Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow
Second Advisor
Dr. Rosalie Corona
Third Advisor
Dr. Gary Cuddeback
Abstract
The child welfare system has generally focused on child wellbeing and protection in the context of abuse or neglect allegation, supporting caregivers with child rearing, and finding a stable, permanent home for children. Because children and caregivers involved with the child welfare system typically have complex needs, public departments of social services often collaborate with other entities to provide services to families. However, connecting families to services has often been difficult, with many barriers along the way that prevent families from receiving the services they need. The enactment of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) in 2018 aimed to increase the availability of and accessibility to high quality evidence-based prevention services for families, but barriers still remain along the pathway. This study used Andersen’s Healthcare Utilization model to examine barriers to and facilitators to the service pathway in the context of FFPSA implementation in Virginia. Quantitative data were provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), and qualitative data were gathered from focus groups with relevant stakeholders including: (a) families, (b) service brokers, (c) provider agency staff members, and (d) state agency staff members. Quantitative results revealed a significant relationship between rurality and Title IV-E service eligibility (i.e., foster care candidacy determination) (B = 2.51, Exp(B) = 12.32, p = .02). Additionally, results revealed a significant relationship between race (i.e., multiracial status) and Title IV-E service utilization (B = -1.81, Exp(B) = 0.16, p .023), and age and Title IV-E service utilization (B = 0.10, Exp(B) = 1.11, p = .002). Qualitative results revealed several themes: a) infrastructure factors, b) workforce factors, c) funding logistics, d) family-specific factors, e) service specific factors. Several findings emerged from the study, including (a) need for a new data system to increase data quality; (b) a need for more clear guidance from state and federal agencies to local workers, (c) continued initiatives to support and grow the workforce initiatives, and (d) collaboration from other social service agencies to reduce barriers for families needing services.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
6-21-2024