In the first part of the article, the author explains why he feels the responsibility for setting sentence guidelines should be confined to a separate body (a sentencing commission). The second part of the article rehearses the arguments for sentencing reform and, in particular, for presumptive sentences. (Author)

Geriatric ward patients (N=84) were randomly assigned to groups targeted for outplacement planning or inpatient care. During the following year, the mean Morale Inventory score of the outplacement sample improved while that of the inpatient group remained statis. Results argue for an increased emphasis on outplacement programs among geriatric…

Environmental interaction in a dayhall housing 31 severely and profoundly retarded adolescents at a Connecticut State institution, was evaluated within the initial existing facility, and the same facility redesigned to provide an enriched environment. (Author)

Describes the staff, clients and program components of the interagency Community Reentry Program, which is designed to facilitate the transition of multi-problem adolescents from institution to community. Program components include vocational counseling, job placement and milieu activities simulating a community-based setting within the…

The Cognitive Triad of the Adaptive Behavior Scale (which considers economic activity, language development, and number/time concepts) correctly classified 78 percent of 77 institutionalized adults who had already been classified (by standardized intelligence tests) as profoundly, severely, or moderately mentally retarded. (Author/CB)

Assigned nursing home residents (N=59) to one of three conditions: task-oriented peer counseling group, insight-oriented peer counseling group, or control. Task group increased in internal locus of control and life satisfaction; insight group increased in internal locus of control and trust; controls decreased in trust. (Author/ABL)

Effective residential care of disturbed adolescents depends on integration of treatment programs. For a unit to be successful, an important function of its director is monitoring the therapeutic input so the recurring conflicts of aims do not render staff ineffective. Director qualities required include a capacity to be at ease with divergent…

Compared data from family caregivers who participated in support and education groups and caregivers who enrolled but did not participate. Found care receivers of participants had statistically significantly lower institutionalization rates than did care receivers of non-participants. Savings from deterred nursing home use more than offset program…

Examined data from discussion group intervention in 30 nursing homes, involving 185 residents. Analysis of characteristics of participants in relation to modifications in selected attitudes and behaviors over the intervention period revealed only one significant relationship between attitudinal or behavioral modifications and demographic or other…

Caregivers of family members with dementia of the Alzheimer's type were surveyed for their experiences with early symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis, home care, and institutionalization. At each stage in the process of providing care there are new and different stresses that can be ameliorated by appropriate professional assistance. (Author)

Tests the hypothesis that patients who were contacted more often by their relatives would stay a shorter time in the hospital. Results support the hypothesis. (Author)

Concludes that socioeconomic factors and racial discrimination account for some of the variation in institutionalization for blacks and whites. Available data are inconclusive as to whether blacks are over represented in mental hospitals because they suffer from greater mental impairment than whites. (Author/AM)

After the statistical report found in Volume II, 1917, Report of the Commissioner of Education, containing statistics for the year 1915-16, had been prepared, the Bureau of Education adopted the plan of collecting statistics biennially instead of annually, as had been done in preceding years. This bulletin contains statistics of Industrial Schools…

Mentally retarded citizens have been denied their human and civil rights, not only by the public, but by professionals--including social workers. The author claims that most programs for the mentally retarded are, at best, dehumanizing. Professionals have an ethical obligation to refuse to refer children to such programs. (Author)