Describes strategies to build and support coalitions for services in an era of diminished public and private resources. It becomes necessary to redefine the client, the community, and the agency or organization to develop appropriate roles for each component in the current social and economic climate. (SLD)

Uses data on human services in China to take a broader look at human services and conceptualize them differently. (DM)

Examines human services in China and reports that they demonstrably are based on the philosophy that the highest end of the individual is selfless service to the people. (DM)

The executive director of Advocates for Children describes a collaborative effort between that agency and two locals of the United Automobile Workers Union. Among the projects undertaken since 1969 are educational advocacy activities, psychotherapeutic services, support services for children, and other union benefit programs for members' children.…

Asserts that "from among the multitude of independent variables that affect adjustment, several rather important clusters are relatively closer to existing knowledge and competence bases of mental health people. We need to ask which these are, and how their manipulation might promote more positive mental health outcomes." (Author/JM)

Argues that the expert is partisan, inexpert, and manipulated. Concludes "that American society is not operated in a rational, technologically based way. In self-help activities, in the thrust toward consumer advocacy, in new notions of causation and cure, a more humane and comprehensive understanding of our social environment is being offered."…

Defines handicapism "as a set of assumptions and practices that promote the differential and unequal treatment of people because of apparent or assumed physical, mental, or behavioral differences.""Demonstrates how handicapism manifests itself in personal interaction, in the organizational structure of the larger society, and in human service…

Describes the developing role of paraprofessionals in special education and other educational settings. Suggests that the paraprofessional role should be dynamic and expanding, limited only by the competence and motivation of the paraprofessional. (CJM)

An administrator in a State agency for the development and implementation of services for the mentally retarded relates her experiences and training as a paraprofessional and later as a professional in this field. She recommends the use of transdiciplinary teams including paraprofessionals, and increased cooperation between professionals and…

Traces the development of programs for employment and training of community-based paraprofessionals in human services from the 1960s to the 1980s. Concludes that while the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals are expanding in all areas of human services, opportunities for training, career advancement and continuing education are not…

Formulates a conceptual framework to assess the iatrogenic effects of human services. Discusses the structurally negative effects incorporated into the system, when these services are used inappropriately, and what methods might test the iatrogenic potential of these services. (JS)