Browsing by Author "Unnithan, Prabha, committee member"

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Open Access
Effects of social networks on the wellbeing of formerly homeless adults in supportive housing: a mixed-method case study
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Addo, Reuben, author; Buchan, Victoria, advisor; Gloeckner, Gene, committee member; Unnithan, Prabha, committee member; Yuma, Paula, committee member
Although a number of studies have investigated the social networks of homeless individuals, very few studies have investigated social networks of formerly homeless individuals in supportive housing programs. How social networks influence the wellbeing of adults in supportive housing programs is limited in the literature. This study explored the nature of social networks and the effects of social networks on psychological wellbeing of formerly homeless adults in a supportive housing program. A mixed-method embedded-design case study was utilized for this study, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods were predominant, with qualitative data used to compliment the quantitative strand. Data from (N = 80) formerly homeless adults were collected to examine the effects of social networks on psychological wellbeing. A subset of (n = 20) participants were selected to explore the nature of social networks prior to entering a supportive housing program. Analyses included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regressions, and conditional process modeling. Results indicate social network variables differed by demographic and situational characteristics. Network size and emotional closeness, for example, varied by gender. Participants with lower perceived social support also tended to have lower psychological wellbeing. Perceived social support mediated the relationship between social network structure and psychological wellbeing. Qualitative results suggest participants restricted their social interactions while they were homeless. Their experiences prior to entering homelessness and during homelessness shaped the structure of their social interactions. Based on the results of this study, I recommend that supportive housing programs include initial assessments of social networks, especially supportive networks, in order for social support interventions to be incorporated in case management plans for participants with low perceived social support. Qualitative results suggest homeless interventions may include assisting homeless individuals to develop positive social support networks.
Open Access
Interdisciplinary approach: practices for training for health care workers addressing child sex trafficking cases
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Vasquez, Erica, author; Buchan, Victoria, advisor; Tungate, Susan, committee member; Unnithan, Prabha, committee member; Gandy, John, committee member
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains a significant public health concern in the United States (Gibbons & Stoklosa, 2016). Many CSEC victims receive medical care at some point during exploitation for the treatment of acute care. Scholars lack reliable statistics on CSEC occurrences due to the lack of data, criminal activity, victims not recognized by professionals, and other factors (Greenbaum et al., 2018). Sex exploitation of children is not limited to any particular ethnic, racial, or socioeconomic group; however, children from lower socioeconomic groups are at risk (Ark of Hope for Children, 2019). This study was a grounded theory study. The researcher identified current ways ED hospital setting health care workers engage, identify, assess, and provide services/interventions and resources for child sex trafficked victims along with their recommendations/suggestions for a future sex trafficking training. An Integrated Anti-Child Sex Trafficking Conceptual Framework was also developed. Semi-structured interviews were used with open-ended questions along with a survey. Theoretical sampling and snowball sampling were used to select participants. The researcher interviewed eight nurses and seven social workers who have currently worked with or may have worked with female child sex trafficking victims in emergency department (ED) hospital settings.
Open Access
Legal financial obligations: a focal concerns perspective
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Parks, Megan, author; Nowacki, Jeffrey, advisor; Unnithan, Prabha, committee member; Hughes, Shannon, committee member
Using State Court Processing Statistics (SCPS) data from 2009, I examine the effects of personal characteristics on the amount of legal financial obligations (LFOs) imposed on defendants and the monetary amount of these LFOs. Drawing on focal concerns theory, first developed by Steffensmeier (1980), which identifies three factors used by court actors in criminal sentencing: blameworthiness of the offender, protection of community, and practical constraints and consequences. Adjusting to these practical constraints causes court actors to employ "perceptual shorthand", utilizing defendant's characteristics in sentencing decisions. Applying focal concerns perspective is a novel approach to evaluating the effect of race/ethnicity, age, and gender on LFO imposition and LFO amounts.
Open Access
Youth attendance at dependency court proceedings: a mixed methods study of judicial officers and youth
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Sullivan, Ann, author; Buchan, Victoria, advisor; Tungate, Susan, committee member; Unnithan, Prabha, committee member; Winokur, Marc, committee member
Children who have experienced abuse or neglect enter into the complex child welfare and legal systems. The court determines the needs and the consequences to the family members involved as well as the best interest of the child including, at times, where the child will reside. Dependency court is a complex process that involves many hearings as well as multiple child welfare professionals serving in differing roles. In all of this, there are very few legal protections for children or youth throughout the child welfare and judicial processes. Federal law was passed to support youth opportunity to be consulted with, in an age appropriate manner, regarding in permanency and transition hearings. (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(C). Currently, there are not consistent practiced between dependency court judicial officers pertaining to youth participation in court proceedings. In addition to differing opportunities for youth to access due process participation, challenges to youth inclusion exist because of logistical barriers as well as concerns of the best interest of the youth. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to both explore youth perceptions and experiences through individual survey and focus group discussion as well as, to gather in-depth interview information from dependency court judicial officers. The qualitative findings obtained from judicial officer interviews described judicial officer perspectives and considerations about youth participation at hearings. The convergent study design supported compiling of feedback from two distinct groups to better understand and describe issues related to youth attendance at dependency court as well as obtain recommendations for future court practices. Both youth and judicial officers identified important benefits to youth inclusion in court proceedings. Both groups indicated that youth should be provided options for the manner that they would choose to participate in the court hearing and that the youth's wishes should guide how the youth make their opinions known to the court. Additionally, both youth and judicial officers recognized that youth inclusion in court proceedings has the potential to empower youth and to inform the court when implemented thoughtfully. However, if not implemented with care, some youth risk being further harmed through inclusion in court proceedings. Judicial officers identified the need for leadership and collaborative planning with child welfare professionals to advance practice changes that expand opportunities for youth participation at dependency court hearings