Legacy Theses and Dissertations

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Sam Houston State University masters and doctoral theses submitted in paper format prior to the electronic thesis and dissertation program.

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The violent offender and his prison disciplinary record: a comparative study
(Sam Houston State University, 1976-12) Shamburger, Robert,1943-; Riede, Gregory; Beto, George; Killinger, George G.
The purpose of this research is to collect data from inmate personnel files and corresponding disciplinary records, involving a sample of violent and non-violent offender typologies. It was hypothesized 1) that violent conviction inmates do not exhibit an inclination of institutional violence, as indicated by a greater number of rule infractions of violent character, compared to inmates without either a violent conviction or a noted jail confinement for a violent offense; 2) that violent conviction inmates are refused parole for a longer duration, compared to inmates without either a violent conviction or a noted jail confinement for a violent offense. These data will add to past studies and will provide new data for future studies. Assessment of the above hypotheses will provide additional knowledge of the violent offender and his probability of parole.
Drug abuse: its relationship to criminality
(Sam Houston State University, 1972-05) Schneeweis, Harold N., 1938-; Bramlett, Billy W.; Friel, Charles M.; Kirkpatrick, Don E.
The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of the relationship which exists between the use of drugs and the commission of criminal acts. Specifically, this study sought to ascertain empirically whether the commission of acts of criminality by drug offenders could be attributed to the pharmacological effect of such widely abused drugs as, marijuana, the opiates, barbiturates and the other widely abused substances. In addition, this study also attempted to ascertain whether any manifest dissimilarities were present between the drug offender and the non-drug abuser as a result of the comparison of certain selected variables.
A descriptive study of the skid row alcoholic in Houston, Texas
(Sam Houston State University, 1970) Ross, Tommy W.,1926-
The purpose of this study was to establish a population profile of the skid row alcoholic in Houston, Texas. It was designed also to point up differences, if any, in the demographic and drinking pattern characteristics between a sample of skid row alcoholics in Houston, and those described in earlier, but similar, studies completed in New Haven, Connecticut in 1945 and 1946, San Francisco, California in 1966, and Los Angeles, California in 1967. Specifically, the aim of the study was to provide those interested in the problem of alcoholism in general, and the rehabilitation and/or resocialization of the skid row alcoholic in particular, research information that might assist them in the furtherance of their efforts and endeavors.
A study of the Federal Aviation Administration's patrol
(Sam Houston State University, 1975-05) McInnis, William Lee,1942-; Dowling, Jerry L.; Henningsen, R. J.; Bramlett, Billy W.
The purpose of this study was to examine the utilization of the dual trained patrol/explosive detector dog currently employed by the Federal Aviation Administration at twenty major airports throughout the United States. The program utilized the advanced multi-purpose dog trained to function as a conventional police dog but with the additional capability of detecting explosives. This Law Enforcement Assistance Administration funded program trained civilian law enforcement officers and dogs in patrol dog handling and explosive detection for the purpose of providing airport security. Primary research for this study consisted of reviewing and analyzing the inspection and evaluation reports on each of the civilian enforcement agencies utilizing the patrol/explosive detector dogs in support of local airports. The on-site evaluation reports were compiled by Air Force personnel from the Military Working Dog Program, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Team members utilized an approved standardized inspection and evaluation report for the collection of the data. Findings: The Federal Aviation Administration's patrol/explosive detector dog program is a viable canine operation. It is accomplishing its primary objective of providing aircraft/bomb threat search capability at twenty strategically located airports throughout the United States. Once assured of the dogs' capability to function in the manner for which they were trained, the study examined the administrative, training and logistical support provided by the responsible agencies. Analysis was conducted in the following areas: (1) Proficiency training (2) Vehicle requirements (3) Veterinary support (4) Kenneling facilities (5) Alert procedures Conclusions were in the form of recommendations for the continuation of the program and an outline of proposed corrective action for all agencies involved.
Drug rehabilitation: an evaluation of selected drug rehabilitation programs in the United States
(Sam Houston State University, 1972-08) Rennicks, Mary Patricia,1925-; Barrum, James; Walker, Robert N.; Killinger, George G.
Drug abuse is not a new problem. The Indian Hemp Commission Report of 1893-1894 was the earliest written report on this subject. Many of the questions explored in that report are relevant to the drug abuse problem of today. In the United States from 1909 to 1965, the federal government has passed five legislative acts in an attempt to control the flow of illicit drugs. However, the effect of this legislation has been limited, and drug abuse has continued to increase. A rapid rise in drug traffic occurred in the 1960's, and a White House Conference on Narcotics and Drug Abuse was held in 1962. In 1965, the enactment of an amendment forming the Bureau of Drug Abuse Control and later the merging of that bureau in 1969, with the Bureau of Narcotics to form the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs were means by which the federal government believed the drug problem could be controlled. In spite of these measures, drug abuse has become more prevalent, and the gravity of the problem hasbeen intensified by the lack of adequate drug treatment centers in the United States. The inrush of drug abusers into Houston, Texas, in the summer of 1969, created a very critical situation. Thirty-two hundred persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years were admitted to the emergency room at Ben Taub Hospital. In the summer of 1970, the number admitted there was 1,200 young people, the majority of which were aged 8 through 15. The personnel was hampered by a lack of facilities to treat these individuals, and the problem was further complicated by the severity of adverse drug reactions. The purpose of this study has been to evaluate on going drug rehabilitation programs in various areas of the United States, which are comparable in size to Houston, Texas, and which have drug problems similar to those found in Houston. The reason for this evaluation was to determine which methods used by these centers were most effective, so that they could be incorporated into a modular concept of drug rehabilitation, which might be utilized in the Houston area. To accomplish the above-mentioned purpose, a questionnaire was designed containing certain key factors, such as age of the abuser, length of time of drug misuse, and type of treatment used, which appeared to be relevant to the success of a drug rehabilitation program. It was the aim of the researcher to obtain the most accurate information possible through the use of this questionnaire, as a personal visit to the centers was an impossibility. The questionnaire was sent with a cover letter explaining the purpose to various centers selected from a manual published by the Institute of Mental Health, a department of Health, Education and Welfare. After an analysis of the data received in the responses to the questionnaire, the findings indicated that a successful drug rehabilitation program should include the following features: more than one treatment approach to offer the drug abuser; utilization of the team concept; smaller case load for each individual counselor; use of the initial intake interview; increased drug research; better quality of drug education and prevention programs; more use of the former drug abuser; more effective utilization of professional and non-professional personnel; working more closely with the surrounding communities; coordination of treatment efforts already in progress; and the use of the modular concept in the treatment program. An effective modular concept should consolidate all the components of a multi-faceted program physically, organizationally, and conceptually to accomplish the purpose of the program. The ultimate purpose of the program should be the successful rehabilitation of the abuser to enable him to return to society as a useful member. In the Houston, Texas, area the need for such a program is apparent, as drug abuse continues to increase.
Forensic science: a survey of crime laboratories in the state of Texas
(Sam Houston State University, 1973-12) Quarles, Chester L.; Kercher, Glen A.; Killinger, George G.; Pilcher, Wayland D.; Kirkpatrick, Don E.
Purpose: The objectives of this study were: (1) to develop expository data and statistics on the "state of the arts" of criminalistics in the State of Texas and (2) to determine the levels of education and training of criminal investigators in the State of Texas. Methods: The methods used in this study were: (1) library research, (2) a questionnaire sent to each state crime laboratory in the United States and to each major laboratory facility in the State of Texas, (3) a questionnaire sent to Chiefs of Police in every municipality with a population base of ten thousand people or more and to every Sheriff in the State of Texas, and (5) personal interviews with laboratory directors and police investigators. Findings: The findings of this study are: 1. Narcotics, alcohol intoxication analysis and latent print examinations were the highest categories of crime laboratory caseloads in the state laboratories as well as Texas facilities. 2. Texas laboratory staffs range the highest in Dallas with fifty-six employees to the Fort Worth Crime Laboratory with three employees. 3. Educational credentials for Texas criminalistic administrators range from an M.D. (Dallas), three Master’s degrees (Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio), to the bacca laureate degree (Texas Department of Public Safety Laboratory at Austin). 4. No Sheriff’s Department respondent acknowledged college credit in criminal investigation coursework of the 12 per cent of all Texas Sheriff's Departments responding. 5. Of the sixty Texas police departments in munici palities of ten thousand or more population only twenty-four individuals reported college credit in criminal investigative work. 6. Forty-five respondents indicated specialized crimi nal investigative training within their own departments, the Military Police, or state schools provided for this purpose. 7. Only twenty-seven of all police or sheriff’s de partment respondents indicated any crime scene training within the last year. 8. Of the reported 1402 cases investigated by thirty five officers, 28 per cent were referred to a crime laboratory. 9. The respondents indicated that they could not have solved 9.5 per cent of their cases last year without laboratory aid. 10. Of those respondents answering the question referring to reasons for not using the crime laboratory, the answers of: (a) "no need to develop physical evidence," (b) "very few criminal cases in my jurisdiction," (d) "distance of laboratory from jurisdiction," and (d) "the length of time the laboratory takes in analysis prior to answers from those cases," were reflected by the officers answering the questionnaire.
A comparative study of the adoptions of 1960 and 1970 in Travis County, Texas
(Sam Houston State University, 1971-12) Preusse, Carol Ann,1943-; Hayes, Dorothy D.; Killinger, George G.; Weisenhorn, Donald J.
The purpose of this study was to compare the adoptions of 1960 in Travis County, Texas, to the adoptions of 1970 in the same county. The study sample was dichotomised according to year, 1960 and 1970. A table of random numbers was used to select one-third of the case histories of children adopted in each of these two years. From the case folders and Investigator's Reports of the Travis County Juvenile Court thirteen baseline characteristics of the adoptive families and the children were selected, and the dichotomized sample was crosstabulated by these. All petitions for adoption in Travis County, Texas, must be processed by the Travis County Juvenile Court before the final court hearing. The 1960 and 1970 samples were crosstabulated by six categories of adoptions. It was the intention of this study to determine any changes that have occurred in adoptions in Travis County, Texas, between 1960 and 1970, and if so, to describe these changes. It was assumed that all families whose casefolders contained a completed Investigator's Report consumated the adoption. The Travis County Juvenile Court does not maintain a complete record of the adoptions. However, once an Investigators' Report is filed in the record, the case can be assumed to be properly prepared for acceptance and consumation by the Court. It was assumed also that the baseline characteristics selected for study would have an appreciable influence on the kind of adoption in which each family would seek to participate, and thus would influence any changes that may occur in the categories of adoptions between 1960 and 1970.
Extent of functional coping style in the teenage children of alcoholic parents
(Sam Houston State University, 1977-12) Petersen-Kelley, Angela Marie,1948-; Shearer, Robert A.; Loveless, Pauline; Riede, Gregory F.
The objectives of this study were to determine the type of coping behavior or style in the teenage children of alcoholics attending Alateen meetings in Houston, Texas. Additionally to learn specifically what differences, if any, exist in the coping behaviors of the teenage children of alcoholic parents when compared to children of non-alcoholic parents. The methods used in this study were to administer the Family Environment Scale FES Form R measuring ten dimensions of family environment to a sample of thirty-nine Alateen participants at four meeting locations. In order to match as accurately as possible the norm group socio-economic distribution, sponsors at each Alateen meeting tested were asked to estimate the income level of the families of the Alateen members present. FES answer sheets were manually scored with the stencil key. "Student" t-test analysis determined differences with a probability of .05 or less were considered significant. The teenage children of alcoholics scores on the FES indicate their family environments are less cohesive, less expressive and less independent, while these families at the same time involve themselves in fewer intellectual and cultural activities, fewer active and recreational activities and manifest less control or structure in their families. The Alateens in this study, based on the comparison of family environment dimensions, were found to less often use functional coping behavior such as shared family activities, social behaviors involving others, involvement in outside-the- home activities, and confidence and some degree of independence in interacting with others. Alateen meetings are providing teenage children of alcoholics an opportunity to learn and practice more functional coping behaviors. These behaviors include expressing one's feelings openly and directly; learning to express concern and be supportive of others; becoming assertive and self-sufficient, learning to think things out by oneself; helping oneself and accepting responsibility for one's own problems.
Becoming a marijuana dealer
(Sam Houston State University, 1976-05) Milor, Charles A.,1952-; Young, Jeanne; Killinger, George G.; Bramlett, Billy
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to outline the personal and social factors which contribute to a person becoming a marijuana dealer. Methods: The methods used in this study were: (1) to develop a hypothesis through the existing literature; (2) to use analytic introduction to develop the hypothesis from the information that was obtained from the interviews with thirty marijuana users and thirty marijuana dealers. This information was obtained from the sample population by a two-fold method. First, the respondent was interviewed by means of an interview schedule which elicited answers. Then the respondent was observed in discussion with other respondents. Findings: The process of becoming a marijuana dealer as observed in this study can be divided into a two-fold process: (1) the development of external relationships which allow entrance into the marijuana using groups, and (2) the rationalizing of the internal norms and goals of the larger society to those of a marijuana dealer. The degree the user is able to normalize the controls seems to determine the degree of involvement that the user will have with marijuana dealing. The would-be dealer must meet people who have an access to marijuana in amounts that are sufficient for the user to have in excess past his own needs. The entrance to marijuana using groups and access to marijuana are necessary, but not sufficient to become a dealer. For a user to become a dealer, he must neutralize the norms of the larger society and replace them with the norms of marijuana dealers.
Value clarification for delinquent girls
(Sam Houston State University, 1974-12) McMaster, John Lee; Shearer, Robert A.; Walker, Robert N.; Killinger, George G.
The purpose of this study was actually dual in nature, the first part being to conduct a value clarification program for delinquent girls and the second purpose being to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and investigate any change that was noted in the pretest and post tests given to both control and treatment groups. The methods used in this study were: (1) the Learning Inventory for Vital Education (L.I.V.) measuring instrument created by the Texas Education Agency and (2) a value clarification treatment program consisting of group discussions, role playing, lecture, decision-making exercises, games, and value clarification exercises. The value clarification program did not bring about any great significant change.
An examination of some inter-disciplinary relationships between the professionals involved in child abuse and neglect case management in the military community
(Sam Houston State University, 1977-05) Martin, John T.,1924-; Bramlett, Billy W.; Killinger, George G.; Loveless, Pauline; Bramlett, Billy W.
The primary purpose of the study was to identify some of the inter-disciplinary problems involved when a multidisciplinary team concept is utilized to attack the specific medical social problem posed by child abuse and neglect case management in the military community. The secondary purpose was to examine local, Army installation’s implementation of Army Child Advocacy Program (ACAP) which went into effect Army-wide on February 1, 1976. Special attention was afforded the Child Protection Case Management Team (CPCMT) concept included as a part of the ACAP. Methods Information for this study was obtained from: (1) an examination of pertinent Army regulations; (2) a review of pertinent literature available; (3) an examination of responses to a questionnaire specifically designed to survey the personal opinions of military community professionals (those people with potential to act in some official capacity in child abuse and neglect case management); and (4) a considerable number of informal interviews with military community professionals and policy makers. Findings The following facts were determined from the information and evidence assembled during the study. The Army was late to provide any sort of policy or standard guidance in the area of child advocacy. Consequently, when implementation of an Army-wide ACAP was directed, it was in immediate competition with a variety of local programs that had been in operation up to several years. The result is less than satisfactory compliance with the ACAP. Specifically in the area of child abuse and neglect case management, the ACAP formalized CPCMT procedures based on the same model that most local case management programs had adopted. While program competition was not significant, new roles or dimensions were added for which the local professional practitioners were neither prepares nor equipped to fulfill. The result is some degree of confusion and frustration. Problem awareness is extremely high. Service delivery professionals expressed a wide range of opinions that coincide less than twenty-five percent of the time with Army imposed guidelines and procedures. Much evidence points to the lack of effective interdisciplinary communication in the subject area with accompanying feeling of resentment and helplessness. Cooperation among case management participants was found to be adequate, but areas for improvements were noted. Professional training in child abuse and neglect was determined to be sorely lacking. Professionals were found to be simultaneously highly opinionated and critical of disciplines other than their own and not free with suggestions to improve the system. A top-level, Department of the Army push was determined to be needed to have the spirit and the letter of the Army Child Advocacy Program become a reality.
A comparison of the civil statutes and the welfare department standards which govern the licensing of provate child-care institutions
(Sam Houston State University, 1974-05) Krause, Neal M.(Neal Miller); Baker, Ann P.; Killinger, George G.; Symonds, John
Data from the fifty states was compared to both the model licensing civil statutes and the model licensing standards. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine and compare the compliance of the existing licensing civil statutes of all of the states in the United States with model licensing civil statute proposed by the experts in the field of child-care licensing; (2) to determine and compare the compliance of the Department of Public Welfare existing licensing standards of all of the states in the nation with the model licensing standards proposed b the experts in the field of child-care licensing; (3) to determine how the existing licensing civil statutes of all of the states in the United States comply wit the proposed licensing civil statute changes of Texas Attorney General John L. Hill; (4) to determine how the percentage of compliance of the Texas licensing civil statute and the Texas licensing standards, with their respective models, compares with the percentage of compliance of the licensing civil statutes and the licensing standards of the other states; and (5) to determine the coefficient of correlation between the percentage of compliance of the licensing civil statutes and the percentage of compliance of the licensing standards of the states. Methods The methods used in the study were: (1) the comparison of the existing licensing civil statutes of all of the states, found in the University of Houston Law Library, with the model licensing civil statute, found in Licensing of Child-Care Facilities by State Welfare Departments; (2) the comparison of the existing licensing standards of the states, which were obtained from the departments of public welfare of each state, with the model licensing standards, the Child Welfare League of America Standards for Services of Child Welfare Institutions; (3) the comparison of the existing licensing civil statutes with the proposed licensing civil statute changes, Report of John L. Hill, Attorney General of Texas, In re: Proposed Legislative Changes Affecting Child-Caring Institutions, and Suggested Changes in the Procedures of the State Department of Public Welfare under Present Law, Article 695c, Section 8 (a), T.R.C.S.; (4) reduce data to frequency distributions with the aid of the computer facilities at Sam Houston State University; (5) calculate the mean, median. And standard deviation for each of the three categories of data to facilitate comparison; (6) the comparison of the Texas licensing civil statute and the Texas licensing standards with the licensing civil statutes and licensing standards of the other states; and (7) calculate the coefficient of correlation between the percentage of compliance of the existing civil statutes of the states and the percentage of compliance of the existing licensing standards by substituting the data into the Pearson Product-Moment r formula. Findings 1. The mean percentage of compliance of the existing licensing civil statutes with the model licensing civil statutes was 50.26 percent. The median percentage of compliance was 51.26 percent. The standard deviation of the percentages of compliance was 12.84 2. The existing licensing civil statutes of Texas complied with 56.41 percent of the model licensing civil statutes. 3. The mean percentage of compliance of the existing licensing standards with the model licensing standards was 43.22. the median percentage of compliance was 45.43 percent. The standard deviation of the percentages of compliance was 14.39. 4. The existing licensing standards of Texas complied with 45.43 percent of the model licensing standards. 5. The mean percentage of compliance of the existing licensing civil statutes with the proposed licensing civil statute changes by Attorney General Hill was 14.76 precent. The median percentage of compliance was 13.33. The standard deviation of compliance was 8.54. 6. No significant correlation was found to exist between the percentage of compliance with the model licensing civil statutes and the percentage of compliance with the model licensing standards.
A redefinition of the police role in opiate addication
(Sam Houston State University, 1974-05) Kent, Grover M.,1945-; Moore, Merlyn D.; Bramlett, Billy W.; Dowling, Jerry L.
It was the purpose of this study to describe the volution of opiate addiction and the subsequent identification of the police role in opiate addiction. This study represents an effort to outline four basic factors in opiate addiction: 1. The historical development of opiates from a usage and evolutionary point of view. 2. The evolution of legislative and judicial decisions which have attempted to eradicate opiate addiction in the United States, since 1900. 3. Provide basic information concerning the avability of treatment modalities for opiate addiction. 4. Show the enforcement aspect of police work as requiring a social participation mode as a prelude to successful elimination of opiate blackmarkets and the treatment of addicted members of society. By observing the development of addiction patterns and the enforcement policies of federal and local police agencies it is hoped that contemporary trends may suggest improvements for the future. The results of the study were present in the following manner: Chapter One contained an introduction to opiate addiction with a subsequent statement of the problem, discussion of methodology and a definition of terms; Chapter Two contains a review of pertinent literature on history, legal decisions, and treatment modalities; Chapter Three presented the development of the police role in opiate addiction; Chapter Four presented a summary of the information and concludes with recommendations that are suggested. Perspective: As the use of opiates spread, through therapeutic application, various countries have tried to control its use. Wars, such as the China Opium Wars, have been fought to insure continued use and importation privileges. In the United States, legislation has attempted to cure the ills of society and various judicial decisions have attempted to reinforce legislative actions. The two judicial ruling which have attempted to place opiate addition into a medical area of responsibility (Linder v. U. S. and Robinson v. California) have been largely ignored by law enforcement and the communities which law enforcement represents. This refusal to recognize opiate addiction as an illness have forced police to run a revolving door for addicts and drunks alike, with little understanding of long-term goals or cures. The importance of controlling opiate addiction and the subsequent crime necessary to support a habit is an issue for law enforcement today. The police are one of the most visible aspects of government and come into contact with the drunks, addicts and communities which support them more often than any other governmental agency. Traditional enforcement remedies for this problem has not worked. The police role of suppression of drug or vice laws has never succeeded in eradicating these social problems from the communities at large. If community pressures will not allow police participation in referral of addicts into medical mental health channels it shall be extremely difficult to effect removal of the drug addict from deviant subcultures and the black-market. Positive police leadership and responsibility bin social and civic policy regarding opiate addiction would serve to draw the addict into the applicable community institutions capable of treating addiction. The police leadership must influence local policy but moreover the legislative influence of police must be utilized to change statute law affecting addiction. These actions would reassure the community and give greater validity to preventive aspects of police work.
Alcohol: A social dilemma :a critical analysis of a course in alcohol education
(Sam Houston State University, 1975-05) Karas, Donald S.,1946-; Shaddock, Jimmy D.; Barrum, James A.; Shearer, Robert S.
The purpose of this research project was to evaluate a course designed to instruct students in all aspects of alcohol use and abuse. The origin of the study was the creation of a new course at the Institute of Contemporary Corrections and the Behavioral Sciences at Sam Houston State University. The course, entitled “Alcohol: A Social Dilemma,” gives a general overview of the facts, figures, and problems associated with alcohol consumption and abuse. Using the course as a dispensing agent, subjects were tested prior to, and after, introduction of the independent variable (knowledge) to ascertain if any knowledge increase had occurred, and if the subjects had experienced any attitude change toward the problem of alcohol abuse. Methodology: There were two types of tests utilized in the measurement of the subjects involved in the study. To measure the subjects’ knowledge increase, they were administered teacher made pre and post objective tests for each of the teaching units of the course. Semantic differential tests, as detailed by Osgood, Tannenbaum, and Suci, were administered to discover any attitude changes. Use of the incidental sample was defended because of the limited generalization for which the results are intended. For simplicity and clarity, the knowledge increase was tested in each of the seven teaching units of the course, and overall. The attitude change was measured overall, and also for the specific areas of alcohol, alcoholism, social drinking, and driving while intoxicated. The tests were created by the author and tested for reliability and validity. All proved to be homogeneous, and therefore showed significant odd-even reliability. Although it cannot be measured, the perceptual concept of face validity was shown to be sufficient. Design of the study was an attempt to meet the goals of all experiments, demonstrate a relationship between the dependent and independent variable, and be able to generalize the results to the population from which the sample was drawn. Data were evaluated using the standard t test for correlated data. Null hypotheses were used and were tested at the .01 level of proof. Rejection at this level indicated only a one in 100 chance of being wrong. Procedures for the evaluation of results were essentially those of al standard t tests. Null hypotheses were postulated showing no difference between the means being studied. Any differences found between the means of the pre and post tests were treated as deviations. Finally, all deviations were treated to see if they were significant. Findings: Of the nine hypotheses tested, the first eight had to do with knowledge increase. Of these eight, numbers one, two, three, four, five, six, and eight were rejected. The rejection of these hypotheses indicates a significant knowledge increase in the overall area of alcohol and alcohol abuse. The acceptance of hypothesis seven indicates that in the specific area of alcohol and public safety, classroom instruction did not produce a significant knowledge increase. Hypothesis nine was concerned with attitude change. The change was quite small, and since it was not large enough to be significant, hypothesis nine was accepted.
The recidivist victim: a descriptive study
(Sam Houston State University, 1972-08) Johnson, Joan Hornsby,1929-; Kerper, Hazel B.; Hayes, Dorothy; Killinger, George
The concept of the recidivist victim emerged through personal experience and the awareness of various patients who were admitted to the hospital as victims of violence not once but on numerous occasions. This awareness was coupled with the fact that as the hospital was an emergency hospital all victims of violence were brought to this particular hospital for treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify the social, medical, and criminal characteristics of all victims of gunshot and stab wounds, but specifically it was to identify those same characteristics of recidivist victims and to determine if the recidivist victims represented a significant percentage of the total victim population.
Changing trends in drug use
(Sam Houston State University, 1977-05) Jacobs, Joycelyn Snider; Bramlett, Billy W.; Killinger, George G.; Weisenhorn, Don
The use of illegal drugs in the United States is a growing problem. Its significance as a major enemy to the social structure of American life is evidenced by its mounting widespread use and the numerous adverse effects stemming from it. The purpose of an in-depth study of drug use is to deal with the varying factors which both produce and result from drugs. Such a study requires intense investigation based upon the concepts of family structure, socio-economic status and other social and psychological factors which may produce some insight into the problem. For the purpose of establishing relevance, significant and cause-effect documentation, it is necessary to prevent a contrast and comparison of drug use in America as it evolved with growing urban problems. Particularly, one can see this intense progression of drug use by examining the previous two decades as opposed to the seventies. This was the time when the use of drug progressed beyond the previously defined borders of the lower-class, disadvantaged youth and rooted itself within the framework of the middle and upper-class family. This progression produced a most significant reaction from government experts and private citizens. In a sense, all out war was declared on drugs of all types with little consideration for the factors which led to drug use as later evidence will clearly indicate. From the criminologist’s point of view, it is best to establish a significant number of documented cases of drug use and to present common factors in these cases in an attempt to explain the cause of such widespread use. The main factors to consider are those of socio-economic status, family stability, intelligence and personal data which would indicate a common cause. Also, it is important to distinguish the types of drugs used by varying classes of users in order to understand the extent of the impact of these factors on drug use. The relevance of such a study is multi-faceted. It provides a basis upon which to analyze the drug problem, a perspective of the extent of the problem, and an educated idea of the needs for alternatives to remove or at least reduce the drug problem. It is significant if for no other reason than the vast number of American youths who are affected by or involved with drugs. For these reasons, this text will study available data on drug use in the previous two decades and compare it to that of the seventies. From this comparison, it is hoped that common factors will enlighten and involve the reader in the drug plague that exist in America. Essentially, These common factors can only come from an intense and massive presentation of all available data concerning the problem. No doubt, the problem exists and no doubt there is a demand for relieving this problem. This text attempts to at least begin such an action.
A needs assessment of day care for Harris County
(Sam Houston State University, 1975-05) Isenhour, Patsy Hays,1930-; Young, Jeanne P.; Copus, Gary; Killinger, George
Harris County has 20,035 Aid to Families with Dependent Children cases with 51,545 children ages 0-14 years. This study is concerned with the day care need of this group. Are there adequate day care services to enable the mothers in these families to either seek employment or vocational training? Since the department is currently paying annually $2,512,579.50 to 4 agencies for 18 centers and day homes to serve 1,851 children, future planning mandates evaluation of the need for more day care. Therefore the purpose of this needs assessment is to identify gaps in day care services, identify geographical locations of client concentration and to evaluate currently utilized day care plans. Methods A questionnaire was designed and administered to 100 Department of Public Welfare Social Service and Work Incentive Workers familiar with client needs. They were asked to rank need for various social services and day care plans. They were also asked where day care is needed. Comparisons were made between the responses of the work incentive workers and those of the social service of workers by percentages as well as numbers. Other sources of information on day care were explored. Statistical information was obtained from within the department as well as sources outside the welfare department. Limitations imposed by time, money, and certain methodological considerations indicate that the findings should be accepted with caution. Organization The first chapter gives background information and describes the study process. The second chapter contains the Review of the Literature, which covers legislative history as well as description of the purchase of social service concept. The third chapter contains the methodology. The fourth chapter presents the Analysis of Data and the final chapter the Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations. Findings The survey revealed the following findings: 1. Transportation was identified as the major problem by AFDC workers because it impedes access to otherwise existing services. 2. Day care was identified as the major problem by the work incentive workers because employment plans are contingent upon a dependable day care plan. 3. Work incentive workers identified transportation as the second most prevalent problem, and AFDC workers described day care as the second most prevalent problem. 4. The currently purchased IV-A contract day care meets only 6.5 percent of the day care need for the work incentive program. This encourages other, less dependable child care plans. 5. Certain geographical areas, with large concentrations of welfare clients, were identified by all sources as needful of more day care.
Development of a community based drug program
(Sam Houston State University, 1973-08) Geib, Thomas Martin,1943-; Kerper, Hazel B.
The intent of this study was: (1) to review how the control and treatment of drug abuse became a national health and law enforcement priority; (2) to describe how the county of Arlington, Virginia developed an integrated agency multimodality control and treatment program for the drug dependent and his family; (3) to give an initial indication of the outcome of these efforts. Methods The methods of this study were: (1) the review of current literature pertaining to the treatment of drug dependents and etiological factors of deviant behavior; (2) a historical review of documents regarding the motivation and development of the Arlington program; (3) utilization of information and data derived from personal participation in the development. Implementation and administration of the Prelude program. Findings 1. That any community determined to initiate a rehabilitation program for drug dependents: (a) engage a representative cross-section of the community in the planning phase of the program, e.g., criminal justice, medicine, clergy, service organization, interested adults and students, etc. (b) develop information which will accurately define the incidence of drug dependency within the community in terms of specific demographic characteristics, types of drugs being used, degree of psychological and physical dependency and services available. 2. That the development of the program be multi-modality in nature so as to provide a span of treatment alternatives. 3. That a strong coordination element be developed to assure the service delivery system functions as designed so that individuals receive services according to their needs. 4. That special emphasis be placed on staff development and training. Minimally this should be on a weekly basis and should include presentations regarding various therapeutic skills and mechanisms, developmental aspects of the character and personality structure of the drug dependent, case history studies, group process and dynamics. 5. That appropriate existing community services and skills be utilized for the client whenever possible so as not to develop duplicative services and, more importantly, to assure provision of services to the client which will aid his total rehabilitation. 6. That local, state and federal agencies responsible for rehabilitation of the drug dependent emphasize development of standardized evaluation criteria. 7. That communities give serious consideration to adapting this community-based therapeutic approach as a treatment alternative for deviant behavior other than the drug dependent.
A study of baseline characteristics of recipients of aid for families with dependent children referred to a vocational rehabilitation program
(Sam Houston State University, 1974-09) Fonseca, Fabian,1942-; Young, Jeanne P.; Friel, Charles M.; Morris, Phil
The purpose of this study was to determine if certain baseline characteristics existed which contributed to the reduction or deletion of the AFDC grant i.e. in enabling the AFDC recipient to become partially or completely self-supporting, to join the ranks of the “working mother.”
An evaluation of productivity of programs of the Corpus Christi YWCA Intervention Center
(Sam Houston State University, 1974-05) Douglas, J. Brendonly Cunningham,1933-; Walker, Robert; Young, Jeanne; Shaddock, Jimmy
The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the number of young female offenders that have been served by the Corpus Christi YWCA Intervention Program; (2) critique the kinds of programs being presented to these youth; (3) find the number having completed the program, and the number that are leading non-criminal lives, after having completed the program (the known number); (4) to show the number of female delinquents that have been kept out of detention and remained intact with the family through family counseling from the Center; (5) how many "peers" (friends or relatives of the delinquents) have been served by the program; (6) the approximate amount of money the Juvenile Department has been able to use for more serious types of problems by referring these female offenders to the YWCA Intervention Program, rather than the usual detention jail or prison route; and (7) to determine which programs are most effective and to learn what the response has been.

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