Using the Minnesota corrections ombudsman as an example, this article discusses the role of an ombudsman, how credibility is established and implications for ombudsman programs in general. (EJT)

Contends that, if social workers behave professionally according to their prescribed values and ethics, it will follow that they are working from an active pacifist perspective. Presents definition of pacifism and examines pacifism and social work values (importance of individual, respect for differences, commitment to social justice, persistence…

Discusses two modes of thinking about ethics developed by Carol Gilligan. Argues that Gilligan's modes of thought (responsibility and rights) correspond to two ideals of social work practice: a rights perspective, based on liberal individualism, and a needs perspective, based on nineteenth century Christian virtue. (JAC)

Discusses three categories of children overburdened by responsibilities resulting from divorce. Describes economic, social, and psychological stresses affecting parent-child relationships, as well as the potential for psychopathology within the relationship. (JAC)

Proposes model of attributed responsibility for human immunodeficiency virus that classifies social judgments of another person's behavior that take into account extent to which behavior caused situation, person knew or should have known potential consequences of behavior, person intended to engage in behavior, and factors over which person had…

This article presents research on what social workers actually do. Results indicate that about 51 percent of the reported behavior is direct service or clinical in nature and that about 64 percent of the reported behavior requires professional training to perform. (HMV)

Describes how, through support of private philanthropy, welfare recipients have been involved in implementing welfare-to-work policy, including Job Opportunities in Business Sector provisions of Family Support Act, in Illinois since 1986. Describes client roles in problem formulation, model program development, policy development, and policy…

The conflict and anguish that clients experience frequently result from the consequences of serious moral and ethical dilemmas and from the absence of dependable solutions. Social workers should give careful attention to the problems of clients as reflected in their stories, rather than attempt to categorize these problems in psychological terms…

Private model of professionalism is inappropriate for public professions like social work. Alternative "new professionalism" would involve a more client-oriented social welfare system. Comparison of ethics codes for social work, medicine, law, urban planning, public administration, and university teachers illustrates…

Surveyed 2,207 Alabama residents to determine public perceptions about employer responsibility for social services. Results indicated that the majority of respondents believe employers have some responsibility for drug and alcohol counseling, family problem counseling, and day care. Race, sex, family, and educational differences are discussed. (BL)

Only two states have enacted statutes of privileged communications that prevent workers from being compelled to testify in court concerning matters revealed in confidence by clients. The author considers the need for further extension of this privilege and explains how workers and clients can protect themselves. (Author)

A significant correlation has been found between life satisfaction in the later years of life and the accomplishment of developmental tasks, which is taken as indicative of a person's continued growth. This study explored another variable of the same theme: the relationship of the exercise of responsibility to life satisfaction. (Author)