Social Work Commons^™

Barriers To School Enrollment And Success Of Children Living In Shelters, Claire Kuennen Jordan

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nearly a decade since the passage of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, barriers to school enrollment and education of children who are homeless remain. The extent to which these barriers exist varies from place to place. To identify the barriers in the St. Paul Public School District, this study surveyed school and shelter staff and interviewed key informants. Survey findings indicate that the most important barriers to enrollment are: difficulty in acquiring children's school records and lack of transportation from the shelter to the school. Once enrolled, the greatest obstacles to school success for these children are repeated …

Review Of The Prostitution Of Sexuality. Kathleen Barry. Reviewed By Beth Cagan, Cleveland State University., Beth Cagan

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Kathleen Barry, The Prostitution of Sexuality, New York: New York University Press, 1995, $24.95 hardcover.

Rebuilding The Inner City: A History Of Neighborhood Initiatives To Address Poverty In The United States. Robert Halpern.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Robert Halpern, Rebuilding the Inner City: A History of Neighborhood Initiatives to Address Poverty in the United States. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995. $49.50 hardcover, $17.00 papercover.

Rights And The Common Good: The Communitarian Perspective. Amitai Etzioni.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Amitai Etzioni (Ed.), Rights and the Common Good: The Communitarian Perspective. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1995. $35.00 hardcover.

Three Discourses On Practice: A Postmodern Re-Appraisal, Peter Leonard

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The current debate about the knowledge claims of modernity has profound implications for theories and practices of social welfare, though postmodern critiques of its foundational beliefs should be approached cautiously. This paper suggests that a postmodern critique of three historically significant discourses -American casework, British social administration and Marxist social work - illustrates what might be learned from a deconstruction of their modernist assumptions as a stage in a reconstruction of social welfare ideas appropriate to postmodern conditions.

Speak Of The Devil: Rhetoric In Claims-Making About The Satanic Ritual Abuse Problem, Mary Deyoung

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper uses Toulmin's (1958) scheme to conduct a rhetorical analysis of claims being made in the construction of the satanic ritual abuse of children problem. The analysis reveals that the persistence of these claims over the last fifteen years is the product not of their compelling facts or their effective conclusions, but of their persuasive warrants. These implicit, "self-evident truths" resonate well with recent cultural concerns about the vulnerability of children to abuse, and the satanic menace.

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 23, No. 2 (June 1996)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• ERRATA
• THREE DISCOURSES ON PRACTICE: A POSTMODERN RE-APPRAISAL - Peter Leonard
• POVERTY, FAMILY SUPPORT, AND WELL-BEING OF INFANTS: MEXICAN IMMIGRANT WOMEN AND CHILDBEARING - Margaret Sherrard Sherraden and Rossana E. Barrera
• SPEAK OF THE DEVIL: RHETORIC IN CLAIMS-MAKING ABOUT THE SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE PROBLEM - Mary deYoung
• FACTORS IN LENGTH OF FOSTER CARE: WORKER ACTIVITIES AND PARENT-CHILD VISITATION - MaryEllen White, Eric Albers, and Christine Bitonti
• MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN AND MOTHERS ALONE: A COMPARISON OF HOMELESS FAMILIES - Jennifer E. Glick
• MANAGED COMPUTER SYSTEM CONCEPTUALIZATION: KNOWING WHEN TO SAY NO - Menachem Monnickendam
• PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTING …

Managed Computer System Conceptualization: Knowing When To Say No, Menachmen Monnickendam

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Computer systems in human services are often abandoned after significant investments have already been made. A case study of preventing the utilization of a wrong computer system for a child development center illustrates how managed system conceptualization minimized damage. Critical consciousness and adherence to specific computer implementation technology created an environment which supported recurrent system efficacy evaluation. When the system, as initially conceptualized, could not meet practitioners' needs, early project abandonment was achieved. Some considerations for successful system development in human service are presented.

Ecological Approach In Practice: A Case Study Of The Ounce Of Prevention Fund, Marilyn Fernandez, Laura Nichols

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

In an attempt to suggest ecologically sensitive program models which are developmentally responsive to the needs of adolescent parents and their children, this paper reviews existing research to identify the critical ecologies in their lives, evaluates existing program models for their ecological sensitivity, and presents a case study of the ecological approach in practice. Drawing from Bronfenbrenner's ecological perspective and typology of systems, the paper identifies family, partner, school, work, health care, neighborhood, poverty, and ethnicity as critical ecological systems in the lives of the adolescent and her child. Many existing program models do not systematically address all of these …

Review Of The Bell Curve Wars: Race, Intelligence And The Future Of America. Steven Fraser (Ed.) Reviewed By David Stoesz, Virginia Commonwealth University., David Stoesz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Steven Fraser, ed., The Bell Curve Wars: Race, Intelligence and the Future of America (New York: Basic Books, 1995).

Review Of Individual Voices, Collective Visions: Fifty Years Of Women In Sociology. Ann Goetting And Sarah Fenstermaker (Eds). Reviewed By Karen E. Campbell, Vanderbilt University., Karen E. Campbell

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Ann Goetting and Sarah Fenstermaker (Eds.) Individual Voices, Collective Vision: Fifty Years of Women in Sociology. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1995. $49.95 hardcover, $18.95 papercover.

Poverty, Family Support, And Well-Being Of Infants: Mexican Immigrant Women And Childbearing, Margaret Sherrard Sherraden, Rossana E. Barrera

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Data reveal that despite high levels of poverty, Mexican immigrants have relatively few low birth weight babies. This unusual pattern suggests that there are "protective" social factors mediating the effects of povertyperhaps especially family support. Our study, based on in-depth interviews with immigrant women in Chicago, finds that family support does protect some women from delivering a low birth weight infant but it does not protect women living in extreme poverty. Implications for services to Mexican immigrant women in childbearing years and their families are presented. These findings also speak to broad issues in social policy, especially the need for …

Factors In Length Of Foster Care: Worker Activities And Parent-Child Visitation, Maryellen White, Eric Albers, Christine Bitonti

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This is an exploratory case study investigating factors potentially related to length of foster care placements in a small western state. Findings of earlier researchers are supported. More frequent visits by natural parents are associated with shorter foster care placements.

Mothers With Children And Mothers Alone: A Comparison Of Homeless Families, Jennifer E. Glick

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Researchers usually define a homeless family as those parents accompanied by minor children. This study compares a sample of homeless mothers accompanied by their children to homeless mothers who report that their children are elsewhere. While there are some differences between these two groups such as age and number of children, there are also a number of similarities. Both groups of mothers report that they rely on family members and friends as sources of instrumental support. These networks are especially useful for housing children. The findings from this investigation suggest a need for a more inclusive definition of homeless families …

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 …

Review Of Incapacitation: Penal Confinement And The Restraint Of Crime. Franklin E. Zimring And Gordon Hawkins. Reviewed By William G. Archambeault, Louisiana State University., William G. Archambeault

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Franklin E. Zimring and Gordon Hawkins, Incapacitation: Penal Confinement and Restraint of Crime. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. $27.95 hard cover.

Review Of Politics And The Class Divide: Working People And The Middle Class Left. David Croteau. Reviewed By Charles M. Tolbert, Louisiana State University, Charles M. Tolbert

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

David Croteau, Politics and the Class Divide: Working People and the Middle Class Left. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1995. $49.95 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

Review Of The New Middle Classes: Life Styles, Status Claims And Political Orientations. Arthur J. Vidich (Ed.) Both Books Reviewed By Charles M. Tolbert, Louisiana State University, Charles M. Tolbert

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Arthur J. Vidich (Ed.), The New Middle Classes: Life Styles, Status Claims and Political Orientations. New York: New York University Press, 1995. $50.00 hardcover, $17.50 papercover.

Review Of The Neutered Mother, The Sexual Family. Martha Albertson Fineman. Reviewed By Janice Wood Wetzel, Adelphi University., Janice Wood Wetzel

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Martha Albertson Fineman, The Neutered Mother, the Sexual Family (and Other Twentieth Century Tragedies). New York: Routledge, 1995. $16.95 papercover.

Crime And Inequality. John Hagen And Ruth Patterson (Eds).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

John Hagen and Ruth Patterson (Eds), Crime and Inequality. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1995. $45.00 hardcover, $16.95 papercover.

A Second Chicago School: The Development Of A Postwar American Sociology. Gary Alan Fine (Ed.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Gary Alan Fine (Ed.), A Second Chicago School: The Development of a Postwar American Sociology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995. $70.00 hardcover, $22.50 papercover.

The Economics Of Aging. James H. Schultz.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

James H. Schultz, The Economics of Aging. Westport, CT: Auburn House, 1995. $69.50 hardcover, $19.95 papercover.

Race And Ethnicity In America: Meeting The Challenge In The 21st Century. Gail E. Thomas (Ed.).

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Gail E. Thomas (Ed), Race and Ethnicity in America: Meeting the Challenge in the 21st Century. Washington, DC: Taylor and Francis, 1995. $29.95 papercover.

Perinatal Loss And The Marital Relationship, Karilyn K. Alexander

Theses and Graduate Projects

This exploratory study examined the perceived stress and conflict that resulted in the marriages of 32 individuals who experienced perinatal loss and chose to participate in this study. The research sought to better understand the stress couples perceive in their marriages in relation to the level of attachment to the fetus following a perinatal loss. This study also focused on the social support received from inside and outside the marriage following a loss, and how the support influenced the marital stress experienced. Two copies of the self-administered questionnaires were sent to each couple who volunteered to participate. The findings indicated …

An Evaluation Of The Mid-Iowa Boy Scout Program In Its Effectiveness To Prepare Adolescents To Become Healthy, Responsible And Productive Young Adults, Delores Crum

Theses and Graduate Projects

A review of the current literature indicates that the numbers of troubled and delinquent youths are increasing. Community-based youth programs, such as the Boy Scouts of America, can be a valuable resource in the healthy development of youth. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mid-lowa Boy Scout program in helping adolescent boys become healthy, responsible, contributing members of society. One hundred, self-administered questionnaires were sent to a cross-sample of former Boy Scouts in the Mid-lowa Council, who had turned 17 years of age according to the troop records of 1985-1987. Findings from this …

An Exploration Of The Role Of Computer Mediated Communications In The Lives Of Older Adults, Joanne Middaugh

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of the Internet bulletin boards/Usenet newsgroups, email, and chat services by adults over age 50. Review of the literature showed that social isolation of older adults has many causal factors. Studies found that the use of telephone support groups has been helpful with cancer patients and caregivers of end-stage AIDS and Alzheimers' patients. Older members of an Internet bulletin board were invited to complete a questionnaire requesting information about their use of computer-mediated communications. Findings showed that 100% of those surveyed perceived an increase in their social network using computer …

An Exploratory Study Of Resilience Among American Indian Human Service Professionals, Georgette M. Bunker

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explores the link between Native American cultural factors and the concept of resilience. The research design utilized personal interviews with 12 Native Americans in positions of leadership within their own community, to explore questions about protective factors, risk factors and cultural factors. The bicultural continuum was used to study participants to self assess their degree of assimilation. Findings did reflect some similarity between protective factors identified in the resilience literature and cultural factors. Discussion of findings addresses how increased knowledge of the Native American culture can assist practitioners in the assessment of resilience when working with Native American …

Children As Witnesses Of Family Violence: Needs Assessment With Program Implications, Beverly A. Seifert

Theses and Graduate Projects

Women who are victims of family violence within a rural Midwestern county receive multi-faceted services from area service providers, while their children who witness family violence receive residual attention. It was the intention of this study to discern the needs of children in this population and to determine if a program of specialized services was indicated. Research for this study was done by interviewing key informants within the service delivery system to pinpoint the percieved physical, educational/cognitive, social, and emotional needs of this population. The findings indicated that there is a need for further services within the Goodhue County area. …

Needs Assessment On Homeless Women, Sandra A. Scott

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of homeless women. This survey included 32 women, who were enrolled in a Transitional Housing Program during 1995. Data collection questionnaire. The collection involved a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data covers several areas: (1) the needs of homeless women from their perspective, (2) improvement in service delivery, and (3) intervention strategies. Of the women surveyed 71.9% were African-American, 12.5% were Caucasian, and 15.6% were Native American. The average age was 25-34. Approximately, 62.5% of the women were single, and never married. And, the women averaged 3-5 children each. Surprisingly, 34.4% …

Adolescents Who Have Experienced Parental Divorce: Saint Paul School Social Worker's Perceptions Of The Challenges And Limitations Adolescents Experience, Ken Kozemzak

Theses and Graduate Projects

Each year close to 1.2 million American marriages end in divorce, disrupting the lives of over one million children. Recent research has studied many adolescents who have been affected by the experience of parental divorce. This exploratory study presents some of that research and examines what challenges/limitations Saint Paul Middle School social workers see with adolescents from divorced families. This study will also describe services social workers offer in response to the needs of adolescents on their caseloads. Social workers at fourteen different middle school in Saint Paul were surveyed. The findings indicate the results of the literature are consistent …