Social Work Commons^™

The Attitudes Of Police Officers Towards Mental Health Services, Rebecca Ann Irwin, Jill Adrianne Kays

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of police officers toward mental health services and the perceptions of police departments toward the promotion of dependable support systems and mandatory counseling in the work environment. Understanding the culture and norms within a law enforcement agency is critical to the well-being of officers and the communities they serve.

Transracial Adoptions: Common Challenges And Needed Resources, Jennifer Deneen Selegue, Stephanie Agnes Siringoringo

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify common challenges families encounter when adopting a child of a different race and/or ethnicity than themselves. When children are adopted into a family where the members do not share their same race and/or ethnicity, they have a more difficult time fitting in at school and feeling like they have a secure place in society.

What Are Parents' Perceptions On Immunizations Causing Autism Spectrum Disorders?, Shanae Nicole Blake

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to identify parental perceptions on immunizations causing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and identify whether or not these perceptions influenced whether or not a parent vaccinated their child. If parents are educated on vaccinations, and understand that numerous studies have been conducted proving immunizations do not cause autism, it may prevent a host of possible problems that may arise in the future.

Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of School-Based Services Among Mental Health Therapists, Jolene-Fe Caguicla Balancio, Suzette Carolina Covarrubias

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research project was to gather the perceptions of mental health therapists regarding the effectiveness of providing school-based services to children and adolescents in grades K-12. The methodology used in this study included face-to-face interviews with fourteen mental health therapists from diverse educational backgrounds and various fields of practice.

Extended Foster Care: The Foster Parent's Perception, Tosha Thomas

Theses Digitization Project

This study proposes to examine AB 12; California's Fostering Connections to Success Act, as it relates to the experiences of foster parents that choose to care for young adults after they turn 18. Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) was passed in 2010 and formerly extends the time youth can remain in foster care in California. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of the implementation of California's Fostering Connections to Success Act, AB 12 on foster parents working with young adults in extended foster care. The goals of this study include identifying gaps in and lack of …

Foster Parents' Perceptions On The Implementation Of Extended Foster Care, Sandy Lee Melancon, Heidie Kay Morris

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore, from the perspectives of the foster parents, what services were being utilized, what assistance have been provided, and what more can be done to assist young adults in the process of transitioning from foster care to extended foster care. This study focused on the implementation process and beginning outcomes of extended foster care using the unique perspective of foster parents who currently care for a foster care young adult. This study examined San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services (CFS) foster parents' views on the implementation of Ecological Systems Theory …

Restoration Of Suffrage For California's Ex-Felons: Will They Vote?, Genevieve Anne West

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to examine the knowledge of parolees regarding their voting rights. Further, the purpose of the study was to determine if ex-parolees will vote once educated about their voting rights. In California individuals that have been released from parole are eligible to vote. The qualifications for individuals to participate in this study were the participants had to have discharged parole and graduated from Cal State San Bernardino Reentry Initiative. This study surveyed 25 participants that graduated from the Cal State Reentry Initiative and discharged parole. Cal State San Bernardino Reentry Initiative focuses on providing services …

San Bernardino County Social Workers' Level Of Assessment Skills And Knowledge Of Resources On Victims Of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, Elizabeth Marie Alvarado-Estrada, Juanita Maria Angelica. Guevara

Theses Digitization Project

There were two implications for this study. The first would be to conduct a more complex and in-depth survey and data analysis for researchers to gain a better understanding of the professionals and their needs to serve the population. The second implication would be to incorporate training on assessment skills and resource knowledge for minor victims of sex trafficking in the education of new social workers. This study was done within the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services.

Social Work In Action: Promoting The Well-Being Of Elders, Denise Muelli Miller, Kristynne Lyn Simmons

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research study was to examine the well-being of elders who are 65 years old and above. This study used a post-positivism paradigm and conducted face-to-face interviews with both elders and social workers who provide services to elders. The site for this research project was at West End Family Counseling Services (WEFCS), located in San Bernardino County along with an informal gathering of elders and social workers.

Truancy In San Bernardino: What Is It And How Should We Respond, Susan Elizabeth Kennedy

Theses Digitization Project

The focus of this study was to gain an understanding of truancy. Familial factors are frequently blamed for attendance issues, but research shows that the reasons for truancy are oftentimes more complex. The study was conducted using the constructivist paradigm, and key stakeholders were interviewed to discuss their experience with truancy. The study's findings will influence social work practice by providing guidance to create effective truancy programs in San Bernardino. The study site for this research project was the San Bernardino Public Defender's Office. The research project was conducted in the Juvenile Division of the office. The participants were selected …

Social Workers' Perspectives On Placement Stability, Joseph Charles Van Campen, Susan May Copple

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to obtain opinions of social workers on placement stability. Specifically the study examined social workers' opinions of present placement tools, their thoughts on alternative placement tools, and other factors that would promote placement stability for foster youth.

The Importance Of The Teacher's Role And Opinions On Individual Education Plans, Shallymar Ileana Bender

Theses Digitization Project

This study focused on gather a better understanding of what teachers are familiar with when working with and Individual Education Plan (IEP), and how this affects the implementation of IEPs in the mainstream classroom. This study also focused on accommodations teachers are required to make, or additional information needed to accomodate for the needs of children with special needs in the mainstream classroom.

Social Workers' Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Extended Foster Care, Mina Nahavandi Moghaddam, Amanda Ellen Garcia

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research study was to assess the attitudes and perspectives of social workers on the implentation of the Extended Foster Care within the Department of Child and Family Sevrices in San Bernardino county. Exploring and gathering the social workers' level of knowledge and assessing their attitudes toward Extended Foster Care allowed the researchers to collect information that could be utilized to understand challenges, and come up with the interventions to assist professionals to better prepare the foster youth for independence.

The Self Care Experience Among Medical Social Workers, Chelsey Diane Davis

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-care experience among social workers in a medical setting. The findings from this study indicate that self-care strategies among social workers enable these workers to improve their well-being and increase their service effectiveness as professionals.

Ageism In American Society: Are Aging Women Of Color Assertive Enough?, Tina Maria Doss-Collins

Theses Digitization Project

The study focus was ageism and assertiveness in aging women of color. The study examined a relationship between ageism occurring with these women and their response to it, if any. There were 41 participants in this study. They were all women of color 60-years of age and older. The participants were members of a church located in Los Angeles County.

Late Onset Grief And Loss From Having An Abortion, Cheryl Ann Kochevar

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to inform and educate social workers about the mental and emotional stress that comes from having an abortion. It looked at the levels of grief and loss reported by women who had an abortion three or more years ago.

Women And Homelessness In San Bernardino County: Causes, Demographics, Services, And Hope, Queenesther Marie Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

This study examines the conditions of hopelessness in the city of San Bernardino. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which women and men's accessing of services for homelessness differ. This study employs a survey administered at an event given specifically for the homeless population in San Bernardino, and the differences between men and women and their access to support is documented.

Stigmatization Of Mental Health Service Consumers By Social Workers, Amelia Grace Wedge

Theses Digitization Project

In this Positivist study, the researcher asked the question, what factors determine Social Workers' perceptions of consumers who receive mental health services. The study participants were Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work students. Results of the study suggested that education increased students' levels of stigma towards mental health consumers, but personal and mental health work experience did not influence levels of stigma.

Risk Assessment For Sex Trafficking Victimization In The Mental Health Field, Kimberly Dawn Nichole Mena

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research project was to examine mental health workers' knowledge about sex trafficking, ability to assess for sex trafficking victimization and existence of educaiton and training about sex trafficking in the social work field. The study showed that participants were not educated on sex trafficking while obtaining their Master of Social Work degree. It was also found that risk assessment for sex trafficking and having a standardized risk assessment instrument would be beneficial.

A Case Study Of The Effects Of Privatization Of Child Welfare On Services For Children And Families: The Nebraska Experience, Grace S. Hubel, Alayna Schreier, David J. Hansen, Brian Wilcox

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Privatization, or contracting with non-governmental agencies for provision of state or federally funded services, is a strategy that has gained recent attention from policymakers as a potential tool for successful child welfare reform. The Child Welfare Privatization Initiatives Project was created in 2007 as a joint effort between the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The framework identified by this project produced twelve key considerations for states moving towards a privatized system. This case study considers these twelve considerations in a description of the large-scale effort to …

Individual And Collective Dimensions Of Resilience Within Political Violence, Cindy A. Sousa, Muhammad M. Haj-Yahia, Guy Feldman, Jessica Lee

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Faculty Research and Scholarship

Research has documented a link between political violence and the functioning of individuals and communities. Yet, despite the hardships that political violence creates, evidence suggests remarkable fortitude and resilience within both individuals and communities. Individual characteristics that appear to build resilience against political violence include demographic factors such as gender and age, and internal resources such as hope, optimism, determination and religious convictions. Research has also documented the protective influence of individuals’ connection to community and their involvement in work, school or political action. Additionally, research on political violence and resilience has increasingly focused on communities themselves as a unit …

Interdisciplinary Professional Education: Training College Students For Collaborative Social Change, Monica Nandan, Manuel London

Faculty Articles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a rationale for developing interprofessional competencies among graduates from professional and graduate programs, so that they are well prepared to participate in local, national and global social change strategies. Design/methodology/approach – After reviewing the literature on strategic social change initiatives the authors briefly describe two such initiatives: corporate social responsibility initiatives and social entrepreneurial ventures. After reviewing the interprofessional literature from various disciplines and professions, the authors categorized them into “competencies,” “rationale,” “conceptual framework,” “principles” and “challenges.” An examination of exemplar pedagogy from this body of literature suggests ways to …

Racial And Ethnic Diversity In Undergraduate Social Work Programs: How Are Programs In Rural Areas Faring?, David L. Beimers, Brian Warner, Paul Force-Emery Mackie

Social Work Department Publications

Social work programs have a long-standing commitment to recruiting and educating racially and ethnically diverse students. However, some programs in rural areas have greater difficulty meeting this commitment. This study examined racial and ethnic diversity within baccalaureate social work (BSW) programs, focusing primarily on student enrollment, faculty, perceptions of diversity, and interventions to attract students. Program directors of BSW programs from 10 Midwestern states were surveyed. Forty-two programs responded. The results indicate that as a whole, social work programs differ in their levels of racial and ethnic diversity. However, BSW programs in rural areas tend to have fewer students and …

Barriers To Critical Thinking Across Domains, Reed Geertsen

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

The transfer of critical thinking across domains presents both a significant

challenge and meaningful opportunity for college education as well as

programs of continuing education and · efforts to encourage lifelong learning.

After examining different approaches to teaching critical thinking, this paper examines some of

the barriers to transfer across domains using an interactionist perspective. This perspective

underscores the fact that developing and using critical thinking is a lifelong endeavor due to the

tunnel-vision tendencies that naturally follow from situated learning in a particular domain. Two

case studies are presented to illustrate the potential blinding effects of situated learning

resulting …

Play And Learning In The Primary Years .G2200, Jennifer Gerdes, Tonia Renee Durden, Lisa M. Poppe

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

During the school day, there should be opportunities for children ages 3-8 to gain a deeper understanding of academic concepts through play. Children’s play needs to be encouraged as an essential part of their healthy development. A wide variety of play experiences is necessary to develop a complex and integrated brain.

Research collected as part of the report Crisis in the Kindergarten: Why Children Need to Play in School (2009) shows that children are spending fewer than 30 minutes a day in purposeful play or choice time in the kindergarten classroom, even less in grades 1-3. In contrast, young children …

Brain Development And Learning In The Primary Years .G2198, Jennifer Gerdes, Tonia Renee Durden, Lisa M. Poppe

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

In the primary years, children are beginning to think in complex ways about themselves, their environment, and others. Teachers can play a role in honing children’s brain development and learning.

The Importance Of Outdoor Experiences In The Primary Years .G2202, Jennifer Gerdes, Tonia Renee Durden, Leanne Manning, Julia C. Torquati

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

Daily experiences in natural environments can have immediate and long-lasting benefits for children. Increased physical activity is associated with decreases in depression and anxiety and increases in levels of concentration. It also is a key strategy in addressing childhood obesity.

Research overwhelmingly supports the need for children to experience natural environments often and in a variety of ways. For many reasons, children are spending increasing amounts of time inside the house watching television and playing video games. Also, many schools are cutting recess times or eliminating recess all together in favor of spending more time during the day focusing on …

Social Workers' Awareness Of Permanency Readiness Services In San Bernardino Children And Family Services, Maria Vanessa GáLvez, Cynthia Morales Guerra

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to explore social workers' awareness of permanency readiness in the county of San Bernardino Children and Family Services within the foster care system. The intent was to update social workers on how to develop with youth, caregivers and other partners, successful strategies to improve transition practice and outcomes in their daily comprehensive assessments, planning, and practice (Family 2 Family, 2012).

Social Workers' Perceptions Of Psychotropic Medication Use On Children And Adolescents In Foster Care, Tina Latrice Johnson Hollman, Dominic Marcus Ruffin

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of social workers' regarding psychotropic medication use on children in foster care. This study also addressed any prospective concerns that social workers may have had as they relate to psychotropic medications being administered to children in foster care.

A Mixed Methods Examination Of Structural Bigenderism And The Consequences For Transgender And Gender Variant People, Kristie Lynn Seelman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For years, transgender activists and their allies have spoken out about the oppression that transgender and gender non-conforming people experience in relation to societal systems and institutions, due to policies and practices that do not acknowledge non-binary experiences of gender, that do not recognize that one's gender may change over time or may not match cultural expectations for gender expression, and that punish and discriminate against trans people (Gilbert, 2009; Lombardi & Davis, 2006; Markman, 2011; Spade, 2006; WWRC, 2010). Scholars have called for human services professionals and researchers to critique the failures of institutions in society (and the people …