Four major concerns regarding functional responsibilities in American cities are examined in this paper. Implications of the findings suggest reducing the scope of the old, northeastern cities and transferring functions to other levels of government. (Author/RLV)

Describes a needs assessment model which can be used by grass-roots organizations to collect socioeconomic and demographic data in Hispanic and other ethnic-minority communities. (CM)

The report reviews briefly the most salient information relevant to Hispanics in the United States during the years of the 95th Congress (1977 and 1978), and provides information on the congressional activity that occurred relating to those issues. (Author/NQ)

Briefly reviews general grouping of methods of program evaluation, discusses considerations in selecting a method, and comments on the roles and responsibilities of the public and voluntary sectors in the process of planning, evaluating, and implementing programs. (SS)

A much-discussed study of social casework services for the elderly conducted by the Benjamin Rose Institute during the 1960s came to the disturbing conclusion that the services actually seemed harmful. Through sophisticated statistical analysis of the data, the authors demonstrate that the verdict was unfounded. (Author)

This special issue bridges inquiry on intelligence and scholarship on social policy by exploring the constraints that differences in intelligence may impose in fashioning effective social policy. The authors discuss a range of behaviors, but focus primarily on the noneducational outcomes of crime, employment, poverty, and health. (SLD)

Clarifies the constitutional issue raised by government efforts to cooperate with faith-based organizations, noting that while programs can be constitutional without necessarily being good public policy, too frequently political and constitutional controversies mix these two considerations, thus confusing those trying to understand and resolve…

Examines the extent to which personal, attitudinal, psychosocial, and human capital characteristics affect welfare-to-work training programs. Assesses these characteristics as predictors of post-program earnings. Results suggest that the personal and social characteristics that participants bring with them to the training program does affect…

Gives results of a survey on the nature of, and the services offered by, suicide survivor groups. Results indicate that most groups are sponsored by mental health or social service agencies, have operated eight to nine years on average, and have fewer than 10 people typically in attendance at meetings. Other findings are reported. (RJM)

Describes whether stress experienced by families of adults with mental retardation was a function of characteristics of caregivers or care recipients and other influences. Data from interviews with 105 families indicated that the marital status of the caregiver, the number and level of services needed, and other factors influenced the families'…

A study examined barriers to transition faced by 12 young adults with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and their families. Obstacles to transition planning that were associated with SSI included difficulties managing the receipt of SSI and unawareness of the supports available through the SSI system. (Contains references.)…

Articulates the factors in operation when racism and sexism influence decision making in child protective services (CPS) and the devastating effect they have on clients and practitioners. Details a case study with the recommendation that understanding these interrelated experiences is a prerequisite for inclusive, equitable systems reform. Poses…

Interviews with 130 Dutch professionals helping incest victims and 50 adult women who were incest victims as children found that assistance was hampered by institutional distrust, inability of professionals to stop ongoing incest, frequent breaking off of contact by the young girls, professionals' shortcomings in knowledge and skills, and…

Dilemmas inherent in the attempt to measure and evaluate informal supports available to individuals in need of social care are illustrated through a study of 400 elderly persons in Jerusalem. Practical guidelines for evaluation are presented. (SLD)