This study focuses on the process and complexities of disclosure and decision-making amongst HIV-positive ex-offenders. In addition, this study highlights the history and circumstances of HIV infection and how this influences disclosure. The process of disclosure was explored amongst seven HIV positive male ex-offenders who fell in the African racial category. Data was collected through qualitative in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results revealed that within this target group disclosure initially occurred within prison and thereafter upon release from prison, continues depending on the contextual factors. Because disclosure initially took place within prison, the prison environment was a defining feature during the process of disclosure. Factors that enabled ex-offenders to disclose their HIV status included social support, witnessing of HIV – related deaths amongst other offenders, as well as the challenging nature of the prison environment. Factors that compromised the disclosure process included their access to treatment and a more nutritional diet. Upon release from prison, access to financial and material support and responsibility to significant others were reasons that facilitated the process of disclosure. Overall, stigma was a main barrier that contributed to non - disclosure. These findings highlight that the process of disclosure is a relational factor as it depends largely on the availability and accessibility of significant others. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that HIV disclosure is a process that occurs on a continuum whereby there is no clear end-point as ex-offenders weighed up the enabling factors against the barriers before disclosing. Once disclosure had occurred, ex-offenders had to integrate the outcomes and reactions from significant others into their lives. The process of HIV disclosure is also a never – ending process as there are always significant others to disclose to. It is recommended by this study that more research is conducted regarding how prison conditions influence HIVpositive offenders, how HIV-positive ex-offenders can be better re-integrated into the community and how significant others deal with the ex-offenders HIV disclosures.T / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010

This study examines many of the common and unique barriers and obstacles that foster care youth encounter when transitioning into postsecondary education. It also considers how these obstacles affect the degree of commitment and persistence toward education aspirations and results. The subjects for the study were Indiana former foster care youth who received educational support funding through Educational Training Vouchers to enroll and attend postsecondary education for the academic years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.The data set used in this study constitutes the first and only comprehensive data on postsecondary enrolled former foster care youth in Indiana. Also of note, this study will begin to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by resource steams targeted to assist this population. By analyzing this available data using quantitative statistical research methods including logistic regression, those variables, which can be shown to be significant factors to educational continuation, will be discussed. And equally important, using these statistical methodologies, factors which do not hold significance to persistence are pointed out and discussed.By using quantifiable, structured, statistical methodology, relationships were explored between many variables including gender, ethnicity, degree type, grade point average and county of wardship. Implications for future research are included. / Department of Educational Studies

Diss.--Göttingen, 1970. / Vita. Bibliography: p. 230-249.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southern Christian University, Montgomery, Ala., 1998. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-77).

Thesis (Ed. D.))--University of Toronto, 2006. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: A, page: 2612. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-141).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-138).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 186-198, 204-212).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 186-198, 204-212).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southern Christian University, Montgomery, Ala., 1998. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-77).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-139).