Promoting rights or avoiding litigation? The introduction of the human rights act 1998 into adult social care in England

Rights to social care in England have traditionally been highly restricted. By placing positive obligations on social care agencies and practitioners to make provision for vulnerable adults, the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998 promised to extend their reach. Yet transforming a set of largely procedural rights into something more substantive requires the active intervention of social care practitioners. This article firstly examines the fit between human rights and the policy and operational contexts of social care before exploring the views of social workers included in a recent interview study. Whilst the findings point to a willingness on the part of some to advocate on behalf of vulnerable adults, they also highlight the extent to which individualistic beliefs about dependency and responsibility reinforce the dominant construction of citizenship rights under the current government as contingent upon the fulfilment of responsibilities. Treating the Human Rights Act as a weapon of litigation, the article concludes, simply reinforces defensive practice. Progressive change is best supported by fostering a human rights culture in social care which, in turn, depends upon challenging social workers’ assumptions about the nature of dependency, responsibility and rights.     

Kids' experience of post-modern stress: New tools for clinicians

A recent qualitative inquiry into the question of what it's like being a kid' provides clinicians who treat children with useful tools. It is very important that clinicians be effective in a world where the context of kids' lives is increasingly stressful and where clinicians are accused of contributing to the stress. This article describes the stresses on kids and accusations leveled at therapists. It then discusses the research methodology, findings relevant to stress, and implications for clinicians who work with children.Mrs. Ellis has a private practice and is a School Social Worker in Wilmette School District #39.     

Drug abuse and eating disorders: prevention implications.

This article explores the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders in a sample of adolescent females using a self-report methodology. An Eating Disorders Risk (EDR) Scale is adopted and correlated with drug and alcohol use, other forms of deviance, family and peer relationships, and depression. The findings support the concept of a generalized theory of addictions based on psychosocial, family, and peer factors. Family and peer prevention applications and a need for further research on the correlates of depression are discussed.     

Process evaluation of the midwifery initiated oral health-dental service program: Perceptions of midwives in Greater Western Sydney,Australia

Background

Despite links between poor maternal oral health, adverse pregnancy outcomes and early childhood decay there is limited emphasis on maternal oral health in Australia. To address this, the Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Dental Service (MIOH-DS) program was developed in collaboration with the Australian College of Midwives.

Resource Description and Access: It’s Really Not So Bad

Abstract

This article provides a background for Comics Librarianship and the sources which can be, and are, used. The author describes the application of FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) for serials to the cataloging of the comic book format and ways to adapt these methods to flat MARC records, to aid in retrieval of items. Sample records are included for illustration of methods.     

Do Marginalized Youth Experience Strengths in Strengths-Based Interventions? Unpacking Program Acceptability through Two Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

ABSTRACT

Strengths-based interventions have potential to improve the wellbeing of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). This study examined the youth program acceptability of two strengths-based programs tailored for SGMY: ASSET (group counseling), and strengths first (SF) (care coordination). A mixed-methods approach was applied to secondary data extracted from client files (n = 247). Most participants were aged 15–18 (89%). Gender identities included woman (66%), man (30%), and transgender (<1%). Sexual orientations included bisexual (32%), lesbian (26%), gay (23%), and queer/pansexual (14%). Most participants identified as White, Hispanic (47%), Black, Non-Hispanic (17%), and Hispanic, No other race (19%). Program acceptability was measured using the 11-item Youth Acceptability and Strengths Scale. Quantitative analyses indicate program acceptability was high for SGMY participants and did not significantly differ across program type, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnoracial identity. There were no differences between strengths enhancement or client satisfaction between intervention types. Compared to group counseling, care coordination significantly increased problem-solving skills. Qualitative analysis identified that strengths-based interventions provided: (a) social support; (b) community; (c) confidence; and (d) positive mentors. Findings demonstrate the acceptability of strengths-based programming for SGMY. Strategies are provided to incorporate intervention program acceptability, yet future research is needed to explore youth acceptability.     

Porn again: some final conclusions

Contributors were asked to respond to seven questions examining various aspects of gay male pornography. Their responses were collated with the hope that the reader may gain additional insight into this topic.     

A brief telephone interview to identify lesbian and bisexual women in random digit dialing sampling

Lesbian health research has most often relied on nonprobability samples that are biased and restrict generalizability. Random sampling could reduce bias, but requires development of a method for fast and reliable screening of a large number of women. We tested the feasibility of using a brief telephone interview to assess sexual attraction, behavior, and identity. Using Random Digit Dialing in a neighborhood of Boston with a high density of lesbian residents, we interviewed 202 women aged 18 to 59. Of the respondents, 33% reported some sexual attraction to other women, 20% reported sex with women since age 18, and 14% identified as a lesbian. The high level of cooperation with the study among eligible women (94%) and the high proportion of women who disclosed homosexual attraction, behavior, or identity show that it is feasible to use a brief screening questionnaire about sexuality of women over the telephone even without building special rapport with the respondents.     

“It's a gap in awareness”: Exploring service provision for LGBTQ2S survivors of intimate partner violence in Ontario,Canada

ABSTRACT

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent issue in all relationship configurations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S) relationships. While the experiences of LGBTQ2S IPV survivors are understood, there are issues, needs, and challenges associated with service provision for them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample (N = 10) of professionals (e.g., counselors, shelter managers, program directors) affiliated with organizations that provide services for IPV survivors in Ontario, Canada. Participants answered questions pertaining to the inclusion of LGBTQ2S IPV survivors into their existing services, and what service provision should look like. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis to uncover themes that reflected participants' responses. The data was organized into recommendations for service provision at three different levels: direct service provision, organizational transformation, and underlying principles and values. Findings reveal suggestions for service providers to consider modifying their current organizations, to adequately include LGBTQ2S IPV survivors.