It is argued that successful therapeutic work with individuals and families in their natural environment can be greatly facilitated by the use of contracts. The steps that are essential in drawing up an effective contract are outlined. (MS)

A Texas volunteer program designed to prevent child neglect and abuse also stresses promotion of the public's awareness of its responsibility to report suspected cases. (Author/SE)

A discussion of infertile couples who are often plagued by unresolved feelings of grief, low self-esteem and threatened sexuality. An adoption agency, as advocate of the child, can assist them in working through these feelings. (Author/CS)

Discusses two concerns regarding adverse effects of increased litigation in child protection cases: (1) fallout from the adversarial process on agencies' work with families; and (2) dissonance between the approaches of social workers and lawyers to decision-making about families. Recommends mediation to prevent less serious cases from going to…

Describes a hospital-based program for providing consultation to persons who provide direct services in child abuse/neglect cases. Conceptual issues in multidisciplinary team formation and involvement are discussed. Some topics mentioned are types of service, follow-up, educational components, and long-term involvement with families. (DB)

Describes the initiative taken by an organization to address the lack of appropriate therapeutic resources for adoptive children or members of their adoptive families who seek mental health treatment. Categorizes knowledge and expertise needed by therapists to assist adoptive families. (SKC)

Assesses the relationship between treatment intensity and rehabilitation of 89 child abusers whose MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) profiles revealed high levels of psychological distress. The relationship was positive and statistically significant. The client receiving intense weekly treatment for longer durations was assessed…

Social Service agencies have been reluctant to focus on alcoholism as an issue in treating client and family problems, although there are 48 million alcoholics in the U.S., and 7 million of them are under age 18. Reasons for the reluctance to focus on alcoholism include lack of knowledge, poor prognosis, nihilism, denial, social workers' fears of…

Explores the extent to which use of mediation contributes to community involvement in child welfare. Describes a model of mediation used in four Canadian cities; discusses whether mediation enhances community involvement; and compares mediation with other child-protection processes. Provides a case example illustrating ways communities can become…

Describes group therapy techniques involving the whole family of a child with a behavior or learning difficulty. A direct question approach is used, with major responsibility for behavior change placed upon the family. The therapist's role is minimized and the influence of parent expectation on child behavior stressed. (BF)

Describes a pilot project in York, Pennsylvania which provides therapy for the families of status offender youths (i.e. incorrigibles, runaways, truants). Results indicate that the program is effective in reducing placements and costs. (BD)

Describes a family therapy treatment for child sexual abuse. Three stages of treatment, noncommittal or oppositional, middle, and resolution stage, are outlined. Treatments for offender, victim and nonoffending parent are explained. (DG)