Procedures and exemplary results for a resource allocation approach to determining mentally retarded clients' need status are outlined. The authors suggest this approach results in standard client characteristic data helpful in evaluating programmatic, cost, and outcome variables. (Author/CL)

A study of respite services for families of persons with developmental disabilities indicated five major problems: inconsistent availability across the state, inconsistent planning and evaluation procedures, inadequate management information systems, lack of information to families, and lack of a career development model for respite workers.…

A survey of 49 states' services for mentlly retarded offenders indicated that 922 residential beds exist for this population with 150 more expected by the end of 1983. It is concluded that only 5 percent of those needing special services will. (Author/CL)

The 10 models of respite care for families of the retarded identified include: respite placement agencies, group day care, community residences, residential treatment facilities, group residential care, nursing homes, private inhome care, state institutions, camperships, and funding conduit. (Author/DB)

The article describes medical care services of the Developmental Disabilities Center in Morristown (New Jersey), which provides evaluations, primary care, specialty services, inpatient care, health education to community programs, consultation to the state agency, and hospital staff training. Needs in cardiac, endocrine, infectious disease,…

Interviews with 24 families of deinstitutionalized developmentally disabled children revealed that 83 percent expressed high-level need for care and 67 percent were coping at a low level. Inner-city families most often expressed high-intensity needs and decreased coping ability, as did families of patients of younger age groups. (CL)

Two groups of professionals, one serving specific regions and the other administering statewide programs, agreed that public sources of funds are the most available for early intervention programs, that the most effective services are performed as early as possible and that rural and poor populations are underserved. (Author/CL)

The responses of administrators and psychologists (N=129) to a survey of population, system, and program issues regarding people who are disabled by both mental retardation and a psychiatric impairment were summarized. Results indicated that services are not readily available and additional administrative and clinical resources are required by…

The Communicating about Loss & Mourning curriculum was designed for and field tested on a sample of 25 verbally expressive adults with mental retardation. Findings from a pilot study implementing the curriculum suggest that these individuals have a need for and can benefit from a formal program of death education and grief counseling. (Author/JDD)

The 76 responses received from over 300 questionnaires sent to Pennsylvania county programs for distribution to direct service community living arrangement staff (persons working with the mentally retarded on a full-time, live-in basis) indicated that there was a high rate of turnover of staff and that more inservice training was desired. (IM)

This paper presents a systematic approach for addressing the support needs of persons with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and describes a new scale to measure individual differences in support needs. It explains the process used in developing the scale and discusses critical issues and practical challenges associated…

A national survey of 243 community agencies evaluated services provided for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors and identified issues and service gaps. Common offenses were sexual behavior in public situations, inappropriate involvement of others, and involvement of minors. Major issues and problems…

Experience with provision of optimal health services to mentally retarded individuals in institutional settings can be applied and adapted to design services for such adults living in the community. Coordination of health care by a team of nurses, primary care physicians, and special medical services is recommended. (Author/DB)

Needs analysis research and planning projects were reviewed to identify planning concepts, processes, outcomes, and issues regarding the growing population of older adults with developmental disabilities. Themes and issues identified through content analysis of planning documents are presented, along with goals for future planning and public…