In a group of 29 nursing home residents, 14 were taught to use Prodigy for electronic mail, bulletin boards, and electronic games; 15 participated in regular activities. Computer interaction effectively increased cognitive abilities and daily living skills and decreased the level of depression. (SK)

Examined consequences of institutionalization for 555 caregivers of dementia patients. Consistent with stress process model, institutionalization was hypothesized to have large impact on primary effects of caregiving and lesser influence on secondary effects and well-being. Following placement, caregivers experienced relief from primary effects of…

Three adults with severe/profound mental retardation consumed regular portions of food that varied between phases from normal to high caloric levels. The data showed a clear but modest inverse relationship between the caloric value of the diet and the rates of postmeal ruminating. (Author/JDD)

Interviewed nursing assistants (n=40) and nursing facility residents (n=37) regarding ways they experienced respect, disrespect, attachment, and distancing in their relationships with each other. As a result of finding evidence of disrespect, an inservice session on gaining respect as a nursing assistant was presented. (ABL)

Analyzed Suicide Intent Scale using data from 98 psychiatric inpatients who had attempted suicide. Analysis resulted in two-factor solution: Lethal Intent factor contained items pertaining to subjective level of lethal intent; Planning factor contained items related to objective planning for attempt. Findings suggest that Suicide Intent Scale can…

Discusses clinical trends with respect to the inpatient treatment of individuals with dual diagnosis of mental retardation and mental disorders. Identifies operant trends, including increased attention on functionally derived treatments and treatments designed for infrequent behaviors. Also considers pharmacotherapy trends. (Author/NB)

Background: Information on the duration, frequency and content of leisure activities for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in residential facilities during weekends was not available. Method: The project was carried out in 2003 and included seven facilities. Interviews were held with direct support professionals…

This first person account opens a window onto the inner world of a troubled youth. This narrative describes a young boy's personal account of being dropped off at a facility for troubled youth, in hopes that his behavior will change.

This article presents a double approach: quantitative (about 653 older boys and girls who left special education centers less than 10 years ago) and qualitative (talks with 38 of them). The quantitative study, researching factors of success in special education centers, shows the importance of placement for 3 or 4 years, a later exit between 19…

In this update, Linton describes the Life Skills for State and Local Prisoners Program and discusses why this reentry program has been successful. This program competitively funds three-year demonstration projects that provide life skills instruction in either state correctional facilities or jails. Both state and local correctional systems are…

Exchange of poems at the 2nd Annual San Quentin/Patten College poetry slam with the prisoners is reported to be an event, which was extraordinaire. It was an opportunity to understand the hidden popular culture.

In addition to the impaired ability to effectively communicate, adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) also experience high incidences of depression, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. Expressive writing programs have been shown to be effective in alleviating these concomitant impairments in other populations including incarcerated…

Background: Although juveniles within the justice system have high psychiatric morbidity, few comprehensive investigations have shown posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female delinquents. Here, we aim to describe the nature and extent of PTSD and trauma exposure and to clarify the relationships among comorbidity and psychosocial factors in…

Using a retrospective, quasiexperimental design, this study evaluates Minnesota's Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP), examining whether it has lowered recidivism and saved money. In addition to utilizing a lengthy follow-up period and multiple measures of recidivism and participation, a multistage sampling design was employed to create a…

The authors examine the consequences of incarceration for nonresident White, Latino, and African American fathers' contact with children and their formal and informal child support agreements. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, they found that fathers' current incarceration presented serious obstacles to maintaining…