An exploratory survey indicated that the depression prevalence among Chinese Americans is 17.4 percent. Of 516 respondents, 34.9 percent preferred seeking advice from friends or relatives, followed by 30.2 percent not showing any preference when facing a mental health problem. Logistic regression results pointed to three contributing factors:…

Study found variation in 34 states' implementation of federal mandate to provide public social services to families to prevent unnecessary separation of children. Five state-level variables were statistically significantly associated with states' prevention effort: disposition of governor, key legislator, and child welfare director; citizen…

Surveyed 198 social workers to determine prevalence of alcohol and other drug problems among colleagues, family members, and friends. Forty-three percent of respondents reported knowing at least one social worker who had alcohol or drug problem; 60% had close friends or family with problems; 39% had nuclear family member with problem; and 11% were…

This study found that the families of schizophrenics contend with formidable emotional burdens and recommend that social supports and services be created to help minimize their distress. (Author)

Discusses the "hidden illness" of compulsive gambling. Describes course of the disease, theories of compulsive gambling, effects of compulsive gambling on gambler's wife and children, the organization Gam-Anon, and human service agencies' staff training and counseling intake procedures. Recommends self-help groups for all family members.…

Uses feminist theory to analyze why social policies perpetuate traditional assumptions about mothers and do not provide adequate help for children. Suggests tensions between policies for women and children will continue until policymakers view the welfare of children as a concern of the entire society. (Author)

Discusses some assumptions, dilemmas, and questions in (1) facilitating support groups for caregivers whose relatives have Alzheimer's disease, (2) talking with other such facilitators around the country, (3) reviewing the literature, and (4) talking with group members themselves. Suggestions are made for a wider variety of support-group models.…

Evaluation of family preservation program in northern California examined progress and outcomes of 367 cases served during 3-year period. Detailed analysis examined specific service elements of program, match of services to families' needs, and resulting gains made by parents in variety of skill areas. (Author/NB)

Provides guidelines from social work perspective on how social workers and health care professionals can provide bereavement counseling for families whose relatives have died in emergency room. Discusses providing family with privacy and accessibility; keeping family informed; using understandable terminology; speaking directly about death;…

This article describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

Draws on models of social networking to present findings from a six-year study of homeless families who received treatment at the Salvation Army Lodge in St. Louis, Missouri. Presents a four-stage model of treatment: the crisis, stabilization, relocation, and follow-up stages. (Author/ABB)

This study of the relationship of Jewish-American adult children to aging parents found that the children were intensely involved in helping their parents cope with a wide range of problems. Although the study dealt with a specific ethnic group, the findings having implications for social work with all aged persons. (Author)

Those who formulate, implement, and assess family policy are not always able to obtain research data because researchers have not developed a systematic approach to this new area of study. The author identifies five types of family policy research and focuses on approaches directed at nonacademic policymakers. (Author)

Examines concept of caregiver burden relative to the resources available for supporting family members who care for an ill or disabled member. Concludes there must be a national policy on caregiving and a shift in national priorities if families' needs are to be met. (Author/ABL)

Reviews current research on Black families headed by a single mother indicating that economic insecurity of Black males is an important causal factor in explaining both the numbers and the impoverishment of this family type. Contends social workers must advocate for policies to assist these groups economically. (Author/ABL)