Promoting Environmental Justice Research and Practice for Social Workers in a Rural State: Methodology and Findings of a Pilot Qualitative Study

Environmental justice work is an emerging field of practice that recognizes the interrelationship between social, economic, racial, gender, and environmental injustice and the impact social workers can have for policy and practice. Despite inclusion of environmental justice knowledge and practice as critical elements of ethical social work, little research exists on the topic in the professional knowledge base. Additionally, little research exists to date that specifically examines environmental justice knowledge and practice in a rural area. This pilot study examines awareness and knowledge of environmental justice issues and practice amongst licensed social workers in a rural western state using focus group methodology. Findings of this pilot study are discussed, with implications for social work practice, education, policy work, and research rooted in rural settings. A second of the two-fold purpose of this article is to present the qualitative methodology utilized in hopes of building more pathways for the development of environmental justice knowledge through social work research

The health care experiences of adult survivors of child sexual abuse : a systematic review of evidence on sensitive practice [abstract]

This poster presentation was on display for the entire conference.Abstract of a poster presented at the 2008 Body Project conference at the University of Missouri-Columbia.I propose to present a poster representing findings from my article, just published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Trauma, Violence, and Abuse entitled, "The health care experiences of adult survivors of child sexual abuse: A systematic review of evidence on sensitive practice". This study was inspired by my work with adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) as a practicing social worker/therapist. The women I worked with spoke of the impact that abuse has had on their physical health, health care utilization, perceptions about their bodies and health, and experiences with health care providers. They spoke of avoiding care because of trauma triggers related to being touched, disrobing, and being placed in vulnerable physical positioning by providers during the health care encounter. They spoke of having to explain repeatedly about extensive cervical scarring resulting from years of sexual abuse and fighting to avoid invasive tests requested by providers to "explain" these anomalies. They spoke of being dismissed by providers as they sought help for chronic pain not easily categorized or "cured"

Empowerment for social justice : a grounded theory study of social work field instruction strategies

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on May 25, 2010).The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file.Dissertation advisor: Dr. Kim Anderson.Vita.Ph. D. University of Missouri--Columbia 2010.This study examines the process of student empowerment for social work practice that promotes social justice as it occurs in field education. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted with qualified field instructors and a model was constructed using grounded theory methodology. The model reflects perceptions of the meaning of social justice among field instructors. It also provides concrete practice and pedagogical strategies aimed at equipping future social workers to engage in the promotion of social justice, a foundational professional value. Environmental supports and barriers are also presented that significantly impact the process. Implications are provided for social work education, practice and research.Includes bibliographical references

Hands on Testing (HOT) Pilot Project: Recommendations and Findings Final Report

This report includes findings from a pilot project with three main objectives: (1) to develop standardized measures for the HOT test (child and adult interview), (2) to test of the reliability/validity of the newly developed measures, (3) to pilot the HOT test using standardized actors and simulation. The SSW was granted two payback grants from the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) for the purpose of enhancing the simulated interview component of HOT test (the final test of new child welfare workers) and increasing the objectivity of the grading process.Payback Grants further the mission of CWPEP in enhancing and supporting Oklahoma’s public child welfare workforce. Funding for Payback Grants comes from monies collected from former CWPEP students who do not honor their employment obligation to DHS and must repay the funds that were expended on their behalf. The federal title IV-E portion of the repayment fund is returned to DHS and the state share is placed in the CWPEP Payback Fund at OU. Payback Grants must be approved by the CWPEP participating universities, by OU Sponsored Programs and by DHS Child Welfare Services.N

Intimate Partner Violence: Innovations in Theory to Inform Clinical Practice, Policy, and Research

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and intergenerational transmission of IPV in families are destructive social issues in need of considerable attention. Knowledge of the multi-level, complex causes, and consequences of IPV in the United States has increased significantly over the last two decades. Given these gains in learning, the authors’ aim here is to highlight recent critical and emerging theoretical perspectives on IPV. Frameworks included for application are intersectionality theory, historical trauma and decolonization, human rights, constructivist self-development theory, the posttraumatic growth paradigm, and adverse childhood experiences. This discussion will help to illuminate the dynamics of IPV that are actionable by practitioners using frameworks that promote cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and strengths-based practice with diverse populations. The authors discuss the scope of IPV while focusing on critical vulnerable people and exploring issues of relative privilege and oppression. Next, the authors review the historical body of theory informing understandings of IPV, and emerging theoretical frameworks on IPV. We offer conclusions throughout as they relate to the application of highlighted theories to IPV.Publication assistance provided by The University of Oklahoma Office of the Vice President for Research, OU Libraries, and OU Knee Center for Strong Families. Open Access fees paid for in whole or in part by the University of Oklahoma LibrariesYe