The growing demand for more services that are effective, accountable, and responsive to the consumer calls for a new training design for workers in the human services. A comparison of training for pilots and plumbers suggests a basic technique for this design. (Author)

Controversial proposals to establish health organizations could drastically change the delivery of health services. Understanding the issues in this controversy can help professionals in the human services see what is needed in health reform and legislation. (Author)

Describes the implementation of the hospice philosophy in rural areas and provides a model of how formal helping systems and natural helping networks can work together effectively. Suggests the emergence of the hospice can reorient social workers to the basic concepts of helping. (Author/JAC)

Previous reviews of social work research on the outcome of casework and group work services have concluded that these direct practice methods are ineffective. This "study of studies" analyzes the body of research again, but from the standpoint of practice and the practitioner, and discusses the implications. (Author)

The author describes a program for treatment of alcoholism among Baltimore's growing population of American Indians. Although the program is still in the early stages of operation, its chance of success seems to be promising because it takes into account conflicting influences of the Indian and American cultures. (Author)

Is private practice a superior service delivery mechanism? The author contends that, in affording the client his choice of a helper, private practice embodies the basic values of social work and stimulates workers to become more responsible and knowledgeable.

Explores current social work practice and human service innovations based on interviews with practitioners in Chicago, New York City, and St. Louis. Offers rationale for reorientation of social workers' helping relationship and how it can contribute to human services reform. Examines strategies and innovations that can help professionals make this…

Assessed care afforded the elderly through informal support networks, particularly their families, as opposed to formal services. Focused on strain experienced by primary caregivers, who tended to be women. Analyzed instrumental aid (tangible aid and service referral) and expressive support given by role models and confidants who provided a form…

The Widowed Service Line, a mutual help program in metropolitan Boston that provided service by telephone, effectively meeting the various problems and needs of differing stages of widowhood, is described. (Author)

Mental health workers are critically examining modes of service delivery. Crisis intervention offers a way to apply to mental health problems some concepts of primary prevention that have been successful in the public health field. (Author)

Describes a hypothetical program called the Helper Bank, which uses time instead of money as the medium of exchange for services. The reciprocal relationship allows older persons to volunteer to help others as well as provide for future needs such as shopping, transportation or housekeeping. (JAC)

Two concepts--"Smother Love" and "Tough Love"--were used successfully in a training program for senior citizens preparing to become companions to hospital patients. This dependent versus interdependent framework enables the helpers to establish constructive relationships with patients. (SJL)

In a treatment program developed at Mendota State Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, mental patients considered unready for discharge were placed in the community. With intensive help from the social worker and other hospital staff, the community became an effective treatment agent. The results of the program should encourage professionals who work…

Despite the frequency of the crime, victims of rape frequently prefer to remain silent and fail to take advantage of the services their communities may offer. In describing an effective rape-treatment program, the author suggests ways to overcome this reluctance. (Author)