This study examined the relationship between community needs for information about wife assault and the information response offered through social service networks. Interviews were conducted with a random selection of 543 women and with 179 agencies and professionals identified by the women as likely sources of help. (17 references) (MES)

Summarizes a study of the Family Union, an agency intended to provide services to prevent the placement of children of client families in New York City's Lower East Side into foster care. Discusses child welfare policy recommendations and research opportunities. (BB)

Current practices of most state vocational rehabilitation programs concerning the use and reporting of benefit-cost results are reviewed, and problematic issues are identified. Empirical data from Minnesota illustrate alternative ways of reporting evaluation results relating to efficiency. The recommended accounting framework provides relevant and…

Educators will meet increasing numbers of children who are homeless, exposed to toxic substances, or infected with the HIV virus. The articles in this special section address the implications of these conditions for assessment, instruction, and administrative planning. Media-generated myths and misconceptions about the effects of these conditions…

This study identified the nature and frequency of contacts that case managers had with families and adult service providers for 90 young adults with developmental disabilities during school-to-community transition. Frequency of contacts was examined by participants' gender, type of disability, and placement outcomes. (JDD)

Presents the latest updates of school library media certification requirements in the United States, including the title assigned for certification; levels of certification; educational program, experience, and testing requirements; specific areas of knowledge or competency expected; and a directory of credentialing agencies. (LRW)

Schools should study the scope and pervasiveness of the diversity in their community and look for collaborative possibilities with other public agencies and organizations. Suggests ideas to help students reach out to cultures, religions, races, and generations other than their own. (MLF)

Describes a county library system's experience with a computerized information and referral system and highlights strengths and weaknesses of the systems. Strengths included the library maintaining control, with other agencies participating; using existing programs and databases where possible; and establishing copyright. Problems included not…

Reviews the programs of eight nonprofit agencies in New York State that provide parenting training and direct assistance to parents who are mentally retarded. Briefly profiles the families in these programs. Discusses program experiences and common lessons learned by the programs. Sets forth guidelines for work with similar clients. (AS)

The need for professional personnel to work with Australians with developmental disabilities would best be met through establishment of multidisciplinary academic centers for teaching and research. Academic staff at these centers should hold conjoint appointments with relevant professional disciplines, and the centers should be networked with…

The costs and performance of contract management of municipal wastewater treatment facilities are considered, using information from a nationwide empirical examination of evidence from individual plants, municipalities, and regulatory agencies. The broad issues arising in the evaluation are outlined as the specifics are discussed. (SLD)

The newly formed and still evolving National Executive Development Center of the American Association of School Administrators is described. Its mission is to provide a process for guiding professional development of school executives. Considerations regarding the use of assessment data for formative and summative evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

A discussion of scientific fraud and research misconduct looks at the federal mandate for more effective control by institutions and sponsoring agencies, the response of higher education associations, and issues awaiting consensus development, including anonymous reports, protection of the "whistle-blower," legal representation, and the…

Describes the techniques of future questioning, which can be used as an alternative to placement of adolescents in foster homes. The Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba, Canada, have found the techniques useful in working with parents who abdicate their parental responsibilities. Two case studies highlight the discussion. (BB)

School-linked agency collaborations are changing the way communities deliver human services to needy children and their families. Describes and cites examples of community-based and school-based delivery systems. Lists resources on unified services for children. (MLF)