Catholic Social Services

About: Catholic Social Services is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Poison control & Prosocial behavior. The organization has 39 authors who have published 48 publications receiving 1148 citations.

Differences in Job Satisfaction Between General Education and Special Education Teachers: Implications for Retention

Abstract: The occupational field of special education has been particularly vulnerable to losing its well-trained professional staff. Academic preparation and training of these teachers is costly and time-consuming, and replacing them is difficult. The present study compared the satisfactions and dissatisfactions of teachers of emotionally/behaviorally impaired students in special education, teachers of students in general education, and teachers responsible for both groups of students. Teachers of students in special education programs were found to be the most dissatisfied. Specific stresses and frustrations, both from within and from outside the classroom, were found to be associated with the dissatisfaction. The difficulties were particularly common in younger, less experienced special education teachers. The implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations aimed at improving job satisfaction for special education teachers are presented.

Risk Factors for Suicide among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths

Abstract: The study described in this article explores risk factors for suicide among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths. A convenience sample of 221 self-identified gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths who attended youth groups across the United States and Canada were given the Adolescent Health Questionnaire, which assessed family issues, the social environment, and self-perceptions. The youths' scores were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. Implications for social services are discussed.

Refugee children in Canada: searching for identity.

Abstract: Canada is providing a new home to refugees from around the globe, who have left their countries of origin because of persecution and are seeking safety elsewhere. These families bring with them myriad stresses arising from their migration. Child refugees, in particular, have special needs that must be consideredtrauma from witnessing violent crimes, language difficulties, family disruption, and adjustment to a different culture-in addition to the challenges that accompany childhood and growing up. Refugees are defined by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as persons (both children and adults) who are residing outside their countries and cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. UNHCR estimates that one-half of the world's 22.3 million refugees and displaced persons are children. Every day, nearly 5,000 children become refugees, with a vast number growing up and spending their entire lives in refugee camps. The majority of refugees are located in Africa, Asia, and Europe (UNHCR, 2000). Canada as Host Canada has a longstanding humanitarian tradition toward refugees. Since the end of World War II, Canada has resettled about 800,000 refugees from every region of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Canada is one of the few countries in the world with an active resettlement and permanent immigration program. Nearly one in five (17.4%) persons living in Canada was born outside the country (by comparison, the U.S. ratio is one in 10) and 11.2% of the total population of 31 million identify themselves as members of a visible minority. Canada is a country with two official languages (English and French) and a national policy of multiculturalism (Statistics Canada, 1996). In the last five years (1995-1999), more than 300,000 immigrant children have resettled in Canada; approximately 15% of these are refugees. Seventy percent of the refugee children came from non-European countries, mainly Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific region. Most of them have settled in large urban centres in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. The majority of the refugee children (70%) spoke neither of Canada's official languages when they arrived in the country (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 1995 & 1996; Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2000). Refugee and Immigrant Children: A Comparison Refugee and immigrant children in Canada have significant similarities. Both groups must deal with migration, which represents a disruptive loss to one's life. Once in Canada, they both have to endure the "push-and-pull" forces of home and school, which often work in opposite directions. At school they share with other adolescents the desire to be accepted by their peer group. At home, both groups may experience a role and dependency reversal in which they may function as interpreters and "cultural brokers" for their parents. Both refugee and immigrant children may encounter society's discrimination and racism, and both have to accomplish the central task of childhood and adolescence-developing a sense of identity-while trying to bridge generational and cultural gaps. Perhaps the greatest threat to these children is not the stress of belonging to two cultures but the stress of belonging to none (Lee, 1988). Successful adaptation can bring with it the opportunity for growth. How well children adapt is influenced by several factors, including age at arrival, severity of previous traumatic events, family background, individual resiliency, and reception by the host community and society. One key factor in determining success is the reception of newcomers by the host society. Settlement support services, schools, health and social services, and the community at large play a crucial role in assisting and supporting children to adjust and integrate into Canadian society (Task Force on Mental Health Issues Affecting Immigrants and Refugees, 1988). …

Cultural Identity and Place in Adult Korean-American Intercountry Adoptees

Abstract: This study explores the interrelationship between cultural identity and place in the lives of adult Korean adoptees living primarily in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Using life histories derived through multiple semi-structured interviews, a web of related themes emerged which reveal the interplay between ethnicity, identity, gender, and place. From childhood to adulthood, most Korean adoptees followed a similar developmental trajectory of denial, self-awareness, and emerging cultural consciousness about their Korean heritage, particularly upon their departure from their adoptive homes after high school. These journeys were mediated and nuanced by environmental factors including -but not limited to -places adoptees lived or visited in Korea, the U.S. or elsewhere abroad. This study highlights the limitations of previous studies that focused only on adoptive parents or adoptees as children, an approach which loses the life course perspective of inter-country adoptees' search for identity, bel...

Family violence: Its relation to marital and parental satisfaction and family strengths

Abstract: Previous research has shown the negative effects of violence on individual family members. However, a review of the literature reveals few studies that document the adverse effects of violence on family relationships. To assess these effects, 304 married parents anonymously completed a survey that included the following scales: conflict tactics, family strengths, marital satisfaction, and parent satisfaction. Results indicated significant decreases in perceived family strengths, marital satisfaction, and parent satisfaction as the use of physical violence among family members increased. These findings provide empirical support for the assumption that violence has a negative impact not only on individuals within a family but also on family relationships.