Conceptual approaches employed in service utilization and multidimensional assessment research which have been used for planning and evaluating services to the aged are reviewed. Also examined are the conceptual properties of three widely used assessment instruments in order to assess their utility in providing a database for planning and…

Employs an "implementation estimate" technique to identify potential fiscal, administrative and political consequences of implementing the 100,000 minimum population provision for designating planning and service areas (PSAs) under the 1978 amendments to the Older Americans Act. Findings suggest implementation estimating is useful for…

Describes the general characteristics of family support programs in North America. Summarizes the rationale for such programs. Describes an example of a support program, the family resource centers in Canada. Outlines such key planning considerations as the diversity of today's families, needs assessment, program variety, and cultural relevance.…

This document provides a historical framework for better understanding the emergence of community-based family support and education (CBFSE) programs, their place within the larger service delivery system, and their potential for meeting the needs of children and families living in poverty. The paper is organized into five sections. The first…

An overview is presented of school programs that utilize the resources of the local community as an educational tool. Examples are presented of ways in which successful field trip programs have been organized and administered. Included in this report are citations of articles and documents available from the ERIC information system. (JD)

The village center model is designed to eliminate fragmented social service delivery problems in rural areas. The Whole Village Project at Plymouth, New Hampshire, offers interagency collaboration, local control and leadership, and increased client access to family and child services. Alternative strategies are outlined for development of similar…

An examination of several school systems across the country offering community education programs provided information for this report on successful management techniques and unique program ideas, featuring tips from experts and a number of "how-to" suggestions. Drawing particularly on the experiences of administrators with programs in Flint,…

As many as 15 million people living in rural areas report one or more long-term impairments that significantly affect their quality of life. In general, disabled people living in rural areas receive fewer services than do people in urban areas. For example, counties in Montana with the largest population centers received significantly more…

The first of a two-part series, this volume addresses the broad scope of questions and issues that confront local governments when formulating or reevaluating cable policy. In 11 chapters, 14 authors present an historical perspective and discuss cable technology and state-of-the-art options: (1) "Overview of Cable TV Services and…

Psychologists' roles are changing and expanding in many ways. In the next decade, psychologists will probably continue their involvement away from the clinic and into the community. Deinstitutionalization should create many new opportunities for psychologists, particularly in the areas of community support system coordination and service…

The future of community services in the Los Angeles Community College District is examined in light of current fiscal constraints and reductions in force. The report first examines the impact of Proposition 13 on community services throughout California and within the District. The increased reliance on permissive fees and self-supported programs…

Difficulties in transitioning students with disabilities in rural areas include poor postschool outcomes, transportation problems, limited job market, negative attitudes toward job training programs (resulting from high unemployment), lack of job training sites, and lack of information concerning job accommodation for disabled workers. Includes…

This Resources for Welfare Decisions highlights publications that offer guidance on developing youth systems under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). An introductory section discusses the changes WIA made to youth services; the opportunities and challenges these changes created for Youth Councils and youth service providers; states' role…

This publication is the first volume of a three-volume resource book intended for anyone who wants to start, strengthen, or support a program or course that combines community or public service with learning. The book covers policies, issues, and programs in colleges and universities, K-12 schools, community-based organizations, public agencies at…

The monograph reviews literature on issues related to deinstitutionalization and residential services for the developmentally disabled. Six main topics are addressed in the review (sample subtopics in parentheses): planning for deinstitutionalization (use of institutional facilities no longer in operation, training and job placement of displaced…