No abstract

Developing and training students to understand issues of diversity, including the development of a culturally competent social work identity, has long been a challenge for schools of social work. Nevertheless, preparing students to engage with diverse populations is paramount. Simulated learning is an effective pedagogy to enhance and broaden students’ understanding in regard to engaging with diverse populations. This article examines the use of human simulation instruction activities to prepare students to engage in culturally competent practice. More specifically, in this article, the constructs of the cultural competence practice model of Campinha–Bacote (2002) will be examined for practical application in social work education.

Despite historic lows in teen birth rates, the U.S. still maintains the highest teen birth rate of any industrialized nation, and significant disparities exist between ethnicities and socioeconomic status (SES). The factors influencing teen birth are vast and intertwined. The socio-ecological model (SEM) provides a natural theoretical framework to study and address these multiple levels of influence, which include individual, interpersonal, institutional/organizational, and public policy. This chapter will include a summary of recent studies, and drawing from empirical findings guided by the socio-ecological model, will identify and suggest strategies at each level for reducing the teen birth rate. By addressing the overlapping layers together, as opposed to a single layer, interventions have greater potential for success.

Despite the declining national teen birth rates, racial disparities persist. Black and Hispanic teens in some communities continue to experience disproportionately higher teen birth rates. This pilot study explored parental perspectives regarding teen pregnancy and parental self-efficacy in communicating with teens about sex. Seven focus groups were conducted with 35 Black and Hispanic parents who reside in five targeted zip codes with exceptionally high teen birth rates, ranging from 84.2 to 112.9 per 1,000. These rates exceed the 26.5 per 1,000 national teen birth rate by more than 300%. Results reveal cultural differences in parental self-efficacy between Black and Hispanic parents in communicating with teens. Black parents reported higher self-efficacy. Hispanic parents reported cultural beliefs as communication barriers with teens.

Limited research has been devoted to investigating how team sport participation impacts risk behaviors among adolescent males, specifically their risk of becoming a teen father. The current study investigated the association between team sport participation, substance use, and risk of teen fatherhood. The primary purpose was to compare risk behaviors between athletes and non-athletes. The Teen Fatherhood Risk Scale was developed to measure risky sexual behavior that elevates males' risk of becoming teen fathers. The sample consisted of 4588 male high school students between the ages of 15 and 17. T-test analysis compared risk scores between athletes and non-athletes and indicated that athletes were at a greater risk of becoming teen fathers. T-test analysis also revealed that minority male athletes were at a greater risk of becoming teen fathers. More specifically, ANOVA analysis indicated that relative to Hispanic and White athletes, Black male athletes had the highest risk of becoming a teen father. In addition, male athletes consumed more alcohol and marijuana than non-athletes did. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research are also discussed.