Showing papers in "Families in society-The journal of contemporary social services in 2008"
TL;DR: Children in kinship care had significantly fewer placements than did children in foster care, and they were less likely to still be in care, have a new allegation of institutional abuse or neglect, be involved with the juvenile justice system, and achieve reunification.
Abstract: The documented growth of kinship care has boldly thrust this topic into the forefront of child welfare practice This study compares the permanency, safety, and stability outcomes for a matched group of children placed in kinship care and foster care After controlling for demographic and placement characteristics, children in kinship care had significantly fewer placements than did children in foster care, and they were less likely to still be in care, have a new allegation of institutional abuse or neglect, be involved with the juvenile justice system, and achieve reunification These findings call for a greater commitment by child welfare professionals, policy makers, and researchers to make kinship care a viable out-of-home placement option for children and families
91 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study involving interviews, case record reviews, and court observations illuminates parent and caseworker perceptions about the meaning of service plans and service plan compliance, and about influences on compliance.
Abstract: Child welfare practice and decision making center around service plans, but few recent studies have focused specifically on service plans and their use in routine child welfare settings. This qualitative study involving interviews, case record reviews, and court observations illuminates parent and caseworker perceptions about the meaning of service plans and service plan compliance, and about influences on compliance. Parents and caseworkers similarly perceive service plans as directives and service plan compliance as parental task completion and cooperation. But whereas caseworkers perceive a motivation to parent as the primary influence on service plan compliance, parents perceive multiple influences. Findings contribute to ongoing work to develop theories that can explain client service participation and its connection to positive child welfare outcomes.
63 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that parental permissiveness and parental injunctive norms had the strongest effects on the substance use outcomes, but parental monitoring generally was not a significant predictor.
Abstract: The prevention literature has given little attention to how parental influences affect substance use among Mexican origin adolescents, even though they form part of the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. This study explored the effects of three types of parental influences—parental monitoring of the child's whereabouts, degree of parental permissiveness, and the strength of parental injunctive norms discouraging substance use—on alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use and anti-drug norms. Results showed that parental permissiveness and parental injunctive norms, particularly anti-drug injunctive norms, had the strongest effects on the substance use outcomes, but parental monitoring generally was not a significant predictor. These results and implications for prevention are discussed in light of Mexican cultural norms toward substance use, gender roles, and family roles.
45 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the experience of poor youths in the transition to adulthood and altered home-leaving patterns, and found that demographic shifts have lengthened the transition from adolescence to adulthood, altering home-leave patterns.
Abstract: Demographic shifts have lengthened the transition to adulthood and altered home-leaving patterns. Though all emerging adults are affected, little research has examined the experience of poor youths...
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a complex case example of a refugee Muslim family to articulate the processes that workers can use to deepen critical consciousness when working with clients, and describe ways to attend to the complex intersections (of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, and socioeconomic status) in multicultural and socially just practice within complex agency and environmental contexts.
Abstract: Social workers have an ethical responsibility to address the dynamics and consequences of oppression and to promote social justice. Working across cultures and identities requires expanding our comfort zones, owning our power and privilege, and engaging in active selfreflection that interrogates what we hold to be true. These are vital components of “critical consciousness” and critical approaches to practice. This paper presents a complex case example of a refugee Muslim family to articulate the processes that workers can use to deepen critical consciousness when working with clients. The authors describe ways to attend to the complex intersections (of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, and socioeconomic status) in multicultural and socially just practice within complex agency and environmental contexts.
44 citations
TL;DR: Comparing reunification for sibling groups in foster care under alternate placement conditions, including placement with kin and entering care within the same month, suggests siblings placed completely or partially together reunify at a faster rate than those placed apart.
Abstract: The present study compares reunification for sibling groups in foster care under alternate placement conditions, including placement with kin and entering care within the same month. The findings suggest siblings placed completely or partially together reunify at a faster rate than those placed apart. The gap between siblings placed completely or partially together and those placed completely apart increases over time, in particular after the first year in care. Fewer of those placed together remain in care during the first 8 months than those placed apart. Efforts to place siblings together should be strengthened. Monetary incentives might encourage more foster parents to provide homes to keep siblings together. Training foster parents about sibling issues may lead to more intact placements.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe social support networks of a multishelter sample of 162 homeless adults in Central Florida, including single men, single women, and women with children.
Abstract: This article describes social support networks of a multishelter sample of 162 homeless adults in Central Florida. Participants included homeless single men, single women, and women with children. The purpose of this study was to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social support and homelessness by examining perceived social support and satisfaction with social support for these three distinct groups. All three groups reported few social supports, but all were fairly satisfied with their identified social support. Findings indicate the more social supports one had, the fewer homeless episodes they experienced. These findings suggest efforts should be made to strengthen existing social supports or to establish alternative social support networks.
34 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the psychosocial profile of Bedouin Arab women living in polygamous and monogamous marriages and found that women in polygamy reported lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of somatization, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, more problematic family functioning, less marital satisfaction, and more problematic mother-child relationships than women in monogamy.
Abstract: This study examining the psychosocial profile of Bedouin Arab Women living in polygamous and monogamous marriages found that women in polygamous marriages reported lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of somatization, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, more problematic family functioning, less marital satisfaction, and more problematic mother-child relationships than women in monogamous marriages. The sample consisted of 315 women, 156 from polygamous and 159 from monogamous families. The respondents completed the Self-Esteem scale (SE), The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), The McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD), The Enrich questionnaire and the Index of Parental Attitudes. The polygamous family structure and the economic difficulties widespread, apparently constitutes a substantial contribution to the polygamous household's impaired family functioning.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed parental acceptance of adult gay and lesbian children and found that parents in each group stated that the process of learning and speaking to others helped them cope and accept what they could not change.
Abstract: The study analyzed parental acceptance of adult gay and lesbian children. The sample (N = 59) included religiously oriented parents who had associated with groups such as Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, affirmative parents who attended groups such as Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians, and parents who had not affiliated with any support group. Results indicated that differences between groups vis-a-vis acceptance of sexual orientation were signifi- cant. Religiously oriented subjects nevertheless accepted their children. Parents in each group stated that the process of learning and speaking to others helped them cope and accept what they could not change. This paradox in acceptance calls assumptions about "anti-gay" groups and organizations into question.
32 citations
TL;DR: The cumulative hazard of entering restrictive settings is highest during the first 2 to 3 months following entry into care, and behavior-related placement disruptions, behavior problems, and older age are the primary determinants of this finding.
Abstract: This study examines the relative risk of first entry into restrictive care settings (RCSs) such as group homes, residential treatment, or inpatient psychiatric care for a cohort of children (N = 570) in out-of-home care, and determines reasons and determinants related to the risk of entering such settings. Findings indicate the cumulative hazard of entering restrictive settings is highest during the first 2 to 3 months following entry into care. Behavior-related placement disruptions, behavior problems, and older age are the primary determinants of this finding. Although the majority of children entered an RCS for behavior-related reasons, close to one third entered an RCS because of reasons unrelated to behavior. Implications for service delivery to children in out-of-home care are discussed.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine barriers to cyberactivism and suggest actions that social work advocates can take to use these new tools and ideas and conclude that these techniques have been widely used by social activists to contribute to policy change and have excellent potential as part of the social work advocacy arsenal.
Abstract: These are hard times for social welfare advocates. Globalization, devolution, and a conservative political climate have challenged our traditional approaches to advocacy. New advocacy methods that use technology to change public policy have been developed and provide us with new avenues to address the changed political economy of social welfare. Collectively called cyberactivism, these techniques can be used to advantage by social work advocates. This article looks at recent cyberactivist campaigns, examines barriers to cyberactivism, and suggests actions that social work advocates can take to use these new tools and ideas. We conclude that these techniques have been widely used by social activists to contribute to policy change and have excellent potential as part of the social work advocacy arsenal.
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between spirituality and health is discussed, highlighting the roles that balance and harmony play in fostering health and well-being in many Native American cultures, and common spiritual beliefs and practices, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, areas of potential value conflict, and practice suggestions to enhance spiritual competency.
Abstract: Native Americans tend to hold culturally unique beliefs about the origin of problems and the ways in which those problems can be ameliorated. For most Native American tribal communities, spirituality is interconnected with health and well-being. Accordingly, developing some degree of spiritual competency is essential for work with Native American clients. Consequently, this paper discusses the relationship between spirituality and health, highlighting the roles that balance and harmony play in fostering health and well-being in many tribal cultures. Also discussed are common spiritual beliefs and practices, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, areas of potential value conflict, and practice suggestions to enhance spiritual competency when working with Native Americans.
TL;DR: Maternal readiness for reunification was an important theme; returning children prematurely heightens risk for poor outcomes, especially if insufficient services are in place to support children's return home.
Abstract: Little is known about mothers' experiences of reunification with children in the context of recovery from drug abuse. Using a stress and coping framework, this qualitative study interviewed 6 mothers and 11 service providers from substance abuse and child welfare agencies regarding reunification experiences. Analysis of themes indicated that multiple parenting stressors and lack of resources and supports complicate women's abilities to manage parenting pressures upon reunification. Maternal readiness for reunification was an important theme; returning children prematurely heightens risk for poor outcomes, especially if insufficient services are in place to support children's return home. The stress of dealing with child protective services and multiple service systems was another theme. Implications for service provision to mothers and families are discussed.
TL;DR: In open adoptions, birth and adoptive families exchange identifying information and have contact as mentioned in this paper, but adoption adoption remains a sensitive topic and adoption adopters remain wary of disclosing their identities.
Abstract: In open adoptions, birth and adoptive families exchange identifying information and have contact. Although most adoptions today include some form of openness, much of the public remains wary of thi...
TL;DR: Questions are raised regarding how the EBP effectiveness client-oriented practical evidence search questions and literature review protocol guide the operationalization of problems and clients, and suggestions are offered about additional variables to include in this standardized protocol that may enhance the specificity of EBP.
Abstract: A discussion of the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings is offered from a practitioner's point of view Questions are raised regarding how the EBP effectiveness client-oriented practical evidence search (COPES) questions and literature review protocol (Gibbs, 2003) guide the operationalization of problems and clients, and suggestions are offered about additional variables to include in this standardized protocol that may enhance the specificity of EBP An exploration of the EBP collaborative decision-making process is presented from a practice perspective, and a conclusion is drawn about the use of the EBP process in clinical settings
TL;DR: Analysis of mental health provider attitudes toward and utilization of psychiatric recovery concepts in practice settings indicates that although there is familiarity with recovery-based principles among providers, and high reported belief in the recovery model, actual utilization of recovery content in practice setting remains mixed.
Abstract: This article examines mental health provider attitudes toward and utilization of psychiatric recovery concepts in practice settings. Comparisons are made between providers from three major professional disciplines (social work, psychology, and psychiatry) surveyed using a national random sample (N = 301). Findings indicate that although there is familiarity with recovery-based principles among providers, and high reported belief in the recovery model, actual utilization of recovery content in practice settings remains mixed. Significant differences between disciplines suggest that psychologists may be less familiar with the recovery model, less likely to see it as a feasible approach for their caseloads, and less likely to emphasize it as a primary goal when working with consumers. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and planners are provided.
TL;DR: It was found that identifying both crisis and care components enhanced existing social supports within the family and involved pre-negotiating and coordinating agency supports for family members.
Abstract: The process of establishing care plans for families affected by parental mental illness is outlined in this article. Based on the feedback of families involved, the original objective of developing crisis plans was broadened to incorporate “care” components. Accordingly, family care plans included planning for possible future crises, such as a parent's hospitalization, as well as long-term goals, for example, education plans for the children. It was found that identifying both crisis and care components enhanced existing social supports within the family and involved pre-negotiating and coordinating agency supports for family members. The general principles and basic components of family care plans are outlined, and the implications for workers' roles conclude the article.
Abstract: Approximately 1 million older persons have a severe mental illness (SMI) and this number is expected to double in the coming decades While research studies have examined the experiences of family members of younger persons with SMI, very little is known about caregivers of older SMI clients This study examined the characteristics, burdens, and rewards of 60 caregivers of older SMI clients using a modified version of family caregiver scales of Tessler, Fisher, & Gamache (1992) Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that increased client symptoms, higher levels of help provided, increased caregiver income, and knowledge about the care recipient's diagnosis were predicative of caregiver burden Decreased number of client symptoms, care recipient being female, and greater experience of the presence of God predicted caregiver rewards Implications of these findings are discussed
TL;DR: This paper examined a community-based program in Uganda that provides support and assistance to families raising orphaned and other vulnerable children, and found that the households' need in certain categories, such as housing and food security, decreased significantly after services were received.
Abstract: In response to the orphan crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, the international child welfare community has agreed on a model that aims to increase the capacity of families and communities. Yet, little is known thus far about the service content and efficacy of programs based on the model. This project examined a community-based program in Uganda that provides support and assistance to families raising orphaned and other vulnerable children. Findings suggest that the households’ need in certain categories, such as housing and food security, decreased significantly after services were received. Children’s senses of belonging and permanency appeared promising. The program’s strengths are discussed with recommended changes, as well as implications for policy, practice, and further research.
TL;DR: This article explored the dominant message of abstinence young women received during the parental sex talk and found that participants' understandings of the meaning of abstinence and the ways these understandings are integrated into their interpersonal sexual scripts through decisions about drawing the line around non-coital sexual activity.
Abstract: This study explores the dominant message of abstinence young women received during the parental sex talk The data emerged from a larger study investigating the sexual norms of college women associated with female social organizations (sororities and cooperative housing) Guided by script theory and postmodern feminism, data collection used a mixed-method qualitative design resulting in three focus groups and 23 in-depth interviews Miller and Crabtree's (1999) template and immersion/crystallization (I/C) styles were used for analysis Results reflect participants' understandings of the meaning of abstinence and the ways these understandings are integrated into their interpersonal sexual scripts through decisions about drawing the line around noncoital sexual activity Based on the findings, implications for clinicians, parents, educators, and policymakers are discussed
TL;DR: The youths reported hopeful expectations and plans for their futures, widespread support for postcustody benefit programs, mixed opinions about the utilization and effectiveness of existing independent living programs, significant educational delays associated with frequent placements while in out-of-home custody, and strong attachments to families of origin.
Abstract: Emerging adulthood is a phase in the life course recently identified by developmental theorists. For youth in foster care, recent federal legislation in the United States has engendered new programs, typically called independent living programs, to help them become successful adults. This qualitative study reports the findings of interviews with a diverse sample of 27 current and former foster youths in a Midwestern state, focusing on the quantity and quality of independent living services received. The youths reported hopeful expectations and plans for their futures, widespread support for postcustody benefit programs, mixed opinions about the utilization and effectiveness of existing independent living programs, significant educational delays associated with frequent placements while in out-of-home custody, and strong attachments to families of origin.
TL;DR: Social workers, like all professionals, sometimes make mistakes. For example, they may disclose clients' confidential information inappropriately, fail to respond to clients' reasonable requests in response to reasonable requests.
Abstract: Social workers, like all professionals, sometimes make mistakes. For example, they may disclose clients' confidential information inappropriately, fail to respond to clients' reasonable requests in...
TL;DR: In this paper, the attitudes of 125 birth mothers about their roles in their birth children's lives, 12 to 20 years postplacement, were surveyed as part of a longitudinal study on adoption openness.
Abstract: This article addresses the attitudes of 125 birth mothers about their roles in their birth children's lives, 12 to 20 years postplacement. As part of a longitudinal study on adoption openness, deci...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how social workers and clients construe their views of poverty and present findings of a qualitative study of worker and client perceptions of poverty done in Jerusalem.
Abstract: This article examines how social workers and clients construe their views of poverty. It presents findings of a qualitative study of worker and client perceptions of poverty done in Jerusalem. The study found many similarities in their views of poverty, but also revealed that client views of poverty causality are structural, whereas staff views rest on individual, “culture of poverty theory” approaches. The study shows the complexity of these views and exposes the situational, contextual, interpretive, and discursive nature of these constructions. The article encourages agencies to raise staff awareness regarding the structural aspects of client problems, increase the cultural and gender sensitivity training of the staff, and cultivate a critical dialog with clients as a platform to build enduring alliances.
TL;DR: Results imply that little consensus exists about nonsexual dual relationships, and therapists need to be vigilant in terms of potential risks to clients and to themselves.
Abstract: This study reports on a survey of 220 randomly selected MFTs and LCSWs about nonsexual dual relationships. The purpose was to investigate whether therapists were engaging in dual relationships and ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study sought to identify a treatment package based on the views of parents whose children with reactive attachment disorder had made and sustained considerable progress, according to these parents.
Abstract: Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a relatively recent diagnosis that draws attention to the effects of early pathogenic caregiving. There is no evidence-based approach to treating RAD. Two different approaches, relationship-based attachment therapy and holding therapy, are widely mentioned in the literature. This qualitative study sought to identify a treatment package based on the views of parents whose children with RAD had made and sustained considerable progress. Parental commitment and availability, ability to find strengths, strong environmental structure, and emotional attunement are key sources of change, according to these parents. Findings also indicate children can make and sustain considerable progress in making attachments and improving social behavior without the use of therapeutic holding, the core feature of holding therapy.
TL;DR: The culturally centered framework of Bernal, Bonilla and Bellido (1995) is utilized to examine its utility in assessing to what extent empirically supported mental health treatments incorporate culturally relevant components.
Abstract: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a hot topic in clinical social work and other mental health disciplines. Mental health professionals have called attention to the need for clinical decision-making to be based on the best available empirically supported treatments integrated with client preferences, values, and circumstances. This movement has greatly stimulated mental health professionals to develop, test, and adopt efficacious treatments for clients with psychological problems, but what is missing in the literature is the cultural context in which these treatments must be implemented to be effective with racial/ethnic minority populations. Herein, we utilize the culturally centered framework of Bernal, Bonilla and Bellido (1995) to examine its utility in assessing to what extent empirically supported mental health treatments incorporate culturally relevant components.
TL;DR: This ethnographic case study of the Massachusetts voucher system tests the belief that demand subsidies increase choice and purchasing power for working poor families while improving the quality of care for children by examining vouchers' impact on parents, child care providers, and resource and referral agencies.
Abstract: This ethnographic case study of the Massachusetts voucher system tests the belief that demand subsidies increase choice and purchasing power for working poor families while improving the quality of care for children. Using multiple methodologies, we examined vouchers’ impact on parents, child care providers, and resource and referral agencies. All participants recognized the value of the subsidy. Yet low reimbursement rates forced providers to subsidize the system; many limited or refused vouchers. Providers and families had a strong bond; each was often overwhelmed by and suspicious of voucher administration. Children experienced discontinuity of care. Underresourced, resource and referral agencies struggle to balance a dual mission of service and policing. Specific policy recommendations were suggested, and adopted, in Massachusetts.
TL;DR: In this paper, a research team visited five diverse communities and conducted 74 focus groups and interviews involving 180 administrators, caseworkers, community partners, supervisors, and TDM facilitators.
Abstract: Team Decisionmaking (TDM) involves a meeting of community representatives, family members, and social workers who review every decision to remove children from their parents or change of placement, including reunification or adoption. Even when the leadership of child welfare organizations mandates the use of TDM, implementing TDM is very challenging. To understand these challenges, a research team visited five diverse communities and conducted 74 focus groups and interviews involving 180 administrators, caseworkers, community partners, supervisors, and TDM facilitators. This article reviews the findings of this TDM study through previous research on street-level bureaucracy and technology transfer. The results suggest successful TDM implementation requires attention to the discretion of street-level caseworkers and the organizational constraints they face.
TL;DR: A naturalistic view of creativity, as developed in scientific circles by those who adhere to quantum theory and chaos theory, suggests that the human mind is naturally creative and is made to create.
Abstract: A naturalistic view of creativity, as developed in scientific circles by those who adhere to quantum theory and chaos theory, suggests that the human mind is naturally creative and is made to creat...