To reverse increasing rates of HIV among African American women, intervention strategies need to be informed by their perceptions of HIV and HIV risk, and their recommendations for enhancing current interventions. In this focus group... more
To reverse increasing rates of HIV among African American women, intervention strategies need to be informed by their perceptions of HIV and HIV risk, and their recommendations for enhancing current interventions. In this focus group study, a community sample of African American women (n = 26) was asked to speak to these topics. Researchers conducted content analyses of focus group transcripts using
Five in-depth, semistructured interviews on what constitutes best practices were conducted with key professionals experienced in serving the homeless population. A practice model emerged from the interviews wherein client... more
Five in-depth, semistructured interviews on what constitutes best practices were conducted with key professionals experienced in serving the homeless population. A practice model emerged from the interviews wherein client self-determination was considered a keystone. Self-determination theory was then used as a framework for understanding the best practices that emerged, and the relationship between client self-determination and positive outcomes. Implications are discussed for the older homeless, highlighting that although general best practices are applicable for this subgroup, the unique factors of an aging homeless population must be incorporated into best practice discussions.
Child welfare workforce turnover rates across private and public child welfare agencies are concerning. Although research about the causes of child welfare workforce turnover has been plentiful, empirical studies on the effects of... more
Child welfare workforce turnover rates across private and public child welfare agencies are concerning. Although research about the causes of child welfare workforce turnover has been plentiful, empirical studies on the effects of turnover on child outcomes are sparse. Furthermore, the voices and experiences of youths within the system have been largely overlooked.The purpose of this study was, first, to explore the experiences and opinions about child welfare workforce turnover and retention of youths in the child welfare system; second, to explore a relationship between the number of caseworkers a youth has had and his or her number of foster care placements; and third, to harness the suggestions of youths in resolving the turnover problem. Youths in the child welfare system (N = 25) participated in focus groups and completed a small demographic survey. Findings suggest that youths experience multiple effects of workforce turnover, such as lack of stability; loss of trusting relationships; and, at times, second chances. The article concludes with suggestions for caseworkers, state trainers, local and state administrators, and social work researchers on engaging with youths in relationships that facilitate genuine systems change around social work practice and the child welfare workforce crisis.
This article describes the implementation of an online peer network for social work traineeship students pursuing or continuing careers in child welfare. Literature on best principles and practices for facilitating an online community is... more
This article describes the implementation of an online peer network for social work traineeship students pursuing or continuing careers in child welfare. Literature on best principles and practices for facilitating an online community is reviewed, and an explanation of how these best practices were used is provided. Initial program design and program developments, which took place over four years, are described. An overview of the evaluation data and how the program evaluation was carried out is presented. The article concludes with a discussion about successes and challenges experienced in building the peer network and further research needed to understand benefits of the use of online communities and social media in social work education.
Workplace violence in public child welfare is prevalent, however, little guidance is provided to support child welfare leaders in moving their organizations through organizational trauma when violence strikes. This paper aims to provide... more
Workplace violence in public child welfare is prevalent, however, little guidance is provided to support child welfare leaders in moving their organizations through organizational trauma when violence strikes. This paper aims to provide the field with a resource that will (a) provide a brief overview on the prevalence of workplace violence in child welfare, (b) describe prevention strategies, (c) suggest a framework for responding to violence and (d) apply this framework to a recent event in public child welfare. Implications for policy and practice guidance are included.
To investigate dental attendance patterns and reasons for nonattendance among older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Ireland. A cross-sectional survey of quantitative data and text analysis of qualitative data drawn from a... more
To investigate dental attendance patterns and reasons for nonattendance among older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Ireland. A cross-sectional survey of quantitative data and text analysis of qualitative data drawn from a nationally representative sample of 753 people with ID over 40 years of age in Ireland. Participants were considered as regular or irregular dental attenders for analysis of quantitative data. Text analysis grouped open-ended responses for analysis. There were slightly more females. Mean age was 54.1 years (SD = 8.8). Almost half had moderate ID. A majority (86.5%) of respondents attended dental services within the last 2 years. Age and type of residence were associated with frequency of attendance (p < .01), as were dentate status and reported oral problems (p < .001). Text analysis revealed a lack of perceived need as a reason for not attending regularly. Older people with ID in Ireland report a very high level of regular dental attendance. Irregular attenders did not attend because they saw no need. There is a need to further study the importance of regular dental attendance for this population.
Objectives: (1) To evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy (5–9 medicines) and excessive polypharmacy (10+ medicines) and (2) to determine associated demographic and clinical characteristics in an ageing population with intellectual... more
Objectives: (1) To evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy (5–9 medicines) and excessive polypharmacy (10+ medicines) and (2) to determine associated demographic and clinical characteristics in an ageing population with intellectual disabilities (IDs).
