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- Creator:
- Ayala, Miryam
- Description:
- Adolescents encompass a considerably large amount of the foster care population in the United States. Every year the number of youth who “age-out” of the foster care system at the age of 18 or 21 to live independently has continued to increase. Youth who are in the transition from out of-home care into emerging adulthood are considered to be one of the most vulnerable sub-populations of the foster care system. Aside from the trauma and the challenges associated with out-of-home care, adolescents emerging into adulthood are faced with the responsibility of self-sufficiency as they leave the system. A significant portion of AB12 youth who are aging-out of the foster care system are facing difficulty in transitioning into adulthood and stabilizing their life on their own. AB12 foster youth are individuals that are at least 18 years of age who wish to continue to be involved in the foster care system until the age of 21. Many of them are forced to live on the streets; they lack the money to meet basic living expenses, have a history with the criminal justice system, are unable to obtain health care, and fail to maintain employment (Mares, 2010). This study utilized qualitative methods to identify how social workers can work towards providing services to youth who are transitioning out of foster care to ensure they have the necessary skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Andrew, Christine Thykootathil
- Description:
- The rise of children living and/or working on the streets has become a global phenomenon following the increased industrialization and urbanization of our times. Despite the best efforts of helpers globally, many street children return to the streets. The perspective exists for some that street children “challenge and sabotage all efforts to help them.” The purpose of this qualitative study with a locality-based case study approach is to examine the lived experiences of the helpers of street children in India in order to gain insight into how to best serve this population. The research question is “What are the challenges for professionals in working to help street children to reintegrate in India?” 12 participants were obtained through mostly purposeful sampling. In-depth interviews utilizing open-ended questions were conducted. NVivo software was used for content analysis with instrumental and collective case study paradigms. Multiple investigators were consulted and member checking was done to improve the validity of the findings. From a list of 62 subthemes emerged six overarching themes: Organizational Limitations; Street Children’s Education; Government Policy; Societal Perceptions; Psychologically and Emotionally Demanding Work; and Interpersonal Hurdles. The findings were considered in light of this study’s theoretical frameworks: The Capability Approach and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice. An evaluation of helpers’ work to empower and promote the capabilities, agency, participation, and autonomy of street children was completed.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Carr, Sarah Joan
- Description:
- This research pursues interventions to stabilize and reduce harm of youth at risk of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) while in the care of child welfare services. Researchers have identified an intersection between youth at risk of DMST and the child welfare system. Youth in the child welfare system run away from placement frequently. Past studies have found that running away from placement positions youth at a greater risk to be victimized of DMST. Researchers have found reasons youth run from placement include access to positive social support systems and to run away from negative social interactions with care providers. There is a gap in the current literature for interventions to stabilize youth at risk of DMST. This study employs qualitative research methods to explore effective interventions from the perspective of social workers employed by Child Welfare System (CWS) who work closely with youth at risk of DMST. A total of 10 social workers were interviewed. An instrumental case study was described to exemplify the strategies used by the social workers to successfully stabilize a youth victimized of DMST. The findings describe practical strategies for service providers to employ when working with youth at risk of DMST in the child welfare system who frequently run away.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Duarte, Ewan Hutner
- Description:
- Transgender people are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in the U.S. The primary concept that the researcher examined is the lived experiences of former transgender and gender expansive youth in California. The theoretical frameworks that situate this study are the ecological systems theory, intersectionality, and trauma theory. This research study is qualitative and phenomenological. A diverse range of 13 participants who identify as transgender and/or gender expansive, ranging in ages from 21 to 56 were included in this research study. Colaizzi’s (1978) 7-step data analysis process was utilized. The findings reveal four major themes related to lived experiences of the participants: negative experiences they have encountered, positive experiences they have had in their lives, outcome of positive and negative experiences, and suggestions, recommendations, and changing nature of support structures. Each of the themes identified subthemes that discussed variation in experiences. Findings emphasize the need for more contemporary research studies that focus on the diversity of individuals who identify as transgender and/or gender expansive. Research studies that intentionally include intersectional and marginalized identities, and focus on transgender and gender expansive individuals and population from a respectful, dignified, and empowering perspective are necessary. It is imperative for helping professionals to willingly learn about lived experiences of transgender and gender expansive communities.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Pacheco Diaz, Marisol
- Description:
- Involvement with systems like Child Welfare Service (CWS) can occur through various forms such as poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health. People from rural communities face additional adversities leading to mistreatment and neglect by society, which can ultimately reflect on the neglect or abuse towards their own children. These challenges include fewer resources compared to urban areas, lack of transportation, geography, and barriers for best practices. To better understand the essence of experiencing rural child welfare, I conducted phenomenological interviews with four parents involved with CWS in Madera County, one adult who was in care of CWS as a child, and four social workers who work directly with rural families. The interview questions regarded services and barriers to access, reasons for removal, and views on social policy changes. Results indicate rural families experience unique circumstances due to the complexity of their living conditions; I identified many structural barriers to accessing services. Similar barriers that brought children into care of CWS prevented families from leaving the system. Parents reported living far from services without transportation, making court-ordered services, such as substance abuse programs, difficult to attend. Most services were located far from rural communities, inhibiting access to rural families and prolonging time in care. Social structures force vulnerable populations, like rural families, into systems like CWS, while obstructing their access to services that enhance their well-being, and therefore bringing awareness to this issue is essential.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Uriostegui Pavon, Jesica
- Description:
- Our world is more connected today than it ever has been. Within the past seven years, social media use among adults in the United States has increased; however, while digital connectivity is on the rise, life satisfaction and happiness are declining (Twenge, 2019). The need to belong and social connectedness are innate to humans. Social connection goes beyond survival and reproductivity; connection is vital to the emotional well-being of individuals. The connection that is fostered varies and is impacted by several societal and individual factors. This quantitative study examines the correlation between social media use, sense of belonging and emotional well-being among college students. Using an anonymous survey, 353 randomly selected college students participated in this study. The questionnaire contained five scales focused on emotional well-being, social media use, mindfulness, need to belong, and self-compassion. MANOVA and regression analysis were used to test variables. Findings indicate there is a significant relationship between social media use, the need to belong, and emotional well-being. The study is important because it examines the impact of social media to the emotional well-being of college students. As well as the implications it has on the social work profession as it strives to strengthen the social fabric and reduce the risk of social isolation among all age groups.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Shipman, Christopher
- Description:
- This qualitative study sought to gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of student veterans who had recently transitioned from military service into community college. Utilizing the Veteran Critical Theory (VCT) as the primary conceptual framework, this study sought to give voice to those who are directly impacted by the services that were created to support them during their transition. Findings included difficulties relating to civilian peers, increased feelings of positive militaristic-type discipline, motivation, attention to time and detail, as well as, heightened critical thinking skills. Findings also included an unanimously positive response concerning the importance of the Veteran Resource Center and the services provided, particularly the individualized education planning. Student veterans suggested the need to improve upon services delivered to future student veterans by developing a mandatory orientation where students could become familiarized with the campus and the services provided by each department. Primary limitations of this study include, only two branches of military being represented, small sample size, the use of convenience sampling from only one community college, the use of some closed-ended questioning during interviews, and interviews being conducted within the veteran resource center.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Vargas, Norma
- Description:
- Homelessness in Fresno is a commonality within the city. Criminalization of homelessness is also common but on worldwide scale. The purpose of this thesis is to look at the perspective of social workers and their application of their ethical principles when dealing with a vulnerable population and the criminalization of said vulnerable population. I will use several theoretical concepts such as Michel Foucault’s concept of the panopticon and the discipline and punishment of vulnerable populations, as well as Edward Soja’s concept of spatial justice, which incorporates social justice with our relationship to public and private geographical spaces. I believe that the problem is that there is not an appropriate safety net for homeless peoples in Fresno which is resulting in the criminalization of homelessness. The plan for this research study is to get the perspective of social workers and hear about their experiences about being ethically challenged when working with marginalized communities, in this case homeless people.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Rodriguez Perez, Alejandra
- Description:
- This study seeks to understand the experience of monolingual Spanish-speaking parents in regard to parental involvement in the education of their children in the San Joaquin Valley. Using a phenomenological approach, this study examined the narratives of 15 monolingual Spanish-speaking parents residing in the San Joaquin Valley, who had at least one child in the public K-12 education system. The analysis yielded several themes. First, monolingual Spanish-speaking parents engaged in different manners within the home and school settings. Home-based engagement included providing for their children financially, a home, basic essentials, helping with homework, keeping a close relationship with their children and guiding them through life using the medium of consejos. In the school setting parents expressed participating by attending school events when they were invited and assisting when they were asked by staff. Second, factors that influenced or deterred parents' involvement were being monolingual Spanish-speaking, positive and negative experiences in the schools, and lack of consideration to their needs by school personnel. Lastly, parents also provided suggestions that could assist in meeting their needs, including conducting Spanish only meetings, hire friendlier Spanish- speaking staff, having more interpreters readily available, and host meetings at later times of the day. The findings of this study can serve as a guide to those school districts that serve monolingual Spanish-speaking parents. School social worker can implement the necessary measures to strengthen relationships and best meet the needs of this parent community.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education
- Creator:
- Yoder, Jeanine Joy
- Description:
- Mennonites living in Russia at the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 entered into a climate of almost relentless violence. Mennonites are a Protestant group that formed during the 16th century Reformation. Long-term psychological implications of these events continue for remaining survivors and their offspring to this day. In this study, four memoirs of Mennonite survivors were analyzed to learn how traumatic experiences were narrated in their lifetime. A literature review explored features associated with individual and collective experiences of trauma. Placing each writer into their shared historical context was presented to understand both collective and unique features of their experiences. Common themes that emerged in the memoirs demonstrated both resilience and challenges in expressing emotions, facing physical challenges, processing transitions, and coping. Lastly, differing experiences with attachment were discovered for each writer and inferences were drawn to the intergenerational transmission of trauma. The findings of this study can speak to how social workers may contextualize trauma with biopsychosocial intakes that are broad in scope. Therapeutic interventions were presented that take collective features of trauma into consideration instead of solely individualizing trauma outcomes. Macro-level social work practice with geriatric populations, organizational transformation, and policy change were recommended.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Fresno
- Department:
- Social Work Education