The purpose of the study was to examine the guiding factors that help foster youth emancipate successfully. The goal was to examine five areas: housing, education, identifying role models, social skills and effectiveness of Independent Living Program (ILP) services.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a needs assessment of homeless children and explore possible solutions to better meet the needs of homeless children and reduce the risks of intergenerational homelessness in San Bernardino County.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / Social Work and Social Administration / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

This study examined how group work can provide a culturally-competent, gender and agesensitive model of social work practice with girls of colour. I developed and implemented a school-based girls' group program specifically designed to outreach to girls of colour between thirteen and eighteen years of age. Results from the program demonstrated that through purposeful efforts to develop collaborative, non-hierarchical relationships, adult facilitators played a significant role in creating an environment in which girls could speak about issues that were important to them, including those related to race and culture. During the group sessions, girls learned about each other and themselves, identified similarities in their experiences as immigrants to Canada, and created a sense of group belonging. Similarity in non-dominant cultural status and gender among participants and facilitators appeared to have contributed to the group's cohesiveness and countered structural barriers to addressing race and culture. This study highlighted the value of a group model of practice to provide girls of colour with their own space to freely explore individual experiences and a vehicle for community organizing.

The Community Response Network in Kelowna was formed from the policydriven elder abuse committee and as a response to the Adult Guardianship Act of British Columbia enacted in 2000. After the inception of the act that addresses abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults, the Community Response Network - a community development initiative that was implemented from social policy - was unsure of its role in the community. The purpose of this qualitative research is to assist the network in defining its role in supporting adults who may be vulnerable to harm. What is the role of the Community Response Network? What did the network do in the past? How effective was it? Who should be involved? It was thought that the network would continue to offer education and awareness to community members. Through a purposeful convenience sample of participants in both a focus group and individual interviews, various themes such as structure, values, context and tasks were evident through verbatim analysis. As well, through a feminist analysis, several dichotomies and inconsistencies were interpreted. Recommendations for the network include continuing education and awareness workshops, strengthening linkages in the community, and inviting a diverse group of people to become involved in the committee.