Surveyed 88 aging agencies serving approximately 11,000 clients to assess their capabilities for serving elderly with alcohol problems. Alcoholism was not viewed as a major problem by agency administrators, but few policies and procedures for dealing with this population were extant. Discussed implications for policy and program development.…

Describes Tayari, an adoption service organized by black personnel with special procedures designed to reach black clientele. Tayari is a division of the San Diego County Department of Public Welfare. (BRT)

Although the concept of person-centered services has gained much popularity, there are significant discrepancies in the extent to which service agencies are actually implementing it. Eight organizations, each of which was successfully providing person centered services to at least some individuals, were examined. Some agencies were implementing…

There is no doubt that private practitioners make an important contribution to the profession of social work. It is questionable, however, whether private practice is a superior delivery system that should replace the agency-based service tradition of the profession. (Author)

This exploratory study analyzed the incidence and nature of barriers experienced by applicants wishing to adopt special needs children, defined as: "children who are older, have physical disabilities, are emotionally troubled, or are mentally retarded. Many are Black or Hispanic. Some are brothers and sisters who need a home together." Between…

Examined the effectiveness of long-term treatment foster care placements. Results indicated that: much depends on change as well as stability in a family; a small number of children accounts for a disproportionate number of placement changes; supports after permanent placements into adoption or reunification are desirable; and a continuum of…

This user's manual, designed to meet the needs of adoption exchange administrators and program managers for a formal tool to assist them in the overall management and operation of their program, presents the Model Adoption Exchange Payment System (MAEPS), which was developed to improve the delivery of adoption exchange services throughout the…

This paper was prepared at the request of the CSWE Task Force on Social Work Practice and Education to examine the constraints influencing the relationship between agencies and educational institutions. (Editor/LBH)

Based on a principal's firsthand experiences, this paper summarizes the "turnaround" strategy that converted a disorderly and drug-infested Atlanta (Georgia) high school to a productive learning environment characterized by improved academic performance, a revamped core curriculum, and high expectations and behavior standards. This…

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)

This guide for administrators, based on the best practices found in 25 states, proposes a prototype system within which a more humane and sensitive delivery of services at the agency level can be efficiently achieved for children and their families. System goals for assisting clients are described, and the objectives which must be met to achieve…

This training program, designed to assist treatment programs decision-makers in planning, implementing, and monitoring practices and services for alcoholic women, provides participants the opportunity to: (1) measure the current state of their agency programs; (2) select priorities for change; and (3) develop an action plan for change. The program…

Identifies and discusses barriers in the helping relationship that are erroneously labeled resistance. Proposes a transactional perspective to illuminate social and organizational barriers to the helping process. From this view an essential professional function emerges, responsibility for dealing with obstacles to the counselor client…

Examines the impact of federal funding cutbacks on operations of 12 nonprofit social service agencies in 6 rural Ohio counties. Finds that mega-agencies have broadened their clientele, service offerings, and funding sources, while smaller agencies are squeezed. Discusses effects on service delivery effectiveness, local priorities, and public…

The village center model is designed to eliminate fragmented social service delivery problems in rural areas. The Whole Village Project at Plymouth, New Hampshire, offers interagency collaboration, local control and leadership, and increased client access to family and child services. Alternative strategies are outlined for development of similar…