Reframes the traditional definitions of and approaches to adult protective services in light of the increase in mechanisms for involuntary interventions. Suggests that the role of the social worker in contemporary adult protection is that of researcher and advocate for changes in already established forms of involuntary intervention. (Author/JAC)

Summarizes recent advances in the knowledge and treatment of sleep disorders and examines the interaction of sleep with social work concerns such as aging, depression, sexual dysfunction, alcoholism, and anxiety. Social workers' awareness of the diagnostic signs for sleep disorders and available interventions will improve client care. (JAC)

Highlights current trends and issues in social work education. The Curriculum Policy Statement of the Council on Social Work Education is discussed, with particular focus on the student's integration of content at the BSW and MSW degree levels and on the identification of a common foundation for professional practice. (Author/JAC)

An emphasis on psychological aspects of behavior has constricted social work's view of the social environment and narrowed its theoretical base for intervention. Broadening perceptions to include the physical and social environment is critical in establishing a synthesis between the individual and society. (Author/RC)

Adoption workers need to consider carefully, in order to avoid stereotyped thinking, the factors that go into a successful adoption placement. Nevertheless, race, religion, and age can be considered and can survive constitutional attack if each is not the sole factor on which a judgment is based. (Author)

Suggests that current outmoded and inadequate conceptions of the therapeutic process are a major obstacle to the advancement of clinical social work practice. Presents an integrative ecosystem model that expresses the distinctive social work concern with person, situation, and helping relationship, in their reciprocal psychodynamic and…

Gives a history of attitudes toward homosexuality and discusses the consequences of homophobia, an irrational fear of homosexuality. Stresses that social workers must understand that feelings and fantasies about same-sex behavior are natural before they can help clients cope with the social problems engendered by homophobia. (Author/JAC)

Studies the implementation of the 1978 amendments to the Older Americans Act as stimulants of change in the structure of the aging network. Explores designating community facilities as focal points for delivery of services to the aged, involving changes in the allocation of resources and interorganizational relationships. (Author)

Presents information about the legal role and powers of the grand jury. Alerts social workers to the possible shift from being an informational witness to being the focus of inquiry. Guidelines for grand jury testimony are offered, and the legal rights of social workers are reviewed. (JAC)

Reviews Kane's "Lessons for Social Work from the Medical Model: A Viewpoint for Practice" (Social Work, July 1982). Three authors offer comments on the article regarding the need for research in social work and the place of social work in the medical field. A rebuttal by Kane is included. (JAC)

Comments on Reid and Hanrahan's article ("Recent Evaluations of Social Work: Grounds for Optimism," July 1982) reviewing social work research. Four authors discuss and evaluate the validity of the conclusions reached and the methodology needed for social work research. A reply by Reid and Hanrahan is included. (JAC)

Research on the methods of clinical social work suggests that earlier pessimism about the effectiveness of these methods is no longer warranted. A brighter picture is emerging, based on the development of new forms of practice and better designed experiments. (Author)

New York State's attempt to reduce welfare expenditures by collecting the child support payments of defaulting parents reinforces federal incentives containing penalties for localities operating ineffective collection programs. The state's program may serve as a model for the more effective implementation of legislation in other jurisdictions.…

Argues for the recognition of income maintenance as a specialized form of social service, and calls on the social work profession to assume a major role in its development. Discusses the role and training of the income maintenance worker, and reviews effects of the separation of the two professions. (JAC)

Reviews the results of a shift in the circumstances of the deinstitutionalized mentally ill from care in state hospitals to legal prosecution. Discusses the reasons for this shift and describes a San Francisco program that attempts to deal with the problem. (JAC)