Norman H. Cobb

Students with Questionable Values or Threatening Behavior: Precedent and Policy from Discipline to Dismissal

Abstract Social work faculty and university administrators confront a significant dilemma when students exhibit inappropriate or unethical behavior. Refusing admission or terminating problem students invokes a legal process that has not been clearly resolved in the courts; however, professional programs receive special privileges to broadly define academic performance. This legal refuge creates significant and unresolved challenges for social work faculty. Ethical issues and legal precedents are reviewed, in order to understand the rights of both the university and social work students. Recommendations include tightening the admissions process, counseling out, and the development of explicit dismissal procedures.

Personality Profiles of Women and Men Arrested for Domestic Violence: An Analysis of Similarities and Differences.

Abstract Women arrested for intimate partner violence raise challenges for those working in domestic violence programs. Theoretically, there is no agreement about whether women are aggressive for the same reasons as men or merely victims fighting back in an abusive relationship. Practically, there is very little research to guide treatment of this population. In the current exploratory study, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) personality profiles of 78 females referred by the courts to a domestic violence diversion program were compared to those of a matched sample of 78 males referred by the courts to the same program. Compared with male offenders, women were more likely to demonstrate elevated histrionic, narcissistic, and compulsive personality traits, and less likely to demonstrate dependant personality traits. Additionally, women in this study were more likely to display MCMI-III profiles indicating the presence of personality disorders. Implications of these findings for the treatment setting are discussed.

Court-Recommended Guidelines for Managing Unethical Students and Working with University Lawyers

Abstract As a result of the Horowitz v. Board of Curators of the University of Missouri (1976) case in medical education, social work faculty may evaluate and discipline students using academic criteria rather than the more restrictive disciplinary procedures that currently are enforced on most college campuses. A flow chart assists faculty to evaluate problem behavior for academic versus disciplinary violations. The author suggests procedures to ensure the legal foundation for the social work facultys actions and due process for students, and recommends the National Association of Social Workers (1990) Code of Ethics as appropriate principles for conduct. In addition, the author uses court rulings from the past 25 years to detail appropriate procedures for evaluating students and conducting hearings. Finally, he discusses the role of university lawyers, and offers recommendations for informing lawyers about the unique situation of professional education, emphasizing the potential liability of problem st...

A comparison of women versus men charged with intimate partner violence: general risk factors, attitudes regarding using violence, and readiness to change.

The current descriptive study seeks to broaden empirical understanding about women charged with intimate partner violence by comparing a sample of women in a domestic violence diversion program (N = 78) to a matched sample of men (N = 78) in the same program on measurements of general risk factors, attitudes toward using violence, and readiness to change. Findings indicate that the women charged with intimate partner violence are a heterogeneous group, endorse risk factors that show an elevated likelihood they will continue to use violence, demonstrate a high level of tolerance for using violence in their relationship, and may be highly amenable to treatment opportunities. Implications for practice and future research are addressed.

Women Arrested for Partner Violence and Substance Use An Exploration of Discrepancies in the Literature

Discrepancies exist in research examining substance problems within groups of women arrested for intimate partner violence (IPV). In some studies women IPV arrestees have been found to be at high risk for substance-related problems, whereas in others they are found to be at low risk for substance-related problems. The current study explores these discrepancies then compares a sample of women court ordered to a domestic violence diversion program (n = 78) to a matched sample of men (n = 78) in the same program using police report information, self-report measures, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory—3, and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory—III alcohol and drug subscales. Women IPV arrestees had a low occurrence of substance use during the arresting incident, a low incidence of substance-related diagnoses, and fewer substance-related problems than did men IPV arrestees. However, women demonstrated personality structures susceptible to nondiagnosable, hazardous drinking patterns.

Ethical Issues in the Use of Putative Father Registries in Infant Adoption: Implications for Administrators and Practitioners

Infant adoption policy and practices are laden with potential ethical dilemmas for adoption professionals, state and federal government, and society in general. Putative father registries raise new ethical issues in the provision of adoption services and the rights and roles of birthfathers. Birthfathers have relatively little power in the policy arena and the power differential between the parties in an adoption is evident. Administrators and practitioners at all levels of practice have an obligation to see that birthfathers are treated fairly and with dignity. This article examines the issues related to the use of putative father registries and the ethical implications regarding birthfather rights.