Parametric Multiplicative Intensities Models Fitted to Bus Motor Failure Data

Classes of two- and three-parameter multiplicative intensities models are presented. These have the advantage that they can be simply fitted by standard software. The two-parameter models include the Weibull and extreme value models, whereas the three-parameter models can have bathtub-shaped forms. The bus motor failure data are reanalysed to show that all five failures of the 191 buses can be adequately described by the same two-parameter multiplicative intensity model based on the squared logarithm of distance travelled in service since previous repair. This is a new member of the multiplicative intensity family, based on the squared logarithm of distance, or of time for survival data.     

Engaging families of court-mandated youths in an alternative to institutional placement

In a family-centered diagnostic assessment program for youths adjudicated as P.I.N.S. or J.D., placement in short-term foster homes was combined with outreach efforts to engage families in family counseling. Results demonstrated positive feedback by parents and a sharp reduction in the percentage of youths needing institutional placements.     

Approximations to noncentral distributions

Two methods for approximating the distribution of a noncentral random variable by a central distribution in the same family are presented. The first consists of relating a stochastic expansion of a random variable to a corresponding asymptotic expansion for its distribution function. The second approximates the cumulant generating function and is used to provide central χ² and gamma approximations to the noncentral χ² and gamma distributions.     

Changing Our Understanding of Child Welfare: Replacing the Residual Paradigm

Public policies and programs for children are shaped by collective understandings of what is possible and practical and are given expression through collective action. In the United States this collective action has primarily manifested itself through the development of the public child welfare system. Since its inception the child welfare system has been guided by a residual paradigm. This residual paradigm has been the principle organizing framework for knowledge development and practice in child welfare. It has defined the domain of the field, delineated the scope of professional inquiry, and proven to be a cul de sac that prevents finding solutions to the pernicious problems of widespread child poverty and child maltreatment.     

The influence of family environment on mental health need and service use among vulnerable children

Children in child welfare are especially likely to have unmet mental health needs. The role of family factors in children's use of mental health services was examined in a longitudinal sample of 1075 maltreated or at-risk children. Vulnerable family environment (poor family functioning, low social support, and caregiver psychological distress) is an important predictor of children's mental health needs. It also predicts them not having these needs met.     

Voices From the Field: Social Workers Define and Apply Social Justice

Social justice is embraced as a central mission of social work, yet how the profession defines it lacks clear and common understanding. This qualitative study explored the concept of social justice as perceived and applied by social workers in diverse practice settings. Focus-group participants were asked five primary open-ended questions. Key phrases and terms were identified and grouped into four themes: variation in meaning of social justice, confronting injustices, practice reality, and professional responsibility. The findings suggest that social justice as understood and practiced in the field is compatible with theoretical conceptions in the literature, but a predominant understanding remains lacking.     

An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Teacher Attractiveness on Undergraduates' Perceptions of Teacher–Student Sexual Involvement

This study explored whether the attractiveness of a teacher affected perceptions of teacher sexual misconduct. Respondents (120 female and 108 male undergraduates) read scenarios depicting teacher sexual misconduct varied by gender dyad (male teacher–female student and female teacher–male student) and two levels of attractiveness (very attractive or ordinary looking). The attractiveness of the teacher had little impact on respondents' perceptions. Significant interactions emerged on most variables between respondent gender and gender dyad. Specifically, male respondents tended to view the female teacher–male student dyad as less negative than the male teacher–female student dyad. Female respondents generally did not make a distinction based on the gender dyad.     

Rationale Argument Mapping Software

This software review focuses on using Rationale Argument Mapping Software to teach critical thinking skills in social work. Overall, the program is a great tool for helping students to think critically and precisely about their arguments.     

Margaret Morgan's Story: A Threshold between Slavery and Freedom, 1820–1842

This article goes beyond previous interpretations of the Prigg v. Pennsylvania opinion by focusing on the historical circumstances and lived experiences of Margaret Morgan and her family and other African Americans who lived along the Mason–Dixon line. By examining the ambiguity of slavery and freedom as revealed in Margaret Morgan's status in Maryland and in Pennsylvania, as well as looking closely at the development of case law in both states, this article also provides a thorough understanding of the issues in the Prigg case.