A behavioral setting termed "free time" was identified in the day room of an institution for the retarded. The behavioral mapping technique was used to record behavior and spatial use within this setting. During treatment patients engaged in active and socially involved behavior. (Author)

Five foster grandparents were taught training skills for use in their daily interactions with severely handicapped adolescents in an institution. (Author)

This paper discusses conceptual frameworks for the understanding of the institutionalized child's psychological needs; effects that illness and institutionalization have on the psychological development of children; and ways that knowledge in these areas can help the librarian design a perceptive and flexible library program to meet their…

Fifty-one children who had spent their first 2-7 years in institutions, and who had been visited previously at the age of 4 1/2 years, were reassessed at the age of 8. Seven children had never left the institutions, the rest had been adopted, fostered, or restored to their biological parent. (JB)

America's elderly are affected in very special ways by the law: some as a result of special legislation or court decisions, some deriving from the objective life-situation of certain old people, and some from the special prejudices that are visited upon the elderly. (Author)

In the first part of the article, the author explains why he feels the responsibility for setting sentence guidelines should be confined to a separate body (a sentencing commission). The second part of the article rehearses the arguments for sentencing reform and, in particular, for presumptive sentences. (Author)

Geriatric ward patients (N=84) were randomly assigned to groups targeted for outplacement planning or inpatient care. During the following year, the mean Morale Inventory score of the outplacement sample improved while that of the inpatient group remained statis. Results argue for an increased emphasis on outplacement programs among geriatric…

Environmental interaction in a dayhall housing 31 severely and profoundly retarded adolescents at a Connecticut State institution, was evaluated within the initial existing facility, and the same facility redesigned to provide an enriched environment. (Author)

Describes the staff, clients and program components of the interagency Community Reentry Program, which is designed to facilitate the transition of multi-problem adolescents from institution to community. Program components include vocational counseling, job placement and milieu activities simulating a community-based setting within the…

The Cognitive Triad of the Adaptive Behavior Scale (which considers economic activity, language development, and number/time concepts) correctly classified 78 percent of 77 institutionalized adults who had already been classified (by standardized intelligence tests) as profoundly, severely, or moderately mentally retarded. (Author/CB)

Assigned nursing home residents (N=59) to one of three conditions: task-oriented peer counseling group, insight-oriented peer counseling group, or control. Task group increased in internal locus of control and life satisfaction; insight group increased in internal locus of control and trust; controls decreased in trust. (Author/ABL)

Effective residential care of disturbed adolescents depends on integration of treatment programs. For a unit to be successful, an important function of its director is monitoring the therapeutic input so the recurring conflicts of aims do not render staff ineffective. Director qualities required include a capacity to be at ease with divergent…

Compared data from family caregivers who participated in support and education groups and caregivers who enrolled but did not participate. Found care receivers of participants had statistically significantly lower institutionalization rates than did care receivers of non-participants. Savings from deterred nursing home use more than offset program…