<p> The purpose of this project was to design a program that provides "stepping stones" to reduce psychiatric recidivism among young adults between ages of 18-29 being discharged from psychiatric hospitalization. The goal was identify potential funding sources and write a grant proposal to fund a recidivist prevention program by focusing on engaging and collaborating with significant others while educating and providing support to both the individual and the significant others. An extensive literature review increased knowledge about barriers to stabilization individuals with a mental illness encounter, and barriers to engaging and supporting their significant others and/or mentors. A search for potential funding sources via the Internet resulted in selection of The California Endowment as the best funding source. A grant was then written to support a recidivist reduction program. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project. </p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to identify a funding source and write a grant to fund an educational program for adolescent dating violence prevention program that would be administered by a host agency in Long Beach, California. Adolescents are faced with various diversities, and to experience dating violence can damaging. The proposed program would include presentations about teen dating violence (TDV), individual counseling for adolescents, and resource services. Funds will be requested to implement a prevention program to increase knowledge and awareness of dating violence among adolescents and to enhance their quality of life. The actual submission and funding of this grant were not requirements for the successful completion of the project. </p>

<p> Millions of people are adversely affected by crises and disasters each year. Response to disasters relies heavily on volunteer organizations to assist in the aftermath of these traumatic events. HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is one organization that provides needed support to those impacted by way of specially trained crisis dogs. Unfortunately, there is a lack of these certified teams able to effectively respond. The research question for this study was how can HOPE AACR expand (recruit and train qualified new teams) into currently unoccupied areas. This question was answered through collaborative action research (AR) with this organization's members, those who possess the specialized knowledge and training for AACR work. Due to the fact that the nature of this AR did not contain sensitive information that posed risk to participants and that written permission was obtained to use the site name, an exemption was granted to name the site in this study. In particular, this study worked with regional directors in charge of various areas of the U.S., elected board of directors responsible for oversight and approval of organizational changes, and a group of current certified volunteer team members. Participants engaged in various interviews and focus groups in order to share perspectives and experiences to solve the identified problem. Through this AR process, this research team determined a plan of action (target area for expansion and strategies to recruit and train new members). The goal of this study was to document a process which can be refined and re-used for future expansion efforts. Implementation of this action plan will also result in expanded territory, increased ability to meet requests for services, and ultimately enhanced recovery for those exposed to crises and disasters. </p><p> <i>Keyword:</i> Animal-Assisted Crisis Response</p>

<p> This quantitative study examined the relationship between problematic Internet usage, self-efficacy, and proactive coping skills. This study compared demographic characteristics against three scales: Compulsive Internet Use Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Proactive Coping Subscale. A total of 146 Internet users over the age of 18 participated in this study. The results found a significant correlation between gender and, age, and ethnicity and proactive coping skills. There was also a significant relationship between age and compulsive Internet use. Compulsive Internet use was negatively correlated with proactive coping, suggesting improved proactive coping skills will lead to a lower level of compulsive Internet use.</p>

<p> This study utilizes Allan Guggenbuhl's seven-step Mythodrama method of resolving conflict and bullying in a school setting which has proven successful in Europe, applies this to a school setting in the United States, and measure that application to see if this intervention for addressing conflict and bullying is successful in a setting in the United States. Pre- and post-testing was conducted and some statistically significant improvement post-intervention was found. Study results suggest this methodology would have efficacy when applied broadly in US schools.</p>

<p> It is estimated that by the year 2050 more than 100,000 professional social workers will be needed to meet the demands of the aging population. This qualitative study explored Master of Social Work (MSW) students' perceptions of stress and coping in family caregiving and their preparedness to meet the needs of family caregivers at home as well as in their future roles as social workers. The researcher met individually with 22 MSW students to conduct a structured interview to help identify trends and themes related to these issues. Findings were consistent with literature in identifying stress in anticipation of family caregiving. The results of the study suggest that although most participants are prepared for their roles as future social workers, many are not prepared for the role of a family caregiver. With regard to coping and their preparedness, many anticipate using family resources and building on skills learned throughout their MSW program. Social work implications for education and practice are discussed as are directions for future research. </p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to write a grant to fund the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Empowerment Program, through Olive Crest, a mental health agency in Santa Ana, California. This program seeks to support adolescents with ADHD and their caregivers by educating them about this mental health disorder. The ADHD psycho-education support groups, offered in English and Spanish, will educate families on ADHD causes, symptoms, treatments, and behavioral interventions. Actual submission of this grant was not a requirement of this project.</p>