Defense Date

3-30-2011

Graduation Date

Spring 2011

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MA

Department

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Linda Morrison

Committee Member

Evan Stoddard

Keywords

Allegheny County, Children and families, Culturally competent, Department of Human Services (DHS), Immigrant, Refugee

Abstract

In the last decade, the immigrant population in Allegheny County has doubled and currently accounts for approximately seven percent of the general population. This number, despite being low, especially compared to other counties and states, is very diverse from an ethnic point view and includes immigrant and refugees from Iraq, Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Nepal, Somalia, numerous Latin American and other countries. Such an ethnically diverse population presents new opportunities for Allegheny County, the population of which has been declining and aging, at the same time posing various challenges to local human service organizations.

This research studies the experience of human service organizations in Allegheny County with immigrant children and families and focuses specifically on prevention, family support and foster care programs. The research identified the language barrier as the major obstacle preventing immigrant children and families from receiving culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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