<p> The purpose of this study was to examine various social and ecological factors that affect adolescents' nervousness and/or depression. Secondary data from the 2011- 2012 California Health Institute Survey were used to examine these factors. Chi-Square analyses were utilized to test if relationships existed between the variables in the data. This study examined race, poverty level, immigration status, physical well-being, safety of environment, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling as factors for influencing feelings of nervousness and/or depression among adolescents. Results indicated that adolescents feeling nervous were affected by race, poverty level, environmental safety, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling. Feeling nervous did not have a significant association with physical well-being in this study. Furthermore, adolescent depression was affected by race, poverty level, physical well-being, environmental safety, and the receipt of psychological/emotional counseling. Immigration status was not found to be associated with affecting adolescent nervousness or depression. Further research is suggested.</p>

<p> The goal of this project was to create a grant proposal and identify a potential funding source to develop a holistic mentoring program for foster youth in one non-profit organization in Long Beach, California. A thorough literature review identified risk factors for foster youth and identified evidence-based mentoring programs that the grant writer used to design a holistic mentoring program for foster youth. The Foundation Directory's on-line database at the Long Beach Non-Profit Partnership identified the Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation as the best funding source for this project. A grant was then written to support a holistic mentoring program at Power 4 Youth in Long Beach, California. The actual submission of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to explore the association between adolescent characteristics, community factors and mental health. This was achieved by completing a quantitative study analyzing secondary data obtained from a mental health agency in Orange County, California, and an online database, City-Data.com. The results rendered a statistically significant relationship between age and those who had the presenting problem of depression, relational problems, and poor coping. A statistically significant relationship between females and poor coping was also revealed. The most interesting finding, however, was the statistically significant relationship between presenting problems in relation to their community factors. Both poverty levels and educational attainment less than high school among the residents in the communities where these adolescents live were associated with depression and relational problems. The findings of this study are beneficial in identifyirig the need for further research regarding the relationship between educational attainment and mental health.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to provide support and services to emancipated foster youth that will enable youth to obtain self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle. Emancipated foster youth experience many challenges once they exit the foster care system. The proposed program will give them an opportunity to increase their ability to live independently. An extensive literature review was performed to investigate the best ways to assist emancipated foster youth with addressing their needs such as housing, employment, education, social support, safe sex practices and mental health concerns. A search was conducted to locate an appropriate funder for this program.</p><p> California Community Foundation is the funder that was chosen to fund this program. This foundation is committed to assisting transition aged youth attain self-sufficiency. The program will provide support and services to emancipated foster youth in the city of Los Angeles, California. </p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of public child welfare social workers focusing on the relatively new law The Fostering Connections to Success Act, otherwise known as AB-12. A questionnaire was designed to investigate research questions regarding workers perceptions on caseload, training, supervision, court, and ability to work with youth from 18 to 21 years old. The researcher distributed the questionnaire in two Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services regional offices where 38 respondents participated.</p><p> The study found the respondents reported positive attitudes regarding the AB-12 program and about their new role. Most respondents agreed that AB-12 was a much needed program and that it will increase life outcomes for youth. In addition, most workers reported that they were confident in their abilities to engage with the AB-12 population and agreed that they are confident in their abilities to meet the needs of nonminor dependents and find it rewarding. </p>