New Beginnings is a collaborative effort involving the city and county of San Diego, the school district, and the San Diego Housing Commission. The project's Center for Children and Families provides about 200 families with comprehensive family service planning, counseling, prevention, referral, and health education as needed. Success demands…

Discusses drug-exposed infants from the perspective of a juvenile court judge. Experience in Los Angeles County (California) illustrates the following common problems in the juvenile courts: (1) high court caseload; (2) lack of legal representation and overloaded case workers; and (3) lack of resources mandated by law. (SLD)

To address social problems in rural areas, it is important to combine the generalist model of social work, which stresses intervention at the individual level, with a sustainable social development model that directs intervention efforts toward social institutions and cultural practices. Curriculum implications for social work education are…

Costs for caring for severely mentally disabled persons receiving housing subsidies and/or case management services or who were in a state hospital were compared in two Ohio counties. Comparisons for 82 persons found differences among community-based group settings, but the state hospital costs at least 3 times higher. (SLD)

This paper examines the development of service policy for people with intellectual disabilities in Australia, noting the minor role of research and empirical enquiry. Research's significant role in monitoring policy during the implementation phase is, however, acknowledged. A coordinated research program contributing to both policy development and…

Explored effects of a 10-week parent education course on parents' perceptions of themselves as being confident, insightful about the causes of their children's behavior, accepting, understanding, and trusting. Also investigated perceived idealistic and realistic parental behaviors. (Author/BB)

The domestic health profile, family and community role, and federal efforts to help at-risk children are discussed. Federal efforts center on maternal and child health programs that strengthen the family, but other initiatives are necessary to give each child the security and stability needed for healthy development. (SLD)

This article identifies two potentially conflicting trends in deafness--technological progress and societal progress. The rejection of technological progress working to "cure" deafness by some in the deaf community may conflict with demands that society should provide special services for deaf people to allow them full social participation.…

Describes attempts by agencies to integrate services. Programs that integrate services are innovative and effective, and provide continued support to families and children in crisis. Families and children benefit from accessible and comprehensive programs. Government benefits from elimination of duplication of services and reduction of costly…

The effect of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic on child abuse prevention is considered on two levels: its indirect effect as resources for child abuse prevention are diverted to meet increased demands for health care, social service, and public assistance systems; and direct effects in terms of abuse and neglect of HIV-infected…

Describes the Norwegian government's "barns oppvekskstar," a closely intertwined set of laws and value systems overseeing children's education, health, and social well-being. Although delivery of local services cannot be adequately evaluated since decentralization, the Norwegian case illustrates how parents, teachers, government…

Highlights a national study of projects in England and Wales working with young people leaving foster care, and analyzes national initiatives since the 1989 Children Act. Examines implications for local and national policy and practice. Argues that, despite a new commitment by government to this leaving-care group, sustained solutions remain…

Describes the operations of Southern California Indian Centers, Inc., a nonprofit provider of social services and job training to American Indians in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Discusses funding sources in an era of federal cuts and retrenchment, agency structure and administrative practices, staffing, volunteerism and the dedication factor,…

Full-service schools are "seamless institutions" whose school leaders act as full partners with other community agencies to address student and family needs. Iowa's School-Based Youth Services Program is a "one-stop shopping" plan that has received national recognition. Marshaltown, Iowa's Caring Connection program is profiled.…

School-based linkage to social services helps to coordinate scarce resources and encourage community participation. A longitudinal study of Puerto Rican families with children in bilingual classes is reported. Recommendations for developing and sustaining school-linked services to better reach Latino communities in urban areas are provided.…