SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1          Young, N. K., Boles, S. M., & Otero C. (2007). Parental substance use disorders and child maltreatment: Overlap, gaps, and opportunities. Child Maltreatment, 12(2),137-149.  doi: 10.1177/1077559507300322 
 
Abstract
There are relatively few empirically sound studies or nationally representative data on the number of children in Child Welfare Services (CWS) who are affected by their parents' substance abuse or dependence. The two systems that could systematically monitor this population, CWS and substance abuse treatment, are not required to capture the data elements that would identify families in both systems. The studies that are based on CWS populations or parents in treatment indicate that there is a substantial overlap in client populations. This review provides a summary of the available data; provides estimates of the overlap between populations, including the number of infants born each year with prenatal substance exposure; and suggests important opportunities to close the data gap between the systems. The findings underscore both the need for obtaining accurate data within the systems and the opportunities for states to improve their cross-system data efforts as part of their outcome monitoring.
 
Questions to consider:
  1. Why does state and federal policy not cross reference Child Welfare Services (CSW) data with other data sets identifying parents with substance use disorders? Does this gap have an impact on the provision of child services?
  2. How can state and regional outcome monitoring specific to parental substance abuse exposure improve child welfare services? Describe how a prenatal policy on parental drug use can potentially impact the utilization of services across a young child’s life.
  3. Are the CWS and substance abuse treatment systems collecting and analyzing the same data? Are the units of analysis and operational definitions compatible?
  4. Is there credible evidence or programs that demonstrate a relationship exists between parental substance abuse and utilization of CWS? Why or why not?
 
Article 2          Fraser, M. W. and Galinsky, M. J. (2010). Steps in intervention research: Designing and developing social programs. Research on Social Work Practice 20(5), 459-466. DOI: 10.1177/1049731509358424
 
Abstract
This article describes a 5-step model of intervention research. From lessons learned in our work, we develop an outline of core activities in designing and developing social programs. These include (a) develop problem and program theories; (b) design program materials and measures; (c) confirm and refine program components in efficacy tests; (d) test effectiveness in a variety of practice settings; and (e) disseminate program findings and materials. Last, using a risk and protective factor perspective, we discuss the adaptation of interventions for new settings and populations.
 
Questions to Consider:
  1. What is the purpose of intervention research? Are intervention manuals as effective as the application of intervention research models?
  2. How can the research and design of interventions inform practice? Is this creative design process linear or iterative?  How is an intervention design evaluated for effectiveness?
  3. Would it be important for an intervention design team to collaboration with other key stakeholders in designing interventions for bullying behavior in a private school setting? Can other disciplines contribute to problem definition, theoretical input and the creation of intervention options?
  4. Do cultural competency elements interface with intervention research projects?