No abstract

Access to social services is important for the safety of children and ultimately for reunification of families involved in the child welfare system. The process of linking families to services however, varies by caseworker and can be cumbersome and time-consuming. The DCFS Needs Portal is an internet-based intervention to improve the timing and quality of social service referrals in Los Angeles County We used a case study approach including in-depth interviews, direct observations and user feedback obtained from the Needs Portal to 1) determine perceived benefits and barriers to adopting the Needs Portal and 2) report how the flow of information between users and developers was used to adapt to user needs. Our analyses revealed four major barriers: 1) caseworker apprehension regarding new technology, 2) variation in communication styles by user type, 3) lack of technological infrastructure and 4) competing workplace demands. Information sharing between developers and users has the potential to better meet the needs of users and ultimately maximize utilization of new technology. Although internet-based interventions are designed to inexpensively and effectively coordinate services, emerging interventions may require in-person assistance and modifications in order to succeed.

No abstract

For many Latino immigrants, family separation due to migration is common. Children who experience family separation and reunify with their parents in the United States experience profound outcomes. Research is limited in understanding how these youth adjust to life in the host country. Through in-depth interviews, this study investigated the adjustment processes of 10 Mexican immigrant youth who reunified with their parents. Findings indicated that male participants experienced low levels of familial, social support and had low academic achievement. Female participants received greater familial, social support and had high academic achievement. Recommendations for research and social work practice are provided.