Falling Through the Cracks: Child Care Decision Making Among the Working Poor

Session 4: Children. Presenter Amber Moodie-Dyer, Ph.D. University of Missouri (2011)- "Falling Through the Cracks: Child Care Decision Making Among the Working Poor".The Ohio State University College of Social Wor

Falling through the cracks : child care decision-making among the working poor

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on October 19, 2012).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. Colleen GalambosVita.Ph. D. University of Missouri--Columbia 2011."May 2011"The aim of this study was to discover how barriers influence working poor parents' child care selection criteria, satisfaction with child care choice, and continuity of care for their young children. In order to empower working poor families to make the best child care decisions for their young children, the barriers facing parents when choosing care must be better understood. Factors which may act as barriers include: lack of work, family and caregiver flexibility; transportation and affordability challenges; and lack of social support and financial assistance with child care. Data were collected from parents by survey distribution at local community agencies in one Mid-Missouri county. Data from 154 surveys were analyzed using logistic regression and study hypotheses were supported: Parents with more barriers were more likely to report imperfect satisfaction and continuity of care, as well as a discrepancy in the importance of quality and logistical characteristics when choosing care in an ideal versus real world setting. The two barriers that most predicted negative outcomes were lack of social support and financial assistance. Implications for social work practice, policy and future research are discussed.Includes bibliographical reference

Understanding the Impact Of A Property Tax Levy on Provision of Senior Services and Quality of Life for Missouri Seniors

Property tax levies or mill taxes have been increasingly relied upon to support senior services due to inadequate federal and state funding (Payne & Applebaum, 2008). Analysis of the effects of property tax levies on service availability, provision and access for seniors is in its infancy. Given the growing population of seniors and the aging out of the baby-boomer population, needs will continue to grow (Payne & Applebaum). The importance of effective funding techniques is paramount to the adequate provision of services to meet the needs of seniors in their communities. This study is based on a similar study conducted in the state of Ohio, the only other of its kind, in which counties with a senior service tax levy were surveyed about the number of seniors served, types of services, and amount of the levies (Payne, Applebaum, Molea & Ross, 2007). Ohio and Missouri are two of eight states which use county property tax levies to help fund senior services. Results of the Ohio survey indicated that levy funds are very popular and generally pass at a 65 to 35 percent margin. In addition, funds are most often spent on nutrition, transportation and in-home services (Payne et al.)

Navigating Autism: Parent Experiences with Coping and Service Connection

This presentation shares findings from a qualitative study exploring the experiences of parents of youth and young adults with ASD and service providers. Themes from interviews and focus groups are discussed. The presenters explore the implications of the study for providing services to individuals with ASD in relation to research, policy and practice

An Exploration of Fiscal Resources and Systems Needs related to Autism Spectrum Disorder Services and Supports in Ohio: Fiscal Analysis and Parent/Caregiver Interview Results

In order to advocate for policies that align and leverage funding streams in service to the needs of families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO) and the Center for Systems Change at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence disorders (OCALI) commissioned the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University to conduct a fiscal analysis of ASD funds and to explore parent / caregiver perceptions of the ASD service delivery system in Ohio. There were two purposes of this work: To identify federal and state funding streams that are available or may be used to support autism spectrum disorders in Ohio and To explore stakeholder (particularly parents / caregivers) experiences with the ASD service delivery system and related informal social supports. The findings from both research components provide insights into ways in which the ASD service delivery system might be improved, as fiscal mapping data inform resource investments and consumer perspectives’ drive continuous improvements

Perspectives on Social Work Volume 8 (Fall 2009)

This is the full-text volume of Perspectives on Social Work, vol. 8 (Fall 2009)