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Community Services - Results (45 Publications)

Title: Divorce and Family Court: What Can Be Done About Domestic Violence?
Author(s): Ellis, Desmond.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Court Review
v. 46, 3, July 2008, p. 531-536
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: Approximately 50% of couples who have separated report being the victims of violence and/or emotional by their former intimate partners. Family courts can make an important contribution toward reducing the number of intimate partners who report being victims of domestic violence and abuse during and following their participation in divorce proceedings in three ways. First, increase opportunites for participation in nonadverserial procedures. Second, implement mandatory assessment/screening for domestic violence using field-tested instruments that link subscores on sets of items (e.g., control motivated violence, conflict instigated violence/abuse, substance abuse associated violence/abuse) with appropriate community-based treatments and/or resources. Third, educate family court judges, lawyers, mediators, and other court personnel in the dynamics of domestic violence generally, as well as the dynamics associated with separation/divorce. (Author abstract)

Title: "It's in Their Culture": Fairness and Cultural Considerations in Domestic Violence.
Author(s): Sujata, Warrier.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Court Review
v. 46, 3, July 2008, p. 537-542
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: This essay attempts to critique the prevailing thinking on culture and cultural competency within the context of domestic violence. Current thinking and presentations of culture usually consists of providing court personnel with essentialist pictures of various groups of people with suggestions on how to work with them. These pictures obscure the reality that cultures are often unstable and generalizations that lead to providing more misinformation. The essay develops a critical framwork on the issue and provides specific ways in which a more nuanced understanding of culture is helpful for court personnel as they grapple with how to work with a diverse population. (Author abstract)

Title: Recent Trends in Intimate Violence: Theory and Intervention Volume 2.
Author(s): Eisikovits, Zvi.;Winstok, Zeev.;Grauwiler, P.;Mills, Linda G.;
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Children and youth services review
v. 30, 6, June 2008, p. 613-698
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: This journal is the second of two special issues that present the scholarly work of a study group on recent trends in intimate violence co-hosted by the University of Haifa and New York University in 2006. Participants were academic and practitioners from Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The articles address two broad categories. The first half focuses on exploring issues such as meaning, identity, and shame, together with an analysis of the criminal justice system and a review of the methods available to research these issues. The second half emphasizes the role that a childhood history of abuse can play in defining one's future experiences with violence, and the systems designed to support the prevention of harm. Specifically, articles address: batterers' experience of intervention; shame and intimate abuse; the legal consequences of intimate partner violence for men and women; resistance to evaluation in batterers' programs in Israel; adolescent males' coping responses to domestic violence; the effectiveness of interventions and treatment modalities for child sexual abuse; bridging the divide between child welfare and domestic violence services; and new practice approaches in domestic violence and child protective services. Numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Bridging the Divide Between Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Services: Deconstructing the Change Process.
Author(s): Moles, Kerry.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Children and youth services review
v. 30, 6, June 2008, p. 674-688
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: In spite of the long and well-documented history of tension between the domestic violence and child welfare systems in the United States, a number of communities have developed effective collaborations between the two in order to better meet the needs of families involved with both. After setting the historical context for the tensions between providers of child welfare and domestic violence services, the changing relationship betwen the two systems is examined from the perspective of professionals in both fields in one large urban community, New York City. Recommendations are made for continued. Communities seeking to improve their own response to the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child maltreatment may be able to gain from developing a broader understanding of the challenges and successes of the change process in a community which has struggled to improve collaboration. (Author abstract)

Title: From Evolving Discourses to New Practice Approaches in Domestic Violence and Child Protective Services.
Author(s): Friend, Colleen.;Shlonsky, Aron.;Lambert, Liz.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Children and youth services review
v. 30, 6, June 2008, p. 689-698
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: This article examines the evolution of the discourse surrounding domestic violence (DV), explores how that discourse intersects with public child welfare (PCW), and makes some suggestions for improving the quality and consistency of services for families involved in these systems in both the United States and Canada. In particular, the discourse at the intersection of the two systems has focused on whether or not children's exposure to DV is maltreatment and, further, if it warrants placement in foster care. Within the PCW system itself, data seem to point to divisions in worker beliefs over what circumstances necessitate removal of children and what solutions should be pursued in order to achieve permanence. Legislation and courts have spoken to this complex issue. Given the tension and new developments in the field, this article proposes that harm reduction (HR), evidence-based practice (EBP), and differential response (DR) approaches can bring the two systems together in order to better serve families. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption Support and the Negotiation of Ambivalence in Family Policy and Children's Services.(Chapter 1 in Children, Family Responsibilities, and the State.)
Author(s): Luckock, Barry.
Published: 2008
Available from: Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: In this article, ambivalent commitments to parenting and family life by the New Labour government are explored by reference to the example of adoption support. Developments in adoption illuminate contrasting expectations in family policy and children's services more generally. Policy and practice tensions are discussed and it is concluded that new spaces are being opened up for the negotiation between parents and professionals about rights and responsibilities in family life and its support. 112 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: The State as Parent: The Reluctant Parent? The Problems of Parents of Last Resort. (Chapter 3 in Children, Family Responsibilities, and the State.)
Author(s): Masson, Judith.
Published: 2008
Available from: Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: This article explores the idea of the local authority as a reluctant parent and considers the extent to which this reluctance is produced by the care proceedings system and its consequences for children. It discusses the impact of the juridification of social work and the emphasis on the courts for holding local authorities to account, the balance between voluntary accommodation and compulsory care, and the problems of resourcing care services. 129 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Exploring Differential Response: One Pathway Toward Reforming Child Welfare.
Author(s): Thompson, David.;Conley, Amy.;Oritz, Mary Jo.;Kirk, Raymond.;
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Protecting Children
v. 23, 1-2, p. 1-104
Available from: American Humane
http://www.americanhumane.org/
63 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, CO 80112
Printable version (PDF): http://www.americanhumane.org/assets/docs/protecting-children/PC-DR-PC-article2008.pdf
Abstract: This second double issue on differential response discusses practice, policy, and research related to understanding and implementing a differential response approach as an alternative to traditional investigations into child abuse or neglect. It begins by explaining that differential response focuses on partnering with families to provide services that meet their needs while dismissing the labels of perpetrator and victim and removing the determination or finding. Following articles summarize key findings for the 2006 National Study on Differential Response in Child Welfare; findings from the Parent Support Outreach Project, a pilot project in Minnesota that created a preventive pathway for families; findings for the Another Road to Safety program based in Alameda County, California; findings from the implementation of differential response in 11 rural counties in Northern California; findings from a review of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System on the safety of children served through differential response pathways; and findings related to the use of the North California Family Assessment Scale for General Services, a family assessment instrument designed for differential response. The final two articles explore the possible intersections and common values between differential response and family involvement strategies, and the importance of partnering with families in order to successfully sustain system changes such as differential response. Numerous references.

Multiple copies available at: American Humane at info@americanhumane.org.
Contents: Differential Response: Progressive Child Welfare Amy Rohm -- Another Look at the National Study on Differential Response in Child Welfare Caren Kaplan and Lisa Merkel-Holguin -- The Parent Support Outreach Program: Minnesota's Early Intervention Track David Thompson, Gary L. Siegel, and L. Anthony Loman -- Implementation of Differential Response in Ethnically Diverse Neighborhoods Amy Conley and Jill Duerr Berrick -- Implementation of California?s Differential Response Model in Small Counties Sofya Bagdasaryan, Walter Furman, and Todd Franke -- Outcomes for Children with Allegations of Neglect Who Receive Alternative Response and Traditional Investigations: Findings for NCANDS Mary Jo Ortiz, Gila R. Shusterman, and John D. Fluke -- Development and Field Testing of a Family Assessment Scale for Use in Child Welfare Practice Settings Utilizing Differential Response Raymond S. Kirk -- The Intersection Between Differential Response and Family Involvement Approaches Betty Christenson, Scott Curran, Kelli DeCook, Scott Maloney, and Lisa Merkel-Holguin -- Six Principles of Partnership: Building and Sustaining System-Wide Change Daniel P. Comer and Deborah Vassar.

Title: Community Services Locator: An Online Directory for Finding Community Services for Children and Families.
Author(s): Lorenzo, Susan Brune.;Mayer, Rochelle.
Published: 2008
Available from: Maternal and Child Health Library
http://www.mchlibrary.info
National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health
Georgetown University
Box 571272
Washington, DC 20057-1272
Document available online at: http://www.mchlibrary.info/KnowledgePaths/kp_community.html
Abstract: Most communities have education, health, mental health, family support, parenting, child care, and other services that can help support children and families. However, locating those services or even knowing which services to look for is often difficult. The Community Services Locator is designed to help service providers and families find available national, state, and local resources that can address child and family needs. (Author abstract)

Title: Parental Rights and the Foster Care System: A Glimpse of Decision Making in Virginia.
Author(s): McWey, Lenore M.;Henderson, Tammy L.;Alexander, Jenny Burroughs.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of Family Issues
v. 29, 8, August 2008, p. 1031-1050
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: Using ecological theory and a mixed-methods approach, the authors examined family-court interactions for foster care decisions made in Virginia across three policy periods: 1980 to 1993, 1994 to 1997, and 1997 to present (N = 95). For the first and last policy periods, quantitative analyses revealed significant differences in the rates at which parental rights were terminated. Differences also existed in termination rates for parents with mental health issues and limited IQs but not for parents with substance abuse issues or those with special-needs children. The best-interests-of-the-child standard and clear and convincing evidence were the primary legal principles used to determine whether to terminate parental rights or to reunify families. Suggestions were made to enhance the understanding of family professionals. (Author abstract)

Title: Differentiation Among Types of Intimate Partner Violence: Research Update and Implications for Interventions.
Author(s): Kelly, Joan B.;Johnson, Michael P.;
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Court Review
v. 46, 3, July 2008, p. 476-499
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: A growing body of empirical research has demonstrated that intimate partner violence is not a unitary phenomenon and that types of domestic violence can be differentiated with respect to partner dynamics, context, and consequences. Four patterns of violence are described: Coercive Controlling, Violent Resistance, Situational Couple Violence, and Separation-Instigated Violence. The controversial matter of gender symmetry and asymmetry in intimate partner violence is discussed in terms of sampling differences and methodological limitations. Implications of differentiation among types of domestic violence include the need for improved screening measures and procedures in civil, family, and criminal court and the possibility of better decision making, appropriate sanctions, and more effective treatment programs tailored to the characteristics of different types of partner violence. In family court, reliable differentiation should provide the basis for determining what safegaurds are necessary and what types of parenting plans are appropriate to ensure healthy outcomes for children and parent-child relationships. (Author abstract)

Title: Substance Abuse Treatment for Child Welfare Families: Recent Research and Practice Implications.
Author(s): Ondersma, Steven J.
Published: 2008
Available from: ResearchChannel
http://www.researchchannel.org/
17 Kane Hall, Box 353090
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-3090
Document available online at: http://www.researchchannel.org/prog/displayseries.aspx?pID=868&fID=5431
Abstract: A large percentage of parents who abuse, neglect or abandon their children have drug and alcohol problems. In this two-part series, learn about recent research about substance abuse in the context of the child welfare system, both from the perspective of front-line professionals as well as overall policy. (Author abstract)

Title: Troubled Children and Children in Trouble: Redefining the Role of the Juvenile Court in the Lives of Children.
Author(s): Robbins, Ann Reyes.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Juvenile and Family Court Journal
v. 59, 1, Winter 2008, p. 3-15
Available from: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
http://www.ncjfcj.org/
PO Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Abstract: This Essay considers the emerging research in the area of dual-jurisdiction children, often referred to as "crossover kids"?those currently or previously involved in maltreatment proceedings who have also committed delinquent acts. Part I describes the development of the juvenile courts in the early twentieth century. Part II of this Essay questions the need to "track" children along one legal path or another and points to the pitfalls of providing services to some children through a criminal justice paradigm instead of treating all children through a social work paradigm. Finally, Part III advocates a redesign of the juvenile court?a return to its roots?to better enable a court to consider the needs of the whole child, in context with the needs of her/his family. (Author abstract)

Title: Healing Families: An Outcome Evaluation of a Community Family Court.
Author(s): Rivera, Marny.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Juvenile and Family Court Journal
v. 59, 1, Winter 2008, p. 17-32
Available from: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
http://www.ncjfcj.org/
PO Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
Abstract: In this paper, a model community family court program that seeks to break the intergenerational cycle of crime and substance abuse by treating families holistically will be presented. This model court seeks to reduce crime and provide safe and permanent homes for children of substance-abusing parents. In this community family court, the prototypical problem-solving court has been both focused and expanded. The community family court provides a focused response designed to address the unique combination of problems facing families on a family-by-family basis. At the same time, supervision and treatment services have been expanded to include every family member and all open court cases including criminal charges, juvenile delinquency, dependency, and civil cases. An overview of the court's evolution and discussion of integrated services designed to provide a wraparound style intervention will be highlighted as key contributors to the largely positive results of this community family court's evaluation. (Author abstract)

Title: Evidence-Based Programs to Prevent Children From Entering and Remaining in the Child Welfare System: Benefits and Costs for Washington.
Author(s): Lee, Stephanie.;Aos, Steve.;Miller, Marna.
Published: 2008
Available from: Washington State Institute for Public Policy
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/
110 Fifth Avenue SE, Suite 214
P.O. Box 40999
Olympia, WA 98504-0999
Printable version (PDF): http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/08-07-3901.pdf
Abstract: The Washington State Institute for Public Policy was directed by the 2007 Washington Legislature to estimate whether evidence-based programs and policies can "reduce the likelihood of children entering and remaining in the child welfare system, including both prevention and intervention programs." In this report, we study three basic questions. Is there credible evidence that specific programs work to improve these outcomes? If so, do benefits outweigh program costs? Finally, what would be the total net gain to Washington if these evidence-based programs were implemented more widely? Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all research evidence we could locate to identify what works to improve child welfare outcomes. We found and analyzed 74 rigorous comparison group evaluations of programs and policies, most of which were conducted in the United States. We then estimated the monetary value of the benefits to Washington if these programs were implemented in the state. We examined factors such as reduced child welfare system expenditures, reduced costs to the victims of child maltreatment, and other longterm outcomes to participants and taxpayers, such as improved educational and labor market performance, and lower criminal activity. Findings: 1) Some evidence-based programs work, some do not. We reviewed credible research evidence and found a number of specific programs and policies that can produce statistically significant improvements in key child welfare outcomes. 2) The economics look attractive. Among the successful programs, we found several that can generate long-term monetary benefits well in excess of program costs. 3) The potential for Washington appears significant. We estimated the statewide benefits of implementing an expanded portfolio of evidence-based programs. We found that after five years of implementing such a strategy, Washington would receive long-term net benefits between $317 and $493 million (of which $6 million to $62 million would be net taxpayer benefits). (Author abstract)

Title: Sustaining Grassroots Community-Based Programs: A Toolkit for Community- and Faith-Based Service Providers.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20847-2345
Printable version (PDF): http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA08-4340.pdf
Abstract: ToolKit designed to help grassroots community and faith based organizations develop program services. Contains 6 separate books: Introduction, Organizational Assessment and Readiness, Effective Marketing Strategies, Financial Management, Sustainability Strategies, and Results-Oriented Evaluation. (Author abstract)

Title: Hearing Their Voices: Children and Their Legal Representation in the Dependency Court (including, Statewide Standards and Training Guidelines for Attorneys in Dependency Cases)
Published: 2008
Available from: Children's Action Alliance
http://www.azchildren.org
4001 North Third Street
Suite 160
Phoenix,, AZ 85012
Printable version (PDF): http://www.azchildren.org/MyFiles/PDF/Hearing%20Their%20Voices.pdf
Abstract: This report includes recommendations to improve the representation of youth in the Arizona Juvenile Court system. (Author abstract)

Title: The Role of Interagency Collaboration for Substance-Abusing Families Involved with Child Welfare.
Author(s): Green, Beth L.;Rockhill, Anna.;Burrus, Scott.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child Welfare
v. 87, 1, p. 29-61
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: Meeting the needs of families involved with the child welfare system because of a substance abuse issue remains a challenge for child welfare practitioners. In order to improve services to these families, there has been an increasing focus on improving collaboration between child welfare, treatment providers, and the court systems. This paper presents the results from qualitative interviews with 104 representatives of these three systems that explore how the collaborative process works to benefit families, as well as the barriers and supports for building successful collaborations. Results indicate that collaboration has at least three major functions: building shared value systems, improving communication, and providing a "team" of support. Each of these leads to different kinds of benefits for families as well as providers and has different implications for building successful collaborative interventions. Despite these putative benefits, providers within each system, however, continue to struggle to build effective collaborations, and they face such issues as deeply ingrained mistrust and continued lack of understanding of other systems' values, goals, and perspectives. Challenges that remain for successful collaborations are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Report from the Wingspread Conference on Domestic Violence and Family Courts.
Author(s): Steegh, Nancy Ver.;Dalton, Clare.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Court Review
v. 46, 3, July 2008, p. 454-475
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: In February 2007 the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts brought together a working group of thirty-seven experienced practitioners and researchers to identify and explore conceptual and practical tensions that have hampered effective work with families in which domestic violence has been identified or alleged. Five central sets of issues were raised at the conference and are discussed in this report. These include the following: differentiation among families experiencing domestic violence, screening and triage, participation by families in varies processes and services, appropriate outcomes for children, and family court roles and resources. The report empahasizes the need for continued multidisciplinary collaboration in order to better serve families affected by domestic violence and it includes an appendix of consensus points as well as suggestions for formation of ongoing work groups. (Author abstract)

Title: Intergrating Child-Parent Psychotherapy with Other Service Systems. (Chapter 9 in Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children: Repairing the Effects of Stress and Trauma on Early Attachment.)
Author(s): Lieberman, Alicia F.;Van Horn, Patricia.
Published: 2008
Available from: Guilford Press
http://www.guilford.com/
72 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
Abstract: This chapter places psychotherapy intervention in the context of the systems of care that must often be enlisted to collaborate on behalf of the child and the family, including pediatric care, child care, and the child protective system (CPS). Obstacles to a therapeutic relationship with parents in the CPS system are addressed and strategies are described for circumventing their negative impact on parental participation. Case examples are provided.

Title: Becoming Parents: Lesbians Mothers' Adoption Experience.
Author(s): Ryan, Scott.;Whitlock, Courtney.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
v. 19, 2, 2007, p. 1-23
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Ninety-six lesbian adoptive parents were part of a crosssectional study to explore their adoption experiences, specifically focusing on their sources of consultation/information and possible bias, adoption timeframes and costs, and their satisfaction with the adoption experience.Questions within each of these domains were tested for significant differences across international, private domestic and child welfare adoption venues. While their overall experiences were positive, several key significant findings are discussed, with practice considerations suggested for adoption professionals and other lesbians seeking adoption. Lastly, a call for future research is made to further our understanding of lesbian mothers' transition to adoptive parenthood. (Author abstract)

Title: Stand Up Stand Out: Recommendations to Improve Youth Participation in New York City's Permanency Planning Process.
Published: 2007
Available from: Center for Court Innovation
http://courtinnovation.org/
520 8th Avenue, 18th floor
New York, NY 10018
Printable version (PDF): http://www.courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/YJBreport%20final_2007.pdf
Abstract: Written by the 16 teenage members of the 2006-2007 Youth Justice Board, this report proposes 14 specific recommendations to improve the court experiences and outcomes for adolescents in foster care. The Youth Justice Board, which consists of New York City high schools students 15 to 19 years old, spent several months researching New York's permanency planning process -- interviewing over 40 child welfare and court professionals, conducting two focus groups of youth in care and observing Family Court proceedings in Kings County, Bronx County and New York County Family Courts. (Author abstract)

Title: Effects of Coordinated Services for Drug-Abusing Women Who Are Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.
Author(s): Bennett, Larry.;O'Brien, Patricia.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Violence Against Women
v. 13, 4, p. 395-411
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: This article summarizes outcomes from a demonstration project on collaboration between substance abuse and domestic violence agencies. Researchers recruited women seeking services for substance abuse or intimate partner violence at 1 of 6 participating agencies. Admitted women were both victims of domestic violence and abusing alcohol or drugs. Following an initial screening, participants were interviewed at program entry (n = 255) and again 4 to 6 months later (n = 128, 50%). Key outcomes were the number of days substances were used in the past 30 days, women's perceptions of harm from battering, and domestic violence self-efficacy. Results suggest participants used substances less frequently and experienced themselves as more efficacious following services, but they were also more fearful of the consequences of domestic violence. Repeated-measures MANOVA found that substance abuse days and domestic violence self-efficacy significantly contributed to the multivariate function. Implications for services for women with co-occurring substance abuse and domestic violence victimization are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Social Work with Lesbian Parent Families: Ecological Perspectives.
Author(s): Mercier, Lucy R.;Harold, Rena D.;Ryan, Scott.;Whitlock, Courtney.;Wall, Misty L.;Jones, Barbara L.;Voss, Tanya M.;Anderson, Sandra C.;Holliday, Mindy.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
v. 19, 2, 2007, p. 1-100
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This journal issue explores and describes a variety of social systems with which lesbian parent families interact, with a focus on implications for improved, diversity-affirming service delivery and policy. The first article shares findings from a cross-sectional study of 96 lesbian adoptive parents that found their overall experiences were positive. Practice considerations are suggested for adoption professionals and other lesbians seeking adoption. The following article discusses a study of 21 lesbian parents that found 70% were satisfied with their employment situations and characterized the relationships between their households and the workplace as positive. The case of Goodridge vs. Department of Public Health, in which the Supreme Court of Massachusetts granted same sex couples the right to legally recognized marriage within Massachusetts, is discussed and a new model for analyzing judicial decisions is proposed that includes a value critical approach. The fourth article discusses the impact of lesbian mothers' activism on legislation and personal well-being. A case study of one community where lesbian mothers formed a local coalition in response to a statewide proposition to ban same-sex marriage in Texas is described. The final article reports on the prevalence of heterosexism and homophobia among mental health practitioners. Results indicate that of the 25 practitioners in the study, 48% knew personally of incidences of professional bias against lesbian clients. Of the 98 lesbian families who participated in the study, only 26% reported heterosexual bias from their providers. Numerous references.

Title: Policy, Practice, Partnerships: AAICAMA 2007 Annual Meeting, May 6-9 2007, Washington, DC.
Published: 2007
Available from: Association of Administrators of the Intersate Compact on Adoption and Medical Asssistance, Inc.
810 First St. NE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002-4267
Abstract: Conference materials are provided for the 2007 annual conference of the Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (AAICAMA) held in Washington, D.C. The conference focused on policy practice partnerships and featured presentations on: building working relationships with the State child welfare director; reciprocity for providing Medicaid to State-funded children moving across State lines; building working relationships with State Medicaid department; social workers and liability; research strategies for findings answers to medical assistance questions; technical assistance findings and their implementation in the States; Medicaid provisions and strategies for ensuring medical assistance is provided to children placed across State lines; the implementation of Medicaid in California and strategies used to provide medical assistance to children placed across State lines; the Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 and its impact on the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance; the key role of the compact administrator; the needs of AAICAMA members; the Child Welfare Information Gateway website; strategies for building a working relationships with a State's child serving partners; addressing interstate data and technology issues; and subsidized guardianship waivers.

Title: Immigrant and Homeless: Information for School District Title III Programs and Community Agencies.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE
http://www.serve.org/nche
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
Printable version (PDF): http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/imm_gen.pdf
Abstract: This brief discusses the challenges faced by immigrant children and their possible eligibility for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Services under the Act are designed to reduce academic barriers and have a positive impact on the educational outcomes of eligible students by allowing eligible students to remain in the same school, and by requiring each district to appoint a local homeless education liaison to examine each child or youth's situation to determine eligibility for services. The strong collaborative relationships between Title III programs and community agencies that enable liaisons to secure the most appropriate services for immigrant children and families are noted, and strategies for collaborating with the liaison to ensure services to eligible students are reviewed. 3 references.

Title: Immigrant and Homeless: Information for Local Liaisons.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE
http://www.serve.org/nche
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
Printable version (PDF): http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/imm_lia.pdf
Abstract: Intended for local liaisons tasked with implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, this brief reviews the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee children and youth and the role of school as a stabilizer in the lives of immigrant youth. Educational barriers that are faced by immigrant students are identified, as well as strategies for addressing such barriers. Information is provided on the homelessness of immigrant youth and questions are given for determining eligibility for McKinney-Vento services. Steps local liaisons can take to coordinate school district and community services for immigrant youth are also discussed. 25 references.

Title: Housing Agency and School District Collaborations to Serve Homeless and Highly Mobile Students.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE
http://www.serve.org/nche
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
Printable version (PDF): http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/housing_collab.pdf
Abstract: This brief explores the challenges of providing housing and educational services to homeless children and emphasizes the need for collaboration between public housing authorities and school districts. It reviews the rights of homeless children under The Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a program that directs states to ensure that children and youth in homeless situations receive a free, appropriate public education. Examples are then provided of successful collaborations in Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado. 9 references.

Title: Collaboration Between System of Care Communities and the Child Welfare System: Creative Ideas for How to Make it Work.
Author(s): Collins, Julie.;Marshall, Anita.
Published: 2006
Available from: Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health
http://www.tapartnership.org/
1000 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20007
Printable version (PDF): http://www.tapartnership.org/advisors/childwelfare/resources/SOC-child_welfare_collaboration.pdf
Abstract: This Issue Brief outlines the benefits that system of care communities can gain by collaborating with the child welfare system, as well as common barriers to successful collaboration. Examples of effective approaches used by seven system of care communities are also presented. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption Myths and Racial Realities in the United States. (Chapter 6 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Roberts, Dorothy.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This chapter focuses on the racial politics that are critical to understanding transracial adoption in the United States, and examines how the racialized U.S. child welfare system creates the conditions under which transracial adoption seems a necessary and even benevolent act. It argues that far from healing the wounds of racism, advocacy for transracial adoption often contributes to the racist ideologies and practices that devalue Black family ties. Racial biases in the child welfare system are discussed, and a just approach to transracial adoption that recognizes the link between the availability of Black children for adoption and systemic inequities is urged. 28 references.

Title: Supervised Visitation: What Courts Should Know When Working with Supervised Visitation Programs.
Author(s): Moore, Samantha.;Ford, Kathryn.
Published: 2006
Available from: Center for Court Innovation
http://courtinnovation.org/
520 8th Avenue, 18th floor
New York, NY 10018
Printable version (PDF): http://courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/Supervised%20Visitation.pdf
Abstract: This paper highlights a number of practices used by exemplary supervised visitation programs and the courts, and is intended for judges, court administrators and their community partners in an effort to reduce the risk of violence for survivors and their children. (Author abstract)

Title: Effectively Advocating for Systems and Policies that Promote the Healthy Development of Very Young Children: An Advocacy Primer for Children's Doctors.
Published: 2006
Available from: Docs For Tots
http://www.docsfortots.org/
1000 Vermont Ave. NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.docsfortots.org/documents/MailmanADVFINAL.pdf
Abstract: The Docs For Tots Advocacy Toolkit was designed to facilitate doctors' entrance into the advocacy arena. The Toolkit provides: Advice on advocating for children; Guidance for framing effective messages on early childhood issues; Tips for working with the media; Suggestions for contacting legislators; and Additional resources and related links. (Author abstract)

Title: From the School Office to the Classroom: Strategies for Enrolling and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness: A Handbook for Local Liaisons, Enrollment Staff, and District Administrators.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE
http://www.serve.org/nche
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
Printable version (PDF): http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/dis_hb/enrollment.pdf
Abstract: This federally funded handbook provides local liaisons, enrollment staff, and district administrators with strategies for enrolling homeless students and welcoming them into the school community. It begins by defining homelessness and reviewing the basic requirements for immediate school enrollment of homeless children and youth under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Information is provided on: the school the children should be enrolled in, simplifying the enrollment process, immunizations, enrollment of unaccompanied youth, specific considerations and strategies for enrolling a large numbers of displaced youth, strategies for keeping data on homeless youth, strategies for deciding on classes and services without school records, placing youth in enrichment and other supplemental services, collaborating with other agencies to assist unaccompanied youth, services for youth who are enrolling mid-semester, expediting special education services, strategies for supporting the mental health of students and parents, and strategies for helping teachers make students feel comfortable and involved. Checklists are provided.

Title: School as a Safety Net: Connecting Displaced Children With Educational and Support Services: A Handbook for Relief Agency Staff and Volunteers.
Published: 2006
Available from: National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE
http://www.serve.org/nche
P.O. Box 5367
Greensboro, NC 27435
Printable version (PDF): http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/dis_hb/school_safety_net.pdf
Abstract: Intended for relief agency staff and volunteers, this federally funded handbook emphasizes the role of school and education in the healing of children and youth whose lives have been disrupted by disasters and explains requirements for educational services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It begins by describing how schools complement relief efforts, defining homelessness, and reviewing the basic requirements for immediate school enrollment of homeless children and youth under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Information is then provided on: the role of the local liaison, the enrollment process, immunizations, transportation to the school of origin, enrollment of unaccompanied youth, enrollment in public preschool programs, and special education services. Strategies relief agency workers can use to collaborate with schools are shared and a support services checklist is provided.

Title: Understanding Women's Experiences Parenting in the Context of Domestic Violence: Implications for Community and Court-Related Service Providers.
Author(s): Jaffe, Peter G.;Crooks, Claire V.
Published: 2005
Available from: Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/
140 Peters Hall, University of Minnesota, 1404 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108-6142
Document available online at: http://www.vaw.umn.edu/documents/commissioned/parentingindv/parentingindv.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.vaw.umn.edu/documents/commissioned/parentingindv/parentingindv.pdf
Abstract: Although there is an increasing recognition in the social service and justice systems that domestic violence has a pervasive, negative impact on victims, the understanding of this impact is typically not extended to women's functioning as parents. This paper identifies and discusses seven central themes that highlight the intersection between woman abuse and parenting. Specific implications and recommendations for community and court service providers are offered. (Author abstract)

Title: Collaborative Partnerships Between a Human Services Agency and Local Community Colleges. (Chapter 18 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Deichert, Kirsten A.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: A case study is offered that highlights the development of the human services education curriculum through collaborative partnerships between the human service agency and the community colleges in San Mateo County, California. The curriculum program is designed to train human services personnel to provide services for individuals and families in need of temporary social, health, and economic assistance. It reviews the goals and underlying values of the curriculum, the value of the collaboration, successes, challenges, and lessons learned. 1 table and 4 references.

Title: Building a Coalition of Nonprofit Agencies to Collaborate with a County Health and Human Service Agency. (Chapter 17 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Libby, Margaret K.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: A case study is offered that highlights the activities of a coalition of nonprofit agencies in Napa County that has come together in an attempt to plan and implement a comprehensive service delivery system to address the needs of Napa residents. Coalition leadership and growth, the coalition's mental health committee, and components of the new system of care are discussed, as well as the Front Porch program that offers a 24-hour integrated one-stop mental health, social, and substance abuse service delivery system. The coalition's operations, successes, challenges, and lessons learned are described. 10 references.

Title: Managing Out: The Community Practice Dimensions of Effective Agency Management. (Chapter 24 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This chapter discusses managerial skills in leaders of promising programs and practices emerging out of welfare reform implementation in the San Francisco Bay Area. It describes community practice dimensions of spanning organizational boundaries, major practice components of managing out, and assessment of interorganizational concepts relevant to the process of managing out. A series of questions is provided for agency managers to use in assessing external and internal dimensions of their organizational structures and processes as well as elements of leadership and networking. Challenges facing middle managers and supervisor related to managing out are also identified. 1 table and 32 references.

Title: Crossover Services Between Child Welfare and Welfare-to-Work Programs. (Chapter 23 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Prince, Jonathan.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This case study examines a pilot project in the Contra Costa County Department of Employment and Human Services that addresses the crossover needs of child welfare and welfare-to-work service participants. The study includes a case vignette, a review of relevant literature, the process of crossover service planning, delivery, and funding, and lessons learned in the process. 1 box, 1 figure, and 7 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.
Author(s): Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This book describes promising programs and practices that have emerged in the United States since the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Chapter 1 captures the early experiences of San Francisco Bay Area county social service directors as they launched the welfare reform implementation process. It features the lessons learned and provides insights into the leadership challenges. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the highlighted case studies as well as a cross-case comparison. The comparison demonstrates how welfare reform policy and funding helped to increase the social capital needed to provide a new safety net for the poor. It also reflects a decrease in the traditional emphasis on job training or human capital development in favor of work first. Chapters 3 through 23 provide detailed descriptions of case studies that feature services, partnerships, and agency restructuring. The topics for the cases were identified by the agency directors as reflecting the most promising programs and practices emerging out of welfare reform implementation in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cases are separated into the following three sections: redefining service delivery, including the removal of barriers to workforce participation and the nature of self-sufficiency support services; enhancing community partnerships, including two approaches to partnerships between and among community-based nonprofit organizations and county social service agencies; and promoting agency restructuring, including approaches to the restructuring of county social service agencies to better serve the community and the TANF population. Each case study includes a literature review and a description of program components, the success and challenges of the program, program evaluation findings, and lessons learned. The final chapter features a discussion of the expanded set of managerial skills displayed by those in the leadership roles in many of the cases. Numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Implementing Welfare Reform and Guiding Organizational Change. (Chapter 1 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Carnochan, Jonathan.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This chapter captures the early experiences of San Francisco Bay Area county social service directors as they launched the welfare reform implementation process following the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. It discusses major findings related to the directors' description of organizational change and culture, the guiding values that they articulated, and lessons they identified in reflecting on implementing welfare reform. 3 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Overview of Innovative Programs and Practices. (Chapter 2 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Prince, Jonathan.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of programs that were identified by agency directors as reflecting the most promising programs and practices emerging out of welfare reform implementation in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cases address the following three areas: new approaches to service delivery, partnering with the community, and social service agency restructuring. 21 references.

Title: The Guaranteed Ride Home Program: Transportation Services for Welfare-to-Work Participants. (Chapter 4 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Schmidt, Christine M.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: A case study is offered that describes how the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency collaborated with key organizations throughout the county to design and implement the Guaranteed Ride Home Program to address the transportation needs of its California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Program (CalWORKS) participants. The development of the program is described, as well as the program's operations, successes, challenges, and lessons learned. 7 references.

Title: A Community Partnership Approach to Serving the Homeless. (Chapter 15 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Libby, Margaret K.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: A case study is offered that highlights the Transitional Residential Alliance and Integrated Network (TRAIN), a successful community-led initiative in Napa County, California, designed to provide transitional housing and case-management services to those in great need. The alliance was an effective partnership between the county health and human service agency and community-based nonprofit organizations. The development of the program is described, as well as the program's operations, successes, challenges, and lessons learned. 14 references.

Title: Wraparound Services for Homeless TANF Families Recovering From Substance Abuse. (Chapter 16 in Changing Welfare Services: Case Studies of Local Welfare Reform Programs.)
Author(s): Downes, Debbie.;Austin, Michael J.
Published: 2004
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: A case study is offered that highlights Pueblo Del Mar (PDM), a transitional housing program located near Monterey, California, that offers wraparound services to homeless families recovering from substance abuse. The social model approach to substance abuse recovery is explained, as well as the development of the program and the program's operations, successes, challenges, and lessons learned. 10 references.

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