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Barriers to Care: Understanding Exclusionary Criteria for Foster Parent Licensure in the United States
No full textThere is limited research on the foster care licensing process in the United States. To address this scientific limitation, this study conducts a national investigation examining the foster care licensing process. Specifically, we draw upon critical race theory and citizenry exclusion theory to evaluate exclusionary elements embedded in state licensing requirements. Some of the exclusionary criteria include exclusion based on age, legal status, income level, marital status, and pet ownership. Further, many of the criteria have racial undertones. The results also reveal that foster licensing requirements are not accessible to the general public. We conclude with scientific and social work implications
Consistent variable selection methods for GARCH-X time series models
Get PDFWe propose a new method for applying variable selection to the GARCH-X time series model, which extends regular GARCH models by including a regression of exogenous covari- ates in the recursive definition of volatility. In particular, we investigate the application of multiple hypothesis testing methods- Bonferroni correction and False Discovery Rate (FDR)- to consistently select relevant covariates. Through our simulations study, we test selection accuracy as well as prediction error under several scenarios with different complexity. These scenarios include the model architecture (GARCH-X(1,1) to GARCH-X(2,1)) as well as the drawing of random noise from different distributions (Normal and Student's t-distribution with 5 and 7 degrees of freedom). Our findings highlight the sensitivity of variable selection to these different aspects of time series models
Long-Term Psychological Impacts of Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence on Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFThis systematic literature review examines the long-term effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence in adulthood, evaluating mental health outcomes, relationship functioning, and trauma-informed interventions, while also exploring effective interventions to reduce these impacts. Results show that children who grow up in homes where domestic violence occurs are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and insecure attachment patterns. Protective factors like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), attachment-based interventions and community support programs have been found to enhance emotional regulation and resilience. The present study highlights the need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed social work interventions to improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and break the cycle of intergenerational violence
Navigating Paths: Influences on Professional and Career Decision-Making Among Latino Adults Raised by Immigrant Parents
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Latino working adults raised in immigrant households on what influenced their career decisions by answering the following research question: What influences professional decisions in Latino adults raised by immigrant parents? The research methods in this study involved using a qualitative, one-on-one interview approach guided by open-ended questions designed to elicit in-depth responses from participants. The results from this research found three key themes that influenced professional decisions amongst participants: family support and expectations, personal barriers, and cultural and community influences. This research informed a discussion about the influences and barriers that guided the career and professional decisions made by Latinos raised by immigrants.These results provide a direction for social workers to focus on ways to further support Latino immigrant communities foster more success in professional spheres
The Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Burnout Levels Among MSW Students: A Quantitative Analysis
Get PDFThis study examined the relationship between social anxiety and burnout among a sample of Master of Social Work (MSW) students enrolled at a university in Southern California. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 34 MSW students utilizing modified versions of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess social anxiety and burnout levels within this sample. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS. Results revealed there was no significant correlation between social anxiety and burnout within this sample. These findings suggest that within this sample, social anxiety and burnout may not be strongly related. The study underscores the need for further research on the mental health challenges faced by social work students and emphasizes the importance of developing targeted interventions to address both burnout and social anxiety and academic settings
Mindful Workplaces: Promoting Organizational Wellness Through Mindfulness Interventions
No full textThe purpose of this study is to explore the impact of Tools for Well-Being (T4WB), a modular mindfulness-based intervention offered to employees at Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), on shifting the overall culture of an organization towards wellness. This qualitative case study involved in-depth interviews with upper management and mental health clinicians employed by Merced County BHRS. The questions guiding this study are: a) How have the T4WB interventions influenced relationships among staff and upper management in terms of mindfulness? And b) What are the benefits and shortcomings of the T4WB interventions in shifting the culture of the organization? All participants reported that the agency has gained valuable insights into the stress that is in this field and how they can support each other through it. Participants all expressed an improvement in the communication and team camaraderie amongst staff. Though participants reported these positive shifts that T4WB has had of agency culture, several participants discussed the shortcomings due to organizational structures that T4WB has had little to no impact on. It is recommended for social service and behavioral health agencies to look inward at what policies or underlying ideologies they have in place that may be negatively impacting their social workers. If agencies continue to promote mindfulness and well-being practices to social workers without also reevaluating their policies and ideologies, the responsibility of stress and burnout reduction will continue to be placed solely on the social workers. Given the current state of the shortage of social workers, this is a call to action for organizational wellness to become a priority
Climate Change and the Cultural Geography of Outdoor Recreation: Lessons from the Past, Reflections for the Future
Get PDFClimate change is significantly altering the landscapes, cultural practices, and accessibility of outdoor recreation in Northern California. This thesis explores the intersection of physical and human geography by examining how rising temperatures, increased wildfire frequency, and shifting precipitation patterns impact recreational spaces, public health, and regional economies. Drawing on both scholarly literature and original fieldwork—including interviews with a climate science professor and a Lake Shasta recreation employee—this study reveals how these environmental changes are already reshaping outdoor engagement and disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, particularly individuals with disabilities. A central finding is the underutilized value of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), especially practices maintained by Indigenous communities such as the Karuk, Maidu, and Yurok. Cultural burning, seasonal land use, and native plant restoration offer proven strategies for ecological resilience that could enhance modern recreational planning. The thesis also identifies gaps in accessibility and adaptive infrastructure, emphasizing the need for inclusive, climate-resilient recreational design. Recommendations include integrating TEK into public land management, enhancing accessibility infrastructure, framing recreation as a public health investment, and fostering community education. Outdoor recreation is positioned not merely as a leisure activity, but as a cultural and ecological bridge in an era of accelerating climate disruption
Environmental Connection:The Complicated Impacts of Roads on Parks and Wilderness
Get PDFThe problem of climate change is such a big, scary problem, that many people don't know where to start. Instead of seeing it as one big problem, we must break it down into smaller sections we can engage with effectively. The two problems I want to put more focus on are related to how we use roads. How do roads damage our direct environment? They are one of the biggest factors in wildlife deaths and habitat fragmentation. But how do roads help our environment? They can connect us to natural places, help to engage and inspire potential new wildland stewards. My thesis dives into how we can add to our existing infrastructure so that natural species, ourselves included, can coexist in an evolving economy
Enhancing Financial Literacy Among School Principals
Get PDFThis study investigates the factors contributing to elementary school principals not spending all available funds and examines whether principals apply financial professional development to their budgeting and decision-making processes. Through three structured workshops, I worked with elementary school site leadership teams to assess their understanding of school finances. Data were collected from presurveys, workshop transcripts, and participant interactions, and analysis of the data uncovered two key findings. First, principals face challenges because of knowledge gaps, environmental limitations, and a lack of hands-on financial experience. Second, principals' learning environment significantly influences how they approach financial decision-making; the environment affects their confidence and ability to manage school funds efficiently. The findings suggest that structured financial literacy workshops should be an ongoing initiative in school districts. Professional development should include real-world case studies and hands-on budget exercises to equip school leaders with practical financial management skills. Future research should explore the long-term effects of financial training on principals' budgeting and decision-making. A longitudinal study could evaluate how ongoing financial literacy development shapes fiscal responsibility. Additionally, further insight would result from examining how improved financial communication between districts and principals enhances budgeting efficiency. Addressing these gaps will help strengthen school leaders' financial literacy, improve resource allocation, and ultimately support better student outcomes
PATHWAYS TO LEGALIZATION: UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH IN CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
No full textThe purpose of this graduate project was to create a PowerPoint presentation designed to educate social workers on the challenges, traumas, and legal pathways affecting undocumented youth involved with CPS. The project was based on research findings focused on immigrant families, primarily from Latin America or Hispanic backgrounds, exploring their migration trauma, legal and cultural challenges, and how legislation has created barriers for these populations. These barriers ultimately impact undocumented youth, often causing them to fall under CPS jurisdiction. Social workers have a legal mandate to assist these youth in pursuing legalization when qualifying factors are presented. The information presented was gathered through resources and collaboration with nonprofits such as El Concilio and the National Refugee Committee based in Stanislaus County. The outcome of the project provided information to social workers on how to be culturally aware when working with these minority populations and how they can better support undocumented youth who come into CPS care. Future research should explore further avenues to support undocumented minors