Reports on a study that questions whether private enterprise can maintain quality while reducing costs of providing social welfare services. Reviews three aspects of privatization: (1) competitive markets; (2) rationality; and (3) cost reduction. Concludes by questioning a central claim of economic theory: that free markets and private firms are…

Studied 205 children who were subjects of child protection investigations in 1995 in England. Found that for the vast majority, welfare needs were ignored in the process of investigation. Identified the need to refocus investigations and suggested criteria to be used to provide a clearer focus on whether to investigate a referral. (Author/LPP)

Uses the experience of a project working with unaccompanied refugee minors from Albania to England to describe the circumstances of these immigrants. Experience suggests that those in mainstream schools have the best chance of building a life in England. Support should be provided to ensure education and social services for these students. (SLD)

Outlines a conceptualization of schools that offer medical, mental-health, and social services, giving special attention to three specific roles that school psychologists can fill in these schools: team member of an interdisciplinary group, coordinator of the group, or university-based consultant. Discusses implications for the training of school…

A pilot project provided adopted persons, biological parents, and adoptive parents with supportive counseling through a mutual-aid adoption-triad group in search and reunion. Evaluation findings indicated that participants felt positively about the group experience. Findings suggest that this approach can serve as a model for postadoption search…

This longitudinal study of social services and juvenile court files identified factors associated with court outcomes for drug exposed infants (N=118). Regression analysis suggested that mothers' compliance with court orders was the major predictor of court outcomes although chi square analysis found ethnicity, past referrals, and criminal record…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to the case management of child sexual abuse. Data from 323 criminal court files found a sex offense confession rate of 64 percent and plea rate of 70 percent. Fifteen cases went to trial and in six the offender was convicted. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Highlights the life of Elizabeth Ross Haynes, an African American social welfare reformer, politician, and "race woman." Describes how Haynes's work focused on services for women and African Americans during the early 1900s and her dedication to women's labor issues. Discusses the implications of Haynes's womanist consciousness on social…

This paper reports on the evaluation of some elements of a multicomponent program involving more than 20 agencies aimed at improving accessibility of health and social services for the homeless. The case study approach shows how the organizational context, stakeholder characteristics, and methodological features can affect evaluations. (SLD)

Part C Program of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is related to school social work. Three groups of infants and toddlers served are distinguished; prevention alternatives are discussed. Service delivery (intended to enhance families' ability to care for their children) and the responsibility for service delivery are discussed. (EMK)

Describes experiences in using art with the homeless in an open studio approach. Discusses how offering open studio time with a range of materials showed that the homeless, each with a unique style and personal interests, were eager to create art objects and present them to the public. (RJM)

This article provides an overview of several funding sources for assistive technology devices, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Medicaid, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987, vocational rehabilitation services, and private insurance. Suggestions for making successful claims…

Draws on information collected from 877 subjects in Hong Kong using structured questionnaires to highlight the importance of parental involvement in the child's prospects of returning home from residential care. Challenges decisions in discharge planning that do not take into account an overall view of the child's needs. (MOK)

Describes one community-based program designed to support and strengthen families with an identified problem of substance abuse. Discusses parents' progress in addressing their problems, reduction of risk in Project families, children's placement experience, and client satisfaction. Concludes with implications for practice with substance…

Provides impressionistic reflection of how human service agencies in San Jose, California have helped refugee families from war-torn Cambodia and Bosnia. Summarizes some of the lessons learned from working with refugee families. Notes that the experiences have influenced the capacity- building, empowering, and mentoring aspects of a new…