Safety of lntensive In-Home Family Workers

Violence against social workers and other helping professionals has increased. Within this context, intensive in-home family workers were asked about their safety in working with clients. If family workers stated that that they felt only somewhat safe or not safe at all, they were asked to explain where they are likely to feel unsafe. Findings include concerns about safety. The author suggests comprehensive educational curriculum be integrated in agency training for new hires and seasoned employees; also, training should be implemented to increase worker awareness of potentially violent situations and how to de-escalate and defuse potentially violent clients.

Program for increasing resident's physical activity at the women's home

Obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among residents of The Women's Home residents is high. This culminating experience is the result of my practicum at The Women's Home located in Houston, TX. The Women's Home is a rehabilitation center for victims of sexual assault, drug abuse, family violence, or a combination. A needs assessment including focus groups and a literature review was conducted to design a a physical activity intervention for the residents. Results from focus group data showed the resident's average BMI was 32, which is termed clinically obese by American standards. The focus groups determined a strong interest (92%) in engaging in more physical activity to combat their weight problem. As well, they expressed interest in using pedometers as a mechanism to increase physical activity. This planned program, “Every Step Counts”, uses reactivity to pedometers in conjunction with goal setting and increased awareness to increasing steps each day. “Every Step Counts” was developed with support and input from stakeholders, with theoretical constructs and previous evidence based studies. Included in this report are recommendations for implementation, program materials, scope and sequence of program activities, and methods for periodic evaluation.^

Editorial: Take Me Home, Down Country Roads

Those of us committed to the tenets of Family Preservation must advocate for increased awareness and attention to the needs of children and their families in rural America. "Country roads" and the rural spaces they traverse have been eulogized by many poets and song writers as ideal places to live. But they may not be ideal for everyone. The past few months, it has become all too evident that rural America is not immune to acts of extreme violence by troubled children. Even though almost 1/3 of American youth live in rural areas, they have been "virtually ignored by mental health service planners and providers"(Cutrona, Halvorson, & Russell, 1996, p. 217). Mental health risk factors such as poverty, parental alcohol abuse, and family instability are on the rise in rural areas, and there has been an increase in suicide attempts, family violence, depression, and alcohol abuse (Cutrona, Halvorson, & Russell, 1996; Petti & Leviton, 1986; National Mental Health Association, 1988). Native Americans are especially concerned about the increases in child abuse and neglect, depression, substance abuse, and suicide in their communities.