Search results
Pages
- Title
- From pillar to post: Transitioning from child and youth mental health services to adult mental health services in Prince George, British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Lynne Boutcher (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This study explored the transition process from Child and Youth Mental Health, (under the Ministry of Children and Family Development) to Adult Mental Health (under the Ministry of Health) in Prince George, British Columbia, as experienced by clients, service providers, and administrators. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Minimizing oppression and discrimination faced by gay and lesbian youth in Northern British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Julius Okpodi (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at high risk of not receiving necessary care as a function of marginalization anti-LGBTQ violence and abuse and, social exclusion. This study explores the subjective experiences of gay men and lesbians in Northern British Columbia (B.C.) who self-identified as having difficulties in accessing health care services. An in-depth face to face interview and a critical hermeneutic phenomenological approach were used to share their subjective experience of oppression, and recommendations for future improvements of health-care services delivered to LGBTQ youth in Northern B.C. five main themes emerged from these interviews: no support for LGBTQ youth, lack of a desire to access health-care services, professional skills, challenges, and services delivery. While these themes overlap and reinforce each other, lack of respect from health care professionals was an overwhelming and ongoing concern presented by participants. In addition, I examined thirteen sub-themes in the daily experience of LGBTQ youth: not enough health-care professionals, nowhere to socialize, discrimination and denial of health-care services, fear and internalized homophobia, lack of education on LGBTQ issues, not enough services, no need to access healthcare services, lack of psycho-education program for health-care professionals, equal treatment for everyone, questions and harassment, isolation and depression, lack of support and advocacy services for LGBTQ. These themes offer insight into the everyday effects of multiple forms of oppression and marginalization, and the possibilities for innovative forms of health-care services that could be delivered to LGBTQ youth. The findings from this research can increase understanding for health-care professionals in servicing LGBTQ youth. The findings can also be applied to enhance community outreach, develop services for LGBTQ youth, and improve relationships within and among marginalized communities. --P. i.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Northern health care: a woman's experience
- Contributors
- Kelly Maureen Durand (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Mental health of children from divided families.
- Contributors
- Skye A. Perry (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Most divorce literature found negative effects for children, yet recent research implies psychosocial-economic determinants are more problematic for the development of mental illness, with positive outcomes for some children. Unmarried unions are excluded from past research, and northern rural issues are absent from the limited Canadian studies. This study combines quantitative and qualitative approaches in the content analysis of case files at a children's mental health centre in northern British Columbia. ... A high prevalence of children from separated parents was found, yet adjustment was the only mental health problem significantly associated with this group, with few gender differences. Single mother households and blended families, experiencing multiple stressors, were common. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Parents appreciating their adult children with Down syndrome
- Contributors
- Susanne Muirhead (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract avaialble.
- Discipline
- Education-Counselling
- Title
- Cross-cultural communication in social work practice: An interpretive approach to cross-cultural communication difficulties.
- Contributors
- Joanna Pierce (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This research is focused on cross-cultural communication misunderstandings between First Nations people, living on reserve, and outside services/agencies. The goal of the research is to consider issues related to cross-cultural communication. The findings are important for social workers engaged in community practice roles. An interpretive descriptive approach was used to explore the issue. The data were taken from participant interviews and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Four themes emerged from the interviews: transportation to urban services and technology, cultural practices, language and translation, and jargon and slang. The themes provide insight into how cross-cultural communication misunderstandings and professional practice applications impact relationship building between social workers and their clients.--P.ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Every voice counts : hearing from young children in residential resources
- Contributors
- Noreen Elizabeth O'Keefe (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The importance of involving children and youth in out-of-home care in evaluating and planning child welfare services has gained momentum as government agencies strive to increase their accountability to service users and the general public. Recent research supporting their participation has also revealed a strong link between children being heard, and protecting them from harm and abuse. Including the voices of children and youth in decision-making and planning can also increase the likelihood of achieving successful outcomes for children and families. Young children between 5 and 10 years of age however, are commonly excluded from planning and evaluation activities, which are assumed to be beyond their cognitive capabilities. The project Every Voice Counts challenges this exclusion by offering a pragmatic and ethical Interview Protocol to facilitate the involvement of young children in child welfare evaluations and planning activities.--Page ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Cross-cultural adoptions and their effect on identity formation
- Contributors
- Patricia Meaghan Van Somer (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Counselling Aboriginal peoples: A thematic study of counselling experiences.
- Contributors
- Lauren Sevigny (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Aboriginal people in Canada have experienced the effects of colonization, oppression, and marginalization. The Federal Government of Canada has formally apologized for the policy of residential schools. Aboriginal people who attended the schools are entitled to compensation and counselling. This research focused on Aboriginal people who attended counselling with a non-Aboriginal counsellor. The research aimed to understand how the counselling process was beneficial and how it might be improved. Following the recruitment and interviews of nine participants, four themes emerged, which revealed the different aspects of counselling experiences. Theme one examined the benefits of the counselling process, themes two and three identified motivation and level of comfort as playing roles in the counselling process, while theme four identified external factors affecting counselling. Overall, this thesis provides insight into the counselling experience of nine Aboriginal participants who received counselling from non-Aboriginal counsellors. Suggestions for improvements and future research are outlined. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- An overview of clinical counselling techniques and their use in situations where persons have experienced abuse or grief and loss
- Contributors
- Catherine Mugure Karigeym (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The need for effective counselling for abused women is a major concern for social workers and other professionals who have been responding to the plight of the mentioned individuals. There is a need to provide effective supportive counselling for victimized women who desire to be empowered in changing their situations by taking charge of their lives. In my approach to these women's needs, I found the most helpful clinical therapeutic counselling methods to be those that have a strength-based approach such as the following: Murray Bowen's System Theory, and Berg and de Shazer's Solution-Focused Therapy. In this report, I outline how I used the various methods of counselling and will conclude by explaining what I found to be the strengths and weaknesses of each method. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Social work practice with female juvenile delinquents
- Contributors
- Constance Rita Kaweesi (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Recently, in Canada there has been an increase in the number of female juvenile offenders involved in the criminal justice system. This increase has significant implications for clinical and forensic social work practice. The literature available to guide clinical practice with forensic clients is limited and in particular a research gap exists on female adolescent offenders. The purpose of this project is to examine clinical social work practice with female juvenile delinquents at a forensic clinic in Prince George, British Columbia. This is an analysis of my clinical social work practice through the application of Ferrara's (1991) characteristics of effective group counsellors. The evaluation of my clinical social work practice relied on the observations and assessment of the co-therapist. Feminist and cognitive behavioral treatment approaches have been utilized with adolescent female offenders in this case study. Both treatment approaches have developed from different philosophical paradigms but in clinical social work practice they can be synthesized and applied jointly in a therapeutic setting.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Dad violence against mom: A very bumpy road.
- Contributors
- Barbara Alice Ingram (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Education-Counselling
- Title
- Integrating theory and social work practice in adult psychiatry
- Contributors
- Dustin Pickens (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The intention of this practicum report is to provide further context into the understanding of agency involvement on the adult psychiatry unit at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (Northern Health). Adult Psychiatry provides a variety of mental health (co-occurring with addictions) supports to address service users' needs in Prince George, B.C. and surrounding areas. This practicum was a unique venture that included specific learning goals pertaining to professional practice and educational development in the area of mental health and addictions services. This report will include a detailed description of integrative practice that includes practice models/theoretical frameworks, values, ethics, strategies, and skills. This report is a synthesis of observations, research, and participation that highlights critical reflection, hands-on and insightful learning on the adult psychiatry unit within the social work field. --Leaf iii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Experiences of rural Newfoundland women: Partners working out West.
- Contributors
- Heather Whalen (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This qualitative study explores the implications of long distance commuting (LDC) for the non-commuting female partner living in rural Newfoundland. The purpose of this research is to identify and potentially address any unmet social or emotional needs of this population. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with eight women from five rural Newfoundland communities, data were gathered around women's use of informal support systems within their communities and how current perceptions of gender roles may influence women's experiences. The research findings indicate that this population encounters higher workloads, increased stress, and unique challenges when their partners are away however, the findings also suggest that traditional, socially constructed gender norms are becoming more blurred as male commuters are taking on more female oriented' responsibilities during their time at home. --Leaf i.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Shared parenting after separation: A male perspective.
- Contributors
- Jack E. Kinnear (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- In 2004, over 30,000 children were affected by their parent's divorce. Based on what is deemed in the best interest of the child custody arrangements have evolved over the past 30 years resulting in both parents remaining involved in the life of their child post-divorce. In an attempt to keep both parents involved following a divorce, joint custody is becoming a common custody arrangements. Joint custody can be either joint legal custody or joint physical custody. With joint physical custody or shared parenting, the daily care of and responsibility for the children is shared between the parents. Shared parenting can and does keep families intact following a divorce or separation. It is in the child's best interest to be raised by both parents following a divorce. The case of fathers who were actively co-parenting their children following their divorce was explored through the case study approach. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis to reveal the experiences of the five fathers. As a father who was in a shared parenting arrangement for 14 years, my lived experiences are woven throughout the thesis through the process of auto-ethnography. Findings support the view that shared parenting after separation can be a positive experience for children and families following a divorce or separation. Shared parenting is more effective when both parents are able to effectively communicate and co-operate with each other. It also noted that it may not be in the best interest of the child to have on-going relationships with both parents especially in cases where there is violence or abuse against a parent and/or children. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Community work and government: terms of opposition?
- Contributors
- Katarina E. Hertes (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Women and youth of Wekweeti reveal the impacts of the diamond mines located in the Tlicho region.
- Contributors
- Victoria Deegan (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This qualitative study was conducted as an attempt to better understand how the diamond mines in the Northwest Territories impact the remote Native community of Wekweètì socially, economically, and culturally. A blended methodology using participatory action and narrative approaches was used to strengthen rapport and work collaboratively with the community. The research participants were male and female youth between the ages of 12 and 24 and women 25 and older. Five talking circles, seven personal interviews, and the author's reflective journaling were three methods of collecting data. A thematic analysis identified nine main themes: Social impacts - Alcohol and Drugs, Parenting, and Jealousy Cultural impacts - Traditions Still Occurring, Traditions Occurring Less, and Loss of Language Economic impacts - Debt, Education/Training, and Standard of Living. The findings will be used to help the community advocate for social, economic and cultural services and supports from the diamond mines and various levels of government. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Professional burnout: a conceptual model
- Contributors
- Lynda Monk-Cross (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Professional burnout is a circumstance that can result from accumulated occupational stress among those who do caregiving work. The effects of burnout tend to be physiological, behavioral, psychological, spiritual and clinical in nature thus impacting individuals and human service systems. The term burnout was first coined by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger in the early 1970's and since that time burnout has been discussed extensively. The goal of this project was to develop my understanding of professional burnout, using my own experience as a social worker as the foundation for my inquiry. This project presents a conceptual model of burnout, resulting from the integration of the available literature on this topic, with my own professional experience. This model conceptualized the individual factors, including organizational and client variables, that can contribute to the risk for burnout among social workers, or other helping professionals. This project highlighted the interplay between individual and systemic variables pertinent to burnout and it suggested that there are both risk factors and protective factors that can be explored when assessing burnout. The conceptual model and the assessment tool illustrated in this project, provides social workers with a framework for discussing, preventing, assessing, and/or treating professional burnout.--Page ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- The realities of a group of young adults after aging out of foster care in northern British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Amy Merritt (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Youth age out of the foster care system in British Columbia when they reach 19 years old. At this time, young adults are no longer eligible for many of the services and supports they received while in foster care. This qualitative study explored the experiences and realities of six former youth in care. Content analysis and a deductive approach were used to analyze the data, identifying manifest and latent themes. The findings of the study identified various struggles for the participants, while they were in foster care, and after leaving foster care. Challenges that this group have faced after aging out of care include: lack of stable housing, insufficient food, lack of education, substance abuse, and unemployment. Recommendations derived from the interviews were identified to improve service planning and provision for youth aging out of care. --Leaf iii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Cultural competency: a path to deliver healthcare to ethnic minority and aboriginal populations
- Contributors
- Kularaj Bhandary (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- An understanding of traditional world views and cultural imperatives by social workers and healthcare practitioners is an important step for mental wellness and empowerment. Community mental health workers/social workers face challenges working with street-involved mentally ill populations with addictions. These populations frequently visit hospitals. It is important to document and understand the unique positions of clients in order to assist and provide culturally competent healthcare. Therefore it is important that social workers and other mental health workers learn about traditional and cultural values in relation to health and mental illness. Cultural competence along with adequate resources can enhance the function of people with mental illness. Continuous work towards the process of suitable housing and cultural practices could enhance the functioning of mentally ill populations. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work