This article presents challenges facing child mental health services research and the contributions made by the series of papers in this journal issue. The series illustrates two major categories of services research: systems level research and clinical services level research. Methodological issues, particularly for randomized clinical trials in…

This literature review analyzes 47 studies and reports on the type and range of medical care, resources, and support services needed to maintain individuals with mental retardation in the community; health-related outcomes; barriers to the provision of community-based medical services; and availability and access to services. (Author/JDD)

This paper notes the lack of attention given to the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities in both the literature and service delivery (in Australia). It discusses sterilization issues (such as authority to give consent and the "best interest" concept) and recommends approaches less intrusive on individual rights than…

Effectiveness of a new 72-hour delivery system (USXPRESS) for pharmaceuticals purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from VA depots was evaluated by comparing 33 test sites with 11 matched sites using a pretest posttest quasiexperimental design. The USXPRESS system reduced inventory, decreased space needs, and satisfied service…

Virginia Cooperative Extension's Public Information System includes three programs readable on laser discs: Consumer Products, Money Matters, and There Is a Law. The touch-screen interface and flexible design provide users with access to hours of information and hundreds of printed fact sheets. (Author)

This article presents a framework for providing services to infants with disabilities and their families, by conceptualizing early intervention in terms of levels of prevention. Primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention are proposed to prevent the manifestation, severity, or extended impact of developmental delays; and implications for…

SHOP, or Search Handicapped Outreach Program, identifies gifted/learning-disabled students, develops enrichment activities using J. Renzulli's Triad Model, and implements effective delivery models to provide an environment in which the students can utilize their strengths and interact with gifted peers. (JDD)

Discusses emerging educational service delivery systems for homeless children and youth, stressing policy implications for overcoming barriers to their education. Mainstream program models fit the intent of the 1990 Mckinney Act amendments. Programs should address individual and family resource needs through interagency collaboration and provide…

Uses data from three studies of work norm development to explore a framework for assessing prospects for successful interagency collaboration among schools and other social service agencies. Social service failures are systemic, springing from inappropriate use of work-role specialization and bureaucratic organization. Overcoming the resulting…

Two approaches for early intervention with Head Start children are described: a child-centered intradynamic approach using one-to-one play therapy, and a family-centered ecological system which works with the family unit and other support agencies. Criteria are discussed for determining the applicability of either modality in individual cases.…

Surveys in 1993 and 1995 of German vocational schools found that graduates of both Traditional Dual Vocational Training Programs and Noncompany-Based Dual Vocational Programs were satisfied with program quality and their jobs. Differences in economic outcomes were attributed to the perception that traditional programs were higher in quality.…

Providing continuous, personalized, high-quality staff development programs fosters the delivery of effective, comprehensive services to Head Start children and families. This article suggests directors follow the following staff development principles: draft a philosophy; define staff development; assess staff development needs; focus on the…

The Association of California School Administrators and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association are cooperating to provide a formal, systemwide approach to coordinating and aligning curricula. The Curriculum Management Audit Center sponsors training programs to help districts determine how well they are designing and…

A study involving 64 Australian parents of children with mental retardation (ages 4-31) found no significant differences between mothers and fathers in terms of their general positivity-negativity, but that fathers were less represented by overall responses than mothers. Significant differences were also found between subgroups of mothers.…

This study examined current practices and perceptions of 345 supported-employment-provider agencies regarding extended services. Findings indicate that provider agencies were underutilizing natural support networks within consumers' workplaces for essential extended-support needs and that the majority of consumers were only receiving the minimal…