Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Foster Parent Demographics: A Research Note, Kathleen M. Kirby

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Data were collected on a random sample of 218 foster parents in Michigan during Fall, 1991 regarding socioeconomic characteristics, licensure arrangement with placement agencies, foster parenting experiences, life experiences, reasons for entering, and satisfaction with foster parenting. Respondents are predominately female (77%), White (78%), educated beyond high school (63%), with an annual family income (excluding foster care payments) over $26,000. Most are Protestant (78%), currently married (79%), and married once (71%). The average foster home cares for 3 children with 1.5 foster children currently placed. Median number of placements is 8 with families typically fostering numerous categories of children. Replacement …

Degreed And Nondegreed Licensed Clinical Social Workers: An Exploratory Study, John T. Pardeck, Woo Sik Chung, John W. Murphy

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This exploratory study focuses on 155 randomly selected respondents who obtained a clinical license in social work with or without the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Ninety-seven of the respondents obtained a license with an MSW degree;fifty-eight obtained a license without the MSW degree. The two groups of respondents completed a survey instrument that explored their basic demographic characteristics, their attitudes and behaviors related to practice, and their philosophical and political attitudes toward practice. The researchers found few statistically significant differences between the two groups of respondents. The article offers implications of these findings for the profession of social …

Review Of The Politics Of Child Abuse In America. Lela B. Costin, Howard Jacob Karger And David Stoesz. Reviewed By Jill Duerr-Berrick, University Of California, Berkeley., Jill Duerr-Berrick

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Lela B. Costin, Howard Jacob Karger and David Stoesz, The Politics of Child Abuse in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. $29.95 hardcover.

Evaluation Of The Effects Of A Conflict Resolution Program On The Behavior Of Middle School Students, Julie A. Collins

Theses and Graduate Projects

Interpersonal violence has become a leading cause of death and injury among adolescents in the United States. The Unites States Department of Justice reports three million crimes-or about 11% of all crimes, occur each year in public schools. With this increasing trend, interventions are needed, to assist adolescents decrease levels of individual anger and frustration and to learn skills to resolve conflict. A ten-week Conflict Resolution group was implemented in an inner city school in Minneapolis, MN. Each child was asked to complete a pretest/posttest, before the group began and following the last group meeting. This questionnaire evaluated their knowledge …

Hiv Prevention Strategies Available In Substance Abuse Treatment Programs For Women In The Twin Cities Area, Cathleen A. Holmberg

Theses and Graduate Projects

Overall, the fastest growing populations of HIV infected individuals are women, African Americans, and heterosexuals. Women who are infected with HIV via drug use now constitute the largest subgroup of women with AIDS in Minnesota. Drug treatment programs for women have been largely impacted within the past few years with the HIV epidemic. Previous research indicates that skills-building and cognitive-behavioral techniques used within drug treatment programs for women are effective in decreasing their risk for HIV infection. This exploratory study aimed to find out how substance abuse treatment programs for women in the Twin Cities area are addressing the problem …

Exploring Parents Satisfaction With Collaborative Services Offered By A County Human Service Agency And School District, Tracy R. Sopiwnik

Theses and Graduate Projects

Collaborative services provide a model of prevention and early intervention. These services are comprehensive, accessible and consumer driven. The purpose of this study was to obtain parents' perceptions of the experience with a collaborative program composed of a rural central Minnesota school district and a neighboring human service agency. This exploratory study uses both qualitative and quantitative information. A survey of a sample of parents asked them to rate how accessible were the services provided through the collaborative and how satisfied they were with these services. The questionnaire focused on the type of in-home counseling services received, the helpfulness of …

Transracial Adoption And Post-Placement Services, Alisha Kaul-Nelson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Transracial adoption, the adoption of a child that is of a different race than that of the adoptive family, is a controversial issue. With the disproportionately high number of children of color in foster care, transracial adoption is a viable option to provide these children with permanent families. Transracially adoptive families need support and available services to adjust satisfactorily to the adoption. Nine transracially adoptive families completed a self-administered questionnaire about participation in and availability of post-placement services. Data did conclude that services are being offered to families and that these families are utilizing services to assist in adjustment to …

Comparing Two Support Groups' Impact On The Development Of Middle School Students' Self-Esteem And Internal Locus Of Control, Gary S. Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study compared the effectiveness of two support group models in a middle school setting. ls the introduction of Health Realization (HR) concepts in a support group more effective than a standard support group without HFI concepts in increasing self-esteem (SE) and internal locus of control (lLC) of participating middle school students? Eighteen 7th grade students were randomly assigned to a support group with HFI concepts or a support group without HR concepts. Pre- and post test scores from the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children (N-S) and the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (P-H) were used to assess …

Their Silent Voices Are Calling Us: The Efficacy Of Art & Play As Methods Of Intervention In Social Work Practice With Young Children Who Have Been Abused Or Neglected And Who Hove Limited Verbal Language Skills, Brenda F. Watson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research is a qualitative case study. It evaluates the effectiveness of art and play as nonverbal forms of communication techniques that con be used in social work practice. These techniques con assist social work practitioners working with children ages 3-5 years who hove been traumatized by abuse or neglect. This age group does not hove the verbal language skills necessary to effectively communicate their experiences, feelings and needs. Because young children have not developed the verbal language skills needed to communicate their feelings and needs effectively, alternative nonverbal forms of communication must be used to provide age and developmentally …

Youth Homelessness, Nanci Jo Zenner

Theses and Graduate Projects

This descriptive study identified the characteristics of youth applying for services at Minneapolis Youth Diversion in Minneapolis, Minnesota, between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1996. Minneapolis Youth Diversion is a non-profit, youth serving agency, located in Minneapolis. An analysis of 507 intake sheets were reviewed to determine the factors related to youth homelessness. These factors included characteristics related to gang involvement, ethnicity, and abuse history. The average age of youth applying for services was age seventeen. More females than males applied for services, and a majority of the youth were African American, contradicting the literature which indicates that most …

The Utilization Of Hospice Care In Assisting To Meet The Needs Of Family Members Of Terminally Ill Patients, Karen S. Cartwright

Theses and Graduate Projects

The diagnosis of a teri'ninal illness greatly impacts the patient as well as the entire family system. The relevant literature mentions the concept that hospice can be beneficial to families by assisting them in meeting needs and providing support and guidance. Little research, however, as been done to support these beliefs. The purpose of this research study was to explore what benefits hospice provides to family members of terminally i]l patients. A questionnaire was mailed to 128 primary care persons of patients who were enrolled in the hospice program and died between February 1, 1996 and July 31, 1996. A …

Training For Transracial Adoptive Parents And Professionals Who Care For Transracially Adopted Children: The Roles Of Identity Formation And Self-Esteem In Successful Placements, Robert L. O'Connor

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis examines the roles of identity formation and self-esteem development as interwoven determining factors of successful transracial adoptive placements. Transracially adopted children have the arduous and conflicting tasks of 1) conforming to the family culture, and 2) developing identities that are racially different from those who parent them. The goal of such a placement is for the transracially adopted child(ren) and the adopting family to join together to form a new biracial and bicultural family unit. Using a conceptual framework encompassing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Erikson's Stages of Development, the Dual Perspective, and the Ecosystem Perspective, the author develops …

Educating Children With Developmental Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms: A Public Policy Analysis, Monique J. Larson

Theses and Graduate Projects

There is much controversy about how and where to best educate children with developmental disabilities. There are those who argue for the integration or complete inclusion of children with disabilities into a regular education environment. On the other hand are those who argue for continued and increased special education services that are provided outside of the regular education classroom. Currently in education there is a wide spectrum of environments in which children with developmental disabilities are being taught. The purpose of this study is to analyze the development and evolution of special education public policy, with an emphasis on the …

A Safe School Plan For Jefferson Elementary School, Jody Ann Kirchner

Theses and Graduate Projects

School violence has become a growing concern in the United States. Although most of the stories reported in the media focus on violence in high schools, concerns for the safety of elementary school students is increasing. Strategies used by schools to maintain safety for students include 1) zero tolerance policies, 2) conflict resolution through peer mediation, and 3) safe school planning. This descriptive research study utilizes safe school planning because of its focus on overall school environment and climate. Secondary data analysis is used to identify students' perceptions of safety at Minneapolis Public School's Jefferson Elementary. Survey questions are categorized …

An Exploration Of Medical Social Workers' Participation In A Grief Education Seminar, Colleen Marie Hoffman

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to design, implement and evaluate a grief and death educational seminar for medical social workers at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This study described a seminar designed by the researcher: "The Grief Journey: Our Patients, Ourselves" and presented findings of the survey questionnaire and program evaluation. The study used primarily qualitative data to evaluate the preparedness of medical social workers in assessing grief after participating in a grief education seminar. The study population (n=23) were men and women participants of the grief education seminar presented January, 1997. The survey questionnaire and evaluations …

An Outcomes Evaluation Of A Family Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, Laura Jean Skogen

Theses and Graduate Projects

Despite numerous studies on the incidence and effects or incest, little information exists on treatment effectiveness. This study employed an ex post facto program outcomes design using a records review to evaluate a Midwestern Family Sexual Abuse Treatment Program (FSATP). Outcomes examined included clients' status at case closing and progress on 10 program goals from a Likert-type Clinical Rating Scale. Significant positive relationships were found between the length of treatment, quantity of family and group treatments, and the status at case closing. These findings suggest that the FSATP should consider the following changes: 1) increase the range of family participation; …

Women And Mid-Life Divorce Losses And Triumphs, Christine Kocinski

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose or this study was to report the findings of a qualitative, exploratory study with women who divorced during the mid-life years of 35-55. Paul Bohannan's six stations of divorce was used as a framework to explore the legal, economic, community, emotional, co-parental, and psychic losses expressed by women as a result of divorcing in mid-life and factors proving beneficial in coping with these losses.

Data from ten open-ended, structured interviews were collected and analyzed. This data revealed themes of depression, anger and sadness, yet hope for further growth and a better life post-divorce recovery.

Implications for social work …

What Can We Learn About Resilience From Women Who Survived The Great Depression?, Vicky Lh Follansbee

Theses and Graduate Projects

The following historical study explored the characteristic of resilience or inner strength in women who survived the Great Depression. For the purpose of this study, women were limited to white working class. The research attempted to discover variables that supported resilience and propelled women into survival mode. Women searched desperately for employment and food to feed their families. How did women cope with extremities produced by the Depression? Using content analysis, this qualitative study examined historical documents in search of common factors that aided and supported resilience in women. The data revealed story after story of hardship that forced women …

School Social Worker Responses Relative To A Community School Model, Judith I. Muenzhuber

Theses and Graduate Projects

Across the country, educational outcomes of children are increasingly compromised by a number of non-school factors such as insufficient health care, poor nutrition and stressful family situations. Communities are recognizing that educating children requires resources and commitment from the whole community, not only from schools. The community school model is one approach to help increase educational outcomes. It brings parents, schools, government and community agencies together to ensure that students are emotionally and physically prepared to learn. This study examines the responses from school social workers in the Saint Paul School District relative to the definition and concept of a …

Developing A Multidisciplinary Team In Primary Care, Cynthia L. Gustafson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The changing trends in health care are focusing copiously on the importance of prevention. However, research has shown that there is a lack of education and strategic programming to do this in primary care clinics despite the growing attention in medical journals. A structured multidisciplinary team in primary care can be influential in obtaining the services necessary for patients before the problems are unmanageable to be handled in an outpatient setting. The program introduced in this study has set role definitions based on the findings in the literature regarding each discipline involved. The team consists of the physician (general practitioner), …

Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder At Home And School: Effective Intervention Strategies And Barriers To Services, Deana M. Loven

Theses and Graduate Projects

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed and thoroughly researched disorders of childhood, however, little is known about ADHD in the school setting. This research study explored effective intervention strategies and barriers to services for children with ADHD at home and school. The research design utilized a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed to school social workers, parents, and special education teachers and general education teachers. Of the 63 returned surveys, 37 met criteria for inclusion in the research. Findings from quantitative and qualitative data indicate that school social workers are critical team members to the comprehensive approach of …

Difficulties In The Recognition Of Adolescent Depression, Laurel L. Klawitter

Theses and Graduate Projects

Adolescent depression is a significant problem in today's society. Because of adolescent depression's unique symptoms and behaviors, such depression is often difficult to recognize. The purpose of this study was to determine if rural county human service social workers in Minnesota have the skills to recognize adolescent depression. Seventy social workers were polled from six different rural counties in Minnesota. The survey instrument measured the participants' perceptions about the prevalence of adolescent depression, particular behaviors of such depression, and their own skills in recognizing depression in adolescents. The findings of the study indicated that although responding social workers have some …

Self-Determination At A Homeless Youth Serving Agency, Matthew F. Halley

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explored how staff of a drop-in center for homeless youth interacted with clients. Specifically, it examined the roles of paternalism and self-determination at the agency. In order to determine degrees of paternalism, fifteen subjects were asked to respond to four vignettes. The study results suggest that paternalism may be used as a tool for supporting clients. Classic justifications for paternalistic interventions were applied to the homeless youth population to argue that limiting self -determination was appropriate.

The Purpose And Effectiveness Of The Semi-Independent Living Skills Program For Persons With Developmental Disabilities: An Exploratory Study, Barbara Sulflow-Zaeska

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the semi-independent living skills program offered to individuals with developmental disabilities. The goal of the study was to determine what services are being provided by this program as well as to determine if and in what ways they contribute to client self-sufficiency. The study was exploratory and used quantitative and qualitative research methods. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with four county social workers and seven coordinators of the semi-independent living skills program.

Study results revealed several factors which affect the ability of clients to obtain their highest level of independence possible. Most prominent …

Constraints To "Gay Lifestyle": Functioning Within The Social Environment, Valerie A. Paget

Masters Theses

“Gay lifestyle" is a phrase which carries with it many limitations and negative perceptions. In this paper, Adlerian psychology is used to facilitate a more broad understanding of lesbian, gay and bisexual lifestyles. To accomplish this, individual functioning is examined within the context of the social environment. Review of the literature examines the areas of cultural values; moral thought; theories on the etiology of homosexuality; attitudes as cognitive, affective, and behavioral reactions; development of gay and lesbian subcultures; and actual lifestyle functioning of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons. Sociological theories of feminism, constructionism, essentialism. and interactionism are all used to …

Loss And Grief Measurement Tool For Battered Women, Sherrie A. Eisele

Theses and Graduate Projects

Research has focused on battered women's safety needs which are supportive of women leaving their abusive partners. Despite the established intervention techniques and the availability of concrete support services, a high percentage of women will remain in or return to violent homes. A gap in research surrounds the emotional attachments and the lack of intrapersonal support for battered women, which would provide them with a process to heal from the abuse. Through an exploratory method, this study designed an easy-to-use measurement tool to assess the loss and grief battered women experience. Qualitative interviews were conducted of practitioners in the design …

Teaching Conscientizacao: Helping Social Work Students Raise Their Awareness Levels Of Cultural Diversity, Theresa Barron-Mckeagney, Claudette Lee

Social Work Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

Consciousness raising, "conscientizacao" to Paolo Freire, means understanding of self and others. Students of the social work profession devote their professional and personal lives to raising awareness and, through this process, eliminating oppression. Teaching students how to raise their awareness levels and their consciousness can be both a frustrating and exhilarating challenge for the professor.

A Study Of What Criteria Are Used To Decide On Flexible Funding For "Wraparound" Services In A Four County Collaborative, Janae T. Lucht

Theses and Graduate Projects

Collaboration is being recognized as a successful approach in the service delivery to children and families. The wraparound process is a collaborative approach that is an alternative to traditional services delivery for children with severe emotional disturbances and their families. A primary mechanism for the wraparound process is the availability and accessibility of flexible funds in order to develop and implement non-categorical services, that is, services not already in categories approved for funding.

This study explores flexible funding, the criteria used, and perceptions of the decision makers when reviewing an application for flexible funds. The following two research questions are …

Focal Point, Volume 11 Number 01, Portland State University. Regional Research Institute

Research and Training Center - Focal Point

In the discussion on the issues of juvenile crime, the nation has ignored the prevalence of mental disorders among youth who commit crimes, and it has failed to provide policy directives on how state systems should respond. With the nation’s attention riveted on youth violence, the issue of prevalence has began to emerge, with the realization that many of the violent acts are committed by a small percentage of young people. Policymakers are beginning to ask questions about the conditions that contribute to a young person’s tendency toward delinquency acts.

An Historical Policy Examination Of The Adoption Assistance And Child Welfare Act Of 1980 (P.L. 96-272), Douglas E. Dooley

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (AACWA) (P.L. 96-272) was the first federal legislation that provided for family preservation services.

This study reviews the antecedent period between 1860 and 1980 to examine the policy trends in child welfare legislation and programs. DiNitto's (1983) incremental policy process is examined to show the evolution of how the issue of family preservation services became the focus of the federal government through the AACWA.

The dual philosophies of child rescue and services to the child and family are examined through the review of selected past legislation and programs. The reader is …