Develops a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of urban, low-income, multicultural communities. Outlines a neighborhood network that focuses on the developmental needs of youth, engages residents, and promotes interdisciplinary services. Examines one school of social work's efforts to help a neighborhood develop such a network. (RJM)

Discusses components of a consumer feedback system and methods for the systematic collection of information. The system used by the "Teaching-Family Model" approach to residential treatment illustrates the successful implementation of feedback. (Author)

For several decades, the relative importance of process as opposed to task has been an issue in the literature. This study of the Model Cities program examines the relationship between program outcomes and the process and task orientations of program planners. (Author)

The efficacy of a new model of rural social service delivery--the Satellite Diagnostic Social Services Center--implemented in Arizona is evaluated. Results show how the dynamics operating at the community level and the processes involved in funding can affect a project's implementation. (Author)

Notes that since 1970, Volunteer Counseling Service of Rockland County, New York, has pioneered innovative use of community laypeople to do high-level counseling for clients with wide range of serious social problems. Gives the history and an overview of the mechanics and model of work that have made this agency feasible. (Author/NB)

Outlines a theoretical and conceptual framework for neighborhood-based collaboration by nonprofit organizations. Analyzes the main concepts of innovation in the design and implementation of a collaboration to prevent child maltreatment in an undervalued neighborhood and draws implications for social policy, social work practice, and social work…

The issue of providing individual services historically has been a major dilemma for social action, Alinsky-style community organizations. Empirical evidence suggests that most action organizations that moved into service provision lost mass-based participation, militant tactics, and a power-building orientation. The author presents a case study…

The author presents these three ground rules for engaging in organizational conflict: (1) take the offensive; (2) take the cue for the second move from the opponent's defensive response; and (3) know when to execute a "strategic retreat." (HMV)

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 model of practice is in line with the spirit and demands of the times. It considers the problems of pupils not merely from the personal and family angle but from a broader viewpoint: how they relate to situations and deficiencies in the school and the community. (Author)

Voluntary funding organizations face increasing public demands for accountability in the use of funds. This article presents a model for evaluating the effectiveness of agency programs and discusses its applicability to the process of allocating funds. (Author)

Offers graphic framework for assessment, the Developmental Assessment Wheel, which enables professionals to understand better the dynamic relationship between intrapsychic needs, social needs, and the importance of institutional resources. The process of assessment requires selection of combinations of data about clients, and involves a process of…

Author discusses accountability controversy concerning effectiveness of social services. Turem's mechanistic and Gruber's organic models of accountability are compared and an alternate open system model of organization is offered which combines positive aspects of Turem's and Gruber's models as well as adds other constructive elements to them. (SE)

Presents community development as a strategy for achieving goals of prevention in small communities in Appalachia. Emphasizes the organization of social structures and collective efforts in problem and enhancing levels of physical and mental health in these vulnerable communities. (Author)

Since the 1960s, there has been a surge of black community organizations dedicated to improving the welfare of blacks in poor communities. This study of 33 such groups in Chicago discusses some revealing differences between older and newer groups and the strategies they use. (Author)