UB RESEARCH PROJECT FOR CDHS CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
CDHS, College Relations Group (Buffalo State College Research Foundation)
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
School of Social Work Partnership
October 18, 2004 to December 31, 2005
Meg Brin, Child Welfare Administrative Director
Vivian Figliotti, Child Welfare/CPS Trainer
Wendy Macpherson, Child Welfare Trainer
Diane Porcelli, Child Welfare Trainer
Leita King, Child Welfare Trainer
Betty Flemming, Child Welfare/CPS Trainer
Award: 31176
1037105
Task: 2
Award: 34930
Project: 1044831
Task: 2
Project Overview
Barbara General, MSW, PhD Student, State University of New York at Buffalo,
School of Social Work.
Kate Kost, Associate Professor, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of
Social Work
Research Project: Native American Indians and Domestic Violence Intervention
Models
Overview:
The purpose of the project is to research current literature in professional journals for
empirically based findings regarding models of prevention and interventions used in
Native American communities; (2) examine the pressing underlying issues of domestic
violence in Native American communities; (3) examine cultural barriers unique to Native
American communities in urban and reservation settings; (4) examine culturally
appropriate services available to victims of domestic violence; (5) examine the unique
differences between urban and reservation environments in regard to domestic violence;
(6)gather information from Native American social workers and paraprofessionals
employed in urban and reservation settings; (7) gather information from non-native
American social workers and paraprofessionals employed in urban and reservation
settings in regards to domestic violence; (8) Make recommendations as to how social
workers and caseworkers can work with available resources and with Native American
organizations and communities.
Purpose:
The project will provide CDHS with data on how to identify and address issues of
domestic violence in Native American urban and reservation environments; and to codevelop a curriculum with Native American social workers that is culturally appropriate.
Core Application: CC03 Child Protective Services Training: CPS Response Specialty,
Advanced and Supervisory Topics
Rationale:
The prevalence of domestic violence in Native American communities is at a higher rate
than any other group in the United States. Yet there continues to be a shortage of
culturally appropriate services and resources to properly advocate and support Native
American family members. The concerns of Native women in urban and reservation
environments are overlooked and often not reflected in polices concerning policies and
decisions at the local and state levels addressing domestic violence.
Objectives:
(1) Search professional journals for empirical based findings on domestic violence in
Native American communities; and if needed clarify why there may be a lack of
empirical based findings;
(2) Identify possible barriers to obtaining support services
(3) Research and highlight the current thinking of developing culturally appropriate
interventions in regards to domestic violence in Native American communities
(4) Contribute to the understanding of domestic violence in Native American
communities by gathering information from social workers and paraprofessional