Matching Items (44)
Description
Sex trafficking of minors is a rapidly growing issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 criminalizes trafficking in persons and defines human trafficking as “sex trafficking in which commercial sex acts are induced by force, fraud, coercion, or in which the person induced is younger than the age of 18”. This is a very complex crime and includes everything from recruitment, harboring, transporting, and the selling of minor victims for the purpose of sexual acts and gratification. Sex trafficking of minors can happen anywhere in the Unites States from rural areas to busy cities and according to research done by Parker & Skrmetti (2013) the majority of victims are U.S. citizens. This honors thesis explores various elements and pertinent information about sex traffickers of minors. The purpose of this paper is to describe the literature on sex traffickers who solely traffick juveniles and compare it to a study done in 2017 by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Vice & Sex Trafficking Investigations Unit and the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research (STIR). This study focuses on sex trafficking cases across the whole 2014 year in Las Vegas, Nevada. The literature review in this thesis focuses on victim typology, an overview of traffickers and the techniques traffickers use. The overview includes trafficker demographics, manipulations used, the use of violence, and previous criminal histories. The techniques traffickers use covered in the literature review are: love, money, drugs, abduction, authority figures/gangs, and violence. All of this information was compiled and then compared to the study done by LVMPD & ASU STIR. Within the Las Vegas study, this thesis compared the trafficker demographics, trafficker techniques, and victim typology. There were a lot of similarities between the literature review and the Las Vegas study and minimal differences. To conclude, there were three suggestions found to combat the issue of sex trafficking of minors. The first is to provide education to at risk youth on the dangers of sex traffickers and the techniques they use. The second is to better train first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, social workers, and EMT’s on identifying victims of sex trafficking and using a victim centered approach. The last suggestion is to enforce harsher penalties and punishments for sex traffickers of minors, making it a high risk/low reward crime.
ContributorsWelker, Haley (Author) / Roe-Sepowitz, Dominique (Thesis director) / Ashford, Jose (Committee member) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Prison dog training programs, which emerged in the 1980s, have been gaining popularity at both a national and international level. The programs allow inmates to train dogs as service animals for veterans and first responders. After reading several different research projects that examined the impact of dog training programs in prison, the majority of them show that there are a lot of benefits and a few challenges. The beneficial impact was examined both with an in-person walkthrough of a prison with the program and through a series of interviews conducted for the purposes of this study. Interviews were conducted with Sister Pauline Quinn, the founder of prison dog training programs; Patricia Barnhart, who previously managed a dog training program at a Florida prison; the director at New Life K9s, Nicole Hern, and all the inmates in the New Life K9s prison program at the Men’s Colony prison in California. Bringing dogs into prisons has created a change in inmate behavior, staff behavior, and a safer, calmer environment for those within the prison. Calming the prison environment allows inmates to develop skills they can take with them when they leave prison, which in turn will help reduce recidivism. The research suggests that starting a dog training program in the state of Arizona could significantly benefit the state prison system, community and everyone involved.
ContributorsMalone, Taryn Amber (Author) / Telep, Cody (Thesis director) / Fedock, Rachel (Thesis director) / Wright, Kevin (Committee member) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-12
Description
Background
Obese Latino adolescents are disproportionately impacted by insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is an intermediate stage in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and represents a critical opportunity for intervention. However, to date, no diabetes prevention studies have been conducted in obese Latino youth with prediabetes, a highly vulnerable and underserved group. Therefore, we propose a randomized-controlled trial to test the short-term (6-month) and long-term (12-month) efficacy of a culturally-grounded, lifestyle intervention, as compared to usual care, for improving glucose tolerance and reducing diabetes risk in 120 obese Latino adolescents with prediabetes.
Methods
Participants will be randomized to a lifestyle intervention or usual care group. Participants in the intervention group will attend weekly nutrition and wellness sessions and physical activity sessions twice a week for six months, followed by three months of booster sessions. The overall approach of the intervention is framed within a multilevel Ecodevelopmental model that leverages community, family, peer, and individual factors during the critical transition period of adolescence. The intervention is also guided by Social Cognitive Theory and employs key behavioral modification strategies to enhance self-efficacy and foster social support for making and sustaining healthy behavior changes. We will test intervention effects on quality of life, explore the potential mediating effects of changes in body composition, total, regional, and organ fat on improving glucose tolerance and increasing insulin sensitivity, and estimate the initial incremental cost effectiveness of the intervention as compared with usual care for improving glucose tolerance.
Discussion
The proposed trial builds upon extant collaborations of a transdisciplinary team of investigators working in concert with local community agencies to address critical gaps in how diabetes prevention interventions for obese Latino youth are developed, implemented and evaluated. This innovative approach is an essential step in the development of scalable, cost-effective, solution oriented programs to prevent type 2 diabetes in this and other populations of high-risk youth.
Obese Latino adolescents are disproportionately impacted by insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is an intermediate stage in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and represents a critical opportunity for intervention. However, to date, no diabetes prevention studies have been conducted in obese Latino youth with prediabetes, a highly vulnerable and underserved group. Therefore, we propose a randomized-controlled trial to test the short-term (6-month) and long-term (12-month) efficacy of a culturally-grounded, lifestyle intervention, as compared to usual care, for improving glucose tolerance and reducing diabetes risk in 120 obese Latino adolescents with prediabetes.
Methods
Participants will be randomized to a lifestyle intervention or usual care group. Participants in the intervention group will attend weekly nutrition and wellness sessions and physical activity sessions twice a week for six months, followed by three months of booster sessions. The overall approach of the intervention is framed within a multilevel Ecodevelopmental model that leverages community, family, peer, and individual factors during the critical transition period of adolescence. The intervention is also guided by Social Cognitive Theory and employs key behavioral modification strategies to enhance self-efficacy and foster social support for making and sustaining healthy behavior changes. We will test intervention effects on quality of life, explore the potential mediating effects of changes in body composition, total, regional, and organ fat on improving glucose tolerance and increasing insulin sensitivity, and estimate the initial incremental cost effectiveness of the intervention as compared with usual care for improving glucose tolerance.
Discussion
The proposed trial builds upon extant collaborations of a transdisciplinary team of investigators working in concert with local community agencies to address critical gaps in how diabetes prevention interventions for obese Latino youth are developed, implemented and evaluated. This innovative approach is an essential step in the development of scalable, cost-effective, solution oriented programs to prevent type 2 diabetes in this and other populations of high-risk youth.
ContributorsSoltero, Erica (Author) / Konopken, Yolanda P. (Author) / Olson, Micah (Author) / Keller, Colleen (Author) / Castro, Felipe (Author) / Williams, Allison (Author) / Patrick, Donald L. (Author) / Ayers, Stephanie (Author) / Hu, Houchun H. (Author) / Sandoval, Matthew (Author) / Pimentel, Janiel (Author) / Knowler, William C. (Author) / Frick, Kevin D. (Author) / Shaibi, Gabriel (Author) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Contributor) / College of Public Service and Community Solutions (Contributor) / Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor)
Created2017-03-16
Description
In the face of rising rates of substance use among Mexican youth and rapidly narrowing gender differences in use, substance use prevention is an increasingly urgent priority for Mexico. Prevention interventions have been implemented in Mexico but few have been rigorously evaluated for effectiveness. This article presents the long term effects of a Mexico-based pilot study to test the feasibility of a linguistically specific (Mexican Spanish) adapted version of keepin’ it REAL, a school-based substance abuse prevention model program. University affiliated researchers from Mexico and the US collaborated on the study design, program implementation, data collection, and analysis. Students and their teachers from two middle schools (secundarias) in Guadalajara participated in this field trial of Mantente REAL (translated to Spanish). The schools were randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions. The sample of 431 students reported last 30 day substance use at three times (one pretest and two posttests). Changes in substance use behaviors over time were examined using growth curve models. Long term desired intervention effects were found for alcohol and marijuana use but not for cigarettes. The intervention effects were greater for girls than for boys in slowing the typical developmental increase over time in alcohol use. Marijuana effects were based on small numbers of users and indicate a need for larger scale studies. These findings suggest that keepin’ it REAL is a promising foundation for cultural program adaptation efforts to create efficacious school-based universal prevention interventions for middle school students in Mexico.
ContributorsMarsiglia, Flavio (Author) / Kulis, Stephen (Author) / Booth, Jaime (Author) / Nuno-Gutierrez, Bertha L. (Author) / Robbins, Danielle (Author) / College of Public Service and Community Solutions (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center (Contributor)
Created2015-04-01
Description
This study analyzes teenage suicides and their prevalence within the State of New Mexico, with an eye toward explaining why teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 are committing suicide at such an alarming rate. Due to the prevalent amount of teenage suicides seen within New Mexico, it can be assumed that the state does not have the resources needed in order to successfully prevent teenagers from committing suicide. This study examines how demographics, the cause and manner of death, risk factors and medical history affects a teenager’s suicidal tenancies. In addition, this study also looks at the practice of death investigations and the investigative techniques used to thoroughly assess a teenage suicide. Death investigations is an important practice that collects important information that pertains to teenage deaths. This study examines the importance of death investigations in regard to teenage suicides and looks at the common discrepancies found within the practice of death investigations, and how they can negatively impact the course of a suicide investigation. Lastly, this study attempts to provide strategies that aim to bring awareness to the issue of teenage suicides, as well as suggest ways in which death investigations and public recognition can prevent teenage suicides and decrease their prevalence within the community.
ContributorsCotter, Ainsley (Author) / Fradella, Hank (Thesis director) / Johnson, Eric (Committee member) / Wyman, Amy (Committee member) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
The way the public perceives law enforcement influences how communities function. Identifying how individuals develop their perceptions of law enforcement is critically important. Mainly, their experiences with officers determine how perceptions of law enforcement are developed. Analyzing perceptions of law enforcement can help people understand relationships that officers have with community members and determine the type of impact that officers have on certain populations such as the youth. This study examines youth perceptions of law enforcement. The youths’ perception of police is an important perception to analyze. It is important because their perceptions have the power to create change or influence other people their age. It has been seen that the youth “create meaningful institutional change in their communities”. The research and findings on perceptions of law enforcement are important because they could help explain whether there is a correlation between crime rates in the community and perceptions of law enforcement from community members. It can also help identify how much the youth population is willing to rely on law enforcement and whether they trust and respect them. The youth are exposed to factors in their community that can influence certain attitudes and perspectives. In this research, a study from Elementary schools in Compton, CA is analyzed to identify youth perceptions of law enforcement. The research questions addressed are: Is there any correlation between crime rates in the community and perceptions of law enforcement? Can a program implemented into schools improve youth perceptions of law enforcement? How much are the youth willing to rely on law enforcement?
ContributorsRodriguez Villarreal, Elizabeth (Author) / Fine, Adam (Thesis director) / Trinkner, Rick (Committee member) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor, Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
The purpose of this project was to discuss the physiological effects of isolation on the human body and how the body adapts. Through reviewing stories and studies of social and perceptual isolation, the adaptations of the human mind are detailed. This project explores the experiences of prisoners, sensory deprivation tanks, cave explorations, as well as studies involving monkeys and carpenter ants. The adaptations witnessed include hallucinations, increased mortality, anxiety, agitation, altered sense of time, delayed response, and lowered blood pressure. Knowing the factors surrounding the isolation experience is crucial to understand the presenting adaptation methods. These factors include duration, voluntary or involuntary participation, mental strength, and the restriction level of the isolation.
DISCLAIMER: Due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, the attached podcast is a draft recording in lieu of the final recording
DISCLAIMER: Due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, the attached podcast is a draft recording in lieu of the final recording
ContributorsSidhu, Nimrit (Co-author) / Deacon, Hannah (Co-author) / Hyatt, JP (Thesis director) / Kingsbury, Jeffrey (Committee member) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
This project examines biophilic design principles to demonstrate the impact it can have on the well-being of college students at Arizona State University. This paper details our collaboration with Hayden Library, and design elements proposed using biophilic design for the new Prayer and Meditation room as part of the 2019 renovations of the library. We will explore and explain what biophilia/biophilic design is and the specific impacts it can have on humans by including a literature review of previous studies and some in-person research experiences. The literature examined includes how biophilic design has specific positive effects on humans and how we can apply this to students visiting the newly renovated Hayden Library. This project also contains data and information from a workshop (November 1, 2018) organized to gather input from professionals at Shepley Bulfinch for the design of the Prayer and Meditation room. The input from the designers is combined with the body of research on biophilic design to present
to the Hayden Library 2020 renovations team.
to the Hayden Library 2020 renovations team.
ContributorsMcGuire, Ryan (Co-author) / Puga, Susie (Co-author) / Bernardi, Jose (Thesis director) / Bochart, Sonja (Thesis director) / Doane, Leah (Committee member) / Harrison, Anna (Committee member) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Human trafficking is the focus of this study and explaining the ways different communities in the world handle their specific concerns of human trafficking, with a focus on a nonprofit in each community. Human trafficking is a global issue and different communities address it in different ways. Human trafficking is the focus of this study and explaining the ways different communities in the world handle their specific concerns of human trafficking, with a focus on a nonprofit in each community. This thesis will focus on how three communities- Ghana, France and Spain, in the world are working with human trafficking victims. Field research at each site was conducted including meetings with service providers to explore the issue of human trafficking in the region including the laws, victimization patterns, and how the community was responding to the problem. A set of questions was asked at each site and this thesis is the summation of the findings from the field research. This study was approved by the Arizona State University Institution Review Board, (see Appendix A). The overall findings of this study found that each community need is very different, so each community response has been tailored to the victims of trafficking and what they require and must include the victim in the solution. Each location has different victims, locations and responses.
Keywords: sex trafficking, France, Ghana, human trafficking, NGO, research, Spain
Keywords: sex trafficking, France, Ghana, human trafficking, NGO, research, Spain
ContributorsBarnes, Lauren Alexi (Author) / Roe-Sepowitz, Dominique (Thesis director) / McLoone, Claire (Committee member) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The objective of this DAPT research is to understand: (1) what the benefits of creating a DAPT are by analyzing what asset protections are provided, depending on the governing state; and (2) what ethical and legal concerns are presented with varying DAPT statutory schemes that ought to be considered by (a) the states enacting these laws; and (b) individuals who are establishing their own DAPTs. In general, it can be determined that the main benefit of creating a DAPT is the asset protection provided and its potential dissuasion of creditors pursuing litigation. During examination of the differing DAPT statutory schemes in the first chapter, it becomes evident that some states provide for more asset protections than exceptions to such, creating both legal and ethical concerns. The second chapter discusses the potential legal and ethical complications that DAPTs present by reviewing and analyzing current case law. These complications include the improper application of legislation, divorce, child support, creation to avoid current known claims, loan securitization, bankruptcy, crossing legal jurisdictions, and trust law changes and amendments. Chapter 3 then uses the potential complications to urge states to reflect on their moral duties when establishing DAPT legislation and encourages individuals to review the consequences they may have when creating a DAPT based on their personal situation. Concludingly, a DAPT is a helpful asset protection tool. However, legislation ought to have a set standard for exclusions from protection for division of marital assets, child support claims, creation of and transfers to a DAPT in an attempt to deprive active known creditors from collecting on their rightful judgements, loan securitization, and state and federal government claims.
ContributorsSutherland, Kendra (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / Crampton, Liz (Committee member) / Frazier, Grant (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social Work (Contributor)
Created2022-05