This study attempted to identify the crucial individuals in the help-seeking pathways of Chinese caregivers of relatives suffering from early psychosis in Hong Kong. In-depth interviews with 58 caregivers were conducted. The findings suggest that although the family caregivers usually initiated the help-seeking process, informal network members…

Cultural beliefs about disability and related systems of special education affect the experience of children with disabilities and their parents. This article reviews research on the perceptions and experiences of parents who have preschool or elementary school-age children with disabilities in the United States and Japan. Parents' experiences…

A model presented for assessing the effectiveness of school social workers has two major dimensions: criteria for evaluating the success of a program, and modalities for the application of those criteria. The author also examines other factors, such as the relationship of effort to the achievement of goals. (Author)

Examined study of school social work practice by surveying school social workers (N=82) in Lousiana. Results suggest three models of practice were used. Compared these models with models of other studies, paying particular attention to trends resulting from Public Law 94-142. Concludes Public Law 94-142 had little effect on core elements of school…

Do school social workers help fulfill the educational goals of the school system? In this study, trends in students' patterns of attendance, tardiness, and grades were analyzed. These behaviors were found to have improved significantly after social work services were provided. (Author)

Discusses similarities in the roles of social workers, psychologists, and counselors in the schools and considers the unique functions of each group. Defines some of the ways that social work practice in education can be enhanced by the appreciation of this perspective on school roles. (Author/LLL)

The authors offer a new definition of the role of the school social worker with two focuses that have broader perspectives and potentials for greater impact: (1) effecting change in factors in the school system that cause individual and systemic malperformance and (2) serving as a liaison between school and community. (Author)

A challenging model for the school social worker grows out of group work approach. It is built on successful past demonstrations, examples of effective current practice, and imaginative projections of present trends. The role embraces helping malperformers adjust and promoting social learning for all children in the school setting. (Author)

Examined principals' (n=32) and special education teachers' (n=98) perceptions of actual and ideal performance of school social work tasks. Those services seen as provided most frequently were directed toward individuals. Although they wanted those individual services to continue, respondents also wanted more group work services. Study contained…

Findings relating to school social workers (N=1,200) from a national survey on school violence are presented. Concerns for personal safety and their effects on programs, services and programs in schools, training needs, and social workers' involvement with violence intervention are discussed. Strategies for prevention of school-based violence are…

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)

The author describes ways in which the mental health specialist can help classroom teachers. (Author/HMV)

Discusses the school social worker's conscious use of self in the daily political processes of the school system. The effective worker must identify influential people within and outside the school system and plan strategic interactions and responses to help students gain maximum benefit from their education. (JAC)

Used a national survey (N=1,200) to explore social workers' perceptions of school violence. Results suggest that solitary incidents did not convince social workers that violence is a serious problem. Perceptions of a serious problem depended on the presence of multiple types of violence and the school's community setting. (RJM)

Describes dropout prevention model of teamwork between teacher and graduate social work intern at inner-city alternative public high school. Notes that model provides framework for programmatic responses to problems of school dropouts among inner-city minority youths and also furnishes new opportunities for intern training in school social work.…