Asserts the United States is entering a period of social policy devolution, funding cuts for social benefits and services and a major philosophical shift in the premises underlying social policy. Discusses the implications of these policy trends on social work. Stresses the importance of social workers becoming informed about such developments to…

Addresses barriers to family and community self-sufficiency. Asserts social workers need to understand the worldviews and values underlying political definitions of self-sufficiency to have a greater influence on social policy. Describes a more appropriate definition of self-sufficiency. Illustrates its usefulness with an example of community…

Article explores parents' reactions now that their adopted children are school age. The research revealed changes in the openness in the adoptions over time and identified four dimensions along which open adoptions vary. Findings showed parents' enthusiasm for the openness in their adoptions, regardless of type and extent of openness. Implications…

Argues that transracial adoption is not necessary to ensure that children of color are adopted in a timely manner. Presents alternative arguments around six issues. A brief history of the transracial adoption controversy is presented and discussed. Summarizes positions of several social work organizations. Makes recommendations for education,…

Examines the policies and procedures that home health care agencies have developed to handle incapacitated patients and life-sustaining treatment decisions. Although most directors, staff, and patients agree that patients know their legal rights, only 67% of agencies reported having existing policies on advance directives, and only 41.5% had…

Argues contemporary social work practice will, of necessity, involve political activism. This activism will strengthen and redefine the relationship between legislative policy and social work practice in the field of aging. Asserts social work practitioners in all roles will be challenged to refine or redefine their goals while remaining true to…

Examines important issues facing the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Provides a historical overview of the policy and programmatic and research issues that surround the Older Americans Act. Explains ombudsmen's activities in their local communities and explores social workers' roles under the auspices of long-term care ombudsman programs. (RJM)

Treatment programs promote individual solutions to substance abuse through changing dysfunctional behavior and relying on spiritual beliefs and practices. Root problems are understood to be diseases within the person. However, the social conditions implicated in causing the addiction remain unaddressed. Questions whether social workers can bring…