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No description available.

The overall objective of this exploratory descriptive study was to explore and describe the level of knowledge African American substance abusing and non-substance abusing women have towards the following variables: knowledge of HIV/AIDS; prevention; risk reduction; transmission and risk groups. A 39 item questionnaire was administered to thirty (30) African American women, fifteen (15) of whom are substance abusers in a residential treatment center; fifteen (15) are non-substance abusers in a local School of Social Work. The findings of this study based on t-Test analysis rejected four null hypotheses: know ledge of HIV I AIDS; prevention; transmission, and risk group. It accepted the null hypothesis, that there is a statistical significant difference between substance abusers and non-substance abusers in their knowledge of risk reduction. The mean for non-substance abusers was 4. 93; standard deviation . 799; to be statistical significant different the P value must be equal to or less than .05, therefore we accept the hypothesis.

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<p> The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the Adoptions and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 and how it has affected African American kinship caregivers. This study utilized David Gil&rsquo;s policy analysis framework to analyze the ASFA of 1997 as well as primary and secondary data. This analysis specifically examines whether the provisions within the legislature have provided adequate support to African American kinship caregivers toward accomplishing the intended goal of achieving permanency for foster children. The study also explores how the ASFA of 1997 has impacted parents&rsquo; ability to reunify with their children within the time frames set by the policy. In addition, the types of services received, the characteristics of the African American kinship caregivers, the barriers that they come across, and the consequences for this population are discussed. Finally, the implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.</p>

<p> PTSD affects millions in the United States due to traumatic events that occur on a daily basis. These events can spawn from domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and violence in general. The impact could have a profound affect on youth as they develop throughout life. A detailed review outlines the wide trajectory of the impact it causes as it persists. The purpose of the grant is to provide support among youth that suffer from PTSD and prevent any mental health complications. Through expressive drum therapy that is facilitated by trained social workers, will allow youth to cope in a expressive manner while utilizing drums.</p>

<p> Many people are exposed to trauma and subsequently experience mental health distress, though not all seek help for it. This study aimed to explore the relationship between attitudes towards seeking help and level of impairment in work/school, family, and social domains among individuals seeking treatment for traumatic exposure. This study also analyzed the relationship between attitudes to seeking help through various referral sources and demographic characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and level of education. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between level of impairment and attitudes to seeking help, yet significant differences were found when comparing attitudes towards help seeking among level of education and sexual orientation. Implications of the demographic characteristics of the help seeking population and lack of significance in the relationship between help seeking attitudes and level of impairment are discussed. </p>

<p> Obtaining an education is an essential part of developing into an adult and becoming a functioning member of society. However, many youth in foster care are at considerable risk for low academic achievement as many are racial/ethnic minorities, English language learners, living in poverty, and many have disabilities. Though efforts have been made throughout the last several decades, there has generally been little success in closing this educational achievement gap. The purpose of this project is to write a grant and identify a funding source to implement training workshops for educators, child welfare and school social workers, and foster parents to increase the awareness of the risk factors for drop-out and the programs and practices that have contributed to student academic success. Part of the funds will be used to develop resource packets for workshop attendees. A prospective funder was identified, although actual funding and submission of this grant proposal were not requirements for the successful completion of this project.</p>

<p> The focus of this qualitative study was to explore the intersectionalities of the different identities of an undocumented LGBTQ Latino. The study explored the narratives of seven UndocuQueer Latinos from Los Angeles County using face-to-face interviews. The aim was to dissect the identities of holding an undocumented status, their LGBTQ identity, and how they intersect with one another. Grounded Theory Approach was used to analyze the data. Participants reported experiences of conflicting values, onset of internal homophobia, feelings of identity-based pride, and stressors behind the impact of policies such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and The Marriage Equality Act.</p><p> Each participant reported valuing education and civic engagement and is either pursuing a higher education or has received a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. Although not a required criteria in order to participate in the study, each participant developed a sense of autonomy and were highly engaged in their diverse communities and educating others about their multiple identities. </p>

<p> This study investigated the inpatient to outpatient social work hand off process at a Southern California Kaiser Permanente facility. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of social work intervention in reducing hospital readmissions.</p><p> Secondary data were analyzed from a sample of 73 patients in the hand off group and 73 patients in an equivalent comparison group. Deidentified data were compiled from patients&rsquo; charts and other documentation.</p><p> Readmission rates were lower in the hand off group (30.1%) than in the comparison group (34.2%), although the difference was not significant. Those in the hand off group who were not readmitted received significantly more social work touches than those who were readmitted. Length of stay, Admissions, Comorbidities, Emergency Visits (LACE) scores (a measure of risk) were also a predictor of readmission in the hand off group but not in the comparison group.</p><p> Research continues to be needed regarding the role of medical social workers in reducing hospital readmissions.</p>