On a typical day in 2008, 776,573 individuals were behind bars in nearly 3,500 U.S. jails. Yet the potential benefits of social services in achieving lower recidivism rates and successful reintegration are understudied in jail populations. This three-year study investigated the effects of collaboration-based in-jail services and postrelease…

Older adult inmates have grown both in proportion and in number due to the confluence of a number of factors. This aging of the prison population has created a host of policy and practice issues that encompass justice considerations, cost containment issues, and biopsychosocial care needs. The older prisoner's physical, social, and psychological…

Social workers have long been involved in identifying resources and making final arrangements for clients who die without an estate or have no heirs, who may be institutionalized or unknown to the community, or whose body may be unclaimed for burial. Absent quick intervention, these individuals are often at risk for an anonymous potter's field…

Discusses the benefit of creating access for impaired or immobile persons to ritualistic experiences. The practice of bringing the ritual experience to the individual unable to physically attend significant events is described. Case studies are included. (NRB)

Studied the participation of elderly patients (N=148) in the planning for discharge from acute care hospitals. Found that most patients participated actively, but that poor patient condition inhibited full participation. Concludes that family control over decision making also limits participation. (Author/ABL)

The author discusses the neglect and deprivation common in State institutions for the mentally retarded and cites programs and legislation undertaken to alleviate the problem. (BY)

Mental health legislation recently enacted has improved on older laws by recognizing new procedural rights for patients. In many instances, however, it has also prevented treatment for patients who are severely ill. The authors discuss the new laws and the way they have affected the cooperative efforts of social workers, lawyers, and…

Describes a demonstration project that used network theory as a framework for a broad-range ecological approach to social work practice in long-term care facilities for the elderly. The importance of developing and maintaining social supports and the reciprocal benefits in linking kinship, friendship, formal caregiving, and mutual-aid networks are…

Studied homeless mentally ill patients who had been released into the community. Discusses mentally ill clients' rights to self-determination versus immediate survival needs and the potential mental restoration that could be provided through commitment to a psychiatric hospital. Presents two case studies. (Author/ABL)

Findings suggest there are significant systemic relationships between major demographic trends in the United States and the rate of mental hospitalization. Macrosocial trends and changes can have important impacts on social work practice, and these impacts can make an important contribution to social policy and social work program planning.…

Surveyed clinical social workers (n=216) concerning rights of psychiatric patients who are involuntarily committed to institutions. Although majority of respondents support patients' rights, minority demonstrated restrictive attitudes and unawareness of existing laws regarding patients' rights. Controversial issues, such as right to refuse…

Notes that there often is no formally established bereavement service designed to assist surviving family members, patients, or staff members when patient dies while receiving care in acute care setting. Presents exemplar bereavement service using data from few existing or proposed efforts to formalize bereavement services in acute care settings…

This article describes a group that was formed by young male residents in an extended-care facility in order to help them meet their nonmedical needs. (Author/HMV)

Describes the implementation of a collaborative discharge planning program for a chronic psychiatric population. Emphasizes the importance of good communication between patient and professionals. Presents a case example. Findings suggest more substantial involvement of patients in after-care programs is needed. (Author/JAC)

Describes the Family Support Group model which reinforces the ongoing importance of families and helps individual family members learn to maintain a key role in linking institutionalized relatives to their past lives. Helps family members learn what they can do to expedite adjustment and advocate effectively for their relative's care. (LLL)