The number of older Hispanic adults who experience divorce in late-life is growing. Nonetheless, both minority groups – Hispanics and older adults – are generally misrepresented and disadvantaged while their families disintegrate through divorce. The literature has failed to represent this population by publishing general research methodologies that cannot successfully and accurately describe their reality. Mental health professionals are exposed to contradicting and confusing views regarding their experience of divorce. This dissertation presents a qualitative case study based on the perspectives of 12 older Hispanic adults in Miami-Dade who experienced divorce in late-life. An analysis of the data revealed that older Hispanic adults perceive their divorce as a challenge and the best alternative to a dysfunctional relationship. They identify divorce as the only way to reach peace and happiness. Participation in a religious support group brings balance, healing, emotional insight, and gradual adjustment. The knowledge gained from this study contributes to existing literature regarding divorce adjustment, family therapy, multiculturalism, and qualitative studies. It allows researchers and readers to advocate for social change by involving older Hispanic adults who have been largely ignored so far. It also empowers this population group by allowing their stories to be told in their own words.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-centered parenting program for culturally diverse high-risk families using science-based curricula and evaluation tools. Despite the evidence supporting the effectiveness of parenting education, there are still limitations to the current body of knowledge. Research has been conducted primarily with middle-class European American mothers. Less is known about parenting education with culturally and economically diverse families. In addition, much of the additional research targeted well-functioning families. High-risk families are less likely to participate in parenting programs and research studies. Most programs do not use evidence-based curricula or conduct evaluations using valid reliable measures. Last, most programs work solely with the parent and do not have a family-centered approach. Including children suggests the entire family learns together and has a better opportunity to build family cohesion. This study utilized a science-based curricula parenting program for at-risk families. The sample population included 31% Caucasian, 2% Hispanic, 66% Native American, and 1% of other races combined. Quantitative data reflected that overall parenting scores increased in both target and control groups based on the scores from pretest to posttest with a t score of 0.459 for the target group and 0.346 for the control group. Overall, the program was successful, and the applied dissertation effectively met each of the 6 outcomes. Nonprofit organizations should review the findings of this applied dissertation to develop more programs that incorporate science-based curricula to address the parenting needs of those who are high risk.