As an alternative to unnecessary inpatient care of adults with orthopedic disabilities, the Independent Living Project (ILP) placed persons who were institutionalized without need and persons who were living in the community under unsatisfactory circumstances in foster homes. Information is presented on the intake procedures, homefinding…

This report from the ongoing National Residential Information Systems Project provides statistics on persons with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities (MR/DD) receiving residential services in the United States for the year ending June 30, 1996, as well as comparative statistics from earlier years. Section 1 contains chapters…

The most educationally disadvantaged population in the United States resides in our nation's prisons. Incarcerated adults have among the lowest academic skill levels and highest disability and illiteracy rates of any segment of our society--factors that likely contributed to their imprisonment. Upon completing their sentence, most inmates re-enter…

Young offenders present many challenges to the juvenile justice system, the school system and the labor system as they transfer from residential commitment to their home communities. The challenges can be overwhelming, potentially creating a sense of hopelessness for the community and for the youth. In response to the need for appropriate academic…

In this study factors associated with past suicide attempts in female inmates were examined. Female inmate participants (N = 105) were given structured diagnostic assessments of antisocial and borderline personality disorders and substance dependence, as well as measures of depression, hopelessness, problem-focused coping styles, and reasons for…

Post-adoption service use and unmet service needs were examined longitudinally in three matched groups of children: children adopted from Romanian orphanages following a minimum of eight months' institutional experience (RO: n = 36); children from Romania who were destined for orphanages but were adopted early in infancy (EA: n = 25); and Canadian…

This report discusses basic issues in the provision of residential services for people with developmental disabilities. Main points of the discussion include: (1) the service system for this population is in a crisis of accountability as meeting safety and quality requirements threatens to become counterproductive; (2) the current system is well…

This policy bulletin addresses the issue of protecting the safety of people with developmental disabilities from their increased risk of neglect, abuse, and mistreatment. An article by Steven J. Taylor considers "The Paradox of Regulations," noting both the protective effects of regulations and their effect in stifling innovation and…

Substantive articles in this newsletter issue concern: (1) issues related to reproductive technology; (2) marriage and family questions for the 1986 census; (3) fault and violence in the family court; (4) children and young people in institutional care; (5) marriage counseling initiatives; (6) employment and families; and (7) family life in…

This study investigated the community adjustment of individuals with mental retardation who were former residents of the Manitoba Development Centre (MDC) in Canada. The study explored the combined effects of personal factors, residential factors, and neighborhood attitudes on community adjustment, to identify the best set of predictors of…

The handbook is intended as a reference to rights of handicapped children and adults as defined by federal and state legislation. A section on education makes up a major portion of the document and includes information on the following areas: definition of handicapped children, early childhood, visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical or…

In planning vocational rehabilitation, 169 institutionalized deaf retardates (aged 10 to 40) were studied. The 106 males and 63 females were divided into two groups with the median age, 22 years, used as a cutoff point. All received various tests and evaluations. Results indicated that IQ scores ranged from 58 (verbal) to 61 (performance) on the…

To interest students in mental retardation health services careers, 10 eligible prebaccalaureate students were selected to participate in a 10-week summer training program. The first 2 weeks involved orientation to informational and training aspects of mental retardation and exposure to the health services related disciplines of recreational and…

The report presents a record of the first year's activities of Project MODEL (Mobile Occupational Development Education Laboratories), including indepth statements on policies, organizational structures, schedules, financial verification, and projects for the next year of operation. The document serves as a manual of policies and procedures for…

The Bibliotherapy Project is historically reviewed in connection with the staff personnel, main activities and achievements. Two Bibliotherapists present their views of the group sessions. They discuss physical facilities, therapeutic procedures and atmosphere, roles of therapist, group interaction, and other factors conducive to successful…