ youth’s mental health outcomes, identity development, and perceived effectiveness of support systems. …

Mental Health Outcome Disparities In Children With A History Of Maltreatment: A Qualitative Study, Anna V. Echaury

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Child maltreatment is a widespread social issue that leads to lasting effects that include perpetuating cycles of violence and can lead to long term problems in adulthood. The presented study aims to focus on describing the mental health outcome disparities in children who have experienced child maltreatment. Although existing studies have addressed mental health outcomes, previous work has overlooked the disparities between children who have experienced maltreatment and children who have not. This qualitative study will collect data using interviews and utilize thematic analysis to analyze the collected data. This research will enhance understanding of the impact of child maltreatment …

Human Trafficking Of Children Efficacy Of Counter Trafficking Programs For Youth, Alma Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Human trafficking is a global problem, and it is a significant problem within the United States. Children are a vulnerable group that become victims of human trafficking operations. Human trafficking prevention programs are available to address this issue, but there is much needed research to test the effectiveness of the countertrafficking programs for high-risk children. This study is a systematic review of studies on countertrafficking programs. This study will use a mixed methods approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative data from selected studies. This study hopes to find if current counter-trafficking programs are effective in preventing at-risk youth from becoming …

Housing Programs And Resources Available For Transitional Age Youth Population: A Scoping Review, Amanda N. Esquivel

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transitional Age Youth (TAY), are defined as individuals aged 16 to 24 transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. TAY face unique challenges in securing stable housing and developing the life skills necessary for independent living. This population often encounters significant barriers such as a lack of affordable housing, limited access to supportive services, and the residual effects of childhood trauma, systemic inequities, or time spent in foster care or juvenile justice systems. Without adequate support, TAY are at a heightened risk of homelessness, unemployment, poor mental health outcomes, and continued cycles of instability. This research paper explores and identifies effective housing …

Lgbt+ Poc Well-Being And Resilience, Terra Reynoso

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Historically, both LGBT+ individuals and People of Color have each been subjected to stressors linked to oppression, with those belonging to both groups experiencing a potentially higher degree of distress. This study examined factors that contribute to resilience and well-being in LGBT+ People of Color to highlight potential means to mitigate this distress, guided by queer theory and intersectionality theory in order to provide a relevant framework to inform preliminary research, interview questions, and content analysis. Interviews were conducted with twelve participants with subsequent content analysis revealing the use of social support networks, access to community, productive coping strategies, and …

Addressing Jail Recidivism Among Inmates With Substance Use Disorders Through Treatment Interventions: A Scoping Review, Rosa C. Contreras

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project studies effective treatments for formerly incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders (SUD’s) who become homeless. This study examines evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical interventions identified in current research, analyzing their effectiveness in addressing key social issues. It explores how these interventions contribute to improving outcomes for individuals and communities, particularly in areas such as mental health, addiction recovery, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the study assesses their significance within the field of social work, emphasizing their role in shaping policies, informing best practices, and fostering more holistic, client-centered approaches to care. The potential impact of these interventions is considered in relation to reducing …

Psychological Interventions For Addressing Suicidal Behaviours Among Lgbtq+ Adolescents Who Experienced Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review, Catherine Galvan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and cyberbullying is often a major reason behind it. Understanding how these two are connected is important for finding ways to help. This chapter will look at how cyberbullying leads to suicide, who is most at risk, and what can be done to prevent it. Objective: The main objective of this research is to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents, especially LGBTQ+ adolescents, who have experienced cyberbullying. Method: In this systematic review, we plan to extract information …

The Effectiveness Of Services In California For Youth Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children (Csec), Rebecca A. Mcgill

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains a pervasive issue with profound consequences for affected youth, yet research on effective service interventions remains limited. This study examines the perceived effectiveness of existing services in California for youth who have experienced CSEC, providing critical insights to inform best practices. Seventeen professional service providers participated in one-hour, semi-structured interviews, sharing their expertise on service strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Using thematic analysis, ten key themes emerged as central to effective service provision, including individualized interventions, the therapeutic value of relationships, trauma-informed providers, opportunities for healing experiences, multi-agency collaboration, and access to …

Comparison On Family-Based Rehabilitation And Individual Based: Effect On Children And Families, Ashleigh Thatcher

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This proposed research aims to discover the success of sobriety with rehabilitation programs, specifically those that are family based as compared to individual based. This research will also investigate the measures taken within these rehabilitation programs to prevent generational substance abuse problems. Social workers will benefit from this research by discovering how these programs are successful and if any changes could be made to increase the success rates for those struggling with substance abuse. This research will also allow social workers to develop new strategies to assist in preventing generational substance abuse within families. This study will include interviewing individuals …

Perception Of Mental Health Among Students In Higher Education, Kasibah Baig, Leia Aguilar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health in higher education environments is a topic that has the need for exploration and discussion. Students with poor mental health face additional stressors and challenges in their academic and personal areas of life. It is critical for colleges and universities to address the topic of mental health and understand how it can affect students, as well as to be able to provide the proper support and services. By having more conversations about mental health on campus and providing easily accessible and inclusive resources for students, it can create a comfortable environment on campus for students to be able …

Bridging The Gap For Parents Seeking Mental Health Services For Children, Emmary Yolanda Taylor

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rising statistics of adolescents suffering from concerns of mental health in all its various diagnosis, is an increasing problem for the community. The understanding of mental health in adolescents is now continuously being explored due to the rise of concerns. Although professionals continue to research and address the rise of mental health, parental literacy regarding addressing mental health concerns constitutes as one of the number one factors in prevention. The research presented in this paper uses a qualitative approach to study parental literacy and culture regarding mental health in adolescents within the San Bernardino County community. The qualitative research …

Student Mental Health Challenges Vs. The Role Of School Counselors: Addressing The Gap In Mental Health Treatment, Victoria Sic Ms, Cynthia Lizaola Ms

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines the role of academic counselors in providing mental health support for K-12 students. Using a post-positivist approach, the research explores how counselors navigate their dual responsibilities of academic guidance and mental health intervention within school settings. A literature review highlights the evolving role of school counselors, the growing mental health needs of students, and the impact of external factors—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—on their work.

The study was conducted in two Southern California counties and involved 17 experienced, primarily bilingual academic counselors recruited through snowball sampling. Data collection included in-depth interviews to investigate counselors’ roles, training, and …

Do Lgbtq+ Latinos Experience Higher Levels Of Depression Compared To Heterosexual Latinos?, Oscar Moreno-Castro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines depression levels in both LGBTQ+ and Heterosexual Latinos. Quantitative data was collected using Qualtrics, an online survey data collector. The data collected from Qualitics will provide an insight regarding mental health among participants and examine depression levels amongst both groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, a software program tool that helps analyze and manage data. To measure the severity of depression, the researcher will utilize the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a 17-questionnaire instrument for assessing symptoms of depression and compare the level of depression amongst both groups. Key findings from the research revealed slight differences in …

Cultural Risk Factors For Teen Pregnancy In Hispanic/Latina Women: A Qualitative Study, Nia Saldana

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Teen pregnancy remains a significant social issue in the United States, disproportionately affecting Hispanic/Latina adolescents. Research is highly needed to understand the factors contributing to high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. In 2020, Latina teen birth rates (25.3 per 1,000 females) exceeded that of White teens (11.4 per 1,000 teens) by a large margin (CDC, 2020). The purpose of this study is to explore the cultural factors, particularly religion and familial influences, on the high rates of teen pregnancy among Hispanics/Latinas. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews with seven adult Hispanic/Latina women who have experienced teen pregnancy. …

Poverty In Ethnic Minority Children: Social Workers/Social Work Students’ Perceptions Of Effective Interventions, Danielle Nicole Davis

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Racial and ethnic minorities experience poverty at rates significantly higher than the rest of the United States population, especially when considering children. This disparity leads to decreased positive outcomes for children growing up in impoverished ethnic minority households. By examining the interventions utilized to address childhood poverty and how social workers and social work students create targeted interventions for this population, the current study provides insight into effective methods for addressing childhood poverty in ethnic minority populations. The current research expands on information gathered regarding effective interventions for minority children in poverty. This is an exploratory study that used a …

Practices And Policies Within The Child Welfare System To Reduce The Risk Of Child Sexual Exploitation, Areli Vega, Guadalupe Ibañez De Molleti

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project examined current child welfare system policies and practices that may be indirectly contributing to the risk of commercial sexual exploitation of children. This qualitative study gathered data using interviews of past and current child welfare case workers who have experience with CSEC cases. Key findings highlighted several themes within the participants’ answers, and using this data we propose feasible recommendations, such as increased CSEC training for case workers, provide proactive education, and strengthening existing collaborations.

The Relationship Between Participation In School Based Mental Health Programs And Absenteeism, Candida Kistemann, Diane Palomares, Jodi Eddington

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research study focuses on the impact of School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) programs on student absenteeism in a school setting, highlighting the potential of these programs to promote students’ well-being and improve attendance rates. By implementing SBMH programs, schools may address mental health challenges that contribute to chronic absenteeism. Researchers used a quantitative research design, analyzing archival data to assess whether participation in an SBMH program influences school attendance. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to examine absentee rates before, during, and after SBMH participation. Findings revealed no significant overall effect; however, specific groups – elementary school students and Hispanic students …

Sexually Exploited Foster Youth And Social Worker’S Perspective On Effective Strategies For Permanency, Safety, And Well-Being., Gerald Laurice Williams Ii

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Foster youth deal with many complicating factors due to being victims of abuse being removed from their families, unstable placement, and family support. Foster youth are also at an increased risk of being targeted by traffickers due to vulnerabilities including substance use, unresolved mental health issues, and a history of frequent running away behavior. This study aims to speak to social workers about effective strategies to prevent or keep foster youth safe from being exploited. This seeks to determine which strategies are best in promoting safety, permanency, and well-being for foster youth from the professionals that have or have had …

Access To Mental Health In The Latino Community, Lindsey Corado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to explore mental health within the Latino community, highlighting the disparities in mental health service utilization and the contributing factors. The key barriers identified include stigma, economic hardships, language barriers, and lack of culturally relevant services, which have disproportionately affected Latinos' access to mental health. The research examines cause-and-effect relationships between interventions and utilization using an explanatory design. Using mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative data is collected to examine participants' knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward mental health services and their impact on service utilization. Convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling are utilized to recruit 40 participants meeting specific …

Addressing Transphobia In The Twenty-First Century: A Survey Of Teachers' Awareness And Receptiveness In California, Melissa Rachel Pflug

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Transphobia is a form of discrimination against transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, genderqueer, and intersex individuals based on their gender identity. Transphobia and transphobic rhetoric result in higher rates of bullying and mental health challenges for transgender students. A significant obstacle presented in the education system for transgender students is the lack of education on interventions against transphobic bullying. This study assessed the awareness and receptiveness of K -12 teachers in California regarding the use of school-based interventions against transphobia. Using a purposive sampling method, this cross-sectional study surveyed K -12 teachers across California to determine their awareness and receptiveness levels regarding …

Exploring Foster Parent Readiness And Willingness To Foster Children In San Bernardino County, Brianna P. Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In the U.S., there is a shortage of foster parents, which limits the number of children placed in homes that are appropriate to their needs. Many states across the U.S. are experiencing an increase in the number of children in foster care as well as high foster parent turnover rates and low retention rates. This proposed research study will examine the readiness and willingness of foster parents in San Bernardino County, California to care for children who have multiple placement moves, behavioral issues, trauma, and insecure attachments. Based on their experiences, participants will be asked to evaluate and discuss fostering …

Cultural And Social Factors In Postpartum Depression: A Study Of Latina And White Mothers, Juana Gutierrez-Fuentes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Postpartum depression is a prevalent mood disorder that impacts 10-20% of women annually in the United States following childbirth. While all pregnant women are at risk of PPD, existing literature suggests that Latina mothers report PPD and seek treatment at lower rates than White mothers. Prior studies have identified risk factors and barriers that impact reporting and treatment among Latinas. The aim of this study is to investigate the interplay of race, depression, marital status, education, poverty level, and social support among White and Latina mothers. Using combined data from the 2017 and 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), we …

The Effectiveness Of Homelessness Prevention Services In Southern California, Marlon N. Gonzalez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research project aimed to determine the effectiveness of available prevention services for individuals and families at risk of experiencing homelessness in a region of Southern California. Homelessness is a prevalent social problem for society and the social problem has been growing significantly. The study adopted an exploratory and qualitative research design by interviewing social services professionals working in the arena of homelessness. The Snowball Sampling method was used to recruit social services professionals after interviewing a select few individuals first. Ten interviews of social services professionals were completed via a Zoom setting.

Data analysis revealed the following ten open …

Investigating Independent And Transitional Living Programs: A Systematic Review, Alexandra Torres, Jordi E. Marquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Approximately, 20,000 youths in the United States age out of the foster care system every year. Youths are face with the heightened risks of homelessness, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges. Despite the implementation of Independent Living Programs (ILPs) and Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) created to assist foster youths through this transition, research indicates limitations in their effectiveness to address the emotional, interpersonal, and long-term effects. Present research additionally lacks the intersectional analysis to address the needs of LGBTQ+ and racial minority youths. These fundamental limitations call for more comprehensive, strength-based frameworks to improve the outcomes for transitioning foster youths. …

Beneficial Impacts Of Extended Foster Care On Young Adults Transitioning Into Independence, Latricia A. Reed

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Foster youth transitioning into adulthood face significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health struggles, and difficulty attaining higher education. Extended Foster Care (EFC) programs aim to provide additional support, stability, and resources to help these young adults successfully transition to independent living. This proposed study examines the impact of EFC on housing stability and educational attainment among foster youth aged 18–21 in California. Using secondary data from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the proposed research would employ a quantitative approach to analyze key outcomes. If completed, the study would highlight the importance of social support networks, mentorship, and policy …

The Effectiveness Of Combined Approach Intervention And Group Social Skills Intervention For School Aged Children With Asd, Cecilia Ester Subroto

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder which ranges from low to severe functioning levels, communication is one of its deficits coming from the disorder. As many individuals get diagnosed at a young age, they may have difficulties with their social skills. If interventions are personalized to meet the unique needs of everyone, there can be an increase in their social skills level. Objective: This evaluative study will aim to determine combined approach intervention or group social skills intervention is more effective for enhancing the social skills of school-aged children with ASD. Method: This research proposal …

Evaluating School-Based Interventions And Programs In Treating Children Mental Health Disorders, Rozandra Yazmin Sanchez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The implementation of mental health services such as school-based interventions and programs have been well established within schools. However, it is uncertain how effective school-based interventions and programs are in treating children who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder specifically for children who are younger than 11 years old as it has not been explored. Objective: This proposed quasi-experimental study aims to determine the effectiveness of school-based mental health intervention programs in supporting and treating children (ages 6 to 11) who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder by evaluating their symptoms. Method: The proposed study would collect …

Law Enforcement Perspectives Towards Mental Health Crisis Interventions, Anna P. Silva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health crisis calls create significant challenges for law enforcement officers, who often serve as the first responders to individuals experiencing psychological distress. Research indicates that 50% of fatal encounters with law enforcement involve individuals with a mental health disorder (Fuller et al., 2015; Kindy & Elliott, 2015). Although the increasing prevalence of mental health- related calls, law enforcement officers frequently lack the specialized training and resources necessary to effectively de-escalate these situations (Cohen & Bagwell, 2023). As a result, interactions between police officers and individuals with mental illness tend to lead to criminalization, unnecessary incarceration, and even fatal outcomes. …

Diversity In Social Work Organizations, Andrea I. Corona

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive …