Showing papers in "Families in society-The journal of contemporary social services in 2012"
TL;DR: This paper examined categories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and service use backgrounds among a convenience sample of people experiencing homelessness (N = 224), using logistic regression analysis (n = 174) and descriptive and comparative analyses.
Abstract: This study examines categories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and service use backgrounds among a convenience sample of people experiencing homelessness (N = 224), using logistic regression analysis (n = 174) and descriptive and comparative analyses. Eighty-seven percent reported at least 1 of 10 ACEs prior to age 18. Over half (53.2%) reported 4 or more ACEs. Approximately half reported parental loss, emotional neglect, living with a substance abuser, and emotional abuse. ACEs were significantly correlated with one another. Among those who used prior services, ACEs predicted interpersonal prevention, clinical, and criminal justice services for emotional or substance abuse problems. Most indicated services were helpful. This study provides data for policy and program leaders to ensure at-risk families and communities have access to responsive services.
50 citations
TL;DR: The authors describe Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) as "interventions that seek to provi cili cation and reconciliation" in social practice and applied to victims of violence.
Abstract: Narrative interventions have been increasingly incorporated into social practice and applied to victims of violence. Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) are interventions that seek to provi...
35 citations
TL;DR: The Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) as discussed by the authors is an integrated model that pairs child protective service workers with family mentors and partners with treatment providers, and the results support START as an effective integrated program.
Abstract: Families with child maltreatment and parental substance use disorders are a growing population with complex needs. The Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) is an integrated model that pairs child protective service workers with family mentors and partners with treatment providers. This is a prospective naturalistic evaluation comparing rates of adult sobriety and child placement in state custody using provider-collected data merged with state administrative data sets. All families in the served and comparison groups had equal risks to child safety. Mothers achieved sobriety at 1.8 times the rate of typical treatment; children were placed in state custody at half the rate expected. These results support START as an effective integrated program.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzes data collected by child welfare agencies in the United States to investigate the involvement of immigrants in the child welfare system and find that children in immigrant families face a number of risks that may lead to involvement with child welfare agents.
Abstract: Children in immigrant families face a number of risks that may lead to involvement with child welfare agencies. Yet, little is known about their involvement in this system. This study analyzes data...
27 citations
TL;DR: For instance, the authors explored young adult adoptees' reactions to growing up in open adoptions, revealing their preferences for self-determination, facts, and access to their birth families.
Abstract: Most adoption agencies today allow a child's biological and adoptive families to know one another and maintain contact. This move toward openness instead of secrecy presents opportunities and challenges. The study reported here explores young adult adoptees' reactions to growing up in open adoptions. Findings reveal their preferences for self-determination, facts, and access to their birth families. They view challenges in open adoption relationships as opportunities to develop identity, expand family, and process feelings. They see each open adoption as unique, needing occasional recalibration. Findings indicate agencies should offer education and services throughout the process.
26 citations
TL;DR: Examination of matched services’ impact on reunification, kinship care, and adoption through secondary data analysis with a sample of 1,760 children who experienced foster care and their permanent caregivers showed reunification was likelier when permanent caregivers received housing and cash assistance and less likely when they received other services.
Abstract: We examined matched services’ impact on reunification, kinship care, and adoption through secondary data analysis with a sample (extracted from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Bein...
22 citations
TL;DR: This article found that caregivers who reported healthier family functioning tended to report lower levels of behavior problems by the children in their care, but, surprisingly, less healthy family functioning related to behavior control was also associated with higher levels of child behavior problems.
Abstract: Face-to-face interviews with 120 predominantly African American kin caregivers of children in the child welfare system revealed significant associations between family functioning and child behavior problems Caregivers who reported healthier family functioning tended to report lower levels of behavior problems by the children in their care Healthier family functioning related to roles and affective involvement were associated with lower levels of child behavior problems, but, surprisingly, less healthy family functioning related to behavior control was also associated with lower levels of child behavior problems Caregiver ratings of their parenting styles were related to family functioning but not to their ratings of the child's behavioral functioning Results of this study suggest several implications for child welfare practice and future research
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present evidence about social workers' perspectives about and implementation of evidence-based evidence in their practice, however, there remains little evidence to date about social worker's perspectives about the use of evidence.
Abstract: Social work practitioners decide when and how to use evidence in their practice. There remains, however, little evidence to date about social workers’ perspectives about and implementation of evide...
19 citations
TL;DR: This paper conducted focus groups with 36 social workers to identify challenges and opportunities they encounter as they work with immigrant clients, families, and communities, highlighting challenges with service delivery systems, how to improve serving the immigrant population, and policy consequences.
Abstract: This exploratory study reports qualitative data gathered from focus groups with social workers who work with immigrant clients in New York City. Social workers were asked to identify challenges and opportunities they encounter as they work with immigrant clients, families, and communities. The author conducted focus groups with 36 social workers. The findings highlight challenges with service delivery systems, how to improve serving the immigrant population, and policy consequences. Most previous studies related to immigration have been from the vantage point of the client. This study fills a gap by exploring the challenges faced by the worker and offers solutions about how to manage the difficult work when serving immigrant clients, particularly the undocumented.
19 citations
TL;DR: The authors defined the concept of psychological reactance and explored how this concept can be used to normalize child welfare parents' resistant behaviors in a way that does not blame the client, and specific strategies for effectively addressing resistance and engaging these clients are included.
Abstract: Many parents express resistance to child welfare services and can experience severe consequences as a result This article defines the concept of psychological reactance and explores how this concept can be used to normalize child welfare parents' resistant behaviors in a way that does not blame the client Examples of reactance responses in this population and specific strategies for effectively addressing resistance and engaging these clients are included The impact of race and oppression and the social service worker's use of power are highlighted Future research questions are identified
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore assessment and treatment options for high-conflict couple relationships, using attachment theory as a framework for exploring specific processes in couple relationships and propose a conceptual approach.
Abstract: Attachment theory has recently been used as a framework for exploring specific processes in couple relationships. This conceptual article explores assessment and treatment options for high-conflict...
TL;DR: In this paper, eye movement integration therapy (EMI) is evaluated with a cohort of 12 adolescents, aged 14 to 16 years, in South Africa and the results indicate a reduction in a range of trauma symptoms, based on the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children.
Abstract: Eye movement integration therapy (EMI) is a relatively new therapeutic modality, based on a neurobiological model of trauma. This article advances the empirical knowledge base of EMI, by assessing its utility with a cohort of 12 adolescents, aged 14 to 16 years, in South Africa. The results indicate a reduction in a range of trauma symptoms, based on the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children and post-EMI interviews with the children's care workers. A number of clinical practice issues regarding the utilization of EMI with children are discussed and illustrated with case material.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the ways kinship care influences reunification among African American women with histories of addiction and revealed three kinds of kinship arrangements that influenced whether women regained or permanently lost custody of their children: (a) family support with parameters, (b) limited family support, and (c) enabling family support.
Abstract: Children entering out-of-home placement because of parental substance abuse often are placed with relatives. Placements with relatives reduce the likelihood of reunification, but little information is available about why this is the case. Using a multiple embedded case study design, interviews with 26 women and 20 professionals explored the ways kinship care influences reunification among African American women with histories of addiction. The results revealed three kinds of kinship arrangements that influenced whether women regained or permanently lost custody of their children: (a) family support with parameters, (b) limited family support, and (c) enabling family support. These findings suggest a need for child welfare agencies to help relative caregivers establish boundaries and limits particularly when substance abuse is an issue.
TL;DR: Cognitive and relational-cultural theories are drawn on to discuss psychological and interpersonal consequences of mental illness stigma for depressed and suicidal young adults.
Abstract: Reducing stigma associated with mental health concerns is a key objective of suicide prevention policies. Although the primary aim of these efforts is to promote help-seeking, the problem of stigma...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present findings from a qualitative study of 14 individuals residing in extended-stay hotels after housing displacement, who identified guidance, compassion, and advocacy as interventions practitioners can use to support client transitions to stable housing.
Abstract: This article presents findings from a qualitative study of 14 individuals residing in extended-stay hotels after housing displacement. Framed in ecosystems and structuration theory, the purpose of this study was to understand social service barriers experienced by help-seeking residents. Participants were engaged in in-depth interviews and asked about challenges faced when they reached out for assistance to prepare for stable housing. Reported barriers included negative interactions with social service personnel, cumbersome agency processes, and insufficient/inappropriate resources. Hotel residents identified guidance, compassion, and advocacy as interventions practitioners can use to support client transitions to stable housing.
TL;DR: The curricula of 10 evidence-based, universal, group parent-training programs were examined to determine whether the topic of corporal punishment (CP) is explicitly discussed, whether the program explicitly discourages its use, what reason(s) are offered for refraining from its use and what alternatives are offered as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The curricula of 10 evidence-based, universal, group parent-training programs were examined to determine whether the topic of corporal punishment (CP) is explicitly discussed, whether the program explicitly discourages its use, what reason(s) are offered for refraining from its use, and what alternatives are offered. There was strong agreement among the program curricula that CP is both harmful to the child and an ineffective discipline strategy. Between two and five alternative discipline strategies were offered to parents. The variation among the programs with respect to both arguments against and alternatives to the use of CP makes it difficult to ascertain one critical feature or combination of features of the parenting programs for effectively reducing parent use of CP. Directions for future research and practice are offered.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address recent controversies surrounding the forthcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), as well as questions regarding the safety and efficacy of psychotropic medications discussed in the public domain.
Abstract: This essay addresses recent controversies surrounding the forthcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5—the first major revision of the DSM since 1994), as well as questions regarding the safety and efficacy of psychotropic medications discussed in the public domain. Mental health professionals across a wide range of professions have signed a petition to the DSM-5 Task Force protesting changes in the new edition, and critiques of psychiatric medications are increasingly disseminated in the media. These issues have particular relevance for children in foster care, who receive diagnoses and medication at high rates. The general public is increasingly exposed to information on these topics through the media; as advocates and clinicians, it is important that social work practitioners be informed regarding these issues.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that important knowledge and wisdom will be lost if we do not do not use the personal voice in scholarly social work writing, and they discuss some of the theoretical arguments for including personal voice, give illustrative examples, describe a memoir along with reader responses, and offer suggestions for undertaking and evaluating first-person writing.
Abstract: Dare we say “I” in scholarly social work writing? This article gives an affirmative answer. I argue, in fact, that important knowledge and wisdom will be lost if we do not do so. This article is a blend of forms. Part professional memoir, part personal essay, review of the literature, and exhortation, the article is a reflection on the status of nontraditional writing in social work. In other disciplines, this blend of forms is sometimes called “personal and scholarly perspectives.” I discuss some of the theoretical arguments for including the personal voice, give illustrative examples, describe a memoir along with reader responses, and offer suggestions for undertaking and evaluating first-person writing.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the shift from hospital-based to community-based mental health case management for persons living with severe mental illness (SMI) in the UK.
Abstract: Community mental health case management has been an important source of support for persons living with a severe mental illness (SMI) since the shift from hospital-based to community-based services...
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of family and non-familial support persons of older adults with intellectual disabilities in active ageing is examined. But little research has examined the extent to which active aging is facilitated by family and not-family support persons.
Abstract: Little research has examined the extent to which active ageing is facilitated by family and nonfamilial support persons of older adults with intellectual disabilities. This study explores the role ...
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct validity of a measure developed for gauging intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being using a sample of 73 participants who engaged in a 2-hour group recreational drumming program with social workers.
Abstract: Evidence suggests that recreational music-making has been shown to decrease stress and increase feelings of wellbeing and empowerment among diverse groups; however, evidence to document the effects has been mixed. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine a measure of well-being, empowerment, and connectedness after a group recreational drumming intervention with social workers. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct validity of a measure developed for gauging intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being using a sample of 73 participants who engaged in a 2-hour group recreational drumming program. Factor analysis suggested that intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being were present. Implications for use of the measure with recreational drumming are discussed.
TL;DR: Results indicated a high prevalence of the use of Oxycontin, with traumatic effects on families and the tribal community such that the providers were overburdened with their dual role as service providers and caretakers in their own community.
Abstract: This qualitative research study on a Great Lakes Indian reservation used semistructured interviews of American Indian (n = 8) and non-American Indian (n = 2) providers of behavioral and physical he...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors addressed how social workers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for diagnosis of mental disorders, and how they treated psychiatric diagnosis as a single entity.
Abstract: Previous research has addressed how social workers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). These studies have treated psychiatric diagnosis as a single entity, assuming...
TL;DR: The authors examined the dimensionality of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) and its stability across minority and nonminority individuals using confirmatory factor analysis, highlighting the multidimensionality of grief across diverse client groups.
Abstract: Grief is an important psychological response to loss and it is frequently encountered by clients served in diverse areas of social work practice. Despite its importance, little is known about the different aspects of grief that clients experience and the degree to which these dimensions are consistent across White and minority groups. This study examined the dimensionality of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) and its stability across minority and nonminority individuals using confirmatory factor analysis. The findings highlight the multidimensionality of grief across diverse client groups, hold important implications for social work practice, and point to the utility of the TRIG for rapidly assessing grief in a variety of social work practice settings.
TL;DR: A review of child welfare lawsuits involving mental health services for foster care children revealed that the principles guiding service provision were more predominant than indicators of interagency collaboration and coordination for services between child welfare and mental health.
Abstract: During the last 3 decades, implementation of systems of care and child welfare class action litigation have been common, often parallel, strategies used to improve the provision of mental health services for children. This article examines the extent to which the requirements of child welfare consent decrees and implementation plans include indicators of the system of care approach. A review of 10 selected child welfare lawsuits involving mental health services for foster care children was conducted. This review revealed that the principles guiding service provision were more predominant than indicators of interagency collaboration and coordination for services between child welfare and mental health. Findings suggest that building the foundation of systems of care—interagency collaboration—continues to be a challenge.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the positive contributions that child welfare workers make in protecting the most vulnerable group in society, including abused and potentially abused children. But, their efficacy is often in doubt and not well-documented.
Abstract: As clinicians, we know the positive contributions that child welfare workers make in protecting the most vulnerable group in society—abused and potentially abused children. Child welfare work is challenging by its very nature; children's lives are often at risk and families are often exposed to disruption. Making matters worse, resources for child welfare agencies are often scarce, resulting in large case loads and, thus, very stressful work. Even with millions of dollars allocated to child welfare work, its efficacy is often in doubt and not well-documented.
TL;DR: In this paper, a sample of 600 assisted living residents were interviewed to identify three systems of social support: formal, informal, and resident, and the resident system was found to be key in the utilization of the informal and formal social support systems.
Abstract: This study examines systems of social support in assisted living facilities. A sample of 600 assisted living residents were interviewed to identify three systems of social support: formal, informal, and resident. The resident system of social support was found to be key in the utilization of the informal and formal social support systems. Cognitive status was found to be the only resident characteristic significantly influencing use in all three systems.
TL;DR: Gender and social class moderated these relationships; heavy-drinking working-class males were especially likely to cohabit and to experience early entry into cohabitation and marriage.
Abstract: Based on prospective British Cohort Study data, adolescent alcohol use predicted the timing and stability of committed partnerships between 16 and 34 years (n = 3278; 59% female). Propensity score methods balanced age 16 heavy drinkers (32.4%) and nonheavy drinkers on a range of relevant risk factors assessed in infancy and childhood. Adolescent heavy drinking predicted having ever cohabited, earlier transitions into cohabiting and marital relationships, more breakups, and an increased likelihood of divorce. Gender and social class moderated these relationships; heavy-drinking working-class males were especially likely to cohabit and to experience early entry into cohabitation and marriage. Implications for practitioners focus on the benefits of reducing adolescent heavy drinking and precocious transitions to committed partnerships.
TL;DR: In this paper, ambiguous reunification is suggested as a new way to conceptualize the process that families go through after lengthy separations, using Pauline Boss's work on ambiguous loss.
Abstract: Ambiguous reunification is suggested as a new way to conceptualize the process that families go through after lengthy separations. Using Pauline Boss's work on ambiguous loss, a revision of her fra...
TL;DR: Carol H. Meyer (1924-1996) was a leading social work scholar whose lines of inquiry included the nature and purpose of social work practice, the place of private practice, social work language, and...
Abstract: Carol H. Meyer (1924–1996) was a leading social work scholar whose lines of inquiry included the nature and purpose of social work practice, the place of private practice, social work language, and...