Posters & Presentations - College of Social Work

Baffour, T. D., Congress, E., Cooper-Bolinskey, D., Ivery, J. M., Lawrence, S. K., Miller-Cribbs, J. E., & Natale, A. (2021, November). Fostering inclusion and belonging: Promising practices and resources for faculty onboarding. Paper presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Commission on Membership and Professional Development, Orlando, FL.

The presenters gave an overview of the challenges and opportunities in on-boarding while explaining how on-boarding is a fundamental strategy for increasing diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Also discussed was the on-boarding process through sample on-boarding checklists and activities and proven strategies for incentivizing faculty development that address the most common pitfalls in on-boarding programs. The presentation also included a preview of essential elements to fostering an inclusive classroom intended for new faculty training.

Williamson, E., Baffour, T. D., & Boone, K. (2021, November). Techniques for developing skills in field education through anti-racism and anti-oppression lenses. Paper presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Orlando, FL.

This presentation provided strategies for delivering learning tools that connect coursework with field practicum through the lenses of anti-racism and anti-oppression. Attendees applied learned skills to developing strategies for creating course content and evaluation tools that support students’ learning through anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses at their institutions.

Gharbi, V. & Baffour, T. D. (2021, April). Advancing culturally disruptive pedagogies to dismantle anti-black racism in the generalist social work curriculum. Paper presented at the Social Work, White Supremacy, and Racial Justice conference, Virtual.

The Council on Social Work Education identifies racism and increasing intolerance as a key driver for change at the societal level. Given the continued oppression, disparate treatment, and denial of rights to Blacks in America, there has been a renewed cry for action among social work students, faculty, and administrations to reappraise the educational policy and accreditation standards (EPAS) to mandate anti-racist pedagogies and curricular content. Bringing anti-racist practices to the forefront of social work education should be normative, as it embodies the core tenants of the profession’s values and ethical principles that require social workers to confront and dismantle racism and white supremacy . Social workers typically play dual roles as agents of social control and social change. Therefore, the social work curriculum must focus upon preparing students to disrupt anti-Black racism within the systems in which they are embedded, such as criminal justice, child welfare, education, and health care. Strategies and content that effectively prepare faculty—regarding how to engage in conversations about anti-racist practice and advocate for the human rights of Black clients—is critical to the successful training of baccalaureate and master’s-prepared social workers. Currently, there is a dearth of literature that focuses on how to use culturally disruptive pedagogies to dismantle racism in the generalist curriculum. Thus, the goal of this contribution is to provide actionable strategies and resources in developing anti-racist curriculum and faculty development strategies that cut across program size and resource level. This paper uses a lens of culturally disruptive pedagogy that argues that educators, community members, and researchers must center the experiences of people of color by revitalizing their cultural practices. Further, social work institutions, at national and institutional levels, must expand shared resources and opportunities for inter-institutional learning teams to be created from shared interests, research goals, and teaching expertise.

Bettmann Schaefer, J. E. & Leonard, A. (2021, October). Mental health outcomes of community-based, peer-led wilderness trips for veterans. Presentation at the Nature and Health Virtual Conference of the EarthLab at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA/Virtual.

Veterans’ reluctance to engage in traditional treatment modalities suggests the need for investigation into alternative modes of reaching veterans’ mental health needs. Though therapeutic adventure shows promise to engage veterans and enact positive changes in functioning, little is known about how these kinds of program may impact mental health symptoms of veterans. This presentation included results from a recent study which examined changes in veterans’ mental health symptoms over the course of peer-led wilderness trips lasting three to five days. Participants were 56 veterans who participated in multi-day expeditions as a part of Sierra Club Military Outdoors program. Data was collected from participants pre-trip, post-trip, and at three subsequent follow-ups. Data showed the reduction of mental health symptoms from pre-trip to post-trip, without a lasting effect at the subsequent follow-ups. The benefits and draw-backs of short, peer-led wilderness trips were also presented and discussed.

Bettmann Schaefer, J. E. (2021, August). Using the outdoors to treat veterans’ mental health issues. Research preconference presentation at the annual Wilderness Therapy Symposium, Park City, UT.

Mental illness among veterans is a significant issue. More than a third of veterans who entered Veterans Affairs (VA) services between 2002 and 2008 received a mental health diagnosis. In recent decades, the rise of nature-based interventions has provided an avenue of mental health and social support for veterans. Receiving treatment in outdoor contexts may lessen the stigma associated with mental illness and promote open communication among veteran participants. Veterans’ reluctance to engage in traditional treatment modalities suggests the need for investigation into alternative modes of reaching veterans’ mental health needs. Though therapeutic adventure shows promise to engage veterans and enact positive changes in functioning, little is known about how these kinds of program may impact mental health symptoms of veterans. This presentation included results from a recent study which examined changes in veterans’ mental health symptoms over the course of peer-led wilderness trips lasting three to five day. Participants were 56 veterans who participated in multi-day expeditions as a part of Sierra Club Military Outdoors program. Data was collected from participants pre-trip, post-trip, and at three subsequent follow-ups. Data showed the reduction of mental health symptoms from pre-trip to post-trip, without a lasting effect at the subsequent follow-ups. The benefits and draw-backs of short, peer-led wilderness trips were also presented and discussed.

Weldrick, R., Canham, S. L., Mahmood, A., Sussman, T., & Walsh, C. A. (2021, November). Aging in the right place: A conceptual framework for housing insecure older people. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Virtual.

Emerging research has highlighted the significance of aging in the right place (AIRP) by recognizing that secure and optimal housing should support an individual’s unique vulnerabilities and lifestyles. Existing literature, however, has yet to consider what it means for older people experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity to “age in the right place.” In order to address this knowledge gap, a review of person-environment fit models for older people and other relevant literature was conducted to determine critical identifiers of AIRP for housing insecure older people. Findings from this literature review were then refined in collaboration with interdisciplinary scholars and community partners to establish a conceptual framework. This presentation discussed the resulting conceptual framework and outlines the key indicators of AIRP relevant to housing insecure older people. The proposed framework provides a practical and meaningful contribution to the literature which can be used to promote housing security among individuals often excluded from existing aging-in-place models.

Gurung, S., Mahmood, A., Qureshi, M., Chaudhury, H., Canham, S. L., Weldrick, R., & Elkes, S. (2021, November). Environmental assessment of housing for older adults facing housing insecurity. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Virtual.

The aging in the right place environmental audit (AIRP-ENV) and secondary observation (AIRP-ENV-SO) tools were developed to conduct observation-based audits of the built environment in shelters, transitional housing, independent housing with offsite/onsite supports, and permanent supportive housing with onsite medical and/or specialized services for older adults experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness. The 241 item AIRP-ENV tool is used to audit the presence/absence of exterior and interior built environmental features that support housing stability. The seven open-ended questions in the AIRP-ENV-SO tool are used to collect contextual data on function, safety, and land-use of surrounding neighborhoods. Data were collected at four sites of a transitional housing program in Vancouver, Canada as part of a multi-year, multi-city partnership project on aging and homelessness. Preliminary results demonstrate that built environment and urban design features (e.g., access, privacy, flexible and supportive spaces) contribute toward tenants’ residential resiliency and aging in place.

Gurung, S., Mahmood, A., Lemme, H., Modara, G., Lam, E., Mora, M.J., Canham, S. L., Elkes, S., & Weldrick, R. (2021, November). Temporary housing for older people: Addressing housing insecurity to promote aging in the right place. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Virtual.

The aging in the right place (AIRP) project is a multi-year, multi-city partnership grant on aging, housing insecurity, and homelessness. This paper presents findings from provider/staff interviews (N=5) at a temporary housing program (THP) serving older people experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness (OPEH) in Vancouver, Canada. The researchers sought to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the program, scale-up (i.e., policies) and/or scale out impacts (i.e., on people and communities), as well as how the program promotes housing security and stability for OPEH. Narrative data reveals the program provided housing stability to OPEH by offering increased access to resources (food, pharmaceutical, transportation, social support, and engagement). Additionally, through the promotion of client autonomy, privacy, and security in their housing unit, the organization and staff work to support and foster AIRP among their clients and help to transform a temporary housing space into a secure home-type setting.

Canham, S. L. (2021, October). Supporting the health, housing, and social needs of older persons experiencing homelessness. Invited keynote presentation at the University of Texas, Austin, Gerontology Resources and Aging Community in Education (GRACE) Symposium, Virtual.

As the number of older adults experiencing homelessness across North America is increasing, there is an urgent need to understand the unique health, housing, and social support needs of this diverse population. Dr. Canham reviewed current trends in homelessness among older adults, presented findings from several community-based participatory research studies that explored the unique needs of older persons experiencing homelessness, and offered recommendations for supporting older adults.

Weldrick, R., Canham, S. L., Mahmood, A., Sussman, T., & Walsh, C. (2021, October). Aging in the right place for housing insecure older people: A conceptual framework. Paper presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Virtual.

Emerging research has highlighted the significance of aging in the right place (AIRP) by recognizing that secure and optimal housing should support an individual’s unique vulnerabilities, values, and lifestyles. Existing literature, however, has yet to conceptualize what it means for older people experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity to “age in the right place.” In order to address this knowledge gap, the researchers developed an AIRP framework for housing insecure people by extracting critical identifiers from the literature. Refinements to the model were made following consultation with interdisciplinary scholars and stakeholders in the fields of aging, poverty, and housing and a document review of three innovative housing programs. The presentation discussed the resulting conceptual framework and outlined the key indicators of AIRP relevant to housing insecure older people. For instance, indicators related to case management, affordability, and practical life skills (e.g., financial management, home cleaning supports) were found to be particularly pertinent to the experience of AIRP for housing insecure older people. The proposed framework provides a practical and meaningful contribution which can be used to promote housing security among individuals often excluded from existing aging-in-place models.

Kaushik, V., Walsh, C., Canham, S. L., Mahmood, A., & Sussman, T. (2021, October). Perceptions of aging in the right place: Photovoice with older adults transitioning from experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. Paper presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Virtual.

Aging in the right place (AIRP) recognizes that where an older person lives impacts their ability to age optimally and must match their unique lifestyles and vulnerabilities. As a concept, AIRP involves supporting older adults to live as long as possible in their homes and communities. Photovoice is an arts-informed, community-based, participatory action research strategy that empowers people to document their experiences through photography while promoting critical dialogue. This methodology is particularly well-suited to examining issues such as AIRP and rights-based housing. In the referenced study, phenomenological photovoice interviews were conducted with diverse older adults residing in permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters during COVID-19 in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, Canada. Participants were adults age 50 and older with intersectional identities and experiences of homelessness. Each interview was conducted in three 45 to 60-minute sessions over three weeks to allow time for participants to develop rapport with the researcher, become comfortable with the process, and offer deeper commentary. The presentation discussed the use of photovoice methodology in effectively engaging homeless older adults in participatory research and promoting a sense of empowerment among study participants. We highlighted participant’s perspectives of AIRP, including how their living situation met their various housing and support needs. Findings can be used to inform policy initiatives that promote AIRP and the right to adequate housing for older adults experiencing homelessness.

O’Dea, E., Wister, A., & Canham, S. L. (2021, October). Volunteering among older Jewish adults: The role of cultural generativity. Paper presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Virtual.

Research has demonstrated numerous motivations held by older adults to volunteer, including desires to keep physically, mentally, and socially active and to help those in need. Less explored are the cultural dimensions of volunteer motivation; that is, aspects of individuals’ cultural identity, as well as their socio-cultural environment, that may influence their decision to volunteer. This paper addresses this research gap by examining motivations to volunteer among older Jewish adults, within the context of cultural generativity—the desire felt by individuals to pass down aspects of their culture, including language, traditions, and values, to the next generation, in order to outlive the self. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 volunteers (ranging in age from 68 to 89) in the Jewish community of Vancouver. The guiding research questions for the referred study were: 1) what are the motivations to volunteer among older Jewish adults? and 2) do these motivations align with the concept of generativity applied to Jewish culture? Data analysis identified three themes related to cultural generativity: 1) volunteering to preserve and pass down Jewish traditions and teachings; 2) a Jewish ethic of giving back perceived as a duty; and 3) experiences of anti- Semitism and discrimination motivating Jewish participants to volunteer. Future research should consider how additional ethnocultural groups express cultural generativity, and how experiences of oppression and discrimination may impact decisions to volunteer.

Aging in the right place (AIRP) recognizes that where an older person lives impacts their ability to age optimally and must match their unique lifestyles and vulnerabilities. As a concept, AIRP involves supporting older adults to live as long as possible in their homes and communities. Photovoice is an arts-informed, community-based, participatory action research strategy that empowers people to document their experiences through photography while promoting critical dialogue. This methodology is particularly well-suited to examining issues such as AIRP and rights-based housing. In the referred study, phenomenological photovoice interviews were conducted with diverse older adults residing in permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters during COVID-19 in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, Canada. Participants were adults age 50 and older with intersectional identities and experiences of homelessness. Each interview was conducted in three 45 to 60-minute sessions over three weeks to allow time for participants to develop rapport with the researcher, become comfortable with the process, and offer deeper commentary. The presentation discussed the use of photovoice methodology in effectively engaging homeless older adults in participatory research and promoting a sense of empowerment among study participants. The researchers highlighted participant’s perspectives of AIRP, including how their living situation met their various housing and support needs. Findings can be used to inform policy initiatives that promote AIRP and the right to adequate housing for older adults experiencing homelessness.

Gurung, S., Elkes, S., Mahmood, A., Weldrick, R., Lemme, H., Qureshi, M., & Canham, S. L. (2021, October). Older adults experiencing housing insecurity: An environmental assessment of housing. Paper presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Virtual.

As part of a multi-year, multi-city partnership project, the aging in the right place environmental audit (AIRP-ENV) and secondary observation (AIRP-ENV-SO) tools were created to facilitate observation-based audits of the built environment, particularly in shelters, transitional housing, independent housing with offsite/onsite supports, and permanent supportive housing with onsite medical and/or specialized services for older adults who are experiencing or vulnerable to experiencing homelessness. Data were collected at four sites of a transitional housing program in Vancouver, Canada. The presence/absence of exterior and interior built environmental characteristics that promote housing stability were audited using the 241-item AIRP-ENV tool. Contextual data on function, safety, and land-use of surrounding neighborhoods were collected using seven open-ended questions in the AIRP-ENV-SO tool. Preliminary findings suggest that built environment and urban design features support tenants’ residential resiliency and aging in place. Data from the environmental audit demonstrates that study sites are in close proximity to accessible resources, there are opportunities for tenants to engage in social activities, the buildings are equipped with accessible interior and exterior features, built environmental features are implemented to foster safety and security, and furnishing and accessible features of the room support the tenants in continuing to live independently. The AIRP-ENV and AIRP-ENV-SO tools provide insight on the built-environmental features of housing and neighborhoods that contribute toward aging in the right place. Additionally, these tools address a gap in audit tools by considering transitional housing and other settings where older persons experiencing homelessness seek to age in place.

Cormier, E., Serrano, D., Sussman, T., Bourgeois-Guérin, V., Canham, S. L., Walsh, C., & Mahmood, A. (2021, September). In meeting the field: When clinical experience transcends research and promotes methodological innovation. Paper presented at the NVivo Conference of QSR International, Virtual.

The versatility that exists within the scope of qualitative research creates a space for innovative approaches to research that are infused with creativity and sensitivity. This is particularly true for the clinician-researcher who may intuitively draw from both worlds in their research practice. This presentation aims to describe how our clinical sensitivities as dual role practitioners informed the integration of innovative methodological adaptations and enhanced the usefulness of our methods when engaging in research with an aging population with experiences of homelessness.

Canham, S. L., Humphries, J., Moore, P., Burns, V. F., & Mahmood, A. (2021, January). Shelter/housing options, supports, and interventions for older persons experiencing homelessness: A scoping review. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Despite few supportive options across the shelter/housing continuum that address the diverse needs of older people experiencing homelessness (OPEH) or enable aging in place, a growing body of literature is identifying the innovations required to support aging in the right place for marginalized older adults. While there is a need for appropriately designed supportive shelter/housing options that can support the health and psychosocial needs of newly and chronically homeless OPEH and enable aging in the right place, knowledge of the range of shelter/housing options that exist on an international scale is limited. This study identified shelter/housing models that have been developed to support OPEH and examine what impact these models have had on health and housing outcomes for OPEH, and ultimately their ability to age in the right place. The authors conducted a review of the literature to capture the nature and breadth of existing research on shelter/housing models for OPEH. Fourteen databases were searched for English-language peer-reviewed and/or empirical literature published 1999 – 2019. After screening, 24 articles remained for inclusion in the review. Supportive shelter/housing models for OPEH include: 1) permanent supportive housing (PSH), including PSH delivered through Housing First; 2) transitional housing; 3) shelter settings with medical supports; 4) drop-in centers; and 5) case management and outreach. Aging in the right place for OPEH requires inclusion of health and social supports in shelter/housing that contribute to positive aging, a sense of home, and community reintegration. This review revealed additional considerations for promoting aging in the right place for diverse OPEH across the shelter/housing continuum, including social connection and trusting relationships, including from peer supports; individualized services and supports, including 24-hour onsite physical and mental health care; and affordable supportive housing options that are co-located with opportunities for socialization and transportation to offsite services. Findings from this review have enabled the researchers to outline the continuum of existing shelter/housing models that support aging in the right place for OPEH. This continuum of models can be used as a template for designing and implementing future shelter/housing solutions, while providing a foundation for exploring new avenues of evaluation research and determining which shelter/housing models hold the opportunity to support which sub-groups of OPEH to age in the right place. Building such an evidence base has significant potential to advance policy, practice, and housing design to better meet the unique shelter/housing needs of diverse OPEH.

Sussman, T., Canham, S. L., Humphries, J., Nixon, L., Mahmood, A., Burns, V. F., & Walsh, C. A. (2021, January). Discovering, dreaming, designing, and delivering the “right” place for older people experiencing homelessness: Needs, challenges, and solutions. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Over the last two decades, “aging in place,” which idealizes remaining in one’s home and community through later life, has risen in prominence in age-related policy and practice. However, aging in place research largely focuses on individuals who have sustained, long-term tenancies in a particular house or neighborhood or life histories of stable housing, while overlooking marginalization and intersections of disadvantage that exclude older adults who do not have access to stable and supportive housing settings in which to develop place attachment. Without stable shelter/housing that meets their needs, older people experiencing homelessness (OPEH) often experience worsening health and further marginalization. Moreover, there are significant gaps in supporting the shelter/housing needs of OPEH. To explore the design and delivery of existing shelter/housing options, the authors investigated the specific needs, challenges, and solutions for promoting aging in the right place for OPEH in three Canadian cities. Findings revealed four overarching themes: 1) challenges to sheltering/housing OPEH; 2) a continuum of shelter/housing options is needed to support OPEH; 3) design considerations for sheltering/housing OPEH; and 4) social supports promote place attachment. Challenges to sheltering/housing OPEH include systemic barriers, such as lack of available and affordable shelter/housing and strict eligibility requirements, as well as victimization and discrimination. Common across all discussions was the idea that a continuum of shelter/housing options is needed to meet the diverse needs of OPEH, including low-barrier and abstinence-based options, intergenerational and senior-specific options, and culturally sensitive options. Moreover, participants emphasized that shelter/housing solutions should have universal design, coordinated and centralized support, and involve relevant stakeholders. Finally, participants discussed integrating opportunities for social connection and community building and supporting OPEHs’ independence and choice to create homelike environments that promote place attachment.

Walsh, C. A., Humphries, J., Dharshi, N., Burns, V. F., Sussman, T., Hagner, J., & Canham, S. L. (2021, January). An environmental scan of promising practices of shelter/housing that support aging in the right place for older people experiencing homelessness in Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Montréal, Vancouver, and Calgary are the second, third, and fourth most populated metropolitan areas in Canada, respectively, and have seen an increasing number of older people experiencing homelessness (OPEH) over the last decade. However, little is known about the availability and characteristics of supportive shelter/housing options that can meet their needs. “Promising practices” are innovative solutions that have not been subject to rigorous evaluation, but hold the promise of supporting aging in the right place for OPEH. This study sought to identify promising practice shelter/housing models for OPEH in Montréal, Calgary, and Vancouver. The authors conducted an environmental scan in each city by collecting data from the internet and print materials on shelter/housing models that promote aging in the right place for OPEH, as well as informal conversations with providers. In addition, 51 health, housing, and social service providers and 38 OPEH participated in one of three World Cafés to identify gaps in the internet and print material scan and understand the capacity and functioning of the identified promising practices. The authors identified 52 promising practices, which were categorized into six shelter/housing types along a continuum: 1) emergency, temporary, or transitional shelter/housing; 2) independent living with offsite supports (i.e., community-based supports); 3) supported independent living with onsite, non-medical supports; 4) permanent supportive housing with onsite medical support and/or specialized services; 5) long-term care, offering specialized healthcare for individuals with complex health needs; and 6) palliative care/hospice. Findings offer a template of a shelter/housing continuum needed for diverse OPEH to age in the right place and highlight concrete, real-world examples of shelter/housing for OPEH. Few promising practices were identified that specialize in meeting the cultural needs of racial minority OPEH and none were found that specifically serve Indigenous or sexual minority OPEH. Without available and appropriate shelter/housing options, OPEH are excluded from aging in place and instead left to age in environments that may not meet their needs. Finding mechanisms by which to scale up promising practices that meet the shelter/housing needs of diverse OPEH will contribute to more sustainable and inclusive communities.

Cloyes, K. G., & Frost, C. J. (2021, May). Use of third-party research recruitment services: Obligations to volunteers locus of responsibility. Presentation for the Clinical Research Ethics Consultation Collaborative, Virtual.

Ethical considerations about how to handle participant disclosures of mental health issues were described in the discussion. A case study about utilizing third-party research recruitment services was provided.

O’Farrell, K. D., Esplin, J., Frost, C. J., & Gren, L. H. (2021, May). Utilizing the “Circle of Health” to examine and promote women’s health: A descriptive analysis of a novel holistic health tool. Poster presented at the Sex, Gender, and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah/Virtual.

From 2014 to 2019, the Circle of Health survey was piloted at the University of Utah. This tool measures how well women are doing with their seven domains of health. Researchers analyzed the data from 169 people who identified as women to consider a 360-degree view of their overall health. The data indicated that women struggle with their financial and environmental health. The findings could be useful for work with healthcare practitioners in identifying needed resources for women.

Gren, L.H., Benson, L.S., & Frost, C. J. (2021, May). The health of older refugees resettling in Utah: The prevalence of physical and mental health conditions. Poster presented at the Sex, Gender, and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah/Virtual.

The prevalence of physical and mental health conditions for refugees are important for healthcare practitioners to be aware of. This poster presentation reviewed data about elderly refugees (n=954) from the Utah Health Department. Men and women had similar prevalence of health issues; however, the impact of torture and violence on men and musculoskeletal pain and urinary tract infections in women should be considered by healthcare providers.

Esplin, J., O’Farrell, K. D., Gren, L. H., & Frost, C. J. (2021, May). Updating the Circle of Health tool. Poster presented at the Sex, Gender, and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT/Virtual.

This poster highlights the work being conducted to update the Circle of Health survey. The researchers searched for validated tools that would ensure the Circle of Health survey was more inclusive for people who identify as women.

Pfledderer, C., Gren, L. H., Daly, M., & Frost, C. J. (2021, May). Women’s thoughts on receiving and sharing genetic information: Considerations for genetic counseling. Presentation at the Breast Cancer Family Registry Meeting, Virtual.

Data from a 2016 survey (n=9,048) from six breast cancer sites are presented to better understand what information women who are affected and unaffected by breast cancer need to make decisions about their healthcare.

Garland, E. L. (2021, May). Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement treats comorbid chronic pain, opioid misuse, and psychiatric disorders by targeting hedonic dysregulation. Presentation for the annual meeting of the NIH Pain Consortium Symposium on Advances in Pain Research, Virtual.

Garland, E. L. (2021, May). Bringing pain and addiction researchers together. Panel presentation for the annual NIH HEAL Investigator meeting, Virtual.

Garland, E. L. (2021, May). Relieving pain and opioid misuse with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement. Presentation for the Grand Rounds to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Population Science Research program.

Garland, E. L. (2021, May). Healing the opioid crisis with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement: Clinical efficacy and neurophysiological mechanisms. Lecture for the meeting of the National Institutes of Health-National Center on Complementary and Integrative Medicine.

Garland, E. L., Hanley, A. W., Nakamura, Y., & Donaldson, G. (2021, April). Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement: An efficacious treatment for opioid misuse and chronic pain. Presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA/Virtual.

Garland, E. L., & Hanley, A. W. (2021, April). Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement: An efficacious treatment for opioid misuse and chronic pain. Presentation at the annual conference of the Western Psychological Association Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV/Virtual.

Garland, E. L. (2021, March). Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement treats chronic pain and opioid misuse by restructuring reward processing. Presentation for the Grand Rounds at the Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, NY.

Garland, E. L. (2021, January). Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement: Leveraging social work science to create positive change in the opioid crisis, from prevention to intervention. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Romanelli, M. B., Fredriksen-Goldsen K. I., & Kim, H.-J. (2021, November). Transgender older adults’ utilization of clinical preventative services. Panel to be conducted at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Orlando, FL. [Withdrawn due to COVID-19 conditions in FL]

Transgender (trans*) communities experience elevated health concerns relative to cisgender counterparts. While access to care is imperative to screen for symptoms and provide treatment to prevent widening health disparities, trans* people face significant barriers to care. Moreover, barriers may be exacerbated by demographic (e.g., age, race, socioeconomic status) or social factors (e.g., access to social networks). Though evidence for health disparities and their etiology has increased, a dearth of studies consider more marginalized trans* communities, examine different configurations of both risks and resources, or track trans* communities’ health over time. The health equity promotion model, and studies designed within this theoretical framework, endeavor to address these gaps by considering intersecting social positions, differing patterns of challenges and resilience, and the life-course perspective to explain variation in health outcomes among trans* individuals. Paper 1 provides insight into the historical and socio-cultural contexts of trans* adults, helping scholars/practitioners understand their particular risks and resiliencies. Studies 2 and 3 show how these contexts may result in significant health care barriers for trans* communities. Taken together, results indicate that health care policies and interventions (e.g., engagement interventions to increase outreach, access, and participation) cannot be created in a vacuum. Instead, interventions should be responsive to the unique histories, intersecting identities, and specific configurations of risk and protective influences impacting trans* individuals. Results can be used to enhance tailored assessment practices with trans* clients—emphasizing balanced considerations of risk and protective influences and the need to consider and evaluate context..

Younce, B., Powell, D., Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Gren, L. H., & Frost, C. J. (2021, May). Preventing structural gender-based violence on a university campus: Advancing the bystander concept to upstander intervention. Presentation at the Sex, Gender, and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT/Virtual.

This presentation described what is needed to disrupt violence aimed at sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Gender-based violence was considered through an infectious disease lens with an eye to address the structural violence SGM populations experience on a university campus. A description of “upstander training” as an innovative intervention strategy was provided.

Younce, B., Powell, D., Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Gren, L.H., & Frost, C. J. (2021, April). Preventing structural gender-based violence on a university campus: Advancing the bystander concept to upstander intervention. Presentation at the Gender-based Violence Consortium symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah/Virtual.

This presentation described what is needed to disrupt violence aimed at sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Gender-based violence was considered through an infectious disease lens with an eye to address the structural violence SGM populations experience on a university campus. A description of “upstander training” as an innovative intervention strategy was provided, as well as preliminary findings from a campus survey about SGM experiences.

Hoy-Ellis, C. P. (2021, March). Professional and academic progression for members of the LGBTQ community. Presentation for the Particle Physics Community Planning Exercise (Snowmass) of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education.

Hoy-Ellis presented research findings regarding systemic barriers that LGBTQ+ students face in STEM, and strategies to reduce those barriers to make STEM more equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

Hanley, A. W. (2021, April). Is self-interest really in your best interest? Evidence from four RCTs. Presentation at the annual conference of the Western Psychological Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV/Virtual.

Hanley, A. W. (2021, April). Embedding brief mindfulness based interventions in medical settings improves patient outcomes: 5 RCTs. Presentation at the annual conference of the Western Psychological Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV/Virtual.

Hanley, A. W. (2021, April). Embedding brief mindfulness based interventions in medical settings to improve medical outcomes. Presentation at the Integrative Medicine and Health Symposium, Cleveland, OH/Virtual.

Jaggers, J. W., Loomis, A. M., Sonsteng-Person, M., & Osteen, P. (2021, January). Victimization and suspension/expulsion in adolescence: Exploring pathways through fighting and head injury. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Research links violence exposure to suspension and expulsion, however the pathways for this relationship are unclear. One may be through fighting, as fighting is a significant outcome of violence exposure and can increase suspension and expulsion. Another potential, and unexplored pathway, is through traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are a significant outcome of violent victimization and can impact cognitive abilities and future violence. This presentation discussed the relationship between violent victimization and suspension/expulsion outcomes through pathways of head injury and fighting.

Keyes, T. S., & Riverman, I. (2021, October). Restorative justice and school-based relationships. Referred paper presented at the 2021 Navajo Nation Research Conference, Virtual.

In what ways do restorative justice practices foster students’ sense of belonging and positive relationships in school? Native students are disciplined at roughly two times the rate of their white peers and have a dropout/pushout rate twice the national average. Restorative justice (RJ) is a viable strategy that addressed these disparities by taking a relational versus a punitive approach to address harm caused to others. Typically, student outcomes (GPA, attendance, and discipline reports) are used to measure the success of the RJ approach, but less understood is whether RJ creates a relational school culture. Thematic and interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted on thirty-two semi-structured interviews across three high schools along the Utah/Navajo Nation border. Findings were mixed among Native and non-Native high school students’ sense of belonging and positive relationships. Very few students knew that restorative justice practices were being implemented, thus making the role of RJ unclear. However, many students expressed having a positive relationship with the school social worker, who had been trained in restorative justice. The findings were inconclusive that RJ fosters students’ sense of belonging or positive relationships but highlights the strengths and areas of improvement for creating a relational school culture. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of RJ and its effects on the school culture to address the relational needs of Navajo students. RJ has the potential to improve school-based relationships and educational outcomes for Navajo students if the mechanisms are tailored to support them.

Keyes, T. S., & Heath, R.D. (2021, January). What builds a community of engaged learners? Preliminary evidence from a multilevel analysis of classroom practices. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

The transition to high school is critical for long-term success, and innovative strategies are required to support and engage ninth grade students. Past research shows that a both a sense of belonging and level of engagement are necessary for adolescents to feel a sense of a community in class. Less is known about how adults can foster these sentiments. Teachers’ practices may either cultivate or diminish the sense of a learning community, but there is little research that examined the role of such practices in promoting a community of engaged learners. To address this gap, this study investigates the association between teacher practices (lesson organization and structure, academic support) to a measure of community of engaged learners.

Loomis, A. M. (2021, April). Examining equity in trauma-informed care: Associations between teacher stress, trauma-informed attitudes, and child expulsion risk. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Virtual.

Early childhood trauma has been linked to increased risk for preschool behavioral problems, conflictual student-teacher relationships, and even expulsion. It is not yet known through what mechanisms trauma-informed (TI) interventions influence school discipline, nor whether TI approaches similarly benefit young children, particularly those disproportionately targeted by exclusionary discipline, such as Black, Latinx, and American Indian students. The presentation discussed the relationship between teachers’ TI attitudes, stress, and child expulsion risk using online survey data from 129 preschool teachers. In the whole group models, higher indicators of trauma-informed attitudes were related to lower child expulsion risk. Multigroup models revealed significantly different pathways for students of color (Black, Latinx, and American Indian students) compared to white students; teacher stress predicted higher expulsion decision risk for students of color, and trauma-informed attitudes predicted lower expulsion decision risk for white students. It is generally assumed that TI approaches are protective for all students, however these study findings suggest that TI attitudes may provide a buffer against indicators of expulsion risk for white students but not for students of color. Teacher’s implicit biases may interfere with the protective nature of TI attitudes, and stress may exacerbate the influence of these biases. Given the increasing focus on TI practices within educational systems, it is important that TI approaches address bias and racism to disrupt racial disparities and positively benefit all students.

Loomis, A. M. (2021, January). Identifying mechanisms for reducing preschool expulsion risk through trauma-informed care. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Trauma-informed (TI) school interventions developed for older children are linked to reduced expulsion rates, however it is unclear through what mechanisms TI interventions may influence school discipline rates. The presentation discussed the relationship between preschool teachers’ TI attitudes and children’s expulsion risk in a sample of 94 preschool teachers recruited from four Head Start programs in the Mountain West. Higher overall TI attitudes were significantly associated with lower overall expulsion risk, perceived classroom disruption, fear of accountability, and stress, but not hopelessness. These findings demonstrate that preschool teachers with higher TI attitudes may be less likely to move toward expulsion and highlight TI attitudes as a meaningful mechanism to target when seeking to reduce rates of preschool expulsion through TI interventions.

McDonald, C., West, K., Brittain, C., & Benson, C. L. (2021). Competency models as the road to outcomes: A model for practice. Presentation for the National Staff Development Training Association (NSDTA), Virtual.

This session reviewed the findings from an evaluation of the state of the child welfare field related to competency models and their connection to their corresponding practice models. The researchers conducted a scoping review of competency and corresponding practice models across the United States that were publicly available to understand better what competency development in child welfare looks like. They highlighted key findings, which show a high degree of variation and confusion about the definition of key terms and how to develop a practical and effective competency model. They also addressed some of the possible root causes for this lack of clarity surrounding competency models in child welfare and provided steps to consider for jurisdictions to develop and implement their competency model. The researchers posited that practice models in and of themselves are insufficient to produce a competent workforce and provided guidance on how to remedy this.

Min, M. O. (2021, September). Personal networks and recovery among women in treatment for substance dependence. Keynote address at the International Conference of Family Support Services for Adult Drug Addicts: Reach with Love, Gazing into Futurity, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, R.O.C. (Taiwan), Taipei City, Taiwan/Virtual.

Changes in personal network composition, support, and structure over 12 months were examined in 377 women from residential (n = 119) and intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment (n = 258) through face-to-face interviews utilizing computer-based data collection. Personal networks of women who entered residential treatment had more substance users, more people with whom they had used alcohol and/or drugs, and fewer people from treatment programs or self-help groups than personal networks of women who entered intensive outpatient treatment. By 12 months post treatment intake, network composition improved for women in residential treatment; however, concrete support was still lower and substance users are still more prevalent in their networks. Network composition of women in outpatient treatment remained largely the same over time. Both groups increased cohesiveness within the network over 12 months. Targeting interventions that support positive changes in personal networks may heighten positive long term outcomes for women entering treatment.

Singer, L. T., Kim, J., Minnes, S., Min, M. O., & Powers, G. (2021, May). Cognitive and functional outcomes at age 21 after prenatal cocaine/polydrug exposure and foster/adoptive care. Presentation at Virtual Platform and Poster Session of the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society, Virtual.

Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) has been linked to specific cognitive deficits through early adolescence but there is little information on adult outcomes, nor on environmental interventions such as foster/adoptive care. At 21 years, 150 adults with PCE and 147 non-exposed (NCE) adults—primarily African-American, low SES, who were followed from birth—were administered the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II) and surveyed regarding high school completion, substance use, and incarceration history. PCE is associated with deficits in perceptual reasoning and full scale IQ through age 21. Foster/adoptive care was associated with a better caregiving environment, lower lead levels, higher likelihood of high school completion, and better verbal skills, but not lower substance use or incarceration.

Mueller, D. M., & Prince, K. C. (2021, November). Changes in LS/RNR quality assurance scores associated with Second Chance Act initiatives within the Utah Department of Corrections. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

The Level of Service Risk, Need, Responsivity (LS/RNR) assessment is commonly used in corrections to determine risk and establish case action plans (CAPs) for incarcerated individuals and parolees. An often-neglected aspect of using the tool is ensuring it is implemented with fidelity. To improve fidelity of LS/RNR assessments, the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) implemented a quality assurance (QA) scoring assessment performed by a coach who evaluates the capabilities of LS/RNR assessors to accurately administer the assessment. Results revealed significant effects at full SCA implementation, with small to moderate effect sizes. Interestingly, larger field offices revealed larger effects than smaller offices. Evidence suggests that implementing a QA assessment and additional training improved QA scores for some UDC field offices, but not others. Findings are discussed in terms of resources and agent experience. Improved QA scores are hypothesized to relate to better informed CAPs, including treatment plans, and reductions in recidivism. These issues will be investigated in a second phase of the project.

Parisi, A. B., Wilson, A. B., Villodas, M., Phillips, J., Chen, D. G.  (2021, January). The relationship between interpersonal problem-solving and aggression among justice-involved people with serious mental illnesses: Exploring gender differences. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Research has found that correctional interventions targeting interpersonal problem-solving (IPS) are associated with significant reductions in criminal recidivism. Additionally, IPS has been found to have a strong relationship with aggression, a key programmatic outcome for these interventions. Therefore, the effectiveness of correctional interventions can be optimized by developing a better understanding of how to target IPS within particular treatment populations. Preliminary research suggests that gender differences may exist between how justice-involved men and women engage in IPS. Yet much is yet to be learned about these differences, particularly as they relate to people with serious mental illnesses (SMI). Consequently, in this presentation the researchers discussed aims to: 1) evaluate gender differences in IPS among a sample of individuals with SMI incarcerated in a state prison system, and 2) explore whether these differences moderate the relationship between IPS and aggression.

Wilson, A. B., Phillips, J., Parisi, A. B., Villodas, M., Chen, D. G. (2021, January). Preliminary outcomes for an intervention that addresses criminogenic risk factors among justice-involved people with serious mental illnesses. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

The mental health services field has spent almost 30 years developing interventions for justice-involved people with serious mental illnesses (SMI). However, none have been able to achieve a sustained impact on future justice system involvement. Correctional research has developed a class of interventions that reduces justice involvement by up to 50 percent by targeting the risk factors most closely associated with criminal behavior (i.e. criminogenic risk factors). In order to optimize the effectiveness of these interventions for use with this population, they need to be adapted to address the specific treatment needs of people with SMI. This presentation discussed preliminary findings on the effectiveness of a correctional intervention that targets criminogenic risk factors, which was adapted specifically for use with people with SMI.

Phillips, J., Wilson, A. B., Parisi, A. B., Villodas, M., Chen, D. G. (2021, January). Pathways from trauma to criminogenic risk among justice-involved people with serious mental illness. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are associated with increased impulsivity, aggression, antisocial behavior, and later life criminal justice involvement. Despite this, current criminogenic interventions do not address trauma as a driver of criminogenic risk. While large numbers of people with serious mental illness (SMI) are in the justice system, little is known about the connection between traumatic life events, criminal offending among individuals and SMI, and how this connection might impact treatment services for this population. The presentation discussed ways to address this gap by: 1) examining the relationship between ACES and risk for criminal offending among justice involved people with SMI, and 2) exploring whether this relationship is mediated by impulsivity and levels of aggression—both criminogenic needs that have a strong relationship with trauma and criminal offending.

Villodas, M., Wilson, A. B., Phillips, J., Parisi, A. B., Chen, D. G. (2021, January). Exploring the relationship between criminal thinking and psychiatric symptoms among justice-involved men with serious mental illnesses. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

The high levels of criminal thinking patterns found among people with serious mental illnesses (SMI) suggests that this treatment target may be particularly important for this population. The relationship between psychiatric symptomatology and criminal thinking, however, has yet to be explored. Consequently, this presentation investigates the relationship between psychiatric symptomatology and criminal thinking within the context of pilot study of a new intervention.

Prince, K. C., & Sarver, C. M. (2021, November). Housing type and recidivism among formerly homeless adults with a history of criminal justice contacts. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

Research shows that chronically homeless individuals are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, with a sub-sample that cycles in and out of jail for low-level offenses. Although not intended specifically to reduce recidivism, Housing First (HF) interventions, have been associated with reduced criminal justice contact. Research suggests there may be differential outcomes depending on the type of housing placement. This study examines the relationship between housing type and criminal justice contact among a sample of chronically homeless persons with a history of repeated jail bookings. Results indicate significantly less criminal justice contact for individuals placed in scattered site housing, but not congregate, when comparing pre/post intervention. Decisions regarding HF placement are typically made with respect to a person’s history of homelessness and not criminogenic risk level. Findings are discussed within the context of current policy and practice regarding supportive housing and reentry planning.

Belisle, L., Salisbury, E. J., & Parker Keen, J. (2021, November). A quasi-experimental outcome evaluation of Girls…Moving On: A gender-responsive program for justice-involved girls. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

Very few gender-responsive programs have been empirically evaluated for girls. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, no studies have directly examined the gender-responsive program, Girls…Moving On (GMO). Therefore, this study aimed to conduct the first known outcome evaluation of the GMO program. Overall, GMO program completion was significantly associated with decreased risk scores, increased girls' strengths scores, and improved self-efficacy levels. However, girls who did not complete the program tended to have similar outcomes to girls in the control group, suggesting that only partial exposure to the program did not significantly improve outcomes. There were also surrounding differential outcomes by race, as well as concerns with risk scores. While there are noteworthy limitations to consider, the study's findings lead to several implications for future gender- and culturally-responsive programs developed for system-impacted girls.

Trejbalová, T., & Salisbury, E. J. (2021, November). Women’s Risk Needs Assessment’s utility with justice-involved men. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

The objective of this study was to explore the utility of a modified version of the Women’s Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) with a sample of men with serious mental illness applying to a mental health court. Specifically, the researchers were interested in investigating the prevalence of these men’s needs, focusing on those that are traditionally considered to be gender-responsive (i.e., trauma, parental stress, unhealthy relationships, etc.). The results help to understand whether there may be enough prevalence of gender-responsive needs among men to warrant case planning to treatment. Although the researchers were not able to secure a reliable recidivism measure with the mental health court, results indicate some utility for considering how these areas function among men with serious mental illness. This study supports the importance of assessing and measuring trauma and other gender-responsive risk factors with men. Results may help practitioners address specific responsivity needs previously unexplored in the population of justice-involved men.

Salisbury, E. J., & Belisle, L. (2021, October). Gender-responsive probation: Learning from the Women’s Reentry Assessment, Programming and Services (WRAPS) Program.” Paper presented at the biennial meeting of the Association for Justice-Involved Females and Organizations, Virtual.

The WRAPS program was a federally-funded, gender-responsive reentry program specifically designed for women on probation with high-frequency jail stays, and designated as high- to medium-risk on the Women's Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA). Located just outside Portland, Oregon, clients were randomly assigned to either the WRAPS intervention (treatment group) or probation as usual (control group). The supervision of clients assigned to the control group was also gender-responsive in philosophy and application, but did not include access and priority to additional gender- and trauma-responsive services, nor to Community Health Specialists working alongside WRAPS probation officers as navigators for women’s success. This presentation discussed the major gender-responsive components of the program, as well as outcome evaluation results using qualitative thematic analysis of client and staff interviews reflecting both the treatment and control groups.

Salisbury, E. J (2021, March). Gender matters: Risk/needs assessment with justice-involved women and girls. Keynote delivered at the 8^th Criminal Justice Conference of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Crime, Justice and Security School of Criminology, University of Porto, Portugal.

Sarver, C. M., & Prince, K. C. (2021, November). The ReSet pilot study: A reentry program targeting individuals designated high-risk and dually-diagnosed. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

Research indicates that prison reentry planning is most effective when it begins prior to release from prison and targets criminogenic needs. For substance abusing individuals, research has shown that interventions based on a therapeutic community, and including medication assisted treatment, are associated with reduced recidivism. The ReSet program was designed to include all of these components. This pilot study examines the impact of ReSet on high-risk, dually-diagnosed persons exiting prison to parole. Results showed a marginally significant impact, with a medium-size effect, on short-term recidivism, which coincided with the average end of treatment. There was no impact on long-term recidivism. Evidence for a short-term effect, but none for a long-term effect, is interesting from a programming perspective. This finding suggests that whatever benefit was obtained through the program is lost after treatment ends and treatment group individuals “catch up” with control group individuals in terms of long-term recidivism. Results are discussed in terms of implementation, programming, and dosage.

Seawright, J., Seawright, G., Mueller, D. M., & Prince, K. C. (2021, November). Qualitative perceptions of disproportionate minority contact reduction practices across police, probation, and court personnel in Utah. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

As part of a statewide assessment, this project used in-depth interviews with stakeholders to offer insight into the ongoing complexity of disproportionate minority contact (DMC)-reduction practices in Utah. Interviews revealed five major themes concerning DMC: 1) awareness for the need of training and practical reduction strategies; 2) identifying the role of schools; 3) community-originated stereotypes of youth of color as drivers; 4) officer and court personnel externalizing systemic barriers faced by families of color; and 5) depersonalization of DMC by law enforcement, and presuming objectivity in their decision making. Understanding DMC as a pejorative attached to individual police officers works against knowledge that reduction of DMC is shared work amongst stakeholders, including community members. It is important that future practices communicate the role each stakeholder has in eliminating systemic discrimination, as well as providing options and resources to support equitable choices in the moment.

Seawright, G., Seawright, J., Prince, K. C., & Mueller, D. M. (2021, November). Law enforcement officers’ attitudes and perceptions of disproportionate minority contact. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, IL/Virtual.

The issue of disproportionate minority contact (DMC) is exceptionally complex and there are myriad factors that play a role in its prevalence. Much of the DMC literature has been guided by two competing perspectives (i.e., differential offending and differential treatment), yet few studies have used law enforcement officers’ attitudes toward the issue as an operationalization. Survey results revealed that, on average, most law enforcement personnel believed DMC is a minor issue, and that it is primarily a result of differential offending due to individual differences (i.e., youth behavior) rather than due to structural factors (e.g., racism, poverty, etc.). Officer perceptions of DMC appear to be an important driver toward policy change to reduce racial disparity in the juvenile justice system. It is important that future work makes clear the fact that the term DMC is not a pejorative against police.

Shea, S., & Vogel-Ferguson,M. B. (2021, November). Turbocharge your organization engine: Take a trauma-informed approach! Invited presentation for the Critical Issues Facing Children and Adolescents conference, Salt Lake City, UT.

Organizations often do a great job at ensuring clinicians and case managers have strong interactions with their clients. However, sometimes other aspects of the organization can get in the way and, unintentionally, create barriers to those they are seeking to support, including staff. This presentation helped organizations begin to think about how to employ a trauma-informed approach.

Siantz, E., Sanghvi, N., Center, K., Casteel, D., Lansing, A., & Gilmer, T. (2021, October). We’re not a separate entity, we're staff now: The involvement of transition age youth peer providers in trauma-informed community partnerships. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Denver, CO.

This mixed methods presentation involved social network analysis combined with focus group data to understand the involvement of transition age youth (TAY) peer support specialists in trauma-informed community partnerships serving TAY who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Siantz, E., Redline, B., & Henwood B. (2021, October). Practice facilitation to support the delivery of integrated behavioral health and primary care services: A scoping review. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Denver, CO.

In this presentation and roundtable discussion the researchers present results from a systematic scoping review on the roles of external practice facilitators to support the delivery of integrated behavioral health and primary care.

Vogel-Ferguson,M. B., & Shea, S. (2021, November). “Promoting Health” starts from within: Embracing a trauma-informed approach. Workshop presentation for the annual conference of the Bureau of Health Promotions.

The staff of the Department of Health have faced significant challenges during COVID. This presentation focused on how individuals and departments can implement components of the trauma-informed approach to support personal and agency wellness in these challenging times.

Vogel-Ferguson,M. B., & Shea, S. (2021, September). A trauma-informed approach: The crosswalk of context and care! Invited presentation for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition’s Domestic Violence Solutions Conference, Orem, UT.

This presentation focused on applying the trauma-informed approach to people and organizations in general, and provided examples and ideas on practical application of the principles in the context of domestic violence work.

Vogel-Ferguson,M. B., & Shea, S. (2021, August). Taking the BS (blame and shame) out of trauma! Surviving and thriving in 2021 and beyond. Invited presentation at the American Public Human Services, National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics, Milwaukee, WI.

Participants were initially invited to get grounded in their own experiences with COVID-19. Once grounded, the trauma-informed approach was presented with a focus both on people and organizational impacts. Practical methods of implementation were shared and the wisdom of the group shared with all.

Vogel-Ferguson,M. B. (2021, February & March). Where are they now? Tales of past TANF clients. Invited presentation for the Administration for Children and Families’ Navigating New Pathways Towards Building Thriving Communities conference, Virtual.

This presentation was an opportunity to share about Utah’s long-term efforts in tracking TANF clients with peer states in a virtual workshop for the federal Office of Family Assistance. This virtual workshop was repeated on three different dates to three groupings of region/state TANF agencies across the U.S.

Vogel-Ferguson,M. B., Patin, K., & Shea, S. (2021, January). Surviving and Thriving in 2021 and Beyond. Keynote presentation for the inaugural ACES Learning Collaborative of the Utah Coalition for Protecting Childhood.

The Utah Coalition for Protecting Childhood has partners throughout the state. To help get the group on the same page regarding the impacts of trauma, particularly in light of the impacts of COVID-19, the team provided an opportunity to reflect on participants’ experiences in the year dominated by COVID. After this personal reflection, participants were provided tools for getting grounded when overwhelmed and resources for supporting clients.

Kim, M. A., Yi, J., Lee, M., & Zhangy, I. (2021, January). Areas of worklife and medical social worker's burnout in South Korea. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Medical social workers are at high risk of burnout because they work with patients and families facing life-threatening illness or traumatic events on a daily basis. Although burnout is specific to the work context and medical social workers have unique work tasks and organizational environment, there is a dearth of research that examines burnout among medical social workers with a focus on the comprehensive dimensions of their organizational and work context in South Korea. Based on the areas of worklife model of burnout, this study investigated the prevalence of burnout among medical workers in South Korea and identified key areas of worklife associated with three dimensions of burnout.

Kim, M. A., Yi, J., Sang, J., & Kim, S. (2021, January). Parental overprotection and perceptions of child vulnerability as correlates of parenting stress among parents of children with cancer in Korea. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

Parents of children with cancer experience high levels of parenting stress. Parenting stress is an important variable to assess when working with families of children with cancer because the negative consequences of long-term stress can seriously affect outcomes in both children and parents. Parents often perceive their child as vulnerable and overprotect their child. Such parental perceptions and behaviors may be related to parenting stress. However, it is unclear to what extent this stress is related to parent variables such as parental perceptions of child vulnerability and overprotection. This study examined the relationships of perceptions of child vulnerability, parental overprotection, and parenting stress among Korean parents of children with cancer.

Kim, M. A., Yi, J., Bradbury, L., Han, K. M., Yang, J., & Lee, J. (2021, January). A photovoice study: Experiences of middle-aged adults with intellectual disabilities in Korea. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Francisco, CA/Virtual.

The life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities (ID)—although still lower than the general population—is on the rise. Among people with disabilities, the aging population with ID is a significant and growing subgroup. Enhancing their quality of life is an important concern. As people with ID approach older adulthood, they face unique physical and psychosocial challenges. Although studies of this population have explored informants’ perspectives, including service providers or family members, scholars have not adequately examined the experiences of middle-aged adults with ID from their point of view. This study addressed this research gap by exploring the lived experiences and concerns of middle-aged adults with ID living in their community, from their perspectives, using innovative participatory action research.