bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonmarital Co-parenting: Knowledge Building for Practice
Authors: Vosler Nancy R. , Robertson John G.
Published: April 2013

The number of children born in the U.S. to nonmarried parents is increasing, and these children are at risk of deleterious outcomes. However, little is known about relationships between unmarried fathers and mothers. Based on a review of extant empirical research and on a multilevel social systems theoretical framework, a practice model is proposed that identifies 12 key factors for further knowledge-development: child well-being, mother's well-being, father's well-being, mother–child relationship, father–child relationship, mother–father relationship, maternal extended family relationships, paternal extended family relationships, neighborhood characteristics, mother's family background, father's family background, and public services and institutional structures. Implications for multilevel approaches to social work practice include needed interventions at both macro and micro levels that address poverty, housing and neighborhood stabilization, employment, child care, human capital development, health and mental health services, family and individual counseling, and parenting skills. Further research must focus on this specific population of “fragile families,” including development and evaluation of effective policies, programs, and services.
Social Workers' Views of Parents of Children with Mental and Emotional Disabilities
Authors: Johnson Harriette C. , Renaud Edwin F. , Schmidt Diane T. , Stanek Edward J.
Published: April 2013

In response to concerns expressed by parents of children with emotional and mental disabilities about professionals' attitudes and beliefs, the authors surveyed the views of a sample of clinical social workers. The majority of respondents in a national random sample endorsed statements expressing validating attitudes toward parents, agreement with open information sharing, and agreement with providing specific guidance to parents about how to help their children. However, the views of a substantial minority of social workers were antithetical to a parent-friendly perspective. The most problematic area was the prevalence of parent-blaming beliefs reported by approximately half of the social workers. The view that medication was helpful correlated positively with validating views of parents and correlated negatively with blaming them for their children's problems. The belief that research-based knowledge is important for practice and that medical journals are a good source of information about emotional problems correlated with support for open information sharing and the view that medication was helpful. Seeing a child as the identified patient in a dysfunctional family, perceiving parents' views as useful primarily as clues to family dynamics, and seldom feeling the need to refer to other disciplines, correlated positively with blame, negatively with the use of medication, and negatively with validating attitudes.
Evaluation of Six Family-Support Programs: Are They Effective?
Authors: Comer Edna W. , Fraser Mark W.
Published: April 2013

Family-support programs employ multiple strategies in an effort to strengthen families and promote the well-being of children. The multidimensionality of these programs—viewed by many experts as a strength—renders them particularly difficult to evaluate. As a result of this complexity, little information is available on the effectiveness of family-support programs. The authors examine outcome research from six family-support programs. Each of the programs was subjected to rigorous program evaluation. The findings from this research are summarized across six dimensions, including program description, intervention strategies, target population, evaluation design, outcome measures, and observed outcomes. Findings from these six programs suggests that there are positive outcomes for young children and their parents. The authors caution that too few studies that involve manualized interventions, and broad assessment over time of randomized groups have been conducted. In these six evaluations, however, program families demonstrated enhanced child, parent, and family functioning. Additionally, these programs appear to improve parent education and produce gains in both immediate and long-term effects on housing and income.
Tag-Team Parenting: Costs and Benefits of Utilizing Nonoverlapping Shift Work in Families with Young Children
Authors: Hattery Angela J.
Published: April 2013

Qualitative data are analyzed in an attempt to further understand the costs and benefits of utilizing nonoverlapping shift work as a strategy for balancing and weaving work and family. In addition to saving on child care costs, this strategy appeals to many families with young children because it enables the parents to provide all of the child care themselves. Though many families cite difficulties with scheduling, most say that the negative effects are tolerable because this strategy allows them to provide for their children on their own. However, two negative consequences of engaging in nonoverlapping shift work: the lack of marital couple time and the effects of “solo parenting,” are also examined. Citing a need for additional research on this topic, the authors conclude with suggestions for the nature and type of research.
Are Barriers to Service and Parental Preference Match for Service Related to Urban Child Mental Health Service Use?
Authors: Bannon William M. , McKay Mary M.
Published: April 2013

The authors sought to examine how parental preference match for service and various types of barriers to service relate to involvement in urban child mental health care. A single-group longitudinal design was used to examine whether service use at an outpatient child mental health clinic was related to parents receiving the type of service they reported wanting for their child at intake and various types of barriers to service. Families who received the service parents reported wanting for their child attended on average 2 treatment sessions more, whereas barriers were unrelated to service use. Considering parent preference for child mental health service may be an effective strategy in increasing service involvement in urban child mental health care.
Association between Unmet Needs for Community Services and Caregiving Strain
Authors: Li Hong , Chadiha Letha A. , Morrow-Howell Nancy
Published: April 2013

This study describes informal caregivers' unmet needs for community services and investigates the association between unmet needs and caregiving strain. The data used in this study were extracted from the Family Caregiving in the U.S. Survey and included 463 caregivers caring for an older adult who received community services. Among these caregivers, over one-third reported that the community services used by the care receivers did not meet their needs. Findings indicated informal caregivers who reported unmet needs were more likely to experience higher levels of emotional strain than those who did not report unmet needs after potential confounding factors were controlled for. However, the relationship between unmet needs and physical strain was marginally significant.
Integrating Behavioral Health Services within a Primary Care Center in a Rural Setting
Authors: Bauer Dana , Batson Richelle , Hayden Wilburn , Counts Mona M.
Published: April 2013

The Rural Care Program is a pilot program that has been developed to integrate generalist social work practice into a primary care center. The premise of the program is to provide a holistic model of health care, with licensed masters-level social workers providing behavioral health therapeutic interventions in addition to case management, community development, and information and referral. This article describes the development and implementation process of the program, emphasizing the effectiveness of rural generalist practice in enhancing service delivery in the rural environment. This program is the result of a successful collaborative effort among the masters in social work program at California University of Pennsylvania, the Primary Care Center of Mt. Morris, the Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing, and the Staunton Farm Foundation, a family foundation providing support for nonprofits addressing the behavioral health needs within a 10 county region of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Evaluation of a Rural Healthy Families America (HFA) Program: The Importance of Context
Authors: Whipple Ellen E. , Nathans Laura L.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes sociodemographics, program involvement, and outcomes for 115 families involved in a rural HFA program. HFA-involved families fared well in concrete areas, yet demonstrated fewer positive changes in abstract goals. Subgroup analyses revealed relationships between mothers' sociodemographic characturistics and outcomes. HFA programs must allow for variability in implementation based on context. The effectiveness of persistent outreach in a geographically-dispersed area with families who do not engage with home visitors merits reexamination. While the riskiest families should always be given the opportunity to participate, we suggest that rural implementation may be most effective when utilized as part of a triage case management model which better integrates child welfare, mental and physical health care systems.
Fatherhood and Immigration: Perceptions of Israeli Immigrant Fathers from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Strier Roni , Roer-Strier Dorit
Published: April 2013

Social services in multicultural societies often assist families in cultural transitions. These processes are seen as carrying potential risks and threats for families and children. Studies primarily examine immigration as a complex transition that affects the stability and continuity of family roles. This study focuses on the impact of immigration on the role of fathers. Moving away both from the risk theory of immigration and the deficit theory of fatherhood, this study focuses rather on the systemic barriers and obstacles facing immigrant fathers in their new country and the positive opportunities this change represents for them and their families. The study examines the impact of immigration on fatherhood by comparing Ethiopian and former Soviet Union Israeli immigrant fathers' perceptions of fatherhood in the midst of cultural change.
Intensive Home-Based and Wellness Services to Native American Families Living on Reservations: A Model
Authors: Napoli Maria , Gonzalez-Santin Edwin
Published: April 2013

For decades, providing services to Native American families residing on reservations has presented challenges to the social work profession. Historically, and in some locations currently, the federal government has been the primary family service provider. Non-Indian workers in key programs and administrative positions often staff these federal services. Often service delivery by non-Native workers is organized, administered, and delivered in a culturally insensitive manner. There has recently been an increase in American Indians that provide services for their own and neighboring Indian communities, but the issue of effective service delivery remains. This paper suggests a model of intensive home-based treatment and wellness services to Native American families living on reservations. The model acknowledges the importance of culturally competent leadership and workers, focuses on the prevention of placing of adults, elders, and children off the reservation, and maintaining balance in the family by emphasizing tribal values and wellness.
Welfare Recipient Views about Caseworker Performance: Lessons for Developing TANF Case Management Practices
Authors: Anderson Steven G.
Published: April 2013

As states implement Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, the importance of public assistance caseworker functioning has been magnified. Based on personal interviews with 60 recipients, this article presents recipient perspectives about caseworker performance in one pre-TANF welfare reform program. While assessments of caseworker performance were mixed, study respondents consistently emphasized three dimensions in evaluating caseworker performance: substantive competence, accessibility, and interpersonal relations. Respondents rarely mentioned empowerment, strength building, or other casework practices that have been emphasized in social work practice literature. It was concluded that developing caseworker competence along the basic performance dimensions stressed by respondents may be a prerequisite to the establishment of more substantial helping relationships. Discussion includes prospects for infusing empowerment and strength-building perspectives into TANF case manager roles.
Welfare Reform: Reforming Welfare or Reforming Families?
Authors: Crowell Linda F.
Published: April 2013

What is the real goal of welfare reform? During the push to “end welfare as we know it,” many agreed that the policy that had been in place for over 31 years needed to be replaced. The major goal of reform was to help recipients become self-sufficient by enabling them to find stable jobs with sufficient earnings, thereby breaking the cycle of dependency. In formulating such a sweeping policy, many factors must be considered; yet the perceptions, and the experiences and realities of recipients that impact their progress toward self-sufficiency were not included in the policy debate. This paper presents data from a study conducted in Summit County (Akron, OH) that gathered demographic data and data on JOBS Program participants' experiences and perceptions. It also presents results from focus groups and focused interviews that provide a picture of recipients' feelings about being on welfare, finding jobs, and understanding of welfare reform.
Outpatient Commitment for Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities: Examining the Underlying Assumptions
Authors: Carpenter Jenneth
Published: April 2013

Outpatient commitment laws have been proposed as one way to increase service utilization among adults with psychiatric disabilities. While these laws vary from state to state, they are linked by a common set of assumptions about mental health consumers and services. Due to special circumstances surrounding its passage, New York's Assisted Outpatient Treatment Act (AOT) provides an excellent opportunity to examine these assumptions. It is argued that AOT is founded on the following assumptions: Mental health consumers are by definition not competent to direct their recovery; the decision not to use formal mental health services is a symptom of the disability and evidence of poor insight; the best intervention for psychiatric disability is a primarily medical one; and mental health services are universally and consistently helpful. Based on a critique of these assumptions, the author recommends that future research on this and other outpatient commitment policies focus on the consumer experience. In addition, future policies should be designed around a consideration of mental health consumers as a resilient, rather than vulnerable, population. Social workers are urged to apply these arguments to their practice and advocacy.
Adolescent Self-Care: Reviewing the Risks
Authors: Stewart Robin
Published: April 2013

This paper uses an ecological perspective to review the risks associated with extensive self-care among adolescents in the United States. While extensive resources have been directed toward the care of younger children, many adolescents make the transition into self-care before they are developmentally ready. Research shows that extensive self-care is associated with increases in problem behaviors such as substance use, increased influence by peers, truancy, and risk-taking. This paper explores: (a) the impact of adolescent development on self-care risks, (b) prevalence of problem behaviors in the adolescent environment, and (c) research results which relate to risk and protective factors in adolescent self-care.
African American Female Caregivers of Family Members Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Tolliver Derise E.
Published: April 2013

Eight African American women were interviewed to better understand their experiences providing care for relatives who were living with HIV/AIDS. Individual interviews and a focus group discussion took place, investigating the following issues: disclosure, caregiver stress and coping, and support. They were also asked to give advice to other caregivers. These women's lives were marked by stress and change, and they used a variety of strategies to cope in their AIDS caregiving role. They experienced a range of emotions because of the new responsibilities that accompanied the resumption of the caregiving role that many thought they had completed. However, they all willingly took on the challenge. They expressed having a strong sense of spiritual faith, and several felt empowered to become active in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The need for adequate support systems, both formal and informal, was a unanimous concern. The findings of this exploratory study are discussed in terms of the support needs of African American female AIDS caregivers, the possible influence of culture and societal values, and the implications for future research and program development.
Social Work and Deliverance Practice: The Pentecostal Experience
Authors: Belcher John R. , Cascio Toni
Published: April 2013

The authors discuss the relevance, propriety, and use of prayer in addressing the recovery of women from substance use. They describe the use of prayer to facilitate the process of rehabilitation and recovery of women who are chemically dependent and illustrate the application of prayer in the context of group treatment and support.
Consideration of Cultural Factors in Working with Chinese American Families with a Mentally Ill Patient
Authors: Kung Winnie W.
Published: April 2013

Cultural beliefs of Chinese American families are discussed in relation to their caregiving experience of a mentally ill relative. Implications of such beliefs to mental health professionals are highlighted. Somatic factors and psychosocial stresses as causes of mental disorders are found compatible to the belief systems of these families. The stress-vulnerability dialysis is recommended as the explanatory model to be adopted by clinicians when they communicate the causes of mental illness to these families. In view of the pressure experienced by these families in the caregiving process and their relative social isolation as a result of their immigrant status, ways to harness the support from extended families and community resources are suggested. Also examined is a viable working alliance between these families and clinicians in terms of a therapeutic bond, consensual treatment goals, and relevant tasks. Finally, elements of a family intervention model compatible with cultural beliefs of these families are proposed.
On Creating a Space: An Interview with Parker Palmer
Authors: Powell William E.
Published: April 2013

Increasingly, social work educators introduce the thoughts of Parker Palmer into their discussions of teaching methodology, course content, and the occupation of teaching. While not himself a social worker, Palmer's thoughts about teaching, on creating a “space” or conditions within which people can learn and change, and on the spiritual and relational aspects of human learning resonate with many social work educators. Parker Palmer is a writer, consultant, and lecturer who addresses issues in education, spirituality, community, and social change. He is a senior associate of the American Association for Higher Education, senior advisor to the Fetzer Institute, and the author of such books as To Know as We Are Known, Let Your life Speak, The Courage to Teach, The Active Life, and The Company of Strangers. Palmer has received five honorary doctorates for his writing and numerous other awards. He resides in Madison, Wisconsin where he is also a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). This interview was conducted to elicit Palmer's thoughts on teaching, learning, relating, and the academic preparation of social workers and took place on a cold and dreary late winter afternoon at his home in Madison. A range of subjects was discussed and he was quite gracious and generous with his time.
Common Factors in Psychotherapy Outcome: Meta-Analytic Findings and Their Implications for Practice and Research
Authors: Drisko James W.
Published: April 2013

It is often reported in meta-analytic studies of adult psychotherapy that psychotherapy produces positive change but that there are few significant differences between different types of psychotherapy. Because meta-analyses indicate more similarities than differences among therapies, the “active ingredients” of therapy appear to include important factors in addition to specific therapeutic techniques. Research on common factors across therapies has existed for more than 60 years but is rarely mentioned in the social work literature. Common factors include the client and the client's context, the therapeutic relationship, and expectancy. These studies support the worth of the efforts of social work practitioners, suggest avenues for future research, and have implications for policy and education. The author of this article describes relevant meta-analytic studies of adult psychotherapy, examines the common factors perspective on psychotherapy efficacy, and sets forth implications for social work.
A Differential Model of Advocacy in Social Work Practice
Authors: Freddolino Paul P. , Moxley David P. , Hyduk Christine A.
Published: April 2013

Although advocacy is a central aspect of social work practice, there is considerable variation in its purpose, aims, and roles within human services, infusing it with a rich and diverse character. On the basis of a differentiation of who controls the ends or outcomes of advocacy and who controls its means or process, the authors offer a differential model that encompasses four major traditions of advocacy within the profession: protecting the vulnerable, creating supports to enhance functioning, protecting and advancing claims or appeals, and fostering identity and control. The authors then identify four forms of advocacy and examine the conditions under which social workers are likely to employ each of the four variants.
Impact of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (1997) on Families of Color: Workers Share Their Thoughts
Authors: Curtis Carla M. , Denby Ramona W.
Published: April 2013

Child welfare advocates concerned about the well-being of children of color are waiting to see what impact the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 will have on this highly vulnerable group. Workers' perceptions of the impact of ASFA on children and families were the focus of this national survey. The results of the study indicate that children of color and their families may be among the groups who are most affected by the new legislation. Practice and policy implications are offered.
Experiences of Adults Abused as Children after Discharge from Inpatient Treatment: Informal Social Support and Self-Care Practices Related to Trauma Recovery
Authors: Harper Kim , Stalker Carol A. , Palmer Sally , Gadbois Sue
Published: April 2013

This qualitative study explored adults' perceptions of experiences that were helpful and unhelpful to their recovery from the traumatic effects of childhood physical and sexual abuse. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 30 participants approximately 6 months after discharge from an inpatient trauma treatment program. Participants reported that barriers to recovery postdischarge were lack of follow-up support immediately after discharge, social isolation, lack of friends, problems with partners, and lack of emotional support from family members. Facilitating factors were concrete support from family and friends; emotional support, particularly from friends; developing a social network unrelated to the abuse history; and continuing self-care strategies learned in the inpatient program. Implications for community-based mental health professionals are discussed.
Moving Best Practice to Evidence-Based Practice in Child Welfare
Authors: Kessler Michelle L. , Gira Emmanuelle , Poertner John
Published: April 2013

Increased emphasis is being placed on improving outcomes for abused and neglected children served by the child welfare system. To achieve this goal, the notion of “best practice” is widely embraced. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on its definition. Various interpretations include (a) practice wisdom, (b) emulating other systems, (c) expert consultants, (d) professional guidelines, and (e) evidence-based practice. In this article, the authors describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of these definitions. While all of them have a role to play in improving results of child welfare interventions, the authors argue that best practice is optimally defined as evidence-based practice. At the same time, there are many difficulties in employing this form of best practice, including a lack of evidence, the transfer of information, and the organizational culture in which the worker operates. Suggested solutions to these difficulties are discussed.
Askanim: Informal Helpers and Cultural Brokers as a Bridge to Secular Helpers for the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Communities of Israel and Canada
Authors: Lightman Ernie S. , Shor Ron
Published: April 2013

Within closed communities there can be scarcity of resources to deal with severe individual or family difficulties when they arise. In addition, the communities' closed boundaries may create barriers that prevent social services in the broader society from providing needed help. A model that attempts to overcome such barriers was examined in a qualitative study of 21 informal helpers known as askanim in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Canada and Israel. The findings highlight that askanim can play a key role in attempting to resolve problems internally within the community; should this fail, they can then serve as a bridge to the social services in the broader society. In both countries, professionals may approach them if they lack credibility, legitimacy, or information needed to assist families and children within a closed community. This model of collaboration that recognizes the limitations of professionals and the complementary role that resources from the community may have can potentially be applied to work with families and children in other closed communities as well.
Empowerment: The Point of View of Consumers
Authors: Boehm Amnon , Staples Lee H.
Published: April 2013

The theory about “empowerment” has been formulated primarily in the academy. Consumers and social work practitioners generally have not taken an active role in the theoretical development of this concept. This study examines empowerment from consumers' and social workers' point of view. Twenty focus groups composed of four different Israeli consumer populations and social workers serving them were examined. The findings reveal the significance of empowerment from the perspectives of the different groups and identify differences among the consumer populations, as well as between consumers and social workers. The perceptions of consumers and social workers about empowerment provide deeper insights into and sharper formulation of this concept. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Zen and Clinical Social Work: A Spiritual Approach to Practice
Authors: Brenner Mark J. , Homonoff Emeline
Published: April 2013

This exploratory study examined the influence of a personal practice of Zen Buddhist meditation on the professional work of clinical social workers. Three areas were explored with a sample of 10 clinical social workers who had prcticed Zen meditation for at least 5 years: practice framework, clinical practice, and interactions within larger systems. Analysis of the data generated from semistructured interviews revealed 3 interrelated, overarching themes: awareness, acceptance, and responsibility. Implications of these findings for the practice of clinical social work are offered.
An Inquiry into Practice Wisdom
Authors: Dybicz Phillip
Published: April 2013

Social work is unique among the social sciences in adopting the term practice wisdom. Why was the word wisdom chosen? Why didn't the terms practice knowledge or practical experience arise in its stead? This article examines various definitions of practice wisdom that have been previously offered. Then, turning to the work of Socrates, it examines the nature of wisdom. This leads to considering that the application of social work values, over that of efficacy of interventions, is what lies at the heart of practice wisdom.
Pregnant, Substance-Abusing, and Incarcerated: Exploratory Study of a Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
Authors: Kubiak Sheryl Pimlott , Young Amy , Siefert Kristine , Stewart Abigail
Published: April 2013

Interventions addressing the multiple needs of incarcerated women are rare. In this study, several measures were used to assess functional changes among pregnant, substance-dependent, incarcerated women transferred to a community-based residential treatment program that allowed their infants to reside with them. Women engaged in comprehensive therapeutic and skill-building activities for 6 to 9 months. The program's goal was to assist women in childbirth and in the continuing relationship with their child while improving psychological and social functioning. Examination of changes were limited to those who completed treatment and all measures (n = 27). Although significant improvements were noted, nearly half were discharged with symptoms indicative of a depressive disorder. Assessment of long-term outcomes comparing this group with pregnant women who remained in prison is under way.
Afrocentric Approaches to Working with African American Families
Authors: Stewart Pearl E.
Published: April 2013

Developing interventions that produce positive results for African American individuals and families continues to be a priority in the field of human services. This article begins with a review of the literature regarding Afrocentrism and the underlying tenets of Afrocentric thought. The work continues with a discussion of the cultural connections between African Americans and their African roots. It is those long-held traditions, behaviors, and values that make Afrocentric interventions relevant and appropriate for use with African Americans today. Descriptions of successful interventions that use Afrocentric methods to work with African American populations and suggestions for ways in which further intervention could be put into practice are given. Finally, implications for human services practice and policy are outlined.
Diverse Perceptions of Social Support: Asian Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Ow Rosaleen , Tan Ngoh Tiong , Goh Simon
Published: April 2013

This study examined the extent and sources of social support of Chinese and Malay Muslim mothers of children with intellectual disability in Singapore and attempted to expand the understanding of relationship-based perceptions of social support in these 2 population groups. Analysis of 6 areas, namely, informational, emotional, social, financial, childcare, and practical needs showed that Chinese mothers have a larger and more diversified network of perceived social support than their Malay Muslim counterparts. Discussion includes the role of cultural variables in the perception of social support network, the role of relationship strength in perceived social support, and strategies for enhancing the mental well-being and coping of Asian mothers of children with intellectual disability.
Key Determinants of a Mother's Decision to File for Child Support
Authors: Laakso Janice Hassebrock
Published: April 2013

About one-third of custodial mothers choose not to pursue a child support award even though it can be a significant source of income. A qualitative study was conducted with 43 mothers who have each had at least one child in a nonmarital relationship, to learn more about how mothers make the decision to file or not file for child support. The findings indicate that a key determinant in a mother's decision is the quality of her relationship with the father: a mother is less likely to file when the relationship is good and more likely to file when the relationship is poor or has ended. Other key determinants are family influence and availability of information about filing. Visitation was not found to influence these decisions. Unfortunately, mothers are often making their decisions without access to accurate and timely information. Social workers frequently are employed in settings that serve families faced with decisions about child support, and have numerous opportunities for intervention by providing both information and guidance about the decision.
Uncovering Survival Abilities in Children who Have Been Sexually Abused
Authors: Anderson Kim M.
Published: April 2013

The author combines the strengths perspective in social work with the resiliency literature in developmental psychopathology as guidelines for uncovering the survival strengths of children who have been sexually abused. Their survival abilities are often submerged beneath pain and discomfort and are difficult to elicit if the practitioner does not view their protective strategies as strengths. The essential elements of the strengths perspective and the resiliency literature are presented to reveal creative ways to work with children who have been sexually abused.
Social Work with the Older People of Tomorrow: Restoring the Person-in-Situation
Authors: Silverstone Barbara
Published: April 2013

The author proposes that, in practice with older adults, the social work profession revisit its traditional allegiance to the person-in-situation paradigm and redress an imbalance that has obscured older clients as persons in their own right. The case is made that older adults and their subjective reality must be restored as a focus of social work practice if the profession is to play a significant and much-needed role in community-based services to a growing future population of older persons living in their own homes and directing their lives but in need of support. Building on the practice wisdom of the past and current generic models of social work practice in North America, guidelines are presented as a starting place for building practice models applicable to older clients. The broader context of community health and social services programs is examined from the perspective of the obstacles to and potential opportunities for increasing professional social work services to older persons and their families.
Social Work in Health Care with Older Adults: Future Challenges
Authors: Berkman Barbara J. , Gardner Daniel S. , Zodikoff Bradley D. , Harootyan Linda K.
Published: April 2013

Dramatic changes in demography, epidemiology, and the financing and delivery of health care have significantly affected the lives of older adults and their families. The authors review current and future trends in aging and health care in the United States and their implications for social work practice in enhancing the health and well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Health care social work in the 21st century requires the development and application of evidence-based knowledge that reflects the interrelatedness of aging, physical and mental health, and intergenerational family processes. The authors demonstrate the value of social work research to issues that are in the forefront of gerontological health care practice, policy, and education.
Community Partnerships for Older Adults: A Case Study
Authors: Bolda Elise J. , Lowe Jane Isaacs , Maddox George L. , Patnaik Beverly S.
Published: April 2013

Over the past several decades, federal policy has made states and communities increasingly more responsible for providing long-term care for older adults. The Community Partnerships for Older Adults, a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, saw this as an opportunity to explore new, sustainable ways to meet current and future needs for community-based long-term care. This initiative focuses on collaborative organizational partnerships, a distinctive philosophy of teaching and learning through the exchange of experience between communities, and program learning focusing on known factors promoting organizational sustainability Using principles that emphasize the development of social capital and collective efficacy, the authors present a case study of the early experiences of this initiative to address the challenges inherent in meeting the growing supportive service needs of older adults. The implications of this multisite community intervention for social work education and practice in aging are discussed.
Infusing Aging Skills into the Social Work Practice Community: A New Look at Strategies for Continuing Professional Education
Authors: Geron Scott Miyake , Andrews Christina , Kuhn Kathy
Published: April 2013

As social work advances into the 21st century, dramatic increases in the aging of the U.S. population, shifting policy imperatives, and the emergence of new technologies have transformed the professional landscape in which social workers operate. To survive in today's world, social workers must be able to learn new skills and adapt to change. This article reviews the challenges facing the profession in transferring practice skills to social workers and describes the strategies of the Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) that address them. Well-designed training should provide a learning experience that is affordable, accessible and grounded in skill-based competencies. The challenge facing IGSW—and the broader social work community—is how to promote continuing education that maximizes these ends.
Chronic Child Neglect: Needed Developments in Theory and Practice
Authors: Wilson Dee , Horner William
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this article is to stimulate reflection and discussion on a subject that has received surprisingly little coverage: chronic child neglect. The article selectively reviews the literature and offers fresh observations and critical reflections pertaining to both causation and intervention. Chronic child neglect must, it is argued, be understood in greater depth and complexity in order to develop more effective interventions. In particular, a better understanding of the effects of long term, severe and concentrated poverty on parent's morale is needed to support interventions capable of infusing hope and bringing about a social world in which hope can thrive.
Perceptions of Social Support among Heterosexual and Homosexual Adopters
Authors: Kindle Peter A. , Erich Stephen
Published: April 2013

Social support is a key variable in adoptive family functioning, however, few have addressed this in reference to gay and lesbian adoptive families. Comparison of responses between gay and lesbian adoptees (n = 47) with heterosexual adoptees (n = 25) on a modified version of the Family Support Scale did not indicate differences in overall levels of family support. Differences did exist between the levels of social support in individual categories with heterosexuals relying on my relatives and my own children and gay and lesbians relying on partners and day care centers. Results supported the hypothesis that heterosexual adoptive parents relied more on family, but did not support the hypothesis that gay and lesbian adoptive parents relied more on friends.
The Feasibility of Intrafamily and In-Country Adoptions in the Marshall Islands
Authors: Roby Jini L. , Whittenburg Kristen Payne
Published: April 2013

This study examines the opinions and perceptions of 454 adults representing 15% of the total households in the Republic of Marshall Islands regarding intrafamily and in-country adoptions. Qualitative and quantitative methods yielded results indicating a nearly unanimous agreement for children staying within the extended family and against stranger, in-country, and international adoptions. Marked difference was found in the participants' willingness to raise kin vs. nonkin children, and an inverse relationship between education levels and willingness to raise nonkin children. Assistance necessary to support intrafamily and in-country adoptions is addressed, and preferred child welfare policies are ranked. Policy and research implications are discussed.
Who Heals the Helper? Facilitating the Social Worker's Grief
Authors: Strom-Gottfried Kimberly , Mowbray Nikki D.
Published: April 2013

Nurses, physicians, social workers, and other caregivers frequently encounter patient deaths in the course of their professional responsibilities. Although the literature in these fields addresses the cumulative effects of such losses in burnout and vicarious traumatization, scant attention is given to the manifestation of grief in professional caregivers and the strategies available to acknowledge and address the losses experiences in the course of professional practice. This article examines the scholarly literature from a variety of helping professions on anticipated and unanticipated loss, the impact on caregivers’ experience of grief, the variables that can compound or complicate the mourning process, and the available resources to assist social workers in processing and integrating patient deaths.
Older Adults who Overcame Oppression
Authors: Cohen Harriet L. , Greene Roberta R. , Lee Youjung , Gonzalez John , Evans Margaret
Published: April 2013

This article presents the results of a study that examined 24 ethnically diverse older adults’ autobiographical memories of critical life events involving discrimination and oppression. Narrative interviews reveal the impact that such experiences have on individual, family, and societal resilience. The study contributes to the growing body of research literature that allows for a deeper understanding of how a client's particular life story and personal experiences interplay with collective histories. It also discusses how clinicians, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, can benefit from conversations that mutually construct personal narratives that reveal circumstances pertinent to intervention strategies (Cohler & Cole, 1996; Gergen, 1996).
Noncustodial Fathers’ Involvement with Their Children: A Right or a Privilege?
Authors: Laakso Janice H. , Adams Sheri
Published: April 2013

This study explores the key determinants of noncustodial fathers’ involvement with their children. The stereotype that fathers have little interest in parenting their children is contradicted. The findings reveal that fathers are committed to parenting; however, actions on the part of the mothers and what the participants perceive to be bias on the part of the courts prevent fathers from having the relationship with their children they desire. Even fathers who have been committed early in the relationship to their children, pay child support, and give no justification for being denied parental rights do not necessarily get to spend time with their children. Parenting plans should be negotiated at the same time as child support orders and revisited periodically.
Can a Culturally Informed After-School Curriculum Make a Difference in Teen Pregnancy Prevention? Preliminary Evidence in the Case of San Antonio's Escuelitas
Authors: Méndez-Negrete Josephine , Saldaãa Lilliana P. , Vega Arturo
Published: April 2013

This article assesses whether a culturally informed, after-school program, known as Escuelitas (Spanish for “little schools”), effectively complements the social organization of the Mexican American homes and community in San Antonio, Texas, in dealing with issues like teen pregnancy, school drop out rates, and delinquency prevention. Parent, teacher, and participant attitudinal and perceptional data from academic years 2001–2002 and 2002–2003, as well as reading and math scores, are examined to assess the program's impact. Results are mixed. Although some findings do not show the desired results, other data demonstrate positive impacts in the lives of the girls and their caregivers. Escuelitas provides an interesting case for addressing teen pregnancy as a problem in the Latino community, particularly Mexican Americans.
Teenage Mothers in Parenting Programs: Exploring Welfare Outcomes during Early Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Sangalang Bernadette B.
Published: April 2013

This article compares welfare participation and economic well-being among 849 teenage mothers who received case management services from the Adolescent Parenting Program (APP) with a comparison group of 700 teenage mothers. A higher proportion of APP participants received welfare either as a child or after giving birth to their first baby. However, the findings do not reveal any significant associations with APP participation and the likelihood of longer welfare cash assistance receipt. Programs for adolescent mothers may be helpful in connecting them with welfare assistance when they are at most in need of such services, in keeping with the intended short-term use of the welfare program. Implications for practice with adolescent mothers and recommendations for future research are discussed.
The Impact of Sexual Abuse as Portrayed by Israeli Social Workers through the Victim Impact Statement
Authors: Leichtentritt Ronit D. , Arad Bilha Davidson
Published: April 2013

The current study reveals the forms of harm that Israeli social workers choose to portray to the judge through victim impact statements (VIS); what they choose to highlight; as well as the harmful aspects they choose to overlook. The study adopted an inductive-narrative approach; that is, the categories, themes, and patterns of analysis emerged from the data rather than being imposed by the outsiders. All statements focued on the same six themes: the child's emotional reactions; the child's behavioral, cognitive, and psychophysiological difficulties; the parents’ emotional responses; the family's restructuring; the victim's recommendations for punishment; and the social worker's diagnosis and prognosis. The similarities among the victims’ statements lead to several research and practical implications.
The Impact of Recruitment-Generated Bias on Qualitative Research Interviews with Foster Children
Authors: Bogolub Ellen B.
Published: April 2013

In a public child welfare agency, 6 children were recruited for a pilot qualitative study about foster children's transitions from birth homes to out-of-home care. Recruitment was protracted and in-depth and involved contact with children, birth parents, and foster parents. While conducting qualitative research interviews with the children, knowledge was gained about the impact of recruitment-generated bias on such interviews, a topic about which there appears to be no prior literature. Detailed vignettes illustrate how such bias can constrict the researcher's ability to understand foster children's communications. The impact of recruitment-generated bias on the researcher's professional relationships is identified. Suggestions to help researchers counter recruitment-generated bias and ideas for further study of recruitment-generated bias are offered.
A Framework for Family Visiting for Children in Long-Term Foster Care
Authors: Mapp Susan C.
Published: April 2013

Research has determined that family visiting for children in long-term foster care can be beneficial for children; however, there is a demonstrated gap between research and practice. This article reviews the existing literature to demonstrate the diverse, positive possibilities for children and develops a theoretical basis for a framework for family visiting for these children. Suggestions for successful family visiting and coping with reactions to visiting are discussed, as are common obstacles and methods for overcoming them.