Suchergebnisse

Food and housing security among college students is emerging as a state and national issue. In 2016, 656 students at a California community college completed an online survey. While 42% were food secure, 26% ranked low, and 32% as very low. A regression analysis was performed to assess formal and informal social supports associated with food security. The struggle for nutrition before college was the strongest predictor (B=1.816***), of food insecurity. Mental health problems (B=.978***) also contribute while sharing meals (B=-1.122**), was a protective factor. Results illustrates the need for a greater understanding of the challenges students face. College students are an overlooked population in need of intervention by social workers. Suggestions for intervention are discussed.

As definitions of "family" have evolved in the US over the past several decades, so too has child welfare agencies' need to provide appropriate and meaningful services. This article discusses the findings and conclusions drawn from a case study involving two different types of social work agencies: Native American child welfare and not- for-profit family services. Within this discussion, the authors use their findings from case study vignette focus groups to explore how the definitions of family impact the provision of services.At each agency, participants addressed issues surrounding domestic violence, teen pregnancy, child welfare involvement and the inclusion of extended families as part of client's support network. By focusing on the changing social concept of "family," the study's respondents discussed the need for direct practice using broader, more inclusive approaches to family and child welfare. Through the comparison of two agencies which serve different demographics, the article makes clear that further study is needed, and a wider scope must be considered, in order to adequately serve America's expanding population in need of family services, direct practice and extended support.