Suggests that the use of ritual reveals group values and shared meanings at the deepest level and helps to establish and maintain a group's collective identity. Discusses family rituals as both stabilizing and transforming forces and the use of ritual as an assessment and intervention tool. Applications for clinical practice with individuals, with…

Argues that results of combining helping and policing roles within context of public child welfare agency have been unsatisfactory, and encourages examination of how each role might be hindering successful execution of the other. Proposes transformation of current public child welfare agencies into family preservation agencies by divesting them of…

Reviews a 1983-84 study of the marital and parental behavior of lesbian wives and mothers and gay husbands and fathers. Discovered differences between the men and women in: overall demographics, marital history, marital problems and their impact, parenting issues, and dealing with homosexuality. (Author/ABB)

Examined effects of incarceration on family life among 63 inmates and 38 inmate wives. Contrasted those who participated in Family Reunion (conjugal visits) Program with nonparticipants. Found that coping was in normal range for both groups of inmates and wives and, except for measures of wives' passive appraisal, did not differ according to…

Increasing numbers of adolescents are disclosing their sexual orientation to parents at an earlier stage of the family life cycle than their predecessors. Although we know that parents are coexperiencing the range of difficulties reflected in reports of gay and lesbian youths after disclosure, there is a paucity of investigative research exploring…

Discusses the impact of relocating on corporate employees and their families and indicates the need for corporate services and social work intervention in this area. The author explores some of the psychosocial effects of relocating that have received little attention. (Author/BEF)

Contraception and elective abortion are two of the controversial ethical issues with which social workers must deal. Since policies regarding these issues have recently been established by the courts, the author presents a review of the relevant decisions. (Author)

Reviews the history of the concept of the family life cycle and of the existing public welfare models for assessing needs. Proposes an alternative approach based on different financial needs and opportunities that families confront at various stages in family life. (Author)

Presents a preliminary view of a continuing care substance abuse recovery services program designed to assist the substance-affected family. The program focuses on helping substance abusers and their families achieve relapse prevention by addressing functioning in four domains: individual actions and cognitions; individual recovery actions; family…

Families adopting older children are faced with three unique transitional tasks: boundary establishment, resolution of losses, and affirmation of roles. Describes these tasks, as well as the challenges to family development, and reframes stresses of adoptive families as normative to the transition process. Presents implications for practice.…

Describes a program known as "Parenting in Prison" which offers family support services for prisoners. Seeks to help inmates work toward ensuring better lives for their children and themselves through a series of educational activities and special events. (Author/ABB)

Current demographic data reveal that the form of the American family is undergoing dramatic change. One change is the unprecedented rise in the number of female-headed families. Reviews current demographic trends, examines the factors behind these changes and their implications, and proposes areas for further research. (Author)

Notes that spouse-abuse families may have service needs that span fields of medical, legal, and social services; law enforcement; and employment. Provides brief overview of multiple service needs of spouse-abuse families and describes framework for developing, organizing, and implementing community-based spouse abuse protection and family…

This article discusses the trend away from large institutional placement toward small residences for troubled youth. The purpose, success, and recommended specifications for urban homes are mentioned. Also discussed are community attitudes and economic factors. (BW)

To counteract society's hostility toward homosexuality, effective social work with lesbian couples and families must include cultural as well as clinical work. This article suggests a multilevel approach, including self-exploration on the part of the worker, acquisition of specific clinical tools, and assumption of an advocacy stance with lesbian…