Reports on the design phase of two case studies of two small local human service agencies. The participatory design process is described and the meaning of stakeholder participation is reviewed. The value of stakeholder participation in evaluation design is affirmed. (RB)

Identifies types of hotline services and discusses issues and implications inherent in such human service media. (BL)

Involuntary clients resist efforts to help them because they do not admit having a problem, they do not want to change, or they do not know how to change. Specific techniques to help these clients overcome various kinds of reluctance and resistance are discussed. (Author/BL)

The term "evidence-based programs" is becoming quite common in prevention and human service work. However, many still struggle to recognize the importance of evidence-based programs and to understand what qualifies as "evidence-based." The language used may even seem to confound the issue further. The terms evidence-based,…

Authors suggest that county Extension agents have been performing the role of a counselor" for many years without knowing it. They present a case for it being a valid function of the Extension agent, and that courses in the field of human behavior be included in the graduate training. (Editor/LF)

The author analyzes the historical function of human services for disabled people, presents an overview of a normalization-based approach to services, and offers initial planning considerations for implementing normalization principles in human services and the general community. (Author)

The Optimal Treatment approach to needs assessment consists of comparing the most desirable set of services for a client with the services actually received. Discrepancies due to unavailable resources are noted and aggregated across clients. Advantages and disadvantages of this and other needs assessment procedures are considered. (Author/RL)

Discusses the feasibility of automation for the human services. Considers the automated business office, administrative applications and the automation of direct services. (RC)

Statements of functional limitation were categorized by life function to yield profiles for each impairment group. Analyses revealed that impairment is associated with diverse limitations across the range of human functioning. There are important commonalities and differences among impairment groups. Implications of the model for rehabilitation…

This editorial seeks to frame issues and provoke thinking and discussion about the importance of human services educators publishing their work. Proposes that multiple forms of scholarship offer hope, inspiration, and guidance as human service educators strive to meet the challenges of scholarship in human service education. (Contains 16…

Describes usefulness of family history research (genealogy) as counseling tool that provides foundation for personal healing, family communication, and personal growth. Gives series of questions to help client assess family history's meaning. Discusses client issues and characteristics. (Author/CM)

Examines pattern of changes in human service occupations, particularly those in which women predominate. Contends occupational trends of middle- and upper-class women may have far-reaching consequences for organized social service professions. Concludes that giving up the idea that women have primary responsibility for care and nurturance in…

Suggests that illusions by clients about themselves and their environments could be purposeful and facilitative, perhaps serving as an effective coping mechanism against a painful experience. Presents counselors with several examples and one brief case study in a condensed synthesis of research and theory on the accommodating and positive reasons…

Notes problem of treating clients with intractable difficulties. Presents Gandhi Technique as simple, dramatic and seemingly effective procedure to resolve intractable difficulties. Describes technique and its application in different cases. Discusses several theories which may account for the efficacy of the technique. Proposes that Gandhi…

Addresses three topics involved in treatment of suicidal inpatient: (1) assessment of risk; (2) need to differentiate among various characteristics of suicidal crisis; and (3) institutional suicide policies and procedures. Suggests that conscientious assessment of risk and thoughtful policies and procedures are foundations of care for suicidal…