Fifty significant figures in the field of mental retardation in Australia were sampled by means of a Three Round Delphi probe on their opinions of future residential services for mentally retarded persons in Australia. Changes predicted significant departures from historical and current practices. (Author/CL)

The study explores the psychosocial problems and treatment needs of 50 children (6 to 12 years old upon entering placement) who remained in foster care for five years. The results raised questions about the appropriateness and adequacy of foster care and residential placement for this vulnerable group of children. (Author/SBH)

Describes a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed children which used a computerized method for cross-confirming information about the functioning of children. (CM)

The authors review the role of residential treatment for severely behaviorally disordered children and suggest a unified treatment/training approach for residential staff. (CL)

Presents conceptual problems facing the research worker in a residential center. Shows that determining effectiveness of residential treatment must be preceded by making basic decisions on precisely what the goals are, and in what time frame and dimensions--symptoms or adaptability achievement--will be measured. (SS)

Discussion of medical homes for children with special health care needs suggests such homes can provide quality health care services to children in partnership with families and community professionals. Early intervention and early childhood special education providers are encouraged to collaborate with primary health care professionals, thereby…

A study of 41 adults with mental retardation (11 with Prader-Willi syndrome and 30 with mental retardation due to other causes--13 overweight and 17 with normal weight) sought to determine differences in food preferences. While controls selected sweet food over larger quantities of unpreferred food, individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome selected…

This article reviews services offered by comprehensive rehabilitation centers for the blind, as described by former clients in an essay contest. Contestants wrote of their psychological reactions to blindness and their attitudes, both positive and negative, toward the services, staff, and structure of the programs. (Author/DB)

The educational environment for residential adult education should be concerned both with classroom and out-of-class activities. Elements of a master plan for the learning environment include design of a learning culture, dynamics of experiential participation, holistic involvement of learners, and encouragement of self-directed learning. (SK)

Creation of learning sanctuaries in residential adult education programs requires (1) development and renewal of leadership; (2) skilled management practices; (3) research on the concept and its effect on adult learning; and (4) professional development. (SK)

This preliminary study of the Neighborhood Living Project summarizes daily counts of integration activities for 50 mentally retarded residents from 8 supported living sites over an average of 2 years. Integration opportunities varied as a function of where the resident lived but not of level of mental retardation or number of disabilities.…