Speaker
Ms Yiwei Liu
Student
Washington University In St. Louis
“We can do more” — Whether the current foster care services are enough for children who may suffer maltreatment in China
Abstract Narrative
The Law on the Protection of Minors in China, enacted in 1991, is under revision to encourage non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social workers to participate in the protection of children and minors. The central government currently does not provide foster care services for abused children systematically. Notably, however, few studies have explored whether the current social welfare institute (orphanage) services are enough for future needs and what factors affect the amounts of services if the formal foster care services will be provided in the future. The purposes of this study are: (1) Whether exists an obvious difference between different provinces in the potential needs and the current services. (2) What factors are related to the foster care services provided? (3) Under the current revision of the law on the protection of minors in China, what social welfare workers should pay attention to in the future? Data is collected through the 2018 Statistical Yearbook of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (mainland) and ArcGIS was used in this study for data visualization. Stata SE is also used for the spearman correlation test between the budget of social assistance and the number of beds in the current social welfare institute (orphanage) services which may be used in the future. Findings show that: (1) There exists an obvious difference between different provinces in the potential needs and the current services; (2) There is no obvious correlation in the location and economic status of different provinces from the data visualization but exist a moderate relationship between the current number of beds and the social assistance budget (r=0.556, p< 0.01). (3) NGOs and social workers in western provinces should be given more resources to avoid the uneven distribution of resources caused by the low population density. (4) The provinces like Henan with a large population should be paid more attention to its potential huge gap in needs and supply.
Key words: needs assessment, child maltreatment, foster care, child welfare
Biography
Yiwei Liu
Second-year MSW student interested in Child maltreatment; Impact of adverse childhood experiences; Child protective services assessment and child welfare system improvement; International child welfare policy comparison
Research Tools: SPSS, STATA, ArcGIS, SAS
Journal articles
Liu Zhengfeng，Wang Jiuzhou，Liu Yiwei. “Dual Market Structure” of Social Work and the Future Registered Social Worker Legislation. Social Work and Management,2020(5). https://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/detail.aspx?Fil
eName=DGYS202005010&DbName=CJFQTEMP
Liu Yiwei, Liu Zhengfeng, Zhang Cuie, Applicability of Social Information Processing Theory to L-SES Children—Take YZSJY Children in Difficulty as Example”, Journal of Chongqing Technology and Business University(Social Science Edition),2020(5). https://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/50.1154.C.20200807.1854.004.html
Liu Yiwei. “The Growth Obstacles of Minors and It’s Need of the Family Education Guidance” on Community, 2018(27), p58-59. http://qikan.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=676407569&from=Qikan_Search_Index
Poster presentations
“We Can Do More” the Current Foster Care Services for Children Who May Suffer Maltreatment in China [Poster presentation]. Research Without Walls, The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, May 2020.
https://sites.wustl.edu/rwow/rwow2020/rwow-2020-posters/we-can-do-more/
Influence of Education Expectations on Chinese Students’ Academic Performance [Poster presentation]. Research Without Walls, The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, ‘St. Louis, MO, May 2020. https://sites.wustl.edu/rwow/rwow2020/rwow-2020-posters/influence-of-ed-expectations/
The Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine| Intern 09/2020
Ø Analyze the survey of medical student residents about their knowledge, attitudes and skills related to the identification of eating disorders.
Ø Write literature review related to identification and treatment of eating disorders in a public psychiatric outpatient clinic.
Ø Clearing and analyzing data by SAS and STATA.
Ø Help Professor Alexis Ducan prepare the poster and abstract in 2021 International Eating Disorder Conference.
Brown School Prevention Research Center| Intern 05/2020-08/2020
Ø Examining the role of the built environment on health-related behavioral outcomes.
ØHelping process spatial data from multiple projects.
ØPutting together geodatabases of analytic variables.
ØRunning descriptive spatial statistics.
Protection Projects of the Left-behind and Floating Minors in Yangzhou 07/2018-08/2018
Ø Analyzed the growth obstacles and causes of the floating children Lu Jie by attachment theory, guided Lu Jie in strengths perspective, improved his confidence.
Ø Analyzed the process of this case intervention and published the essay “The Growth Obstacles of Minors and It’s Need of the Family Education Guidance” on Community in 2018.
Social Work Intervention in Campus Bullying Behavior Based on Strengths Perspective 05/2016-05/2018
Ø Year one: applied for the department fund for campus bullying project and lead the research team to collect basic information by designing and conducting questionnaires.
Ø Year two: guided team members to design and organized summer camp activities by professional intervention mode in strengths perspective for 40 left-behind primary school children in Dabie Mountain area. The intervention of this group won the award from the Hubei Provincial Social Work Case Competition.
Ø Year three: conducted interpersonal relationship group based on the Year Two group design for college students with childhood trauma experience.
Ø The whole program rewarded the silver award of Volunteer Service Competition and the third prize of Social Work Skills Competition in Huazhong Agriculture University.
Dr Nompumelelo Ntshingila
Senior Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
‘Children have dreams’: A nurse-perspective in promoting health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Abstract Narrative
“Background: The Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) at the University of Johannesburg is a research centre interested in welfare services and child well-being, along with other social development issues. Like many countries across the globe, the fragmentation of service provision and the lack of functional cooperation between health and welfare sectors serving children and families, remains an ongoing challenge in South Africa. The global Covid-19 pandemic greatly increased these challenges.
For that reason, a Community of Practice (COP) initiative was established by the CSDA between the health and welfare sectors to assist children and families in their deprived environments. The aim of the COP was to strengthen and promote functional collaboration between these different health professionals to address the needs of vulnerable learners.
Aim: The purpose of this paper was to describe the experiences of social workers and professional nurses conducting psycho-social and health screenings with grade R and grade 1 learners as well as their caregivers.
Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was used. Focus group interviews were used to collect data. The team doing psycho-social and health screenings with 181 grade R and Grade 1 children and their caregivers consisted of seven social workers and six professional nurses. The focus group was recorded, field notes and observations made. Data were analysed using a thematic method of coding. Ethics approval from the University of Johannesburg (REC-01-050-2020) as well as consent from the CoJ and the Gauteng Education Department (Provincial and District) to conduct this research were obtained. Both children and caregivers consented in writing to participate in the study.
Results: Four themes emerged from the data analysis: Participants shared positive and negative experiences faced during the fieldwork; their realization of the value of collaboration between various sectors and wishing that they could do more.
Conclusion: The findings of this study have highlighted the positive and negative experiences of their involvement in the fieldwork. The importance of discipline collaboration has been highlighted in this paper. In this paper the collaboration between social workers and professional nurses from a nurse perspective was reflected on. Consensus was reached that collaboration between the education, health- and welfare sectors are vital to support and promote families and their children’s health. This pilot study confirmed that during Covid-19, parents who live in deprived circumstances, were unable to support the children emotionally. The parents did not have the insight, knowledge and skills to support their children with ongoing education at home during lockdown. The importance of these health professionals being engaged as a team was highlighted to support families and children. Undergraduate collaborative training should be considered to create awareness of collaboration in child health as research is evident of its benefits in practice. More functional collaborations like the CSDA involving all key stakeholders involved with vulnerable children need to be implemented in research. [474 words]
Biography
Dr Nompumelelo Ntshingila is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. She received her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of the Witwatersrand (2004). She received her Master’s (2013) and Doctorate (2018) in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from the University of Johannesburg. She currently lectures Mental Health Nursing Science in the undergraduate nursing programme. She has completed supervision of six (6) masters’ students and two (2) doctoral students. She is currently supervising five (5) masters’ students and three (3) doctoral students. She is a vice- chairperson for the Undergraduate Research Ethics Committee (Faculty of Health Sciences). Prior to joining the University of Johannesburg, she has extensive experience working in the psychotherapy unit and biochemical units at Tara Hospital. She has published in accredited national and international journals.
Prof Emmerentie Oliphant
MSW Director and Endowed Professor
Stephen F. Austin State University
Ubuntu: Applying African Values and Principles of Connectedness in Texas
Abstract Narrative
“Across the world, community developers share important social development values and principles. This presentation will focus on the underlying African values and principles of “Ubuntu” and how they are used to shape communities outside of Africa. Coming from different perspectives (Uganda, Texas and South Africa) the presenters will share how they used it in a project in rural Texas. Rural communities in Texas experience the same challenges as many other rural communities across the world. Challenges such as limited access to services, unemployment, economic hardships, inaccessible public transportation and community safety issues impact community development efforts. In many rural counties in Texas there is an increased need for social and economic development, accessible services, expansion of internet and broadband capacity and effective community development and empowerment programs. Though the challenges are multiple, the strengths of interpersonal connections and partnerships can help residents to focus on their dreams to build a strong community. Rural communities have the strengths, resources, resilience and social capital to bring about sustainable change. The underlying values of Ubuntu provides a framework for sustainable community development in these rural counties. The values focus on humanity, integrity, sharing, being considerate and respectful of people’s lived experiences and ultimately doing what is right by the community. The presentation will illustrate the implementation of these values and principles in Wards 1 and 2 in Lufkin, Texas. These two wards were historically deprived of accessible services and resources, and community development and revitalization efforts were limited. The community members in the two wards are mainly African-American and Hispanic residents, who experience discrimination, and social, economic and environmental injustice. An appreciative inquiry approach was used to listen to the voice of the community. A project team was established by the community residents and leaders. The team received funding from a local foundation to initiate a community development project. Participatory action methods were used and the principles of inclusion, mutual respect and trust guided the appreciative inquiry. By including people who are most affected by the change, ownership and community-driven decision making within the project was enhanced. Community residents and leaders are the experts of their own lives. Through the appreciative inquiry, they were invited to share their lived experiences. When residents shared their lived experiences, they were able to connect with each other as they explored and discovered their strengths and needs. They learned that they were connected, and they developed a shared vision for change. Community conversations cafés, children’s art, photo voice, key informant interviews, mini-interviews, focus groups, history preservation discussions, and surveys developed by the residents and leaders, were used to determine the needs and priorities. These priorities included economic development, safe housing, accessible transportation, community safety and policing, youth development, accessible services to seniors, mental health patients, residents who experience disabilities and veterans, and an overall increase in quality of life. The appreciative inquiry resulted in a comprehensive community development strategic plan, which is now being implemented by the residents and leaders of Wards 1 and 2. ”
Biography
Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant is the MSW Program Director and Buddy Zeagler Endowed Professor for Community-Based Research at the School of Social Work, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Texas. She co-directors the Center for Social Work Research and Development. She earned a D. Litt.et Phil. (Social Work) from the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), South Africa, in 1993. In addition to teaching, Dr. Oliphant is a consultant to international and US agencies. She served on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council for Specialized Methods and Practice and the South African Council for Social Service Professions. She directs research and program evaluation grants funded by US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and several foundations including the T.L.L Temple Foundation, Episcopal Health Foundation and the Hogg Foundation. She specializes in program development including youth offender, family empowerment and substance abuse interventions. Dr. Oliphant presented 103 papers at national and international conferences and published 40 reports and articles in peer-reviewed journals. She served on the doctoral dissertation committees of 35 doctoral students over the last 25 years. In 2016, Dr. Oliphant received the SFA Faculty Achievement Award for Research. She is the chair of SFA’s Institutional Review Board and President Elect for the Texas Evaluation Network.
Dr Peter Simbi
Professor
Stephen F Austin State University
Ubuntu: Applying African Values and Principles of Connectedness in Texas
Biography
Prof. Peter T. Simbi holds a bachelor’s degree from Makerere University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in the US. He started his career as a social worker in 1973 in Uganda and is still actively involved in advocacy, social work practice and policy development in Africa.
Prof. Simbi taught at a variety of universities around the world, including Southeastern Louisiana University, Grambling State University, Louisiana and Valdosta State University and Georgia State University in Georgia, US. He taught in Uganda and the United Kingdom and developed collaboration between international universities. During his career, Prof. Simbi held several administrative and leadership roles, including graduate director and associate dean positions.
Prof. Simbi is actively involved in research on policy and education. He directed over 300 graduate research studies in social work. He is interested in inter-professional research, global social work, macro practice, policy, education, diversity, HIV/AIDS and rural social work.
As the founder of North American Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA), he is actively involved in policy and advocacy in the US and Uganda. Prof. Simbi has been a CSWE site visitor since 1984 and has extensive knowledge about education standards and accreditation.
Prof. Simbi retired from SFA in June 2021 and will continue to teach in the graduate social work program as an adjunct-faculty.
Dr Freddie Avant
Director and Associate Dean
Stephen F. Austin State University
Ubuntu: Applying African Values and Principles of Connectedness in Texas
Biography
Prof. Freddie L. Avant is the Director and Associate Dean of the School of Social Work in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Lyon College and Master of Social Work from The University of Missouri in Columbia and Ph.D. in Social Work from Jackson State University. He is a licensed master’s level social worker with advanced practice recognition. Prof. Avant’s practice background and research interests include mental health, cultural diversity, intellectual disabilities, rural social work practice, medical social work, social work administration and leadership, social work education, and school social work. Prof. Avant has held several national leadership positions including the President of BPD, treasurer of NASW Texas and officer positions at the Council on Social Work Education. He is currently the President of NASW Texas. Prof. Avant is considered a national leader in social work including rural practice, social work education and community practice. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Pinewood Park Trust Corporation and Angelina County Citizens Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding member of the Lufkin Chapter of the National Organization of Concerned Black Men. Prof. Avant has directed several federally funded community outreach and research projects through the SFA School of Social Work’s Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development.
Ms Jianli Xing
Student
Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Family Matters: A longitudinal examination of the familial support on adolescent psychological adjustment under the context of cyberbullying
Abstract Narrative
“Objectives: Cyberbullying is recognized as a public health concern, which has been linked to a series of negative outcomes among adolescents. Although home is one of the areas where cyberbullying frequently happens, the protective role of family support is underexplored for adolescents who are cyberbullied. The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between cyberbullying victimization and the subsequent psychological adjustment among adolescents, and further explore the buffering effect of family support on the association. Methods: This study adopted a longitudinal study design and 2273 Chinese adolescents completed questionnaires at two time points with a six-month interval. Participants’ experiences of cyberbullying victimization, depressive symptoms and received family support after being cyberbullied were assessed using the self-report questionnaires. The data analyses were conducted with 812 participants (40.9% girls, Mage = 13.28, SD = 1.63) who reported the experience of cyberbullying victimization at Time 1. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and the subsequent depressive symptoms, and moderation analysis was conducted to explore the buffering effect of family support on the relationship. Results: Time 1 cyberbullying victimization was found significantly related to aggravated depression at Time 2 (b = 0.04, 95%C [0.02,0.06]), controlling for Time 1 depressive symptoms and demographic characteristics (i.e., gender and age). The association between cyberbullying victimization and the subsequent depression was modified by Time 1 received family support (p < 0.01), with stronger association among adolescents who received lower level of family support after being cyberbullied (b = 0.06, 95%CI [0.04, 0.09]). Moreover, the association between cyberbullying victimization and the subsequent depression became nonsignificant for adolescents receiving higher levels of family support (b = 0.01, 95%CI [-0.02, 0.03]). Conclusions: The current findings suggest that cyberbullying victimization can lead to detrimental impacts on adolescent psychological development and family support might mitigate the negative impacts of cyberbullying on adolescent mental health. Future interventions for adolescents who are suffering from cyberbullying should pay closer attention to the role of family support. ”
Biography
Jianli Xing is a final-year PhD student at the department of social work and social administration in the University of Hong Kong. Her research insterests include the impacts of boarding at school on the parent-child relationships, bullying involvement and mental health among the adolescents, psychometric properties of psychological assessment, and cyberbullying. Her recent publications have been shown in Children and Youth Services Review, Journal of Child and Family Studies, and Psychiatry Research.