R. Anna Hayward

A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Professional Opinion Scale.

The Professional Opinion Scale (POS) was developed to measure social work values orientation. Objective: A confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the POS. Method: This cross-sectional study used a mailed survey design with a national random (simple) sample of members of the National Association of Social Workers. Results: The study validated a 28-item POS retaining the four subscales described by Abbott, and the model fit was acceptable. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the POS may be useful in assessing social work values across the social work profession.

Parental Methamphetamine Use and Implications for Child Welfare Intervention: A Review of the Literature

Methamphetamine abuse appears to be increasing in previously unaffected parts of the United States, despite criminal justice deterrent strategies and local, state, and federal efforts to control access to production materials. Methamphetamine manufacture and addiction can impact users, families, children, and entire communities. This literature review describes the effects of methamphetamine use on parents, children, and families; summarizes research findings on efficacious or promising intervention and treatment for methamphetamine addiction; and suggests evidenced-based strategies for increasing positive outcomes for children and families affected by methamphetamine.

Gender Differences in Juvenile Gang Members: An Exploratory Study

Over the past two decades, gang membership within the United States has continued to rise and has spread from urban centers to suburban and rural areas. Juvenile gang membership is of particular concern because of the relationship between early gang involvement and later adolescent and adult criminal behavior and incarceration. Female gang membership and affiliation are receiving increased attention as female crime and incarceration rates outpace those of their male counterparts. This study explores gender differences between male and female juveniles who have verified gang membership in one suburban jurisdiction. Findings suggest important differences between males and females, and implications for research and practice are discussed.

Gender Differences in Behavioral Outcomes Among Children at Risk of Neglect: Findings From a Family-Focused Prevention Intervention

Objective: This study examines the impact of the Family Connections (FC) intervention on preventing behavioral problems among urban, predominantly African American children at risk of neglect. Method: Secondary data analyses using mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were used to examine gender differences in child behavior outcomes among 111 participating families across three time points (intake, closing, and 6 months following intervention participation). Results: From intake to closing, boys appeared to experience a larger decrease in internalizing and externalizing behaviors than girls. At 6-month follow-up, boys’ behaviors remained stable relative to results at closing; girls showed a slight decrease in behaviors over the same period. Findings also indicate a greater decrease in problem behaviors for participants in the 9-month versus 3-month version of FC. Conclusions: Positive effects of the FC intervention for African American children indicate the potential of this prevention intervention to avert negative behavior trajectories.

Perceived barriers to mental health treatment among men enrolled in a responsible fatherhood program

ABSTRACT Low-income men may experience elevated risk for mental health concerns and be less likely to seek treatment; this may be due in part to perceived barriers to accessing and receiving treatment. Men who enrolled in a community based responsible fatherhood program self-identified their health and mental health conditions. Although participants reported serious health conditions at rates consistent with the general population, we found higher than expected rates of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions and explored perceived barriers to mental health treatment among this sample. Findings suggest that low income men face a variety of perceived psychosocial and structural barriers impacting access to and compliance with mental health treatment.