There is no accepted definition of "needs" of the elderly. Perceptions vary with age, professional role, relationships, and time. The wide range of methodologies presents problems. Research instruments are being refined. The use of index of incapacity measures offers the best data base for planning needed services. (Author/NRB)

Notes that in many different and subtle ways government is interfering with families and undermining their ability to do what they want. (Author/AM)

Author discusses his working experiences in various types of therapeutic communities. He stresses the importance of interaction between patients, counselor and patient, and community and patient, and the need of the therapist or counselor to be open to self-examination and change. (WW)

This study examined the relationship between levels of risk and patterns of service intervention in child protective services with 239 cases in New Jersey. Analysis found three distinctive risk profiles: older children with behavior problems, children from disadvantaged households, and children with an unemployed parent. Each profile was linked to…

Survey of 41 Chicanos and 39 whites ages 18-80 found that despite effects of acculturation, Chicanos held educational and developmental values and beliefs consistent with ancient Nahuatl (Aztec) society, an indigenous Mexican culture. Suggests a need to examine social service delivery systems to determine whether assumptions and procedures are…

Traces the history of self-help in the African American community, with emphasis on services and programs for children. Claims that the traditions of self-help are very much alive in the African American community, and are manifest in a range of activities. Illustrates contemporary models of self-help from the example of one adoption agency. (MOK)

Claims that provision of culturally relevant, effective medical and psychosocial services is yet to be achieved. Asserts that before significant progress toward these goals can be made, what constitutes cultural competence must be elucidated. Describes the Cultural Competence Attainment Model and addresses the effects of cultural incompetence.…

Presents an introduction to current equivalence methodology, a preferred alternative to usual power analyses when one wishes to determine if performances on given outcome measures for different samples are equivalent (could have come from the same population). Examples of the approach are presented. (SLD)

Explores mothers' perceptions of child care under a job training program and the effects of program participation on their children. Findings suggest that some preschool children benefit from their mothers' participation due to an increase of new learning opportunities for the children and through the mothers' improved parenting abilities. (RJM)

Claims that managed-care principles are rapidly entering the public child welfare system and are being implemented in the delivery of therapeutic services in schools. Claims that this switch increases the importance of professional credentials and high standards and that school social workers should look beyond entry-level certification. (RJM)

Presents a framework for culture-centered child welfare practice, including child-family-system interactions, service provision, recruitment and retention of homes, and culturally responsive legislation. Argues that in a diverse society, child welfare practice must be responsive to the particularities of various cultures. Asserts that a…

This article suggests that services for people with intellectual disabilities in England will need to undergo radical revision as agencies strive to implement person centered planning as described in the White Paper, "Valuing People." It further suggests that services need to become learning organizations, committed to values of…

A study analyzed attribution statements of six community workers who provide risk management for men with mental retardation who sexually offend. Results highlight the effort participants made to obtain sufficient information. They focused on external factors for most effective risk management, but other staff undermined their confidence.…

Argues that states should reinvent their school-finance systems to align them with standards-based reform. New finance systems must link standards with funding, link schools with social services, and target educational adequacy and equity. (PKP)

The social service field of "Intergenerational Programming and Exchange" has emerged in response to the growing elderly population and problems of age segregation and decreased interaction among older and younger generations. This article presents a chronology of events and initiatives contributing to the growth of the field from 1963 to…