Addresses effects of the (UK) Education Reform Act of 1988 on three linked components of outdoor education: outdoor pursuits, outdoor studies, and residential experience. Argues that curriculum changes completely fragment the cross-curricular value of outdoor education and fundamentally undermine the role of perhaps the most significant process of…

The Florida Governor's Summer College on Public Issues was developed to stimulate the academic abilities and leadership talents of rising seniors, while reinforcing belief in themselves and commitment to their communities and state. This article describes the program's interdisciplinary curriculum, nine sample courses, faculty and student…

Outlines effective partnership for promoting student success through the creation of residential learning communities called Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs). Answers questions on how collaboration got started, how the need for such was determined, what form it took, problems encountered, and how the program was evaluated. Recommendations for…

A review of eight Australian projects and 13 studies involving 289 individuals with mental retardation found that community-based placements were associated with increased adaptive behavior, greater community participation, and improved contact with family and friends. There was little or no change in problem behavior, health, or mortality.…

A study evaluated a Czech Outward Bound course for international participants that used dramaturgy to incorporate cultural, social, creative, and psychological activities and enrich the traditional range of outdoor physical activities. Observations of 55 participants and followup surveys indicated that the main outcomes involved personal and…

Individual effectiveness studies and reviews of studies are described for eight mental health service components for children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances and their families. Components discussed include residential services, outpatient services, day treatment services, crisis and emergency management services, case…

Comments on "The Small ICF/MR Program: Dimensions of Quality and Cost" (Conroy), that found small Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) for individuals with mental retardation are inferior to other community programs. Acknowledges that while some research problems exist, no important evidence against the findings has been provided. (CR)

This article describes two studies that evaluated training intended to improve the family friendliness of five components of the admission treatment team process at an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric hospital. While role-play training did not improve family friendliness, mindfulness training enhanced the family friendliness of all five…

In order to improve post-discharge outcomes for children, it has been proposed that residential treatment centers place a greater emphasis on engaging families and building on strengths of the youths in treatment. This review presents the theoretical and empirical support for several promising strategies for engaging families, such as behavioral…

This report describes the experiences of one California nonprofit agency which evolved, in less than 3 years, from supporting 65 people with autism and other challenging behaviors in 13 group homes to supporting 57 people who live in their own homes. The report describes the program's initial focus on providing integrated services in the group…

This guide is designed to help families identify and explore common questions, concerns, and dilemmas as they consider the advantages and drawbacks of raising a child with severe physical disabilities at home or arranging for care in a residential program. Chapters address: (1) options for the care of children with severe physical disabilities in…

This report, in two volumes, contains recommendations and supporting documentation for restructuring mental health services to Texas' children with an emphasis on the cost effectiveness of developing accountable school and community based services, family centered prevention services, and early intervention services. Major mental health issues for…

An evaluation assessed the impact of the 40- and 15-hour driver alcohol education (DAE) program models on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of driving while intoxicated (DWI) first offenders in Massachusetts. The 40-hour program evaluation studied 306 clients from 31 DAE programs; the 15-hour study group consisted of 207 clients in 23 DAE…

This study examined the impact of deinstitutionalization of the mentally retarded on their communities, the extent of availability of support services, and the extent to which the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation assures adequate quality of support services and day programs for people with mental retardation living in community…

This paper assesses federal legislation and programs affecting community-based services for independent living for people with disabilities. Independent living entitlement programs are contained in Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and include comprehensive services, centers for independent living, and independent living services for…