Showing papers in "Families in society-The journal of contemporary social services in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe skills for various stages of relationships, including the youth's relationship with their caseworker and foster family, centering around the need to define clear expectations and model healthy relationship skills.
Abstract: Although the child welfare system has historically provided “independent living” services, youth aging out of foster care are at increased risk of negative outcomes such as poverty, substance abuse, and homelessness. This manuscript builds upon the recent shift to “interdependent living” approaches by describing skills for various stages of relationships, including the youth's relationship with their caseworker and foster family, centering around the need to define clear expectations and model healthy relationship skills. Youth must recognize their risk patterns and need for professional support, and develop educational/vocational goals for mentoring. Future relationships often include reconnecting with birth families and dating/romantic relationships, requiring an exploration of physical and emotional safety and establishment of healthy patterns for life-long relationships.
59 citations
TL;DR: Although none of the participants were living full time with their children, fatherhood was considered an important part of their self-image, and many described an overemphasis on their pathology in the community.
Abstract: In comparison to mothers, there is a lack of research on fathers with a mental illness. Consequently, 11 men with a mental illness were interviewed about their parenting experiences and needs. Alth...
58 citations
TL;DR: The authors take up Blundos (2001) assertion in this journal that in order to practice from the strengths perspective, social workers need to alter their "frames" and expand on this assertion.
Abstract: This article takes up Blundos (2001) assertion in this journal that in order to practice from the strengths perspective, social workers need to alter their “frames.” Expanding on this assertion, we...
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative analysis of the practitioners' personal practice descriptions and a quantitative study, based on a questionnaire measuring professional behaviors of practitioners' work with 118 families, were done.
Abstract: There is a growing trend in social work practice to use a strengths perspective with families in difficulty. Beginning with a description of the characteristics of the strengths-based approach, this article then moves on to examine the interventions of practitioners working in Youth Centers (YCs) and in Centres Local de Services Communautaires (Local Community Services Centers, or CLSCs). A qualitative analysis of the practitioners’ personal practice descriptions and a quantitative study, based on a questionnaire measuring professional behaviors of the practitioners’ work with 118 families, were done. Most of the practitioners concentrated on the personal weaknesses of the parents and accorded little or no importance to their strengths. The results also show that the organizational context influences the emphasis put on the parents’ strengths by the practitioners.
50 citations
TL;DR: Children of parents who endorsed high levels of cultural pride reinforcement messages had significantly lower anxiety scores relative to children ofParents who endorsed low levels of these messages.
Abstract: The study objective was to examine how parental endorsement of cultural pride reinforcement messages may explain African American child anxiety. Data were gathered from 72 African American parents and their elementary school-aged children. Results indicated stronger parental endorsement of cultural pride reinforcement messages predicted less child anxiety. Additionally parental endorsement of these messages moderated the relationship between child mental health risk factor exposure and child anxiety. Specifically in the presence of high exposure, children of parents who endorsed high levels of cultural pride reinforcement messages had significantly lower anxiety scores relative to children of parents who endorsed low levels of these messages. Findings indicated parental endorsement of these messages may be an important factor in explaining African American child anxiety.
49 citations
TL;DR: Using the conservation of resource (COR) theory, the findings highlight the erosion of resources that increases the vulnerability of minority immigrant families in the child welfare system as discussed by the authors, which can guide policy and practice to focus on resource gain and prevent resource attrition.
Abstract: Wide recognition that families in the child welfare system experience multiple stressors has resulted in the development of a range of prevention and intervention strategies at individual, family, and policy levels. This article reports on a research study with minority immigrant families. The aim was to understand stressors they perceived as contributing to child welfare interventions, and services they found helpful or unhelpful. Using the conservation of resource (COR) theory, the findings highlight the erosion of resources that increases their vulnerability. Themes that emerged were: loneliness, betrayal, hopelessness, and financial and language struggles. Application of the COR theory combined with contextual insights from participant perspectives can guide policy and practice to focus on resource gain and prevent resource attrition.
48 citations
TL;DR: The next generation of Internet technologies that are relevant to the field of social work and related disciplines are described, including Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, social networking sites, tags, folksonomy, and wiki mechanisms.
Abstract: This article explores the next generation of Internet technologies that are relevant to the field of social work and related disciplines. It describes Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, social networking sites, tags, folksonomy, and wiki mechanisms; it introduces readers to the virtual world, Second Life; and it provides a glossary of useful terms. These new phenomena increase the capacity for practitioners to obtain and share information by enhancing traditional ways of communicating. It discusses how the Internet is changing the means by which individuals form social relationships and acquire and utilize knowledge. This article also raises essential issues that are emerging from this medium, and it stresses the importance for practitioners to understand this new medium and to participate in online communities.
46 citations
TL;DR: This article analyzed a sample of social justice syllabi (N = 31) and found that some groups and issues are highlighted at the expense of others and a four-dimensional conceptualization of Social Justice may be embedded in course syllabi, implicitly informing professional discourse.
Abstract: In spite of the importance of social justice to the profession of social work, little research exists on the topic, contributing to what some have called a “conceptual muddle”. To help clarify the profession's understanding of social justice, this study analyzed a representative sample of social justice syllabi (N = 31). To analyze the textual data, keyword, cluster, and linking analyses were preformed. The findings suggest that (a) some groups and issues are highlighted at the expense of others and (b) a four-dimensional conceptualization of social justice may be embedded in course syllabi, implicitly informing professional discourse. The results are discussed in light of recent professional controversies related to social justice.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the assessment and utilization of a wide array of strengths drawn from a child's everyday functioning are highlighted as a way to approach clinical work with children and their families.
Abstract: The strengths perspective has not been thoroughly operationalized for use in assessment and treatment with children and their families. Clinicians working from this perspective have relied mostly on resilience theory, which can limit a more complete utilization of strengths in the treatment process. This article presents a framework that is organized around domains of functioning of the child. The assessment and utilization of a wide array of strengths drawn from a child's everyday functioning are highlighted as a way to approach clinical work with children and their families. Descriptions of concrete strategies and examples of clinical questions are provided, coupled with a case example that reflects the theme of strengths in action.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the direct and moderating relationship between race and ethnicity, informal neighborhood bonding social capital, and poverty on employment for households in low-income urban neighborhoods was investigated.
Abstract: The concept of social capital is being applied to community-based antipoverty programs across the country. Despite its increased presence in program theory, research on the process and effects of social capital are lacking. This study tests the direct and moderating relationships between race and ethnicity, informal neighborhood bonding social capital, and poverty on employment for households in low-income urban neighborhoods. Findings reveal a direct and inverse relationship between informal neighborhood bonding social capital and employment, suggesting that social capital is not a cure-all for families living in low-income neighborhoods. Implications for social workers include carefully considering the types of social capital used in program theory and practice, and whether the specific types of social capital are appropriate for intended program outcomes.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-sectional survey was used to identify and describe resiliency factors that enable families to maintain healthy family functioning, and the results indicated a significant relationship between the families adaptation and intrafamilial support, support from family and friends, family hardiness, a positive approach to problems, and religion.
Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to identify factors associated with resiliency in poor single-parent families. A cross-sectional survey was used to identify and describe resiliency factors that enable families to maintain healthy family functioning. The 51 families that participated in this study were identified by the nature of the crisis and the developmental phase of the family. A biographical questionnaire and several indexes were completed independently by a parent and a child from each family. The results indicated a significant relationship between the families’ adaptation and intrafamilial support, support from family and friends, family hardiness, a positive approach to problems, and religion. The findings can contribute significantly to future interventions and preventive approaches to foster resiliency in families.
TL;DR: In this paper, discriminant function analysis was used to distinguish 92 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse maltreating versus non-maltreating families on indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and pa...
Abstract: Discriminant function (DF) analysis was used to distinguish 92 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse maltreating versus nonmaltreating families on indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and pa...
TL;DR: Most research in the field of autism focuses on the medical and psychological characteristics of the disability as discussed by the authors, while most research that focuses on caregiving emphasizes the stresses and pathological feature of autism.
Abstract: Most research in the field of autism focuses on the medical and psychological characteristics of the disability. Research that focuses on caregiving emphasizes the stresses and pathological feature...
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative grounded theory examination of the pre- and post-Katrina life of hurricane survivors was conducted, and participants described negative life events that included social isolation, physical and mental health problems, high debt or financial insecurity, dangerous neighborhoods, witnessing early deaths, experiencing with or witnessing violence and child abuse, experience with and witnessing incarceration, and teen pregnancy.
Abstract: This study is a qualitative grounded theory examination of the pre- and post-Katrina life of hurricane survivors. Forty heads of households with school-age children who lived in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina were interviewed 6 to 8 months apart. Findings suggest that low-income study participants had experienced multiple negative life events linked to their poverty status prior to Hurricane Katrina. Participants described negative life events that included social isolation, physical and mental health problems, high debt or financial insecurity, dangerous neighborhoods, witnessing early deaths, experience with or witnessing violence and child abuse, experience with or witnessing incarceration, and teen pregnancy. Implications for practice and policy include a call for more comprehensive approaches to providing services to low-income families.
TL;DR: A systematic review of 80 social work peer-reviewed articles dealing with restorative justice can be found in this paper, where the role of social workers in such programs remains largely unknown, and suggestions are made for enhancing social work practice in the Restorative justice arena of persons who are considered to be at a low risk of reoffending.
Abstract: Restorative justice is an alternative paradigm for dealing with the effects of crime and wrongdoing that seeks to bring healing to victims, offenders, and the community Although a key element of social work’s ethical code is the obligation to work toward social justice, this has been viewed primarily as efforts to ensure a fair distribution of resources and opportunities Yet justice is also restorative in nature—seeking to restore and enhance victims, offenders, and communities to fuller functioning This article systematically reviews 80 social work peer-reviewed articles dealing with restorative justice The role of social workers in restorative justice programs remains largely unknown Suggestions are made for enhancing social work practice in the restorative justice arenaof persons who are considered to be at a low risk of reoffend-ing (Golder, Ivanoff, Cloud, Besel, mcKiernan, Bratt, & Bledsoe, 2005), there is an urgent need for alternative approaches to crime in this country Golder et al poignantly state, “Continued reliance on incarceration (ie, incapacitation) as the primary strategy for reducing crime is not only expensive monetarily, but it has partic-ularly deleterious effects on poor, urban communities, especially communities of color” (p 104)The practice of restorative justice offers victims, offenders, and communities an alternative approach for dealing with the harm caused by crime In contrast to the aforementioned orienta-tion, restorative justice allows a three-dimensional approach that includes the victim, offender, and community (Bazemore, 1999) This trend away from the current criminal justice system (especially in regard to juvenile delinquency) may allow for comprehensive heal -ing and intervention with all parties impacted by a crime Restorative justice practices thus offer the potential for decreased recidivism of offenders, fewer long-term effects of victimization, and strengthen -ing of the aggregate well-being of a community Hence, a three-dimensional approach to crime benefits all parties involvedHistorically, restorative justice has its roots in the indigenous rituals of New Zealand communities where shaming of the offender was used as punishment for wrongdoings minority
TL;DR: Only a small number of the parent programs identified were classified into the category of strong empirical support; however, several included hallmarks often associated with empirically supported parent programs.
Abstract: Parent training programs, with a range of empirical support, are available to improve parenting skills and reduce child behavior problems. Yet, little is known about programs provided in typical communities. This pilot study's purpose was to identify and describe parent programs—and the agencies that provide them—in one midsized Midwestern city. The sample included 21 program directors and 25 practitioners employed by 19 agencies. Data were gathered using structured phone interviews. Of the 35 programs represented, 37.1% were developed by the agency, while close to two thirds were previously developed interventions. Only a small number of the parent programs identified were classified into the category of strong empirical support; however, several included hallmarks often associated with empirically supported parent programs.
TL;DR: Research shows that a substantial number of grandparent caregivers are caring for children with developmental delays or emotional or behavioral problems, and that many caregivers have clinical symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Abstract: Research shows that a substantial number of grandparent caregivers are caring for children with developmental delays or emotional or behavioral problems, and that many caregivers have clinical leve...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that the traditional face-to-face office visit with clients has proven to be ineffective in the treatment of mental health problems, and that psychological interventions have typically utilized the traditional Face-To-Face Office Visit (F2O) with clients.
Abstract: Psychological interventions have typically utilized the traditional face-to-face office visit with clients. Although this strategy has proven to be effective (Simpson, Bell, Knox, & Mitchell, 2005)...
TL;DR: It is vital for social workers to educate, support, and advocate for families of culture in an aware, but not presumptive, style that allows reconciliation between two very different cultures.
Abstract: Native Americans and other minorities are statistically overrepresented in the thousands of infants and young children who die every year. Many of these deaths are unpreventable, sudden, and unexpected. Unique rituals and beliefs affect the way Native American families respond to these types of deaths. This paper is a guide for social workers and other caregivers. It examines best practices for culturally competent care and conveying respect for the Native American family. It is vital for social workers to educate, support, and advocate for families of culture in an aware, but not presumptive, style that allows reconciliation between two very different cultures. A case example is provided to illustrate important implications for culturally competent care when a child dies.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case record review of 160 substantiated child neglect cases from a public child welfare agency was reviewed, and cluster analysis with step-down bivariate analyses was used to determine groupings.
Abstract: Whereas research has identified risk factors for neglect, there has been little attention to examining subgroups of neglecting families. The purpose of this study was to see what types of parental, family, and poverty-related needs were present in child neglect cases and to determine if coherent clusters of needs could be identified. A case record review of 160 substantiated child neglect cases from a public child welfare agency were reviewed, and cluster analysis with step-down bivariate analyses was used to determine groupings. Results revealed three distinct subgroups of family needs: low needs, substance abuse, and economic/domestic violence/mental health. The need for integration of interventions for these subgroups, and potential directions for such integration, are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, a study of family reactions to African American adult daughters' conversions from Christianity to Islam is presented, where the authors explored reactions to a family member's religious conversion initially and over time, and identified specific challenges facing African American families when a daughter converts to Islam.
Abstract: This paper presents a study of family reactions to African American adult daughters' conversions from Christianity to Islam. Examining qualitative data from interviews with Christian mothers and Muslim daughters in 17 family units, we explored reactions to a family member's religious conversion initially and over time. We also identified the specific challenges facing African American families when a daughter converts to We found a wide range of initial emotional responses to an adult daughter's conversion. Over time, the families showed marked changes, predominantly in the direction of increased respect and acceptance. Reactions to the change and the challenges facing the families are discussed in relation to several theories, including ambiguous loss, and implications for practice are described.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a framework to inform research, program development, and advocacy on behalf of custodial grandparents to promote collective and self-efficacy in problem solving, mediate negative health effects of stress, and participate in collective action and advocacy.
Abstract: Numbering more than 2.4 million, custodial grandparents in the United States are 60% more likely to be poor than are noncustodial grandparents. Social inequities that accompany marginal income compound child-rearing challenges faced by kinship families. Empowerment is proposed as a framework to inform research, program development, and advocacy on behalf of custodial grandparents to promote collective and self-efficacy in problem solving, mediate negative health effects of stress, and participate in collective action and advocacy. Empowerment components at the individual, organizational, and community levels are outlined. Four empowerment practice models with custodial grandparents are reviewed, including a case study. Implications for professionals in human services are discussed.
TL;DR: This article examined the effects of participating in the program on food security among children in vulnerable households using data from the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement for 2003 and found that food stamp take-up and informal food assistance are important in understanding child food security.
Abstract: The Food Stamp Program (now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is one of the largest federal welfare initiatives undertaken to address the problem of hunger and nutrient intake among households in poverty. We build on previous research by examining the effects of participating in the program on food security among children in vulnerable households using data from the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement for 2003. We also explore the moderating effects of informal food assistance. Our results suggest that food stamp take-up and informal food assistance are important in understanding child food security in vulnerable households. Further, we note that a number of individual and household characteristics are associated with child food security. Implications for practice and scholarship are presented.
TL;DR: In this paper, a culturally competent restorative justice practice framework for Asian Americans is proposed, and the salient cultural traits and core elements of cultural competence with Asians and Asian Americans are examined.
Abstract: This article suggests a culturally competent restorative justice practice framework for Asian Americans. In developing the framework, the historical development and contemporary issues of restorative justice in the West are explored, and the salient cultural traits and core elements of cultural competence with Asians and Asian Americans are examined. Tentative principles are advanced and recommendations are made for developing a culturally competent restorative justice practice framework for this cultural group, who now constitute 4.4% of the American populace, and for whom harmony in interpersonal relationships and the power of shaming are key considerations.
TL;DR: The authors compared African American and Asian American adolescents in their rates of extreme community violence exposure and consequent internalizing behaviors using information from a national LSTM system and found that Asian adolescents were more likely to internalize violence than African American adolescents.
Abstract: This study compares African American and Asian American adolescents in their rates of extreme community violence exposure and consequent internalizing behaviors. Using information from a national l...
TL;DR: This research examines how the treatment philosophy and clinical practice of the Teen Challenge USA (TC)-a national network of faith-based recovery services–-differ from secular substance abuse treatment programs.
Abstract: This research examines how the treatment philosophy and clinical practice of the Teen Challenge USA (TC)–-a national network of faith-based recovery services–-differ from secular substance abuse tr...
TL;DR: In this article, a group consisting of professionals, volunteers, and families, assessed by a follow-up study, found that most parents recovered a significant degree of social autonomy and developed the capacity to nurture their children.
Abstract: To help families challenged by transgenerational problems, substance abuse, and violence, support strategies require professionals who understand their specific needs and inspire trust. Such support, provided by a group consisting of professionals, volunteers, and families, was assessed by a follow-up study. The outcome of 22 families was observed an average of 7 years after their participation in the group ended. Results show that most parents recovered a significant degree of social autonomy and developed the capacity to nurture their children. Alcohol abuse, violence, and child neglect decreased significantly. Such an intensive approach enhances individual and professional practices and prevents adverse childhood experiences, thus reducing welfare costs. But such support systems require accessible structures in order to avoid discontinuities in care.
TL;DR: A CPS system more sensitized to cultural differences may reduce disproportionate child welfare outcomes that AI/AN children experience and knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) by child protective services (CPS) workers could increase cultural competence throughout the child welfare system.
Abstract: Nationally representative child welfare data from October 1999 was utilized to compare American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) children to non-Indian children placed into out-of-home care. In comparison to non-Indian children, AI/AN children came from poorer homes, were more frequently placed into congregate care, and were less frequently placed into kinship care. AI/AN caregivers have greater mental health and alcohol abuse service needs compared with non-Indian caregivers. Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) by child protective services (CPS) workers could increase cultural competence throughout the child welfare system. A CPS system more sensitized to cultural differences may reduce disproportionate child welfare outcomes that AI/AN children experience.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that criminal activity, particularly economic crime, is highly related to motherhood, while marriage does not reduce these risks, and a higher number of young children is a predictor of economic crime.
Abstract: As the numbers of women entering prison are increasing, more attention is being paid to the social circumstances of criminally-involved women. Crime research has highlighted the familial roles of women more than men, focusing on the social and personal roles of women. This study examines a cross-sectional sample of 423 women in one state, assessing the associations of motherhood and intimate partnership with criminal activity. The study finds that criminal activity, particularly economic crime, is highly related to motherhood. Economic crime is predicted by having a higher number of young children, while both economic and violent crimes are predicted by a woman's history of victimization. Additional findings suggest marriage does not reduce these risks.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a model for therapeutic engagement and intervention with grieving clients, which is informed by contemporary grief and practice theories characterized by such qualities as emotional presence, reciprocity, responsiveness, empathic expression, and meaning making.
Abstract: Bearing witness to grief is about accepting and experiencing suffering as an unavoidable aspect of loss. It also entails listening to and responding with clients in a way that affirms that their experiences have been heard and understood. This article describes a model for therapeutic engagement and intervention with grieving clients. The model is informed by contemporary grief and practice theories characterized by such qualities as emotional presence, reciprocity, responsiveness, empathic expression, and meaning making. Case examples from the author's research and practice experience illustrate how these qualities contribute to what she describes as translational relationships that lead to transformations in clients’ self perceptions and assumptive worlds, and for some, to revived meaningfulness in a life changed by loss.