Date of Conferral

8-13-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Sean Hogan

Abstract

Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders have been found to contribute to delinquent and criminal behavior leading to higher rates of incarceration. Although this problem is increasingly recognized within the juvenile justice system and the social work profession, very little is known about how knowledgeable social workers are with respect to treating co-occurring disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between social workers' clinical experience (i.e., years of experience), level of education, and type of licensure and perceived clinical competence when serving youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in the juvenile justice system. The theoretical framework was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The study sample included 232 licensed clinicians who regularly and consistently provided care to young people both within the community and within the juvenile system. The quantitative findings of the study revealed a significant correlation between a professional’s perceived clinical competence and years of experience. A statistical analysis showed that clinical competence and educational attainment are significantly correlated. Perceived clinical competence was not found to differ significantly based on the type of licensure. The study may foster positive social change by highlighting the importance of educational background, licensure, and clinical experience for improving service delivery standards. The results of the study provide insight for stakeholders, including community leaders, policy makers, social organizations, and clinicians, enabling them to utilize evidenced-based practices that can promote positive social change and address co-occurring disorders among adolescents.

Download

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

 
COinS