America has the highest incarceration rate in the world with an estimated 2.2 million inmates, and more than five million American children have at least one parent in jail (Murphey, 2015). Prior to imprisonment, many parents are employed, contribute economically to family life, and are engaged in parenting their children. Parent-child relationships that may have been strong pre-incarceration may not thrive once the parent goes to jail due to limited communication and the inmate’s inability to provide financial support for his/her family. Further, once the parent is released from prison, s/he faces fewer options for employment with a criminal history. Developmental programs in prison such as job training and parenting skills exist to mediate these negative outcomes. Although program participation is associated with a 20% likelihood of increased employment among inmates, little research explores the motivating factors behind program participation (Visher, Debus, & Yahner, 2008). This study poses three research questions that explore child contact and program participation as factors of increased employment post-release. In detail, the first research question explores factors related to child contact in prison, focusing on the history of parent-child financial support prior to incarceration. The second research question explores the relationships between child contact in-prison and program participation. Finally, this paper tests a third research question to explore child contact and program participation as factors of employment outcomes post- release. Interesting findings from the study suggest that parental inmates with frequent child contact in-prison are likely to have been their child(ren)’s primary source of financial support prior to incarceration. Inmates with frequent reports of child contact are also more likely to participate in developmental programs during their sentences and more likely to be employed post-release. These associations may exist because parental inmates have a sense of responsibility after being in touch with their children. Therefore, policymakers should consider removing contact barriers that complicate phone access and visitation privileges between parental inmates and their minor child(ren).

This study examined the relationships between consumer demographic/VR service variables and employment outcomes/weekly earnings/level of education for 25,218 individuals ranging from 15 to 18 years old with learning disabilities from the Rehabilitation Services Administration data in 2012. To explore predictors of employment outcomes and the level of education, the participants were randomly split for cross-validation purposes into Sample 1 and Sample 2. A separate logistic regression was run for each sample, and variables (e.g. African American, job placement, college training, and occupational training) were statistically significant in predicting successful employment outcomes. In addition, service variables including African American status, college training, and occupational training were found to be statistically significantly to predict the level of education for transition-aged youth with learning disabilities. Weekly earnings for White males and females combined were statistically higher than African American males and females combined. Suggested hypotheses and implications for practice and future research are provided. / text

Numerous studies have indicated racial and ethnic disparities in the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system, including differences in eligibility, services provided, and employment outcomes. Few of these studies, however, have utilized advanced multivariate techniques or latent constructs to measure quality of employment outcomes (QEO) or tested hypothesized models for the relationship between race, personal history characteristics, and VR outcomes. Furthermore, few VR disparities studies have examined southwestern states such as Texas, which has large Hispanic and Black populations. The purpose of this study was to utilize structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine several implied conceptual models for the relationship between race, personal history characteristics, and VR outcomes for White, Black, and Hispanic participants in the Texas VR system. The implied conceptual models were tested for goodness of fit and multiple-group invariance. A measurement model for QEO, a latent construct, was tested and used in the study. QEO was measured by three indicator variables and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. A MIMIC model was tested to assess racial/ethnic variation in QEO. The MIMIC results were compared to a multiple regression approach. In addition, a path model and logistic regressions were conducted to assess racial variation in VR closure status among consumers who were unemployed at application to VR. All models were retested with an independent sample to assess predictive validity. The study results indicated good model fit and measurement invariance for the QEO construct. The structural model for race, personal history characteristics, and QEO indicated moderate model fit. It also indicated interaction effects for race by gender and for race by public support. The MIMIC model results suggest that QEO decreased for Blacks and Hispanics compared to Whites. Furthermore, the MIMIC results, which utilized QEO as an endogenous variable, differed from the multiple regression findings, which utilized one criterion. The multiple regression findings indicated no statistically significant difference between Blacks and Whites. The path model for race and VR closure status indicated poor model fit. The logistic regression indicated no racial/ethnic differences in VR closure status. Several model estimates did not cross-validate. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are described. / text

Census data indicates people with higher levels of education are leaving Appalachian Kentucky as they do in other rural areas. Aside from anecdotal information and primarily qualitative community studies, there is little quantitative evidence of the factors which may influence these migration decisions. State policies and regional efforts to increase educational attainment of people in the region have focused on producing more college degrees however may be contributing to the out-migration of those with higher levels of education. The study incorporates community level data with demographic, academic, and employment data from a cohort of 2005-06 college graduates from Appalachian Kentucky. The study includes an analysis of migration rates for a variety of different types of graduates and a set of three complimentary logistic regression models developed to understand the impact of individual demographic and academic factors, factors about the communities where these graduates came from, and the factors related to the communities where they went after completing their degrees and credentials to predict likelihood of migrating. This study builds upon previous efforts by providing extensive, externally validated data about a large population of individuals. It leverages sociological, demographic, and neoclassical microeconomic research methods and leverages data from Kentucky's statewide longitudinal data system to serve as an illustration for how these systems can be used for complex statistical analyses.

Each year approximately 90,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in people of working age in the United Kingdom (UK) (Morrell & Pryce, 2005). The potential impact of cancer and its treatment on working life is substantial, with approximately 40% of all cancer patients taking time off work during treatment and recovery (Short, Vasey & Tunceli, 2005). However, little information is available on employment outcomes for those managing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer with approximately 36,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK. Although research demonstrates promising return to work outcomes for this group, not enough is known about the factors (variables) impacting their return to work intentions, work ability and employment outcomes. The aims of this research were to: examine the return to work intentions, work ability and employment outcomes of colorectal cancer patients over six months; explore the role of self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being, and explore the role of health professionals in providing work-related support and information to patients. Findings from these studies may help to better inform future interventions to support this cancer group. Fifty participants newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer were recruited from three Acute NHS Trusts (n = 27) across the Midlands and a support group (n = 23) affiliated to a National Cancer Charity. Participants completed questionnaires at three time points: baseline (post surgery or pre-treatment); follow-up time 1 (3 months), and follow-up time 2 (6 months). As well as illness and demographic characteristics, the questionnaires measured job self-efficacy, work ability, cancer self-efficacy, quality of life, fatigue and depression. A sub-sample of participants (n = 10) completed a monthly diary over six months. This captured temporal fluctuations and patterns in cancer management, return to work intentions and work ability and the factors impacting upon these (self-efficacy and social support). Finally, 18 health professionals participated in semi-structured interviews that explored the nature and type of work-related advice currently provided to colorectal cancer patients. Data were analysed using both quantitative (ANOVAs and regression) and qualitative techniques (thematic analysis). The questionnaire study identified varying levels in self-assessed work ability and psychosocial well-being. Most importantly, positive changes in perceptions of cancer self-efficacy F (1.02, 61.12) = 14.70, p = 0.0005, and job self-efficacy F (2, 94) = 10.85, p = 0.0005 were detected over time; however, interactions between treatment type and time did not emerge (p > 0.05). Factors related to perceived work ability outcomes cross-sectionally included type of occupation (β = 0.31, t = 2.65, p = 0.0005) and quality of life (β = 0.42, t = 2.57, p = 0.01) at baseline, treatment type (β = -0.19, t = -1.94, p = 0.05) at follow-up time 1 and job self-efficacy at follow-up time 1 (β = 0.57, t = 4.40, p = 0.0005) and time 2 (β = 0.50, t = 2.92, p = 0.006). In contrast, factors related to employment status (i.e. working, not working) were job self-efficacy (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.17 4.13) at baseline and occupation (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00 0.86), and perceived work ability (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.00 12.80) at follow-up time 2. Along with self-assessed work ability at baseline (β = 0.67, t = 3.99, p = 0.0005), receiving chemotherapy alone or a combination of treatments (i.e. other than surgery alone) (β = -0.24, t = -1.99, p = 0.05) were the strongest predictors of follow-up work ability (independent of age and occupation). Finally, treatment type (OR = 9.91, 95% CI: 1.57 62.50) was also identified as the strongest predictor of employment status approximately six months after diagnosis. Findings from the diary study suggest that self-efficacy beliefs were important in understanding employment outcomes and return to work intentions. The role of such beliefs was multi-faceted and results infer that several factors seemed to impact return to work intentions and self-efficacy temporally. Treatment, symptoms and decrements in perceived work ability were identified as the most prominent factors that served as barriers preventing resumption of work. Moreover, there was a degree of disparity between return to work intent and work ability. Additionally, the diary study identified variation in work-related advice and guidance provided to colorectal patients. Subsequently, some participants may have been under the impression that they were unable to work, especially during treatment. Results from the interview study found that health professionals attempted to provide guidance to working-aged patients. However, the nature of such guidance varied due to experience, knowledge and time constraints. Furthermore, participants highlighted a lack of knowledge and an insufficient evidence base were barriers to providing more appropriate guidance. The majority of participants stated that this was an aspect of patient care that falls short and to address the issue a concerted multi-disciplinary effort was required. In short, the findings indicate that the factors related to work ability, return to work intentions and employment outcomes of colorectal cancer patients varied over time, whereby certain variables took precedence over others at particular time points. Furthermore, the results suggest that self-efficacy beliefs are important; however, it is crucial to point out that self-efficacy is unlikely to operate as a stand-alone factor. Indeed, it is argued that it may be a construct that is considered in future research endeavours alongside pre-existing findings, which would inevitably help towards gaining a more comprehensive account of the factors related to the work outcomes of individuals affected by cancer.

Transition-age youth with mental health conditions experience adverse employment and educational outcomes and little is known about strategies for improving their outcomes. The purpose of this study was to review education and employment intervention programs that targeted transition-age youth with mental health conditions, to highlight the components, efficacy of the interventions, and predictors of better outcomes. Eighteen studies published between 1990 and 2017 met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that interventions led to improvement in employment or education outcomes. Common intervention components included: mental health services, career counseling, career development, cognitive adaptation training, interagency collaboration, peer mentoring, functional skills assessment, individualized or person-centered counseling, social skill, and independent living skills training. Being married, active participation in vocational intervention, social support, prior work experience, high score on Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale were found to be associated with better education and employment outcomes. Implications for research, and practice are discussed.

In this study, I examine the employment effects on average earnings and duration to work during a 45 month period, after receiving social assistance (SA) in October 2019, compared to receiving unemployment insurance (UI) the same month. A distinction is made between two treatment groups; receiving SA in addition to UI (treatment I) and receiving SA (treatment II). Using propensity score matching (PSM), I estimate the average treatment effects on the treated on earnings, as well as duration to work by using the Kaplan-Meier survival estimator with the matched observations. I use newly released Swedish administrative micro level data of individuals’ monthly labour market status (BAS) between 2020-2023, from Statistics Sweden. During this thesis process, where Statistics Sweden allowed me data access, I was allowed an additional year of data, for 2019. Results showed that the inflow of SA recipients in October 2019, on average had 25.5 percent lower earnings between November 2019-July 2023, compared to the inflow of UI recipients the same month. In addition, the inflow of SA recipients in October 2019, on average spent 4 months longer in unemployment, compared to those receiving UI the same month. However, results were insignificant when comparing effects between the inflow of those receiving SA in addition to UI in October 2019 with the inflow of UI recipients the same month. Results for this group were insignificant for both employment outcomes; average earnings and duration to work.

In this study, I examine the employment effects on average earnings and duration to work during a 45 month period, after receiving social assistance (SA) in October 2019, compared to receiving unemployment insurance (UI) the same month. A distinction is made between two treatment groups; receiving SA in addition to UI (treatment I) and receiving SA (treatment II). Using propensity score matching (PSM), I estimate the average treatment effects on the treated on earnings, as well as duration to work by using the Kaplan-Meier survival estimator with the matched observations. I use newly released Swedish administrative micro level data of individuals’ monthly labour market status (BAS) between 2020-2023, from Statistics Sweden. During this thesis process, where Statistics Sweden allowed me data access, I was allowed an additional year of data, for 2019. Results showed that the inflow of SA recipients in October 2019, on average had 25.5 percent lower earnings between November 2019-July 2023, compared to the inflow of UI recipients the same month. In addition, the inflow of SA recipients in October 2019, on average spent 4 months longer in unemployment, compared to those receiving UI the same month. However, results were insignificant when comparing effects between the inflow of those receiving SA in addition to UI in October 2019 with the inflow of UI recipients the same month. Results for this group were insignificant for both employment outcomes; average earnings and duration to work.

Efforts to increase the participation of groups historically underrepresented in computing studies, and in the computing workforce, are well documented. It is a national effort with funding from a variety of sources being allocated to research in broadening participation in computing (BPC). Many of the BPC efforts are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) but as existing literature shows, the growth in representation of traditionally underrepresented minorities and women is not commensurate to the efforts and resources that have been directed toward this aim. Instead of attempting to tackle the barriers to increasing representation, this dissertation research tackles the underrepresentation problem by identifying what has worked (leveraging existing real-world data) to increase representation. This work studies the educational pathways of persons who have successfully transitioned into the computing workforce and identifies the common roadmaps that have contributed to retention, persistence, and success in attaining computing employment. Descriptive statistics, Logistic regression, Classification algorithms, Clustering, and Predictive analytics were employed, using the Stata statistical tool and Orange Data Mining tool on real-world data, to identify educational pathways that have resulted in successful employment outcomes for women and blacks in computing. The results of this analysis have highlighted key information that is capable of informing future “Broadening Participation in Computing” (BPC) efforts. This is because the information will enable researchers and decision makers to have a clearer picture of what educational choices have resulted in favorable outcomes for underrepresented minorities and women in computing; and consequently, researchers and decision makers would be able to more accurately target their BPC efforts to achieve optimal results. This knowledge can also be applied in career advising for young students who are trying to chart their path into computing, providing insight into alternative pathways.

Examining service providers’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators for immigrant women seeking employment / There are multi-faceted barriers that shape the employment trajectories and economic outcomes of immigrant women in the Canadian labour market. In response to the barriers that immigrant women experience, the Federal government, Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), have initiated funding towards employment programs for immigrant women. This critical ethnographic study examines the perspectives of ten service providers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), in order to identify the barriers and facilitators immigrant women experience within employment services when trying to obtain secure well-paid employment. The data analysis revealed three major themes: the role of funding for employment programs and settlement services, the categorization of immigrant women by skills; and the application of individualized services to meet the needs of immigrant women. Using an intersectional lens, my research highlights that immigrant women experience various challenges to finding, obtaining, and maintaining employment due to the intersection of their social location (e.g. race, gender, immigration status, language, culture, and religion). Service providers mitigate some of these barriers to secure well-paying employment by providing individualized services to meet differential needs of immigrant women. While this approach has led to success in matching some immigrant women to jobs that align with their field of expertise and career goals, service providers are restricted in their ability to meet the full needs of immigrant women due to underfunding and structural barriers. My research reveals that employment services, immigration processes, and labour market practices can (re)produce and maintain the marginalization of immigrant women in the labour market. This paper concludes with some policy recommendations for immigrant-serving employment services and social work practice. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)