Utah Department of Human Services

About: Utah Department of Human Services is a government organization based out in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Mental health & Foster care. The organization has 7 authors who have published 8 publications receiving 111 citations.

Research Training in Social Work

Abstract: From undergraduate to graduate course work, a continuum of training in research is supposed to undergird social work education. But does it? In this article, the authors review past practices and current trends in research education plus examples of research requirements from other disciplines. They define research scholarship, and explore conflicts regarding the import of research in social work and findings from recent studies of social work curricula. They discuss strategies for revitalizing research education and strengthening the continuum of research training in social work. These include eliminating redundancy in research curricula by diversifying master’s-level training and accelerating expectations for doctoral education.

Academic achievement of students in dual language immersion

Abstract: This article reports on a study that investigated achievement in math of third and fourth grade dual language immersion (DLI) students, building on research that has demonstrated the academic achie...

Examining Family Reunification Services: A Process Analysis of a Successful Experiment

Abstract: This article describes the central elements of a family-based reunification service that was found to be effective in reducing foster care placements in Utah. In addition, the article assesses the ...

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policy and Practice Implementation.

Abstract: Background: The impact of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of millions worldwide has been well documented, but its impact on prevention and treatment of mental and behavioral health conditions is less clear. The COVID-19 pandemic also created numerous challenges and opportunities to implement health care policies and programs under conditions that are fundamentally different from what has been considered to be usual care. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on implementation of evidence-based policy and practice by State Mental Health Authorities (SMHA) for prevention and treatment of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 SMHA representatives of 21 randomly selected states stratified by coronavirus positivity rate and rate of unmet services need. Data analysis with SMHA stakeholders used procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure—Informed Community Ethnography methodology. Results: The need for services increased during the pandemic due primarily to family stress and separation from peers. States reporting an increase in demand had high coronavirus positivity and high unmet services need. The greatest impacts were reduced out-of-home services and increased use of telehealth. Barriers to telehealth services included limited access to internet and technology, family preference for face-to-face services, lack of privacy, difficulty using with young children and youth in need of substance use treatment, finding a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant platform, training providers and clients, and reimbursement challenges. Policy changes to enable reimbursement, internet access, training, and provider licensing resulted in substantially fewer appointment cancellations or no-shows, greater family engagement, reduction in travel time, increased access for people living in remote locations, and increased provider communication and collaboration. States with high rates of coronavirus positivity and high rates of unmet need were most likely to continue use of telehealth post-pandemic. Despite these challenges, states reported successful implementation of policies designed to facilitate virtual services delivery with likely long-term changes in practice. Conclusions: Policy implementation during the pandemic provided important lessons for planning and preparedness for future public health emergencies. Successful policy implementation requires ongoing collaboration among policy makers and with providers.