The authors discuss how the existing vocational rehabilitation systems can be more effective in job placement. (SBH)

State vocational rehabilitation agencies were surveyed to determine the extent of interagency development of supported employment (SEMP) alternatives, and 76 of 83 agencies responded. Survey results are categorized as follows: definitions of supported employment, numbers of existing programs, types of vendors, need for revised standards or fees…

Highlights a failure on the part of social services to respond to the current needs of the child welfare system. Strongly advocates a commitment to concurrent planning, defined here as the process of working toward family reunification while at the same time establishing an alternative plan, usually in the form of permanency with a relative or…

This report discusses issues regarding the out-of-home placement of children with developmental disabilities and the need for permanency planning for these children. The document reports on a project which sought to: (1) discern practices of Colorado's Department of Social Services and Division for Developmental Disabilities which affect the…

This paper explores the current age of accountability, citing examples from the field of child welfare. The discussion focuses on: (1) a definition of accountability; (2) an examination of historical antecedents; (3) a discussion and critique of the systems-oriented styles of accountability presently in use; and (4) a summary of major problems…

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind offers services to individuals with vision loss due to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Described are the concerns and feelings of staff members, public and staff education activities, establishment of a referral and service delivery system, and rehabilitative and other services offered. (JDD)

Family support services are systematic efforts to support natural, adoptive, or foster families who have a family member with a disability. Programs vary in the types of services offered, goals, and number of families served. The most promising approaches to family support provide services that are flexible and individualized, build on informal…

This document contains a description of the rationale for staff development programs in North Carolina community colleges and technical institutes, existing means for program delivery, the role of the Department's Office of Staff Development, and the results of a state-wide study conducted to assess the status of local institutional efforts.…

The Women in Development (WID) office of the Agency for International Development held a series of conferences and meetings inviting representatives from less developed countries, women's organizations, private voluntary organizations, and donor groups to discuss current activities and the future potential of women's organizations to implement…

The report describes activities and findings of an 18-month project which surveyed day and other non-residential services provided to persons with mental retardation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An introductory section describes project purposes, followed by a description of project methods (sampling plan, questionnaire development,…

Because of declining participation, the National Health Service Corps' role in improving rural access to primary health care has shifted from placement of scholarship-obligated professionals to recruitment of volunteers and increased emphasis on retention of current providers. Successful care systems include group practices, community-oriented…

This monograph provides a philosophical framework and practical ideas for improving service delivery to children of color who are severely emotionally disturbed. The monograph targets four sociocultural groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans). The document emphasizes the cultural strengths inherent in…

Reexamines definitions of "ruralness" and "resources." Describes three types of support services common to human service agencies. Discusses influence as a program development resource, advantage of rural programs, incumbent social work roles related to resource development, and what makes a program successful. Lists four program development…

This cooperative agreement among the North Dakota Department of Human Services (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Developmental Disabilities), explains the necessity of providing a coordinated continuum of services to individuals with disabilities and outlines procedures to be followed. Addressed in the individual sections of…

Designed to serve as a resource tool for educators and social work practitioners, this collection of articles on social work in rural communities presents: (1) "An Overview of Social Work Education for Rural Areas"; (2) "Social Work Education for Rural Program Development" (the "generalist" and the principles, dynamics, and educational content and…