Raises concerns about the failure of mental health service providers to address the psycho-developmental needs of people with mental retardation, especially incarcerated individuals with severe behavior disturbances and both mental illness and mental retardation. A "flight from developmental theory" is seen in most service providers to this…

A study involving 574 children (ages 5-17) who received mental health services examined whether caregiver variables predicted child mental health service utilization patterns, particularly caregiver strain. Results found caregiver strain to be associated with the combination of services used, sequencing of services, gaps in care, and cost of…

This article examines how researchers can apply analytical and methodological tools traditionally used in health policy analysis to study the multiple levels of systems-of-care impacts for students with emotional and behavior disorders. Where possible, results from existing systems-of-care education studies illustrate how these analyses and…

Recognizes the need to address the inherent systemic problems in providing mental health services to students, and describes the efforts and problems faced by the Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices in the Schools. Asserts that a systemic change requires inclusion of mental health principles in teacher education programs and…

Recommends sharing of ideas among the church and mental health systems when confronting the problem of education about teenage pregnancy in the African-American community. Specifies three decision steps in initiating dialogue between mental health educators and African-American pastors: acknowledging, networking, and developing relationships.…

The connection between the conditions of education and the total condition of children needs to be bridged. Schools would be a logical hub to integrate and coordinate youth services. (MLF)

Reviews literature on worksite fitness and health promotion programs. Examines their impact on employees and the sponsoring organization. Discusses beneficial effects such as increased fitness, and reduction in health care costs, risk factors of heart disease, absenteeism, and turnover. Addresses issues related to participation rates, program…

Examined is the effectiveness of a smoking-prevention program in modifying high school students' attitudes and values in such categories as health, peer pressure, and social image as related to smoking. The intervention lasted four to six weeks within the framework of ninth- and tenth-grade biology classes. (Author/YP)

This article addresses the need for aftercare services for adjudicated youth on release from residential juvenile programs. It stresses the importance of collaboration of juvenile justice, mental health, and educational agencies. Specific recommendations include providing a continuum of services involving educational, social, and employability…

Articles in this special issue use survey data to provide policymakers with validated indirect needs assessment models that will help them obtain information about populations requiring different levels and types of mental health services. The articles provide the basis for predictive needs assessment and explanatory models of resource allocation.…

Results of empirical validation studies of six statistical models available for indirectly estimating the need for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services across a large geographic area are presented. Models were evaluated using Colorado Social Health Survey data for 4,745 adults from 48 subareas of Colorado. (SLD)

Three studies are presented, which illustrate situations in which researchers and funders agreed on the primacy of either the experimental or pragmatic paradigms but acknowledged a role for the other. The studies involved evaluations of mental health care, information systems, and a curriculum for behavioral and academic dysfunction. (SLD)

A brief review of the history of health psychology reveals that many key developments in the field reflect essentially feminist principals. Feminist concerns for inclusiveness and equity influence national health policies in the following areas: (1) violence; (2) acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and (3) policy and planning. (SLD)

Fifty-four county mental health authorities in Michigan were surveyed before and after implementation of new policies and funding for support services for disabled individuals and families. Case management assessment, respite care, in-home services, and advisory committees showed significant increases in availability. Length of time that families…

Presents an ethnographic analysis of the Puyallup Indian urban tribal health care system with emphasis on mental health issues. Merges anthropological theories and perspectives with the practical experience of providing culturally sensitive care within a multifaceted bureaucratic environment. Contains 146 references. (SV)