This study explores the complex issues in culturally sensitive social services in the context of ethnic polities. We examine the reasons why the social service sector fails to provide equitable services to minorities. We explore the concept of ethnic match, services delivered by ethnic personnel, in an ethnic agency and using ethnic practice, as an attainable solution to the problems, by comparing with a Chinese and a Jewish ethno-specific family service agency in Montreal. The ways they deliver sensitive services to communities members and the challenges they face are documented. The dynamic of the ethnic polities in which these two agencies operate is also examined. We argue the formation and functioning of these agencies are shaped by a set of internal factors (within the communities) and external factors (in Quebec society). Culture plays a vital role in service delivery and help seeking, and also in the organization of these ethnic communities. Policy implications are discussed, and future research is suggested.

<p>The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) that leads to Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is considered to be spreading at a high rate in South Africa. Research indicates that this disease is highly prevalent among people 15 and 49. It is estimated that one in five adults in South Africa is HIV positive. Community or home-based care nurses manage the treatment of sufferers at their homes while under the care of their family members, friends, spouses and significant others. The present study explored the experiences and coping strategies of HIV/AIDS primary caregivers.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D. (Economics)) - Rhodes University, 2009.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

M.Cur. / The increasing use of intoxicating substances worldwide has made societies shift deeper into the culture of substance abuse. The situation in South Africa is likely to be the same. Unfortunately, the scourge of substance abuse affects family life by causing family disruptions which lead to various social pathologies of our time. There is considerable literature supporting the stressful life experienced by adolescents living in neglectful, violent, conflict- and fight-orientated environments caused by the abuse of substances by parents. This study was carried out for the purpose of investigating the life-world of adolescents living in substance-influenced homes. The study is qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in approach and it, therefore, became necessary to use phenomenological semi-structured interviews with the adolescents whose parents abuse substances. The sample consisted of eight high school adolescents living in three rural villages of Lomayaneng, Motsoseng and Seweding in Mafikeng. Before the interview, trust was built through written permission to the principals of the schools concerned and the parents of these children to conduct the research. At the same time, the adolescents were informed of what the research concerns before the main interview. Data was analysed utilizing Giorgi's and Tesch's methods. Trustworthiness was, amongst others, ensured throughout the study by applying Guba's approach, including the services of an independent coder. The findings of the study indicated that adolescents whose parents abuse substances live a stressful life and suffer much shame, neglect, despair and trauma because their aspirations, for example, education, emotional/spiritual, physical and social, are frustrated since their home life is dysfunctional. Two main themes were identified: Disrupted family life related to abuse of substances and stressful life related to frustrated aspirations; and their consequences were found to be that these adolescents use ineffective coping mechanisms, for example over-responsibility for all family members and failure to seek professional help with a view to coer the defects in their families. Guidelines for psychiatric nurses were built around these themes with the aim of assisting adolescents who are faced with similar situations to promote, maintain and restore their mental health as an integral part of health.

No abstract available. / Dissertation (MPhyst)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Physiotherapy / Unrestricted

Using a structural approach, this study addresses the issues surrounding direct service delivery of the Family Preservation program in Riverside County.

It is assumed that a parenting role by a grandparent or grandparents has been tied to life events, Such as divorce or the death of their own children. The parent was no longer in the picture and the grandparent stepped in to care for the children. Although this pattern has by no means disappeared, society is now seeing more and more cases of dysfunctional parents who are unable or unwilling to raise their own children who are therefore being raised by the grandparent. relative caregivers such as grandparents.

This study analyzed data from Dallas Public Schools and Dallas Youth and Family Centers (YFCs) to explore variables associated with referrals to and utilization of Youth and Family Centers. Data from students enrolled in third, eighth or tenth grade during the 1996-1997, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 school years were analyzed to determine the reasons for YFC referral and utilization, and to compare standardized test scores and attendance. Of the 6956 students in third, eighth and tenth grades initially referred to YFCs during those three school years, 5173 (74.3%) made at least one YFC visit. The 5173 students made an average of 2.69 visits and accessed an average of 1.18 services per year. Medical visits accounted for 42.5% of YFC visits, and mental health visits accounted for 46% of YFC visits. Results of logistic regression analyses indicate a significant difference for utilization upon referral and continued use of the YFC when the constant is compared to a set of predictor variables. For both analyses, the predictor variables were Chapter I status, LEP status, reason for referral, gender, special education status, ethnicity, distance from home school to referral YFC, food stamp eligibility and referral source. While outcome data regarding attendance and scores on standardized tests was limited to records available, results suggest that mean reading scores for eighth graders were significantly higher during Year 1 for the group that accessed YFC services. School attendance was better for eighth graders who made continued use of a YFC. Use of medical services by third graders was associated with a gain in attendance rather than a slight loss for the third graders who did not access medical services upon referral. Results of this study were limited by missing data for several records. The competitive atmosphere of health care service delivery and the practical need to know about service delivery at the sites should make data management a priority.

No description available.