bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Organizational Capacity in Outcomes Evaluation: A Successful State Association Model
Authors: Ristau Stephen
Published: April 2013

In 1998, The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies, Inc. (CCFSA) embarked on a process to plan and develop a program that would result in member organizations becoming proficient in evaluating outcomes for their services and programs. CCFSA is a private nonprofit human service provider network and association in Connecticut. It has 28 nonprofit member organizations, both sectarian and nonsectarian, that are licensed by the state and accredited nationally. Collectively, they annually serve over 100,000 families in Connecticut. After several focus groups and planning sessions, we determined that a comprehensive and longer-term approach to developing knowledge and skills, and in supporting organizations to manage their institutional limitations, resistance, and skepticism was necessary to achieve optimal results. A program called Excellence 2000 was designed incorporating multiple learning formats including didactic presentations, discussion groups, on-site technical assistance, and follow-up consultation. This program, its results, and lessons learned are described by the author, the former president and chief executive officer of CCFSA, who was the principal staff to this project.
Developing Resilience to Routine Separations: An Occupational Social Work Intervention
Authors: Van Breda Adrian D.
Published: April 2013

Many families are subjected to the routine separation of a family member. Business executives, sales representatives, military employees, and politicians are just a few examples of professions that require the regular separation of an individual from his/her family system. This paper describes a new occupational social work intervention that assists families in resisting the stress of separations, that is, which increases their “separation resilience.” The paper describes eight dimensions that are associated with separation resilience and introduces a one-day, multiple-couple, psychoeducational program that fosters these factors. A trial implementation of this Separation Resilience Seminar (SRS) is evaluated with regard to client satisfaction and effectiveness. Recommendations for ongoing research and development and social work practice guidelines are proposed.
The Traumatic Stress Institute Belief Scale as a Measure of Vicarious Trauma in a National Sample of Clinical Social Workers
Authors: Adams Kathryn Betts , Matto Holly C. , Harrington Donna
Published: April 2013

This article reports on a study of convergent and discriminant validity of the Traumatic Stress Institute Belief Scale (TSI)–Revision L (Traumatic Stress Institute, 1994) as a measure of vicarious trauma in a random sample of master's level clinical social workers. Forty-nine items from six subscales of the TSI were used. The scale purports to measure disturbed beliefs that may be caused by direct traumatic experience or repeated exposure to details of clients' traumatic stories. Results of correlational analyses of the TSI score with study variables and exploratory multiple regression analysis on the TSI score indicate its association with younger age, more reported somatic symptoms, lower annual salaries, lower scores on the Perceived Social Support (PSS)–Friends subscale (Procidano & Heller, 1983) and greater burnout as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1986). TSI scores were not associated with social workers' personal trauma history, their reported weekly amount of face-to-face client contact, or a self-report of the level of intrusiveness of client material into the social workers' lives. TSI scores appear to be measuring perceptions about self and work that, like burnout, may relate to social workers' general outlook, not necessarily to the effects of traumatic stress, vicarious or otherwise. Significant overlap of the TSI with burnout scores in this social work sample suggests a lack of clear distinction between burnout and vicarious trauma.
Family Secrets and the Disclosure of Distressful Information in Chinese Families
Authors: Ow Rosaleen , Katz Dafna
Published: April 2013

Multiple in-depth interviews with fifteen Chinese families in Singapore were conducted to study family adaptation arising from the diagnosis of chronic childhood illnesses. Disclosure of distressful information was found to be selective. Keeping secrets within the immediate family (i.e., between parents and children, between husband and wife, and between the family and the wider community) were governed by factors related to the support and protection of the family unit. Motivations for keeping family secrets appeared to be in keeping with the behavioral rules of a collectivist culture, emphasizing saving “face,” maintaining group harmony and hierarchical roles, and taking responsibility for mutual protection. Implications for practice in the health settings, policy issues (e.g., the right of the patient to knowledge about the illness), and intervention (e.g., the role of the social worker in facilitating open disclosure among family members to enhance family adjustments) are discussed.
Pathways to Single Motherhood: Sexual Intercourse, Adoption, and Donor Insemination
Authors: Siegel Judith M.
Published: April 2013

Exploratory quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to compare the perceptions of premotherhood preparation and the means of coping with motherhood among three groups of single mothers (those who conceived by sexual intercourse, those who adopted, and those who conceived by donor insemination) and married women who conceived by sexual intercourse. The pathway to motherhood influenced the single women's premotherhood thinking about the role of a father in their child's life in that the sexual-intercourse mothers were less likely than either of the other two groups to mention that a father's absence is hard on a child or to mention that most kids end up without fathers anyway. The only group that reported any significant distress was a subgroup of sexual-intercourse single mothers whose pregnancies were unplanned. These findings suggest that single motherhood per se is not associated with difficulties but that the adjustment to motherhood is influenced by whether the choice to become a single parent occurs before or after conception.
Evaluation of a Program for Parenting
Authors: Fuscaldo Diane , Kaye Jacqueline W. , Philliber Susan
Published: April 2013

The Plainfield Teen Parenting Program, a component of Plainfield High School School-Based Youth Service in Plainfield, New Jersey, provides a comprehensive in-school program to adolescent mothers and their children. The program stresses continued achievement in school, economic self-sufficiency, and positive parenting. Data from 31 mothers who participated in the program and a comparison group indicate that participation was related to improved self-esteem, high school graduation, and postgraduation employment or continued education. The data further suggest that program participation may reduce the frequency of additional births.
Service Providers' Perception of Factors that Help or Hinder Homeless Families
Authors: Lindsey Elizabeth W.
Published: April 2013

Homeless shelter directors in two southern states were surveyed to ascertain their perceptions of factors that help or hinder homeless, mother-headed families in emerging from homelessness. Respondents believed that mothers' attitudes and motivation were the most important factors in getting and keeping housing and that lack of social supports and relationship difficulties were the most significant problems families faced in their attempts to emerge from homelessness. Scarce housing was seen as the most significant barrier within the community. The findings are compared with findings from other studies, and explanations for differing results are presented. The author discusses the implications of the findings for service providers and communities in light of recent welfare-reform legislation.
Listening to the Voices of Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Gilson Stephen French , Bricout John C. , Baskind Frank R.
Published: April 2013

Social work literature, research, and practice on disabilities has lagged behind other topical areas dealing with oppressed groups. The social work literature remains “expert focused” and generally fragmented into discussions of specific disabilities or subpopulations. A viable general model that deals with the personal experience of disability is not available. This exploratory study presents a social work literature search and analysis as well as interviews with six individuals with disabilities about their experiences with social workers. Individuals with disabilities assert that they were treated as though they had categorically fewer aspirations, abilities, and perhaps even fundamental rights than did nondisabled people. This study provides a base for follow-up research on models of consumer-focused social work practice in the area of disability.
The Mental Health and Service Needs of Young Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Supportive Data
Authors: Lundy Marta , Grossman Susan F.
Published: April 2013

As the visibility of domestic violence (DV) continues to increase, so too does our awareness of the needs of the children in violent families. This study documents the various needs and problems of over 40,000 children as reported by their battered caretakers. What follows is a description of the findings from data collected between 1990 and 1995 from approximately 50 DV agencies in a Midwestern state. The findings indicate that large proportions of children had emotional and social problems whereas about one quarter had physical health and educational difficulties. Common problems included being very protective of family members, discipline issues, mood swings, and difficulty leaving parents. The implications of these findings and ideas for future planning are identified.
Implications of an Aging Population on the Delivery of Public Sector Social Services
Authors: Bronstein Laura R. , Admiraal Kristen
Published: April 2013

Over the coming years, demographers report a rapid increase in the number of people over age 65, and in particular the number of persons from ethnic and racial minority groups over 65. While professionals in aging services are paying close attention to these trends and their implications, there are widespread implications that go beyond aging services. Using New York State as a case in point, this paper utilizes literature, demographics, and interviews with key informants to focus on two major trends associated with these demographic shifts: the increase in family caregiving and grandparents raising grandchildren. These trends are examined for their impact on the design and delivery of services including TANF, child welfare and adult protective services. Professionals beyond those in aging services are called upon to be aware of the impact of these aging demographics for clients in the array of public social service systems, and to meet the challenges of these demographic trends with a multigenerational and multicultural agenda.
The Well-Being of Immigrant Latino Youth: A Framework to Inform Practice
Authors: Chapman Mimi V. , Perreira Krista M.
Published: April 2013

All families must confront positive and negative influences when raising children. This challenge is greater for new immigrants, who must negotiate the additional influences of culture and environment and incorporate their family history into their life in a new country. This article summarizes findings regarding the well-being of Latino youth on domains important to functioning later in life (e.g., mental health, substance use, school functioning, early adult role-taking). The summary is followed by a discussion of the psychosocial risks that threaten the successful adaptation of Latino youth in immigrant families and the protective factors that facilitate their adaptation. A framework of practice guidelines and case applications is proposed to guide helping professionals in assessing the needs of Latino youth.
Ability or Disability? Strengths-Based Practice in the Area of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Rowlands Allison
Published: April 2013

Strengths-based approaches to working with individuals with traumatic brain injury are rare. Perhaps this is partly because of severe cognitive impairment, but medicalized approaches that highlight deficits are also influential. The article describes Circles of Support, an community-based intervention based that works from a position of strength. This article argues that Circles of Support fall clearly into strengths-based approaches, as supported by reference to the work of Saleebey, de Shazer, and McKnight, as well as literature on empowerment approaches to disability. Selected findings of a 3-year evaluation study illustrate the included conceptual arguments.
Motherhood and the Challenge of Immigrant Mothers: A Personal Reflection
Authors: Liamputtong Pranee
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses the experience of motherhood from a feminist perspective drawing evidence from my personal experience as a mother, a contemporary feminist, and a migrant (immigrant) woman, as well as from the view of a current study on childbearing and childrearing among Thai immigrant mothers in Australia. The paper presents the challenge of motherhood from an immigrant mother's perspective. It is argued that immigrant mothers are twice a minority and hence twice marginalized when placing their situations within Australian society. Women's personal narrative has implications for social work practice. Many migrant mothers would possibly benefit from a social service intervention that attempts to reduce their marginality in Australian society.
In Search of a Few Hundred Good Kids: Three Months in the Life of a Community-Based Survey Research Study
Authors: Bolland John M.
Published: April 2013

In 1993, I received funding to conduct a community-based survey of adolescents living in public housing neighborhoods. While the ethnography literature warns about the emotional risks associated with field work, the survey research literature is silent about these risks, and I was largely unprepared about what to expect. This paper documents the experience of contacting over 600 youths in public housing neighborhoods, obtaining parental consent, scheduling a time and place to conduct the survey, and actually conducting it. It shows that the process of conducting this survey was much more like an ethnographic study than a strict survey. From this perspective, it also discusses insights I gained about life in public housing, and shares some of the stories of the people who live there.
Transforming the Story: Narrative Applications to a Stepmother Support Group
Authors: Jones Anne C.
Published: April 2013

Inherent in the role of stepmother are unique tensions, ambiguities, and challenges. Underlying much of the role strain is the dominant cultural stepmother story, that of a self-serving and pernicious woman. Undertaking a role held circumspect by many may contribute to feelings of insecurity, isolation, and role constriction. In this article, the author describes how concepts drawn from narrative therapy are utilized in an ongoing support group for stepmothers. Reasons why support groups are especially appropriate for and enhanced by narrative techniques are offered. Group functions and narrative applications are described and illustrated through 4 kinds of stepmother stories. These stories exemplify some of the dilemmas that stepmothers face and show how narrative techniques have been used to help members create more satisfying and authentic stories.
Rethinking Self-Awareness in Cultural Competence: Toward a Dialogic Self in Cross-Cultural Social Work
Authors: Yan Miu Chung , Wong Yuk-Lin Renita
Published: April 2013

The cultural competence approach has grown significantly in the North American human service professions. The reliance of social workers on cultural awareness to block the influence of their own culture in the helping process entails three problematic and conflicting assumptions, namely, the notion of human being as cultural artifact, the use of self as a technique for transcending cultural bias, and the subject-object dichotomy as a defining structure of the worker-client relationship. The authors contend that there are conceptual incoherencies within the cultural competence model's standard notion of self-awareness. The conceptualization of a dialogic self may unsettle the hierarchical worker-client relationship and de-essentialize the concept of culture. Cross-cultural social work thus becomes a site where client and worker negotiate and communicate to cocreate new meanings and relationships.
An African-Centered Approach to Domestic Violence
Authors: Bent-Goodley Tricia B.
Published: April 2013

African-centered social work offers a set of principles upon which to develop a culturally competent response to domestic violence as experienced by African American families. Finding creative and relevant solutions for addressing domestic violence can keep family members safe, identify and address abuse, and keep children in the home when appropriate. Such efforts can promote greater awareness of healthy family relationships and the empowerment of individuals to shape their lives in a healthy and safe manner. In this article, in addition to examining principles of the African-centered paradigm, the author offers specific ways in which the paradigm can be applied to domestic violence.
Speaking the Unspeakable: Exploring the Impact of Family Dynamics on Child Sexual Abuse Disclosures
Authors: Alaggia Ramona , Kirshenbaum Stacey
Published: April 2013

This qualitative study utilized the long interview method to identify a range of family dynamics that may affect a child's ability to disclose sexual abuse. It is estimated that 30% to 80% of victims do not purposefully disclose child sexual abuse (CSA) before adulthood. Retrospective data about disclosure processes were elicited through interviews with 20 male and female CSA survivors. Four major themes emerged suggesting that CSA disclosure can be significantly compromised when certain conditions exist: rigidly fixed, gender roles based on a patriarchy-based family structure; family violence; closed, indirect communication patterns; and social isolation. It is important to identify disclosure barriers in order to ameliorate them effectively, because when children are not able to disclose sexual abuse, the effects are potentially devastating. Results are discussed in relation to implications for practice with children and their families, including relevance of established models of family assessment.
Addressing Risk Behaviors, Service Needs, and Mental Health Issues in Programs for Young Fathers
Authors: Weinman Maxine L. , Buzi Ruth S. , Smith Peggy B.
Published: April 2013

Young fathers (N = 143) ages 16-33 participated in an assessment of risk behaviors, service needs, and mental health issues upon entering a fatherhood program. Almost 70% were unemployed, 39% were school dropouts, 47% used alcohol, 40% had problems with the law, and 42% had been in jail. The most frequently reported mental health issues were problems related to relationships, neighborhood, family, tobacco use, police, and being a parent. Fathers also identified feeling states of anger, sadness/depression, nervousness/tension, helplessness, and aggression. Although risk behaviors and mental health issues were identified, fathers did not request services to address them; rather, their most frequently requested service needs were related to jobs and vocational training. The article suggests that an assessment of mental health issues that focuses on a strengths perspective might yield a better evaluation of both mental health issues and service needs. The article addresses ways that program planners could enhance realistic participation.
Teams in Child Welfare Settings: Interprofessional and Collaborative Processes
Authors: Lewandowski Cathleen A. , GlenMaye Linnea F.
Published: April 2013

This study explored the dynamics of collaborative, team-based efforts to provide child welfare services in the context of a public/private partnership model of service delivery. The major areas of exploration included interprofessional team processes, factors that contribute to team effectiveness, perceptions of family participation, and attitudes toward privatization in child welfare. The study used a survey design with a self-administered questionnaire delivered to a purposive sample of 165 child welfare and community professionals who were members of interprofessional child welfare teams in a Midwest, urban county. The findings indicate that respect and unity of purpose predict team satisfaction, and that agency type predicts attitudes toward public/private partnership and some aspects of family participation.
Provider Views of the Support Service Needs of Male Primary Caretakers of HIV/AIDS-Infected and -Affected Children: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Strug David , Rabb Leonard , Nanton Ronnie
Published: April 2013

The number of male primary caretakers (biological fathers and other men) of HIV/AIDS-infected and -affected children in the United States is substantial, and will increase as more women become infected and die, and more fathers assume parenting responsibilities. Many male primary caretakers (MPCs) are biological fathers, some of whom are infected, living alone with one or more children, caring for other infected and affected children, and without the emotional support of a female caretaker. These MPCs experience anxiety, depression, and grief. In this unique, exploratory needs assessment about the support service needs of MPCs, the authors surveyed 34 service providers that are involved in Title IV programs of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. Providers report that MPCs have special needs for emotional support, networking, child care, and parenting skills training that are being addressed only partially, if at all. Providers serving infected and affected children and their families should identify MPCs and address their service needs. More men may succeed as caretakers of infected and affected children if programs gear their services to the specific challenges these men face. Additional research is crucial given the number who can be expected to need these services in the future.
Relationship Disruption in Adults with Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Runnion Vicki M. , Wolfer Terry A.
Published: April 2013

Adults with cognitive disabilities residing in group homes face special challenges in establishing and maintaining friendships, and in coping when they are disrupted—for example, when a housemate moves to a different level of care, or a staff member quits or is dismissed. On the basis of a small-scale qualitative study, this article raises concerns about the frequency of such disruptions—their psychological and social effects in the lives of people with limited cognitive abilities and limited social support. It also highlights a number of difficulties for participants in telling their stories of loss and suggests steps that agencies, social workers, and family members can take to support significant relationships for people with cognitive disabilities, even when disruptions are unavoidable.
Breaking through the Bars: Exploring the Experiences of Addicted Incarcerated Parents Whose Children Are Cared for by Relatives
Authors: Smith Aaron , Krisman Kerry , Strozier Anne L. , Marley Marsha A.
Published: April 2013

Researchers conducted a series of open-ended semistructured interviews with 25 incarcerated men and women who received substance abuse treatment while their children were being cared for by relatives. Research questions were developed on the basis of the gaps in knowledge identified in the available data on addicted incarcerated parents whose children are in kinship care. Respondents in this study were asked questions designed to explore issues such as parent–child bonding, relationships with caregivers, and the impact of drug abuse and incarceration on the family. Results of this study indicate that there is a need for a multidisciplinary, wraparound approach to designing services for affected parents, children, and caregivers.
Reducing Poverty among Older Women: Social Security Reform and Gender Equity
Authors: Gonyea Judith G. , Hooyman Nancy R.
Published: April 2013

The authors document the higher poverty rate of older women, especially women of color, compared with older men—a pattern created and maintained by the intersection of the structural factors of age, race, and marital status. They then review how the U.S. Social Security program generally benefits older women and reduces their late-life economic vulnerability. A persistent gender inequity, however, is that women are more likely to disrupt their paid employment to meet family care responsibilities, which may increase the number of zero-earnings years and reduce the amount paid into Social Security. Current proposals to privatize the Social Security system are critiqued in terms of their gender inequities. Three relatively revenue-neutral proposals that could increase Social Security's protection against poverty and differentially affect low-income women are briefly discussed.
Gay and Lesbian Aging: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Social Work Practice and Research
Authors: Donahue Peter , McDonald Lynn
Published: April 2013

For many years in social work, as in many other professions and disciplines, very little was known about gay men and lesbians. There was an even greater dearth of knowledge regarding gay men and lesbians as they move through the aging process. Social work has been criticized for its ignorance, intolerance, and insensitivity in this area. Following the Stonewall Riots in 1969, there was an emergence of both interest and research into homosexuality and, subsequently, homosexuality and aging. The authors critically examine the current status of social work regarding practice and research with older gays and lesbians and presents recommendations for both practice and research.
Social Work with Older Adults and Their Families: Changing Practice Paradigms
Authors: Greene Roberta R. , Cohen Harriet L.
Published: April 2013

Given the far-reaching social, economic, and demographic changes in the aging population, the authors argue for a methodological and practice-oriented transformation in future geriatric social work. The authors suggest that if they are to maintain their independence and well-being, a resilience-enhancing social work intervention will be especially effective in fostering the specific survival skills that older adults often already utilize to help them cope with difficult situations. A risk-resilience model sensitive to ethnic difference and practiced at multiple systems levels (e.g., the community) is offered as an advancement of the traditional models of social work practice. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the value of a strengths perspective to address the pressing issues that affect the aging population.
Caring for Others: Internet Health Care Support Intervention for Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's, Stroke, or Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Marziali Elsa , Donahue Peter , Crossin Gillian
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the project was to emulate face-to-face psychosocial support group process in an Internet videoconferencing environment and explore the benefits for 34 family caregivers of persons with neurodegenerative disease. Caregivers were provided with computer equipment and trained to access a password-protected Web site. Using videoconferencing software, each group of 6 members met with a facilitator online weekly for 10 weeks. Each caregiver was interviewed at 6-month follow-up. Participant response data were generated through qualitative analysis of group process and follow-up interviews. The analysis showed that the virtual group process closely paralleled face-to-face group interactions. At follow-up, 90% of the caregivers reported that the online group experience had been “very” or “overall” positive and that the group had helped them cope with the stresses of caregiving. The professional and ethical implications of providing a clinical intervention using the Internet are discussed.
Community Development with Older Adults in Their Neighborhoods: The Elder Friendly Communities Program
Authors: Austin Carol D. , Camp Elizabeth Des , Flux David , McClelland Robert W. , Sieppert Jackie
Published: April 2013

In this article, the authors report on lessons drawn from more than 3 years of experience with seniors-led community development at the neighborhood level, the Elder Friendly Communities Program (EFCP). Although community practice has a long history in social work, it has been largely neglected with older adults. Based on analysis of qualitative data, the authors discuss key themes that inform community development practice with seniors including (a) challenging the dominant paradigm of community-based service delivery, (b) efficiency and sustainability, (c) expectations and perceptions of expertise, (d) involvement and leadership, and (e) multicultural practice. With a growing and increasingly healthy elder population, it is time to expand the scope of gerontological social work practice beyond a focus on disability and dependency.
Social Workers for Rent: The Contingency Human Services Labor Force
Authors: Gibelman Margaret
Published: April 2013

This article explores the use of contingency employment arrangements in the human services within the larger context of the changing labor market. The author identifies and characterizes trends in the contingency market in social work and articulates the various advantages and disadvantages of these arrangements from the vantage point of employing organizations and the professional labor force. The author also raises questions about the accuracy of perceived cost-benefits of these arrangements as well as implications for professional ethics and values, service quality, accountability, and workplace environment. Careful monitoring and evaluation of the use of contingent workers are essential to ensure the quality, efficiency, and efficacy of these alternative arrangements on the provision of human services.
The Role of Private Adoption Agencies in Facilitating African American Adoptions
Authors: Smith-McKeever T. Chedgzsey , McRoy Ruth G.
Published: April 2013

The authors compare a sample of African American families who adopted from two private African American agencies in California with a sample of African American families who adopted from public California child welfare agencies. Findings show clear distinctions between the private and public adopters. The authors also present results from a questionnaire that asks about the adoption process and the families' adoptive history. Strikingly, 70% of the private agency adopters had attempted to first adopt through (primarily) public agencies, and the majority of those had been unsuccessful. Nearly 90% of the families who responded to a question of how important a private African American adoption agency was in their decision to adopt indicated that it was very important or important.
Relational Social Work: A Model for the Future
Authors: Ornstein Eric D. , Ganzer Carol
Published: April 2013

This article outlines and elaborates on the main features of the authors' relational model: a reconceptualization of transference and countertransference, the role of enactments in the clinical setting, the importance of the use of self, and the worker's participation as a change agent. Use of this model will enhance clinical services, reduce failed treatments and therapeutic impasses, and diminish the incidence of boundary violations. This conceptual framework has been used successfully by the authors in residential settings with homeless individuals, persons with chronic mental illness and substance abuse, and ex-offenders. Additionally, the authors have found it useful in child welfare settings as well as in teaching and supervising students and clinical staff. Clinical examples are provided to illustrate the model.
Family-Centered Care: Practice and Preparation
Authors: Craft-Rosenberg Martha , Kelley Patricia , Schnoll Leslie
Published: April 2013

Although family-centered care is an expectation empirical data describing its use in practice or the extent to which practitioners are prepared to practice it are minimal. The purpose of this project was to describe views of family-centered practice reported by practitioners serving children. Health care practitioners serving children in 1 state were invited to a conference to discuss family-centered care and to assess their perceptions about its use and their practice preparation. Participants (N = 76) discussed family-centered care, opportunities and obstacles for its practice, and improvements for preparation. Findings from questionnaires and focus groups showed that most participants adhered to family-centered concepts and a subsample (n = 28) showed an increased use with a mean of 7.36 Likert gain scores on posttest following the conference. Suggestions for educators are offered.
Toward Safety for Low-Income Battered Women: Promoting Economic Justice Strategies
Authors: Pyles Loretta
Published: April 2013

Interventions in domestic violence in the last 25 years have been premised on the idea that violence against women is something that can happen to any woman in a patriarchal culture, a reflection of the norms of a sexist society (Raphael, 2002). However, these interventions have failed to account for the overrepresentation of abuse in poor communities (Meier, 1997). In this article, the author (a) reviews the research literature on domestic violence, women's poverty and the intersection of domestic violence and poverty, (b) concludes that current interventions fail to address both poverty and violence, and (c) proposes a subsection for the TANF reauthorization policy that would provide a community development component to include opportunities for low-income women to pursue higher education, vocational training, and nontraditional employment safely.
The Quiet Remedy: A Dialogue on Reshaping Professional Relationships
Authors: Maidment Jane
Published: April 2013

This article begins with an overview of the current context for the delivery of social/welfare services and goes on to consider client–worker relationship boundaries that fall within and outside conventional ethical parameters in professional practice. Alternative interpretations of “relationship” are discussed, noting in particular what consumers of services have identified as being beneficial qualities demonstrated by professional “helpers.” Using touch and adopting notions of compassion, love, and reciprocity are discussed, noting how these ideas collide with the current ethical thinking commonly used to guide Western social work practice. Finally, a reexamination of “professionalism” is proposed, including ways to facilitate worker–client connectivity. Throughout, the complex tensions between balancing ethical considerations with ideas relating to trust, risk, and authenticity are articulated.
Assessing the Perceptions of Program Providers for Serving Children with Genetic Disorders and Their Families
Authors: Selber Katherine , Hernandez Virginia Rondero , Tijerina Mary , Heyman Cathy , Sallee Charles
Published: April 2013

This article reports on a study examining perceptions of staff of state health and human service programs on the family-centered nature of services for children with genetic conditions and their families. The article provides information on the qualitative and quantitative methodologies used to obtain stakeholder input from staff in partnering organizations. Twenty programs were invited to participate in a Web-based survey that yielded a response rate of 75% (N = 15). Findings indicate that few program staff understand genetic conditions or services. Data also indicate a need to enhance family input into the service design, evaluation, and policy development processes of existing services.
Narrative and Culturally Based Approaches in Practice with Families
Authors: Freeman Edith M. , Couchonnal Graciela
Published: April 2013

This article clarifies how narrative approaches are consistent with social work's view of clients as experts on their own narratives and experiences. These approaches are also consistent with family therapy as it has evolved toward family centered practice and an emphasis on the importance of family narratives and meaning. Guidelines are provided for using narrative approaches with culturally diverse clients in a range of practice settings in combination with task-centered, solution-focused, family systems, and crisis intervention models. Practice vignettes and examples of clients’ narratives help to illustrate how practitioners can integrate those models effectively with some of the most salient narrative strategies. Such strategies include listening to and acknowledging clients’ narratives, helping them to define their challenges through their narratives, engaging in a collaborative search for meaning, increasing clients’ awareness of relationships of power and domination, facilitating clients in recounting stories of competence and strength, and affirming clients’ privilege to author their lives and co-construct alternative narratives. The discussion on narrative strategies demonstrates how to help clients move from meaning-making to individual, interpersonal, and large systems changes.
The Epistemology of Cultural Competence
Authors: Williams Charmaine C.
Published: April 2013

Cultural competence is a high priority in social work, but it is not conceptualized in a way that can effectively guide practice. The author proposes an organization of cultural competence strategies into epistemologically defined paradigms for multicultural practice. The paradigms discussed are based in postpositivism, constructivism, critical theory, and postmodernism. These paradigms are presented as potential tools for developing a better understanding of what constitutes effective multicultural practice and what contributes to cultural impasses. The author suggests that cultural competence should be defined by the capacity to work across multiple paradigms to find ways to engage with clients.
Hmong Immigrants’ Perceptions of Family Secrets and Recipients of Disclosure
Authors: Xiong Zha Blong , Tuicomepee Arunya , LaBlanc Laura , Rainey Julie
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine the issues Hmong immigrants considered family secrets and to whom they would disclose their secrets when these secrets became problematic to them. Ninety-nine Hmong immigrant adults (39 males and 60 females), with ages ranging from 18 to 89 participated in this study. Content analysis found more than half of the participants considered marital issues to be secrets, while descriptive statistics found spousal arguments about family chores were the most secretive, followed by arguments about children, and overspending. Relatives on the husband's side, spouse, family members, and adult children were among the most frequent recipients of disclosures. The article concluded with some suggestions for educators, practitioners, and policymakers who work with Hmong immigrant families.
Exploring Fathering Roles in Low-Income Families: The Influence of Intergenerational Transmission
Authors: Shears Jeffrey , Summers Jean Ann , Boller Kimberly , Barclay-McLaughlin Gina
Published: April 2013

This study explores the meaning of fathering among men identified as fathers or father figures of 24-month-old children enrolled in Early Head Start research sites. Fathers were asked open-ended questions about their experiences of being fathers and their relationships with their own fathers. These men spoke of how important “being there” was for them in their relationship with their child as well as how the relationship with their own fathers influenced them as a parent. This study supports the theory of intergenerational parenting and furthers our knowledge and understanding of what some men feel are important aspects of being a good father. A theoretical framework on why men may model their father's behaviors is offered, as are implications for practitioners.
Implementing Welfare-to-Work Services: A Study of Staff Decision-Making
Authors: Johnson Michelle A. , Chow Julian Chun-Chung , Ketch Virginia , Austin Michael J.
Published: April 2013

In the post-welfare reform era, increased discretion has been given to frontline staff for day-today welfare policy implementation. To determine how frontline staff address the complex needs of welfare program participants in this new policy environment, the decision-making processes of welfare staff (N = 52) in 11 San Francisco Bay Area county social service agencies were assessed through a case vignette using a Web-based survey design. We examined staff decision making in four areas: problem recognition, goal formulation, information search processes, and evaluation. The results suggest that the high level of staff discretion apparent in the day-to-day implementation of welfare policy may have important implications for participants. Several recommendations for policy, practice, and future research are presented.
Surviving Incest: The Art of Resistance
Authors: Anderson Kim M.
Published: April 2013

An interview study describes the development of resilient capacities among 26 female incest survivors. Resilience stemmed from active resistance to participants’ perpetrators and eventually matured into strategies to prevent, withstand, stop, or oppose their childhood oppression and its consequences. Three themes emerged: resistance to (a) being powerless, (b) being silenced, and (c) being isolated. Implications for social work practice include focusing on resistance to oppression as part of a resiliency-oriented conceptual model in working with adult survivors of incest.
Caregiving Systems at the End of Life: How Informal Caregivers and Formal Providers Collaborate
Authors: Waldrop Deborah P.
Published: April 2013

End-of-life care is moving out of hospitals and families are replacing professionals in the delivery of care as death approaches. Guided by concepts from the social care model (Cantor & Brennan, 2000), this qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the interrelationship between informal and formal care in a terminal illness. In-depth interviews with 64 families were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded. Genograms and ecomaps were created to visually represent caregivers’ sources of support and used to analyze caregiving networks. Results indicate that quasi-formal and informal social support become an important link between informal and formal caregiving. As a relative is dying, families value kindness and compassion, clear and straightforward communication, information, anticipatory guidance, and respect for self-determination from formal caregivers.
Foster Parent Associations: Advocacy, Support, and Empowerment
Authors: Pasztor Eileen Mayers , McFadden Emily Jean
Published: April 2013

Foster parenting in the United States dates back over 150 years, but it was not until the late 1960s that the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) was created. This article describes the factors that led to its birth, and the subsequent internal and external influences on its development, intentions and accomplishments. This case example examines dilemmas for this and other foster parent associations regarding membership, funding, advocacy, and outcomes, and recommends approaches to strengthen congruence between a foster parent association's goals and impact.
Strengths-Based Case Management: Implementation with High-Risk Youth
Authors: Arnold Elizabeth Mayfield , Walsh Adam K. , Oldham Michael S. , Rapp Charles A.
Published: April 2013

Few effective methods of intervention exist for youth at risk for negative life outcomes. One method used successfully with both adults with chronic mental illness and adults with substance abuse problems is strengths-based case management (SBCM). Based on the principles of strengths theory, SBCM aims to assist individuals in identifying and achieving personal goals, with an emphasis on the case manager–client relationship and client self-determination. In the current study, the authors report findings from a feasibility study that implemented SBCM with adolescent runaways. Challenges to implementation, such as financial status, the role of families, abuse and neglect, developmental issues, education, peer relationships, and transportation, are examined. The current findings suggest that it is feasible to successfully implement SBCM with adolescents, but the challenges to application are different with this group compared with adults, given the developmental differences between adolescents and adults.
Employed Parents of Children with Mental Health Disorders: Achieving Work–Family Fit, Flexibility, and Role Quality
Authors: Brennan Eileen M. , Rosenzweig Julie M. , Ogilvie A. Myrth , Wuest Leslie , Shindo Ann A.
Published: April 2013

Extensive interviews with 60 employed parents of school-age children treated for mental health problems explored work–family fit, flexibility, family support, and work–life strategies in relation to role quality. Role quality was measured as employment and parenting rewards and concerns. Work–family fit was positively related to family flexibility but not work flexibility. Higher flexibility in work and family predicted lower job concerns, and work flexibility and work–family fit were predictors of job rewards. Parental concerns were dependent on flexibility and work–family strategies. Single parents had significantly fewer sources of family support and used fewer work–family strategies than caregivers with partners. Human services providers should collaborate with families by jointly exploring new flexibility and support strategies in work and family domains.
School-Based Groups for Parents of Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Pilot Results
Authors: McClendon Jennifer , Pollio David E. , North Carol S. , Reid Donna , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: April 2013

Research on services for families of children with emotional and behavioral disorders has identified family psychoeducation as a promising modality for service delivery. The current paper reports the results of pilot testing two multi-family psychoeducation groups in a school setting. Parents of 15 children receiving school services for emotional and behavioral disorders participated in two psychoeducation groups. Families completed surveys pre- and post-intervention on family-level and child-level outcomes. Among outcome variables, attention-related problems demonstrated significant improvement and a substantial effect size. Other outcomes were positive, with effect sizes generally in the moderate range. Despite the small sample size and limited measurements, these results offer further support for the promise of psychoeducation for parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Helping Nonresidential Fathers: The Case for Teen and Adult Unmarried Fathers
Authors: Dudley James R.
Published: April 2013

Nonresidential fathers, particularly those who are unmarried teens and unmarried adults, are often neglected in social work practice in the United States. This article examines their changing demographics and describes several policies and programs that have been successful in assisting them in becoming more involved in their children's lives. The literature is still very limited about who they are, what they need, and how we can help them. Yet, what is known suggests that relatively large numbers want to be or are attempting to be involved with their children. Timing is important in helping them establish their paternity and become active at their child's birth or before. The article calls for social workers to make a greater commitment to these unmarried nonresidential fathers in very specific ways.