Social Work Commons^™

A Retrospective Study Of Teen Pregnancy In West Virginia From 2003 -2008: A Descriptive Analysis, Emily L. Mccave Msw, Phd, Ashlea Shiflet Msw Candidate

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

In 2006, West Virginia surpassed the national average birth rate for teens ages 15 to 19 years old. Through the use of the state wide Birth Score data, this article presents a retrospective examination of 8,094 teens who gave birth in West Virginia during the years of 2003-2008. Descriptive data on health issues such as prenatal care, infant birth weight and mortality, as well as demographic characteristics, such a racial background and Medicaid status are presented. Implications of these health issues are discussed along with special considerations for health providers who work within the Appalachian region.

Working Report #8: Services And Supports (Parent Perspectives), Lirondel Hazineh, Gary Cameron, Karen Frensch

Partnerships for Children and Families Project

In this study, differences between accessible settings and centralized settings in terms of the range of services and supports that were reported to be available to clients were investigated. The numbers, types and variety of services described differed, as did the amount of advocacy and support in connecting with services. Also, client satisfaction with the services provided appeared to be somewhat different across models.

Number, Types and Variety of Services In accessible settings families were being connected with at least twice as many different services and supports as in the centralized sites. There were a few exceptions to this trend …

Athletics And Violence Against Women: A Study Of Relationship, Meeghan Mercurio

Social Work Theses

This study looked to explore the correlation of violence and being a student athlete. The study was conducted at a small, private, Catholic college in the Northeastern part of the United States. There were 18 female participants and 24 male participants. The participants completed a 27 question survey pertaining to attitudes about violence against women. An independent T –test and a Pearson correlation was used. However, both tests proved the null hypothesis and the data proved not to be statistically significant. Yet, the negative reactions of the participants were significant. Research determined that more data and research is needed.

Gender Specific Skills Promote Female Adolescent Well-Being, Jessica Jones

Social Work Theses

The literature on the middle school years for girls has indicated that it is both a critical and arduous developmental period. This is important to social work practitioners because middle school‐aged girls are an at‐risk population that needs to be helped in a unique way. One preventative method that is often extremely beneficial to this population are small, gender‐specific, skills groups which openly discuss issues in a safe, informative, and therapeutic way. More specifically, an agency in Rhode Island that serves at‐risk girls conducts a community‐based mentor program. The program meets with the same small cohort of girls over approximately …

An Assessment Of Social Worker Attitudes Regarding The Domestic Sex Trafficking Of Children In America, Becky Bergeron

Social Work Theses

Human sex trafficking, defined as a “modern-day form of slavery in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act is under the age of 18 years” (USDHHS, 2009) is a problem that many people do not think is issue in America, but in fact is. This study investigated the attitudes of social workers towards domestically sex trafficked children in the United States, as well as towards pimps and johns, and federal and state policies regarding the safety of sex trafficked children. It was hypothesized that …

A Comparative Study Of Academic Achievement, Social Skills, Autonomy: College-Aged Males With Or Without Their Biological Fathers, Peter Baron

Social Work Theses

There is a growing problem in today’s society of children growing up in father-less households. One demographic at risk is young developing males who grow up without their biological father due to incarceration, divorce, separation, and death. This can affect the cognitive development of child which can lead to the decline of social, academic, and self regulation capacities. Once this young man enters college, he must exercise these capacities to the best of his abilities in order to succeed. This research study provided an overview of the issue of absent fathers on their sons and their long-term effect on their …

Transitioning The Needs Of Children With Chronic Illness: Exploring Communication Between Hospitals And School Settings, Christina Marchitto

Social Work Theses

Chronic illnesses like cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV, hemophilia, and metabolic disorders are on the rise. Chronic illness can be defined as an ongoing health condition that requires specialized treatments and may cause limitations in functions, activities or social roles. There are multiple phases that individuals with chronic illness progress through while learning to cope with their condition. Children with chronic illness are likely to spend a great deal of time in doctor’s offices and in the hospital. This study hypothesized that there is limited support for and understanding of the needs of children with chronic illness once they leave …

Healthy And Affordable Food In Low-Income Neighborhoods: A Community Food Security Assessment Of Smith Hill, Kelly Bevis

Social Work Theses

Community food security refers to a situation where all residents in a community can access affordable and nutritionally adequate foods. When a community has difficultly accessing healthy and affordable food, it is an issue of community food insecurity; low-income and urban communities experience this problem greatly. Key indicators of food insecurity include households with incomes below the poverty line, minority households, female-headed households, households with children, a lack of a supermarket and lack of adequate transportation. This study examined the issue of community food security in the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence, RI. It was hypothesized that the Smith Hill …

Predicting Secure Detention Placement For African-American Juvenile Offenders: Addressing The Disproportionate Minority Confinement Problem, Christopher A. Mallett, Patricia A. Stoddard Dare

Social Work Faculty Publications

Disproportionate minority contact and confinement (DMC) are significant problems within the juvenile justice system in the United States. Minority youth are more often arrested, court referred, placed in locked facilities, and transferred to adult criminal courts. In fact, African American youth are 6 times more likely than White youth to experience a secure facility placement. Standardized risk assessments have been used, in part, to reduce these biased placement outcomes. The purpose of this article is to determine if DMC impacts secure detention placement even when a standardized risk assessment is used to determine youths' risks and needs in 1 Midwest …

Denial In Alcohol And Other Drug Use Disorders: A Critique Of Theory., Patricia A. Stoddard Dare, Leaanne Derigne

Social Work Faculty Publications

Despite the centrality of the construct in the field of alcohol and other drug (AOD) addiction, denial remains poorly conceptualized. One reason for this narrow conceptualization is the recent unilateral devotion to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). In an effort to demonstrate denial’s theoretical complexity, the TTM and five additional intuitively appealing theories of denial will be summarized.The strengths and weaknesses of each theory and possible treatment implications based on each theory will also be presented. The article concludes with a recommendation for future research to evaluate multiple theories of denial using consistent and rigorous research methodology in order to develop …

From The Editor, Peggy Pittman-Munke Ph.D.

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Journal of Contemporary Rural Social Work

Volume 2, Number 1

Spring 2010

From the Editor: Peggy Pittman-Munke, Murray State University

A Conceptual Model For Rural Social Work, Michael R. Daley Ph.D.

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

As long as social workers have considered rural social work unique from other fields of practice there has been a search to capture the essence of rural social work. Is it a rural-urban dichotomy, is it geographically or community bound, and what are the principles that guide rural practice? Answers to these questions are important to education for future social workers and rural practice. The author examines key issues in rural social work and their influence on rural social work.

Human Trafficking And Prostitution: A Comparative Review Of Swedish And Dutch Policy, Emilie Davidson, Kelsey Perry, Jini Roby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

1.2 million children are trafficked every year (UNICEF), and and the total number of prostituted children could be as high as 10 million (The Lancet). Trafficking is the second largest source of illegal income worldwide, exceded only by the sale of illegal drugs (Belser, 2005). A study of women trafficked to the European Union found that 95% of victims had been violently assaulted or coerced into a sexual act, and over 60% of victims reported fatigue, neurological symptoms... back pain, vaginal discharges, and gynecological infections (Zimmerman, 2006). Definitions: Trafficking refers to “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, …

Neither Foster Nor Orphanages, Tami Thayne, Judy Norman

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Clearly, there are circumstances requiring out-of family placement for children. Foster care in the U. S. and orphanages in numerous countries remain available or the only alternative for care of some children at-risk. The mental status of children while in alternative care has received little research attention while much research has focused on the post-care, long-term negative consequences of such care, including developmental delays or impairment (Norman & Park, 2009; Pearce & Pearce, 2001). Research suggests a significant negative psychological impact for children raised in orphanages. While foster care has been viewed as an improvement in the care of vulnerable …

Measuring Father Involvement With Adolescents In Botswana, Kerianne Dyer, Jini Roby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Emerging research suggests that father involvement is a multifaceted concept, often driven by cultural mandates. In this study, survey data were collected from 704 adolescents aged 14-16 in Botswana. Fathers who provided both co-residence and financial support were perceived at the highest level of involvement. When considered separately, financial support rather than co-residence was associated with higher levels of perceived father involvement. Maternal gate keeping was also found to be a significant influence on perceived levels of father involvement. Implications for policy, practice and research are discussed.

Predictors Of Caregiver Burden Of Parents Of Children With Disabilities, Richard Alboroto, Susanne O. Roper

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Parents of children with disabilities experience elevated stress, which may contribute to their caregiver burden. Factors related to caregiver burden may be child or parent related. In this study, we investigated how income, economic hardship, age of the child with a disability, number of children in the family, and family cohesion were associated with mothers’ and fathers’ caregiver burden. Participants consisted of parents of 192 children; 155 of the children had some form of disability. The results show that family cohesion was negatively related to mothers’ and fathers’ burden. Economic hardship was also strongly associated with burden. Results suggest that …

Potret Pembangunan Prasarana Kesejahteraan Sosial: Profil Prasarana Pelayanan Kebutuhan Dasar Dan Pembangunan Ekonomi Di 45 Kabupaten/Kota Di Pulau Jawa, Sofyan Cholid

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

Weku: Trauma-Informed Residential Treatment For Pregnant And Post-Partum Women In Portland, Or, Deborah Elliott, Karen Cellarius

Regional Research Institute for Human Services

This poster describes a trauma-informed residential treatment program for pregnant and post-partum women in Portland, Oregon and the subsequent reductions in substance use, addiction severity and trauma symptoms at 6-months post-intake.

Family Group Conferencing Practice, Angela Rodgers, Katharine Cahn

Child Welfare

Oregon has long been known as a site for innovative family engagement practice. Multiple forms of family meetings have been implemented in Oregon over the years and many child welfare offices use some form of intensive efforts to find family for children in care. Beginning in the Fall 2012 and over the next three years, Oregon implemented a federally funded (Children's Bureau) demonstration project, Family Connections Oregon, to test a model intervention, to develop a supportive infrastructure for sustaining family connections practice, and to establish a family voice association at the policy level. These practices are continuing in Oregon through …

Rio Drug Factions And The Children Of The Favelas, Melanie Davies, Jini Roby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

Rio de Janeiro, among other major cities in Brazil, has been surrounded with slums for over a hundred years. These slums, called favelasby the natives, began springing up in the 1850’s (Gay, 1994). Many people migrated to the city in search of a better life. Unable to afford a home, they built shelters on the illegally claimed hillsides of Rio de Janeiro, intending to improve their situation from there (Villareal & Silva, 2006). Instead, the number of favelas has drastically increased over the years. In Rio de Janeiro alone, there are currently over 1800 favelas housing about 2 million people, …

Upaya Perlindungan Anak Melalui Pelatihan Keluarga Miskin Dengan Anak Yang Tereksploitasi Secara Ekonomi Maupun Anak Yang Beresiko Untuk Tereksploitasi Secara Ekonomi, Isbandi Rukminto Adi, Ety Rahayu, Sari Viciawati

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This article describes the effort in protecting children in need of special protection, especially to the family who have children in risk of being economically exploitated or children who have been economically exploitated by their parents. The problems of these children occur because they cannot access the basic services for them. This happened not only because the limited services from the government, but this could also happened because of the family life-style or the process of child rearing undertaken by their parents. Therefore this article describes the efforts in improving the resiliciency of poor family with children in the risk …

Kajian Pengembangan Indikator Prilaku Hidup Bersih Dan Sehat Untuk Meningkatkan Sekolah Sehat, Wisni Bantarti

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

Pemahaman Gender Mainstreaming Pada Perempuan Kader Partai Dan Ibu Nyai Pesantren Di Wilayah Banten, Bunda Sri Sugiri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

No abstract provided.

An Interdisciplinary Theoretical Interpretive Synthesis Examining The Barriers To Implementing Restorative Justice As The Standard Paradigm Of Adult Criminal Justice Within The Context Of The United States, Matthew J. Van Maastricht

Masters Theses

A systemic paradigm shift of any sort is complex and multifaceted. A systemic paradigm shift of justice is no different. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers that exist in a systemic paradigm shift from retributive justice to restorative justice. The methodology for this study is an interpretive synthesis of literature on restorative justice and consists of primarily theoretical literature. The literature for this study came from a variety of disciplines (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, sociology, and social work) in order to obtain a holistic perspective. A tripartite analysis was conducted using three perspectives: criminal justice, social …

Stealing Babies, Making Families: Does Corruption In Government Lead To More Adoptions Into The Us?, Tisah Quarnberg, Chelsea Mazar, Jini Roby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

On March 26, 2007 Ana Escobar reported her baby Esther Zulamitawas stolen. Ana was locked in a storage closet at the family’s shoe store, north of Guatemala City, while armed men took her daughter. Two months later, Ana was sitting in the National Adoption Council’s offices when she spotted her baby. Esther was being adopted by an unidentified US couple. DNA tests had been falsified and Esther was given all new papers. Convinced that the child was hers, Ana got a new DNA tests ordered. These tests confirmed that the baby was Esther and she has since been reunited with …

The Mental Health Of Afghan Children Residing In Pakistani Refugee Camps, Kelli Child, Jini Roby

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

There have been several different events in Afghanistan's history that have forced its citizens to find refuge amongst its neighbors, the largest amount settling in Pakistan. As one of the largest groups of refugees currently, there are countless hardships that these individuals face. While struggling to find a place to meet their basic necessities, they meet untold hardships even within themselves--‐ coping with the stress, trauma and inevitable effects of being drenched in war--‐torn surroundings. There are political, economic, familial, cultural and individual contributing factors that inevitably have an effect upon their mental health. As with any population, the children …

Neighborhood: The “Outside” Space For Girls In Urban India, Shweta Singh

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

This study explores the perspective of adolescent girls on the neighborhood as a social space that plays a role in the formation of their identity and agency. The study applies the ‘identities’ conceptual framework, which is a global, interdisciplinary, theoretical approach to understanding female identity. The study participants were girls enrolled in grades 7–10, from five schools in a district in the Northern State of India, who participated in structured focus group discussions. The study reports on the reduced relevance of neighborhood for girls and illustrates, through quotes, the reasons for their limited interaction.

An Interdisciplinary Theoretical Interpretive Synthesis Examining The Barriers To Implementing Restorative Justice As The Standard Paradigm Of Adult Criminal Justice Within The Context Of The United States, Matthew J. Van Maastricht

Masters Theses

A systemic paradigm shift of any sort is complex and multifaceted. A systemic paradigm shift of justice is no different. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers that exist in a systemic paradigm shift from retributive justice to restorative justice. The methodology for this study is an interpretive synthesis of literature on restorative justice and consists of primarily theoretical literature. The literature for this study came from a variety of disciplines (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, sociology, and social work) in order to obtain a holistic perspective. A tripartite analysis was conducted using three perspectives: criminal justice, social …

Is Mixed-Income Development An Antidote To Urban Poverty?, Mark L. Joseph

Faculty Scholarship

I critically assess the potential for mixed-income development as a means of helping lift families in U.S. inner cities out of poverty. I identify four main propositions for the promise of mixed-income development, provide a conceptual framework that delineates the pathways through which mixed-income development can be hypothesized to improve the quality of life for the urban poor, and review the evidence from existing research on the relevance of these propositions. Because of the scale and possible elimination of the HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) program, I pay particular attention to what we have learned from it. The …

Staying On Course: The Effects Of Savings And Assets On The College Progress Of Young Adults, Sondra G. Beverly, William Elliott Iii

Center for Social Development Research

Staying on Course: The Effects of Savings and Assets on the College Progress of Young Adults