bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Workers' Management of Error: Ethical and Risk Management Issues
Authors: Reamer Frederic G.
Published: April 2013

Social workers, like all professionals, sometimes make mistakes. For example, they may disclose clients' confidential information inappropriately, fail to respond to clients' reasonable requests in a timely manner, or engage in improper dual relationships with clients. Ideally, social workers who err would follow a protocol that honors the profession's commitment to responsible and honest communication and minimizes the practical risks faced by social workers who might be named in lawsuits, licensing board complaints, and ethics complaints. This article explores the nature and forms of social work error and possible constructive responses to it that (a) protect clients, (b) minimize risk to social workers, (c) prevent future error, and (d) adhere to prevailing ethical standards in the profession.
Ethical Dilemmas for Mental Health Practitioners: Navigating Mandated Child Maltreatment Reporting Decisions
Authors: Gushwa Melinda , Chance Toni
Published: April 2013

All states have legislation establishing child protection agencies and reporting procedures, supported by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2003), which links federal funding to the stipulation that states must enact mandatory child abuse reporting laws. Despite this legal mandate, mental health practitioners often fail to inform their clients of the limitations of confidentiality and many are not aware of their legal mandate to report child maltreatment. This paper examines ethical and legal parameters mental health practitioners must address when working with cases of suspected child abuse and offers recommendations for practice and policy to improve collaboration between mental health practitioners and child protection agencies, in the interests of protecting children and strengthening families.
Child Protective Services Investigations and the Transition to Foster Care: Children's Views
Authors: Bogolub Ellen B.
Published: April 2013

During a pilot qualitative study about children's views of Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, the problem for study broadened to include children's views of the transition to foster care generally. Findings indicated that (1) the CPS investigation was not an emotionally charged topic for these respondents, and (2) respondents were ambivalent about foster care, liking many aspects while also missing birth parents. Respondents (most in care for the first time) were in care for nonemergency reasons, and for brief periods (1 to 5 months). These circumstances may have influenced the findings. In some cases, videotape supplemented audiotape of research interviews. Videotape proved useful, but not necessary to establish findings. Implications for research, practice, and policy are provided.
Social Welfare Policy: Preferences of Arab and Jewish Social Workers in Israel
Authors: Weiss-Gal Idit , Gal John
Published: April 2013

Seeking to understand the impact of race and nationality on the attitudes of social workers towards social welfare policy, this study compares the attitudes of Arab and Jewish social workers in Israel. This analysis seeks to determine whether the attitudes of the two groups of social workers diverge and, if so, in what direction. Based on a sample of 110 social workers, evenly divided between Arabs and Jews, the findings revealed both similarities and differences in the social welfare policy references of the two groups of social workers. Although both supported the welfare state, they also expressed a lack of enthusiasm to finance it and a degree of skepticism regarding its impact. In contrast to their Jewish counterparts, Arab social workers were more supportive of the welfare state but did not support policies that were perceived as unsupportive of Arabs.
Promoting American Families: The Role of State Legislation
Authors: Seipel Michael M. O. , Brown John
Published: April 2013

Families have played a critical role in providing the social, emotional, economic, and spiritual needs of people since time immemorial, without much public support. Families are still relevant to the well-being of individuals and of society, but diverse social events have changed the nature and function of families, and that has created a significant burden on families. There is now a greater need for public support than ever before. Although all states have some legislation for family support, only a few states have demonstrated a commitment to promoting families by enacting legislation that supports family functioning. The findings of this study show that family policies in most states still lag behind the current rhetoric about supporting families.
A Study of the Massachusetts Child Care Voucher System: Impact on Children, Families, Providers, and Resource and Referral Agencies
Authors: Washington Valora , Reed Mary
Published: April 2013

This ethnographic case study of the Massachusetts voucher system tests the belief that demand subsidies increase choice and purchasing power for working poor families while improving the quality of care for children. Using multiple methodologies, we examined vouchers' impact on parents, child care providers, and resource and referral agencies. All participants recognized the value of the subsidy. Yet low reimbursement rates forced providers to subsidize the system; many limited or refused vouchers. Providers and families had a strong bond; each was often overwhelmed by and suspicious of voucher administration. Children experienced discontinuity of care. Underresourced, resource and referral agencies struggle to balance a dual mission of service and “policing.” Specific policy recommendations were suggested, and adopted, in Massachusetts.
Professional Differences in Attitudes toward and Utilization of Psychiatric Recovery
Authors: Hardiman Eric R. , Hodges John Q.
Published: April 2013

This article examines mental health provider attitudes toward and utilization of psychiatric recovery concepts in practice settings. Comparisons are made between providers from three major professional disciplines (social work, psychology, and psychiatry) surveyed using a national random sample (N = 301). Findings indicate that although there is familiarity with recovery-based principles among providers, and high reported belief in the recovery model, actual utilization of recovery content in practice settings remains mixed. Significant differences between disciplines suggest that psychologists may be less familiar with the recovery model, less likely to see it as a feasible approach for their caseloads, and less likely to emphasize it as a primary goal when working with consumers. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and planners are provided.
Accepting the Unacceptable: Religious Parents and Adult Gay and Lesbian Children
Authors: Freedman Linda
Published: April 2013

The study analyzed parental acceptance of adult gay and lesbian children. The sample (N = 59) included religiously oriented parents who had associated with groups such as Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, affirmative parents who attended groups such as Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians, and parents who had not affiliated with any support group. Results indicated that differences between groups vis-à-vis acceptance of sexual orientation were significant. Religiously oriented subjects nevertheless accepted their children. Parents in each group stated that the process of learning and speaking to others helped them cope and accept what they could not change. This paradox in acceptance calls assumptions about “anti-gay” groups and organizations into question.
A Delicate Dance: Identity Issues in a Religious Nonprofit Umbrella Organization
Authors: Gumz Edward J.
Published: April 2013

Religious nonprofit social service and health organizations provide care to a large number of people in American communities. To enhance the services that these organizations provide, religious denominations have formed national nonprofit umbrella organizations. Little has been written about these umbrella organizations, their identity, and their functions. Using archival sources and interviews, this article explores the history and development of Lutheran Services in America (LSA), a large, Protestant, national nonprofit umbrella organization. Elements of this organization's identity are examined—its ongoing efforts to affirm its religious values and goals, its efforts to meet economic needs, and its serving as a forum in which differing views of social services in the church can be discussed. The multiple identities of LSA are explored, and the implications for religious nonprofit umbrella organizations are discussed.
Developing a Case Typology for Children in Out-of-Home Care: Child Welfare Worker Perspectives
Authors: Skrypek Margaret M. , Wells Susan J. , Bauerkemper Kristen , Koranda Laura , Link Amber
Published: April 2013

This study uses exploratory research methods to create a comprehensive list of case types for children entering out-of-home care placements. Child welfare workers' experiences were the primary source of data for this qualitative analysis. Researchers conducted focus groups in five urban counties in Minnesota. A case typology of 18 case types defined by 4 specific categories (parents' capacity or behavior, child reasons, problems in parenting, previous unsuccessful child welfare intervention) is presented. Data from worker perspectives are analyzed and compared with quantitative research to enhance conceptual understanding of case types, intervention strategies, and associated outcomes. Researchers discuss implications of a case typology, including potential benefits, in the application of intervention strategies, outcomes reporting, and data tracking.
Exercising Power from the Bottom Up: Co-Creating the Conditions for Development with Youth at an Urban High School
Authors: Feldman Nancy
Published: April 2013

Young people in poor urban communities often feel powerless in the face of degradation, crumbling buildings, failing school systems, and ways of being related to that suggest little hope for the future. The experience of powerlessness has been identified as a key risk factor for poor physical and mental health. This article presents Let's Talk About It (LTAI), a school-based mental health program that provides opportunities for young people to exercise their power. Power in LTAI is understood as the process of collectively creating conditions for development. The methodological underpinnings of LTAI are discussed, followed by practice vignettes and implications for youth–practitioner collaboration in social work practice.
Getting off TANF: Experiences of Rural Mothers
Authors: Dolan Elizabeth , Braun Bonnie , Katras Mary Jo , Seiling Sharon
Published: April 2013

This 3-year study followed 16 rural mothers who left Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. A family economic functioning framework was used to identify pathways and barriers to financial self-sufficiency. At a designated point, most mothers had incomes below 130% of poverty level, inadequate to support families financially. This was found to be a result of barriers such as low levels of education, limited employment choices, and transportation problems. Those with higher incomes had access to education or training programs and reliable transportation. For many of the mothers, extended family support was critical for getting off TANF. This framework provides social workers with a tool to determine the best points of intervention to reduce barriers and enhance pathways to success.
Survival Analyses of the Dynamics of Sibling Experiences in Foster Care
Authors: Albert Vicky N. , King William C.
Published: April 2013

The present study compares reunification for sibling groups in foster care under alternate placement conditions, including placement with kin and entering care within the same month. The findings suggest siblings placed completely or partially together reunify at a faster rate than those placed apart. The gap between siblings placed completely or partially together and those placed completely apart increases over time, in particular after the first year in care. Fewer of those placed together remain in care during the first 8 months than those placed apart. Efforts to place siblings together should be strengthened. Monetary incentives might encourage more foster parents to provide homes to keep siblings together. Training foster parents about sibling issues may lead to more intact placements.
No Gain, No Pain: Ethics and the Genomic Revolution
Authors: Hall Martin T. , Scheyett Anna , Strom-Gottfried Kimberly
Published: April 2013

The mapping of the human genome and scientific discoveries regarding genetic contributions to disease hold great promise for the prevention and treatment of an array of conditions. Social workers and other professionals must keep abreast of these developments and the ethical dimensions of such progress. Familiar ethical provisions such as confidentiality, informed consent, self-determination, and social justice take on new meaning in light of innovations in genetic science. This article reviews ethical issues and practice implications emerging from advances in genetics knowledge, and it suggests mechanisms for continuing professional development and involvement in this important area.
The Experiences of Minority Immigrant Families Receiving Child Welfare Services: Seeking to Understand how to Reduce Risk and Increase Protective Factors
Authors: Maiter Sarah , Stalker Carol A. , Alaggia Ramona
Published: April 2013

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.1 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.
Social Work's Evolution in the United Kingdom: A Study of Community Care and Social Control
Authors: Harrison W. David
Published: April 2013

Community social work was a model of practice that was advocated by many roughly from the late 1970s through the 1980s, in the United Kingdom. The approach faded as the field of social work and social services changed drastically in subsequent years. This study conducted in 2006 and 2007, follows up a 1984 study of community social work advocates to learn how the same people understood the changes that occurred over more than 20 years. A total of 9 of the original 30 participants discussed the important role of social policy and social changes that appear to have led toward more individualized, mechanistic, and often control-oriented services.
Comparison of American Indian/Alaskan Natives to Non-Indians in Out-of-Home Care
Authors: Carter Vernon B.
Published: April 2013

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.
The Virtuous Social Worker: The Role of “Thirdness” in Ethical Decision Making
Authors: Arnd-Caddigan Margaret , Pozzuto Richard
Published: April 2013

The meaning of the term empathy has been refined in the last few decades. The updated understanding of the term impacts the understanding of the social worker–client relationship. The nature and meaning of relationship may impact one's ethical decision making. For some, ethical practice is premised upon being able to enter into a relationship with the client that is based on empathy as it is currently defined. Practice implications follow from the relationship between empathy and ethics. These include clarification of methods to support the clients agency the nature of boundaries, and the use of self. All of the practice suggestions flow from the notion that we must critically analyze our orientation toward relationship in social work practice.
Growing through Organizational Change
Authors: Callahan Ann M.
Published: April 2013

This article describes the authors experience as an organizational change agent. The need to enhance client access to mental health care was the rallying cry for clinic transformation. The author describes how facility management, staff development, and therapeutic community were used to improve clinic functioning. The article ends with suggestions for how the reader might engage in organizational change.
Child Welfare Workers' Use of Theory in Working with Physical Child Abuse: Implications for Professional Supervision
Authors: Darlington Yvonne , Osmond Jennifer , Peile Colin
Published: April 2013

This article examines child welfare workers' understanding of physical child abuse and the implications for those supervising these workers. The article is based on the results of a study that involved in-depth interviews and focus groups with statutory child welfare workers. Analysis revealed that workers' understanding of physical child abuse embodied a wide range of ideas that were generally consistent with existing literature. The study highlights the value and utility of a reflective approach in stimulating and making explicit the theoretical underpinnings of child welfare workers practice. Specific implications for professional supervision are addressed.
Resiliency in Poor Single-Parent Families
Authors: Greeff Abraham P. , Fillis Alicia Jo-Anne
Published: April 2013

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.
Individual and Social Correlates of Efficacious Beliefs: Assessing the Moderating Effects of Parent–Daughter Relationship among Urban African American Female Adolescents
Authors: Lombe Margaret , Nebbitt Von E. , Mapson Andridia
Published: April 2013

African American adolescents living in inner-city environments have been disproportionately affected by a variety of social ills. Evidence has linked self-efficacy to several positive outcomes in adolescence including ability to negotiate risk, academic achievement, and greater orientation toward the future. This study assesses multiple factors that might influence self-efficacy among female African American youth living in public housing developments. Results show that a youths attitude toward deviance was positively related to self-efficacy. Peer influence was related to efficacious belief. Maternal support was also associated with an increase in self-efficacy. Further, the quality of the mother–daughter relationship was important in predicting efficacious beliefs. Paternal behavior was inversely related to self-efficacy. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The Positives of Caregiving: Mothers’ Experiences Caregiving for a Child with Autism
Authors: Corman Michael K.
Published: April 2013

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 features associated with having a child with autism. As such, the more positive aspects of caregiving have been left in abeyance, portraying caregiving and autism as characterized by only negative experiences, prognoses, and outcomes. Based on mothers’ reflections, this article reports on some of the positives of caregiving. The findings provide a glimpse into a seldom studied side of caregiving–-events and experiences appraised by mothers in a positive and sometimes joyous light–-and the impact they have on mothers’ experiences. Furthermore, practical implications for social service professionals and families are discussed.
Treatment Philosophy and Service Delivery in a Network of Faith-Based Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Sung Hung-En , Chu Doris , Richter Linda , Shlosberg Amy
Published: April 2013

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. Using survey data from 80 TC administrators and counselors and 68 non-TC counterparts randomly selected from secular providers of substance abuse treatment, TC and non-TC providers were compared on these dimensions: views on human nature and morality perspectives on substance abuse and its treatment, structural capacity of the program and facilities, characteristics of the treatment population, service availability and utilization, and staff profiles. Findings revealed important differences as well as interesting similarities between TC and non-TC programs. Recommendations based on these findings are offered to both faith-based and secular service providers.
Away from Home: Paradoxes of Parenting for Mexican Immigrant Adults
Authors: Parsai Monica , Nieri Tanya , Villar Paula
Published: April 2013

This study explores immigrant parents’ experiences of raising children in the United States, using data from the Immigrant Parent Project, a larger study of immigrant parents from 6 nations. The authors conducted face-to-face qualitative interviews with 1 parent and 1 adolescent child from 30 families with at least 1 immigrant parent from Mexico. Findings suggest that parents experience several paradoxes related to freedom and control, American culture and Mexican culture, the provider and servant roles, and dreams of the future. Prior studies have typically examined immigrant parents’ effects on child outcomes. This study fills the research gap related to parents’ own experiences and outcomes and informs practitioners of Mexican immigrant parents’ unique parenting objectives.
Revisioning Cultural Competencies in Clinical Social Work Practice
Authors: Lee Eunjung
Published: April 2013

This article proposes a revision to the construct of cultural competencies into cross-cultural competencies (CCC), to include relational and dynamic aspects from clinical social work practice. This approach moves the construct beyond a 1-person system (i.e., cultural competence as a clinicians characteristic across diverse clients) to a 2-person system that interacts between 2 cultural beings, client and clinician. Comparing the National Association of Social Workers Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice with the American Psychological Association Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organizational Change for Psychologists, this article illustrates the unique emphasis of clinical social work practice on cross-cultural interactions. The implications of CCC for clinical social work practice are also discussed.
The Case of Edward: Exploration of Intraracial Dynamics and Internalized Oppression in the Context of Clinical Practice
Authors: Aymer Samuel R.
Published: April 2013

This article explores how internalized racial oppression affected the psychosocial functioning of Edward, an African American male client who struggled with racial identity problems. The African American racial identity developmental stage model proposed by Cross (1991) contextualizes aspects of Edwards “lived experiences.” Attachment, relational, and self-psychological notions are used to ground the clinical processes. This article addresses the usefulness of an intersubjectively informed relationship involving Edward and an African American male therapist, and practice considerations are elucidated.
Underclass Men in Batterer Intervention Programs: Disorders and Disparities
Authors: Bennett Larry W. , Hsieh Chang-Ming , Stoops Charles
Published: April 2013

The criminal justice system has come to rely on a batterer intervention program (BIP) in sentences for domestic violence offenders, but BIPs suffer from a reputation problem, with both completion and reoffense rates hovering around 50%. The role of social class in battering and in legally mandated BIPs, although indirectly referenced in most studies, is rarely examined as an explanatory factor. This article discusses the results of a study of 540 men arrested for domestic violence and sentenced to a BIP. Results suggest that social class is a significant predictor of program completion, with program completion for those categorized as overclass being twice those categorized as underclass. The authors discuss implications for community and criminal justice response to domestic violence.
Meditation and Treatment of Female Trauma Survivors of Interpersonal Abuses: Utilizing Clients’ Strengths
Authors: Lee Mo Yee , Zaharlick Amy , Akers Deborah
Published: April 2013

Clinical challenges encountered by trauma survivors revolve primarily around (a) recognizing and differentiating current emotional experiences and physical cues from trauma-based responses and (b) learning how to regulate emotions and behaviors that allow beneficial fulfillment of needs and goals as defined by current life context and not past trauma. Meditation provides a different and complementary “technology” for conceptualizing and providing treatment to trauma survivors. By training clients to attend to the present, enhancing their ability to stay physiologically calm, and increasing positive emotions, meditation practice allows clients to manifest their internal resources to address the problems of trauma. This article discusses meditation practice for treating trauma survivors and describes the meditation experience of two clients to illustrate the potential benefits of meditation in their recovery process.
React or Respond: A Guide to Apply Mindfulness for Families and Therapists
Authors: Napoli Maria
Published: April 2013

Mindfulness has been described as the ability to pay attention to one's present experience without judgment. This article attempts to integrate the understanding of mindfulness with tools for application for families and therapists. The application of mindfulness can offer families and therapists the opportunity to move from reacting to their experiences to responding, thereby aiding in emotional regulation. Families can create change in thinking and behavior by decreasing the activation of the stress response. Family therapists who are mindful can increase objectivity and are less likely to act upon negative countertransference. This article discusses a fourstep MAC Mindfulness Guide of empathic acknowledgment, intentional attention, nonjudgmental acceptance, and action toward change.
The Impact of Perceived Adequacy of Social Support on Caregiving Burden of Family Caregivers
Authors: Lai Daniel W. L. , Thomson Caroline
Published: April 2013

Social support is important for family caregivers. This study examined the effect of family caregivers’ perceived adequacy of social support on caregiver burden. Data were obtained from a random sample of 340 family caregivers of adults aged 65 and older in Calgary, Canada, through telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire. Three questions measured caregivers’ perceived adequacy of social support in emotional, caregiving-related activities and in financial and material assistance domains. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview. Using hierarchical multiple regression, a higher level of perceived adequacy of social support was significantly related to a lower level of caregiving burden. The findings illustrate the importance of practitioners providing tangible and affordable services to family caregivers.
The Effects of Familial Capital on the Academic Achievement of Elementary Latino/a Students
Authors: Williams Sheara A. , Dawson Beverly Araujo
Published: April 2013

While Latino/a students represent the fastest growing population in U.S. public schools, as a group, they are also considered at-risk in this system. Given the established evidence regarding family influences on children's academic achievement, we sought in this study to understand the effects of familial capital on the academic achievement of elementary school-age Latino/a students. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten, hierarchical linear model analyses were performed to identify family-related predictors of academic achievement for 2,840 Latino/a students. Findings demonstrate that possessing certain aspects of familial capital at school entry is predictive of future reading and math achievement at the end of third grade. Implications for strategies to strengthen familial capital in this context are discussed.
Theorizing Active Bystanders as Change Agents in Workplace Bullying of Social Workers
Authors: van Heugten Kate
Published: April 2013

This article analyses data on bystanders that emerged from a qualitative research project undertaken with 17 social workers who had been targets of workplace bullying. During presentations of the findings, questions that arose from practitioners included: Why do bystanders remain silent? and How may helpful responses be evoked? These questions led to a further review of the literature about the part bystanders play in school and workplace bullying, revealing the finding that bystanders may remain silent because they are simply uncertain about how they can assist when bullying occurs. Workplace wide interventions that educate workers about the negative impact of passivity and help them to become active peer supporters may be particularly effective in overcoming this serious workplace problem.
Reflections on Rural Social Work
Authors: Waltman Gretchen H.
Published: April 2013

Rural social work literature is an important resource for educators, policymakers, agency administrators, and practitioners interested in social work in rural areas. This article reviews 34 articles and 1 commentary on rural social work, published from 1981 to mid-2009 in Families in Society and its predecessor, Social Casework. The entries are separated into categories to enhance reader utility: Research and Theory, Direct Practice Issues, Delivery and Management of Services, Global and Cultural Perspectives, and Historical Perspective. Key issues and enduring themes in this review are identified and discussed to demonstrate applications to practice, in order to benefit rural clients and communities. This article also reveals gaps in the rural social work literature and encourages academic–practitioner collaboration in future submissions.
Parents' Participation in Child Protection Practice: Toward Respect and Inclusion
Authors: Healy Karen , Darlington Yvonne , Feeney Judith A.
Published: April 2013

In this article, we focus on parents' opportunities for, and experiences of, participation in child protection decision making in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of 10 interviews with parents who have children 0–8 years of age and who have been subject to child protection investigation, we examine parents' perceptions of the process. Parents reported a range of difficulties in interactions with practitioners, including family-related and systemic factors; the most common grievances involved poor communication practices and negative worker attitudes, which created further disengagement. Conversely, interactions involving a willingness to listen, support, and provide for goal-focused plans were seen as facilitating positive outcomes. Taking into account the case complexity and interrelationships between workers' and clients' attitudes and behaviours, we discuss strategies for promoting parents' participation.
Toward Sustainable Post-Katrina Recovery: Lessons Learned from African American Neighborhoods
Authors: Pyles Loretta
Published: April 2013

This article reports on data from focus groups conducted in low-income African American neighborhoods in post-Katrina New Orleans. Findings indicate 7 domains identified by research participants as central to neighborhood revitalization: (a) physical space/environment; (b) crime and safety; (c) housing; (d) health and social services; (e) children, youth, and family; (f) education and employment; and (g) community and social capital. Findings reveal that the domains are mutually dependent. The author employs sustainable recovery and assets approaches to discuss the meaning of the data and to offer implications for disaster policy and practice.
Review of Research on Black Families who Formally Adopted Black Children
Authors: Gillum Nerissa LeBlanc
Published: April 2013

Even though children can flourish in formal (legal) adoptions, unique issues may challenge the functioning of their adoptive families. Culturally appropriate services should be designed to address specific needs of adopted children and their families. Considering the importance of research in informing policies and practices relevant to these services, little research is focused on the experiences of Black families who adopt Black children. Therefore, a literature review was conducted to learn of past and current research and to suggest future directions of research that can be useful in helping children and their families. Although research involved a variety of topics, more comprehensive research is recommended.
Helping Low-Income Mothers Overcome Multiple Barriers to Self-Sufficiency: Strategies and Implications for Human Services Professionals
Authors: Ellerbe Tee , Carlton Erik L. , Ramlow Barbara E. , Leukefeld Carl G. , Delaney Melissa , Staton-Tindall Michele
Published: April 2013

Women involved in public assistance and child welfare systems often must overcome multiple barriers to self-sufficiency and family stability or face sanctions or loss of benefits. Kentucky's Targeted Assessment Program (TAP) is an innovative model for assisting these women by placing human services professionals in public assistance and child welfare offices to provide support services and promote integrated service delivery This article discusses TAP program data for years 2005 through 2008, as well as initial 6-month follow-up data. These data suggest that TAP is effective in reducing the burden of barriers faced by participants. TAP strategies are discussed for their utility in informing practice models of human services agencies to proactively promote participant success in overcoming barriers.
What Does it Mean for an Intervention to “Work”? Making Sense of Conflicting Treatment Outcomes for Youth Facing Emotional Problems
Authors: Hess Jacob Z. , Lacasse Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2013

As public and professional attention to outcome and evaluation research grows, focus commonly remains centered on the question, “Does this treatment work or not?” Consequently, much less emphasis is given to what exactly it means for a treatment to be effective. This article examines 5 issues relevant to whether an intervention is deemed successful or not: (a) Sponsorship: Who generates the empirical evidence? (b) Sensitivity: How deep does the evidence gathering go? (c) Scope: Over what time period does the evidence span? (d) Source: According to which data is a determination reached? (e) Fairness: How seriously are negative cases examined? After exploring each issue, larger implications for youth treatment are discussed. Ultimately, we propose that current trends warrant more thoughtful deliberation and education among citizens and practitioners about treatment outcomes generally.
What Couples who Adopt Children from Child Welfare Want Professionals to Know about Supporting Their Marriages
Authors: Mooradian John K. , Hock Robert M. , Jackson Rosemary , Timm Tina M.
Published: April 2013

This article provides suggestions for supporting the marriages of couples who adopt children from the child welfare system. These suggestions emerged from qualitative data obtained from 22 spouses in 4 focus groups. Data reveal that couples want professionals to address the impact of adoption on the marital relationship prior to placement of children, to facilitate contact among adoptive couples that focuses on couple relationships in addition to parenting issues after children have been placed, and to actively support the marital relationship in postplacement/postadoption services even when children's behaviors or needs constitute the presenting problem. Taken together, results indicate that it is appropriate for a broad range of professionals to address the couple relationship throughout the adoption process.
Countertransference with Clients who Have Schizophrenia: A Social Work Perspective
Authors: Walsh Joseph
Published: April 2013

Social work practitioners face particular challenges when working with clients who have schizophrenia, as it is often difficult to develop positive relationships with them. Social workers' ability to engage with their clients is critical and depends in part on the social workers' sensitivity to countertransference reactions. The purpose of this article is to review the potentially positive and negative effects of social workers' countertransference feelings when working with clients who have schizophrenia. The topic is addressed through a consideration of the nature of schizophrenia, the nature of transference and countertransference, and a detailed case presentation.
Private Charitable Giving during Economic Recessions
Authors: Shaefer H. Luke , Boudreaux Tessa
Published: April 2013

This study examines trends in private charitable giving over the past 40 years—a period that includes 7 official recessions. These data suggest that Americans have historically remained consistent in their charitable giving during recessions, although giving has declined during the Great Recession years. By some measures, Americans appear to have become markedly more generous since the early 1990s. Common feelings of scarcity in funding among human services leaders are not unfounded, though, even prior to recent years. Charitable giving dollars—and indeed total revenue dollars—per human services organization have fallen, as growth in the number of agencies has outpaced the substantial growth in revenue sources.
Growing up in Open Adoption: Young Adults' Perspectives
Authors: Siegel Deborah H.
Published: April 2013

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.
The Effects of Adolescent Heavy Drinking on the Timing and Stability of Cohabitation and Marriage
Authors: Williams Lela Rankin , Wray-Lake Laura , Loken Eric , Maggs Jennifer L.
Published: April 2013

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%) 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.
Practitioner Perspectives of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Wharton Tracy C. , Bolland Kathleen A.
Published: April 2013

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 evidence-based practice (EBP). This survey of a national sample of social workers adds to our knowledge about how social workers locate information, how they determine the usefulness of the information, what barriers exist for the use of an EBP process, and whether their workplaces are oriented toward EBP. Findings suggest that barriers may be more complex than previously reported, but that social workers find evidence, read the professional literature, and consult with peers and mentors, often despite poor workplace support. Suggestions for dissemination of information are made, and a model of evidence use in practice is proposed.
Reactance and the Child Welfare Client: Interpreting Parents’ Resistance to Services through the Lens of Reactance Theory
Authors: Mirick Rebecca G.
Published: April 2013

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.
Are Strong Work-First Welfare Policies Aligned with Generous Child Care Provisions? What States Are Doing and the Implications for Social Work
Authors: Ha Yoonsook , Ybarra Marci
Published: April 2013

Welfare reform devolved authority to states in designing and implementing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and child care subsidy programs, thereby creating substantial variation in both programs across states. TANF and child care subsidy programs are, in theory, designed to work together to support employment among low-income families, yet we have little information on how these two programs collectively impact work and family life among the target population. This study examines the intensity of TANF work requirements and generosity of child care subsidy provisions across states and the interaction of the two programs. Overall, we find that states with stringent work requirements do not typically provide generous child care subsidies. This article discusses the implications for families, policy, and social work practice in light of our findings.
Transcendence from Trauma and Terrorism: A Taoistic Reflection
Authors: Yip Kam-shing
Published: April 2013

What one calls calamity is often a fortune under disguise. What one calls fortune is often a call of calamity. Who knows what the final outcome will be? How can there be absolute right! The right may turn out to be wrong. The good may turn out to be evil.

—Lao Tzu, translated by Cheng, (1995), Ch. 5
Family Preservation: An Unidentified Approach in Elder Abuse Protection
Authors: Bergeron L. René
Published: April 2013

Currently family preservation is not recognized as a viable approach in elder abuse practice. Yet most elder abuse in domestic settings is perpetrated by family members, and, in cases in which elders are being abused by family members, many times elders choose not to change their living situations. For this article, the author reexamined findings from a 1996 exploratory study the author conducted of decisional factors used by New Hampshire's elder protection service workers to explore the role family preservation had in their elder abuse practice. By comparing the decisional factors found in the original study to an index the author created of characteristics of a family preservation model, several factors were identified as characteristics of a family preservation approach. The findings reveal participants used, to a certain extent, a family preservation approach with little agency and community service provider support. The author concluded that further research should be conducted to see if the family preservation model would help in identifying a universal practice model in elder abuse work to more clearly address some of the complexities of providing intervention to the elderly suffering from domestic violence.
Equally Devout, but Do They Speak the Same Language? Comparing the Religious Beliefs and Practices of Social Workers and the General Public
Authors: Hodge David R.
Published: April 2013

While the profession is witnessing growing interest in addressing consumers' spiritual and religious strengths, no studies have explicitly sought to compare the religious values of social workers with those of the general public. This study uses a nationally representative data set, the General Social Survey, to compare the beliefs and practices of graduate-level (n = 53) and bachelor-level (n = 92) social workers with those of the lower, working, and middle classes. The results suggest that the contents of belief systems differ, particularly between graduate workers and the lower and working classes, with social workers being more likely to endorse liberal religious beliefs. Yet, while the belief systems differed, there was little variation in expression, as social workers were roughly as likely to attend services and consider themselves strong adherents of their faith as members of the lower, working, and middle classes. The paper concludes by discussing some of the implications of the difference in belief systems.
The Deconstruction of Professional Knowledge: Accountability without Authority
Authors: Sellick Margaret McKee , Delaney Roger , Brownlee Keith
Published: April 2013

Many practitioners feel a growing despair over the foundations of their knowledge—over what it is they can claim to know—and how they are supposed to use this knowledge to help rather than disempower the people they serve. This paper argues that our accountability to the people we serve will come not from efforts to prove the authority of our knowledge, but from a more reflective and dialogic engagement with our knowledge, and with the people served through it—an engagement that seeks constantly to problematize our knowing, to probe and critique it, to trace its origins and assumptions, and explore its implications, to open it to inquiry and transformation.