Assessed impact of short-term university training program for increasing social service professionals' (N=90) ability to work with families and develop linkages with informal support network of the elderly. Found that respondent's level of comfort increased significantly and that 29 percent of participants indicated changes occurred in agency…

Analysis of community social problems by 125 rural West community leaders revealed attitudes toward social services. Two perspectives emerged: focus on family-related problems and focus on public safety problems. Findings suggested--although links between public services and social conditions in health and education are understood--connections…

Examines the mission of a Massachusetts state program responsible for coordinating the placement of children with AIDS in an adoption or foster child program when appropriate. Investigates issues relative to direct care, day care, school attendance and confidentiality in cases with children of AIDS. (RWB)

Urges greater attention of siblings as a critical subsystem in families of child welfare clients. Identifies gaps in knowledge about siblings. Points out social trends that call for increased responsiveness to siblings' needs. Examines both social work and legal opinions regarding sibling separation in foster care. Considers child welfare…

Reviews research on importance of the family environment in child development. Develops the following policy-oriented conclusions: (1) a fiscal policy that emphasizes early childhood in the family context would result in cost savings; (2) collaboration between the family and education specialists is necessary; and (3) provisions to bring parents…

Reviews and discusses five areas of the empirical research on Black battered women: incidence, social support networks, psychological profile, responses to battering, and use of services. Implications for practice and research are discussed. (Author)

Describes a Maryland program for teenage mothers who want to finish school. The three goals of the program are to (1) help the mother get her diploma, (2) provide entry-level vocational skills, and (3) provide child care. (CH)

Examines links between senior citizen centers (N=755) and other community agencies. Found that the elderly were often referred to other organizations, but that collocation of services were rare. Cites lack of transportation, time, communication, and an understanding of the needs of the elderly were the most common barriers to senior center…

Investigated relationship between aspects of organizational structure and alienation as experienced by personnel (N=603) employed in nine social services organizations. Interviews with personnel making executive decisions, those making supervisory assessments, and those concerned with client interaction revealed that the best predictions of…

An examination of the effects of research on social policy, focusing on its impact on handicapped children and infants, discusses the influence of research on mainstreaming, Head Start, deinstitutionalization, and personnel preparation; presents steps leading to the formulation of social policy; and notes the reciprocal influence of research and…

Explores licensing of out-of-home care as nonservice protective approach to child welfare distinguished from placement protective services. Discusses individual and role conflicts in relation to common goals of community protection of vulnerable children. Reviews administrative and organizational issues in light of assuring consistent and uniform…

Explains how caregivers can reach and help children of alcoholics in a variety of settings, including schools and youth groups as well as specialized treatment centers. (HOD)

Describes the problems of elderly immigrants, especially those from Southern and Eastern Europe who now reside in northern cities. Presents and discusses recommendations for increasing ethnic and cultural sensitivity in government programs, enhancing mediating structures (e.g. ethnic organizations, social service centers, clinics) and…

Explores adaptation and coping with aging in 500 rural elderly in Great Britain. Describes changes in residence and household composition, access to services, and support from friends and family. Discusses social service implications. (JAC)

A discussion of both theory and practice of social work points out two problems: (1) social service departments are seen as a residual service and (2) public anxiety exists about nonaccidental injury to children. (ND)