In this study, emphasis has been placed on the fact that case work treatment with mothers depends upon the mother's personality. The analysis is made from 40 case records of mothers of pre-school children who were, because of problems of one sort or another, treated at the Child Guidance Clinic at Vancouver in 1950. The study analyzes case records for the above group of mothers, and it was noted that the mothers could be classified according to their personality type and a four-way classification is derived. The classification of the four groups is based upon the degree of adequacy of the mothers in terms of such factors as feelings of worth, security, self-confidence and several others. The mothers are described as "better than average", "average", "less than average", and "incomplete information". The latter group represents those mothers who were seen only once, and therefore, insufficient material is available to classify them according to the "adequacy rating" criteria. Mothers who were "better than average" were found to benefit most from treatment. The "less than average" mothers benefitted least. Treatment methods have been described descriptively. This study has employed the classification of treatment methods as derived by Mr. Geoffrey Glover in a previous study of a similar nature. Deviations from Mr. Glover's classification system are noted in the text of the study. Statistics are presented to show with what frequency the individual methods are employed by the social worker. The emphasis of the study is upon the way the mother's personality influences the worker's choice of treatment methods. It is noted that treatment in general falls into different, but over lapping phases. About 90 per cent of the treatment is found to be of a supportive nature, and 10 per cent of a more intensive kind. Mothers received more interviews than children, 58 per cent and 31 per cent respectively. Fathers received only 11 per cent of the interviews. A suggestion is made that additional training may be necessary if workers are to work on more intensive levels and to meet their accepted responsibility in treating very severely disturbed and upset clients. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

No description available.

This thesis is part of a larger study off all wards of the Children's Aid Society, Vancouver, who are not living in foster homes. Specifically, it is a study of the 16 wards whose whereabouts were unknown to the Society at the time the initial survey was undertaken in October, 1954. As a background to the study the historical development of child protection legislation in Great Britain and the United States is briefly described, particularly as it relates to the principle and status of public guardianship incorporated in Canadian legislation. In the Province of British Columbia, the Children's Aid Society, Vancouver, is responsible for carrying out the duties of guardianship and of supervision for children made wards of the Society, either until they attain the age of 21 years or until a court order is made returning the child to his parents. Legislation, moreover, specifies foster-home placement as the most desirable form of care for children made public wards. Accordingly, this study attempts to assess the effectiveness of public guardianship for a small group of wards who eventually became lost, with special reference to their problems of adjustment and foster-home placement. A simple schedule was devised appropriate for summarizing the quantitative and qualitative data contained in the files of the children and their families. Summary methods of classification were developed in order to analyse and compare the material. Examination of this material shows that the emotional deprivation and inconsistency in the parent-child relationships experienced by these-children during their early years often prevented them from adjusting to the foster home type of care. Moreover, it was evident that alternative forms of care and the casework services which the problems of these children demanded has not been available, with the result that they eventually became lost to the effective supervision of the Agency. Case illustrations for four of the children were used to present a more detailed and comprehensive picture of the needs of these children during their period in care and of the services provided by the Agency to assist in their better adjustment. The illustrations discuss the psycho-social history available from the case records, and point up the damaging effects on these children of certain experiences during their early childhood, exacerbated by their subsequent experience of foster-home placements. The study led to the formulation of certain recommendations, the most important of these being the need for complete diagnostic assessment of the child both when he is first admitted to care and at continuing intervals throughout his period in care. From this diagnosis a plan for the care of the child should be made which will satisfy his needs. Three types of residential units are suggested which would provide the appropriate placement and treatment facilities required by those children for whom foster-home placement has proved unsuitable. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

This study analyzes variables in the child protection apprehensions and judicial dispositions within the British Columbia child welfare system. The study was based on a 10% sample of children apprehended into care of the B.C. Superintendent of Family and Child Service in 1989. It includes the following specific objectives: 1) To review reasons children were being apprehended into care and develop a socio-economic and demographic profile of these children and their families. 2) To determine percentages of congruence between social workers' recommendations to the court and judicial dispositions at the first two stages of child protection court proceedings. 3) To identify factors which impact case outcomes and account for discrepancies between social workers' recommendations and judicial dispositions. 4. To explore the policy and practice implications of the research findings. The profile of the apprehended children illustrated that a majority came into care for reasons characteristic of neglect by omission rather than abuse by commission. Reasons for admission to care appeared to be related to the age and sex of the child, as well as family constellation. In analyzing the relationships between the reasons for the child's apprehension in comparison to the parents' social, economic and educational status, it was demonstrated that children were predominantly apprehended from households headed by parents with limited education, low income and/or semi-skilled employment. Single female parents, parents on income assistance, aboriginal families, younger families, living in multiple dwellings, were statistically over-represented when compared to the general population. The majority of court hearings proceeded within the time-frames set out in B.C. child protection legislation. The social workers' recommendations to the court were statistically associated with the judicial dispositions at the initial presentation to the court, and only slightly less so at the protection hearing. Whether the parents attended court and had legal counsel played a significant role in influencing the court's disposition, particularly at the protection hearing. Judicial support for the social workers' recommendations varied depending on the order sought, the highest percentage of agreement being when social workers recommended the child be in parental care, and the lowest when recommending the child become a permanent ward. The thesis draws on these research findings, concluding with research and policy recommendations to facilitate child protection practice in British Columbia. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

This thesis argues that despite political promises and rhetoric to the contrary the federal and provincial governments maintain through their policies, legislation, and regulations the continued assimilation of First Nations; under the guise of supporting First Nations attempts to resume governance over child and family services. It is my assertion that governments both federal, provincial and First Nations need to begin a process and transition towards self-governance in child and family services based on our traditional laws and practices, in order to ensure the continued survival of our nations. I have set out a number of preliminary options for assisting in the process of decolonization in the area of child welfare. This thesis is written from my perspective as a First Nations woman engaged in the practice of law in the area of First Nations child and family services. A perspective which is inspired by the political work of my relations in the advancement of Aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia. In chapter one I discuss the impact of colonization on First Nations children, families, communities and governments and conclude that the state (federal and provincial governments), far from promoting First Nations child welfare, have served to create enormous despair, poverty, dependency, and an erosion of First Nations cultures, languages, and governance. This chapter ends with a discussion of First Nations values, practices and traditions in relation to child rearing and "child protection. Chapter two examines the recent changes to child and family service delivery in British Columbia , changes which effectively continue the process of assimilation. Chapter three examines the current delegated model of First Nations child and family services in British Columbia. I argue that the delegated model is premised on assimilation, in that First Nations are bound to comply with the very legislative and administrative models that were illustrated in chapters one and two to have had such a devastating impact on First Nations children, families, communities and governments. Finally, the fourth chapter provides an overview of the federal and provincial constitutional framework and political "support" for self-government juxtaposed against First Nations' perspectives of their inherent right to self-government. In conclusion I propose a number of interim measures that would support First Nations resumption of self-government of child and family services . It is extremely important, in my opinion, that a process and transition towards true self-governance begin as soon as possible building upon First Nations community values and cultural practices.

This study applied Ethnographic Decision Tree Modeling (Gladwin, 1989) to the field of child abuse reporting to investigate the factors that influence decisions to report possible child abuse. Participants were licensed psychologists in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Using ethnographic interviews, participants were asked to discuss a recent case in which they reported possible child abuse and the factors that were influential in their decision making. Based on the data from 34 cases, six factors were identified: (1) Were there any signs of or risk factors for child abuse or neglect? (2) Did the signs or risk factors meet your threshold to report as you understand the law? (3) Was there some other value to report other than a legal one? (4) Were you concerned that reporting would cause harm? (5) Were you able to minimize the harm that would result from reporting? and (6) Did the reasons to report outweigh the reasons to not report? These six factors were presented in a decision tree to illustrate the relationship between factors and decision outcome. This preliminary group model was then tested using the case experiences of a separate yet similar group of registered psychologists in British Columbia. Results found that the preliminary model accurately predicted the reporting outcome of 93% (33 of 36) of the cases in the new sample. Errors in the model were identified, and suggestions were made to improve its predictive ability. The results are evaluated in light of the decision tree produced. Implications for theory building, naturalistic inquiry, clinical practice, policy, and future research are discussed.

The move towards a more multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of child protection services in British Columbia raises concerns about the sharing of confidential case material. Factors associated with the information-sharing practices of social workers with law enforcement agencies were examined in this research. This descriptive study involved surveying forty-one intake child protection social workers employed by the Ministry for Children and Families in Vancouver and Coquitlam, using questionnaires. Knowledge of existing legislation, methods of accessing and sharing information with police, and attitudes about police involvement were examined, as well as workers' experience and participation in training. The analysis identified both contributors and obstacles to effective information-sharing and collaboration between social workers and police officers. Informal methods of accessing information were shown to be the most highly used and successful, but the lack of understanding of legislation and of each other's roles interfered with collaborative practice. The results of this research will be of assistance in future training, as well as the development of interagency protocols.

The move towards a more multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of child protection services in British Columbia raises concerns about the sharing of confidential case material. Factors associated with the information-sharing practices of social workers with law enforcement agencies were examined in this research. This descriptive study involved surveying forty-one intake child protection social workers employed by the Ministry for Children and Families in Vancouver and Coquitlam, using questionnaires. Knowledge of existing legislation, methods of accessing and sharing information with police, and attitudes about police involvement were examined, as well as workers' experience and participation in training. The analysis identified both contributors and obstacles to effective information-sharing and collaboration between social workers and police officers. Informal methods of accessing information were shown to be the most highly used and successful, but the lack of understanding of legislation and of each other's roles interfered with collaborative practice. The results of this research will be of assistance in future training, as well as the development of interagency protocols. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

This thesis argues that despite political promises and rhetoric to the contrary the federal and provincial governments maintain through their policies, legislation, and regulations the continued assimilation of First Nations; under the guise of supporting First Nations attempts to resume governance over child and family services. It is my assertion that governments both federal, provincial and First Nations need to begin a process and transition towards self-governance in child and family services based on our traditional laws and practices, in order to ensure the continued survival of our nations. I have set out a number of preliminary options for assisting in the process of decolonization in the area of child welfare. This thesis is written from my perspective as a First Nations woman engaged in the practice of law in the area of First Nations child and family services. A perspective which is inspired by the political work of my relations in the advancement of Aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia. In chapter one I discuss the impact of colonization on First Nations children, families, communities and governments and conclude that the state (federal and provincial governments), far from promoting First Nations child welfare, have served to create enormous despair, poverty, dependency, and an erosion of First Nations cultures, languages, and governance. This chapter ends with a discussion of First Nations values, practices and traditions in relation to child rearing and "child protection. Chapter two examines the recent changes to child and family service delivery in British Columbia , changes which effectively continue the process of assimilation. Chapter three examines the current delegated model of First Nations child and family services in British Columbia. I argue that the delegated model is premised on assimilation, in that First Nations are bound to comply with the very legislative and administrative models that were illustrated in chapters one and two to have had such a devastating impact on First Nations children, families, communities and governments. Finally, the fourth chapter provides an overview of the federal and provincial constitutional framework and political "support" for self-government juxtaposed against First Nations' perspectives of their inherent right to self-government. In conclusion I propose a number of interim measures that would support First Nations resumption of self-government of child and family services . It is extremely important, in my opinion, that a process and transition towards true self-governance begin as soon as possible building upon First Nations community values and cultural practices. / Law, Peter A. Allard School of / Graduate

This study applied Ethnographic Decision Tree Modeling (Gladwin, 1989) to the field of child abuse reporting to investigate the factors that influence decisions to report possible child abuse. Participants were licensed psychologists in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Using ethnographic interviews, participants were asked to discuss a recent case in which they reported possible child abuse and the factors that were influential in their decision making. Based on the data from 34 cases, six factors were identified: (1) Were there any signs of or risk factors for child abuse or neglect? (2) Did the signs or risk factors meet your threshold to report as you understand the law? (3) Was there some other value to report other than a legal one? (4) Were you concerned that reporting would cause harm? (5) Were you able to minimize the harm that would result from reporting? and (6) Did the reasons to report outweigh the reasons to not report? These six factors were presented in a decision tree to illustrate the relationship between factors and decision outcome. This preliminary group model was then tested using the case experiences of a separate yet similar group of registered psychologists in British Columbia. Results found that the preliminary model accurately predicted the reporting outcome of 93% (33 of 36) of the cases in the new sample. Errors in the model were identified, and suggestions were made to improve its predictive ability. The results are evaluated in light of the decision tree produced. Implications for theory building, naturalistic inquiry, clinical practice, policy, and future research are discussed. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate