Compares differences between elderly who use formal home care services and those who do not. Data revealed users as less healthy and less active and as receiving more assistance from both formal and informal sources. Suggests that formal and informal services complement rather than substitute for one another. (NRB)

The problems faced by nonwhite clients of a predominantly white social service delivery system are examined. A case study of a 17-year-old black girl in a nonblack foster home is presented. Assimilation to the dominant culture to the detriment of cultural heritage may result in loss of identity and a sense of alienation. (Author/BN)

Parents (n=131) of intellectually disabled children were interviewed to investigate the social support function of professional services. Data revealed a discrepancy between the importance attributed by parents to types of help from services and help actually received by them. Extent of service utilization was significantly associated with…

Society has moral and economic obligations to assist the urban poor to overcome adverse conditions. A national urban policy designed to ameliorate substandard conditions is recommended along with realistic policies and programs of effective schooling. The urban poor have a responsibility to accept and use the help offered to them. (Author/VM)

A survey of 124 families with mentally retarded children identified those families who did and did not use respite care services. Families who tended to use respite care were larger, made greater use of professional support services, and had children with more severe handicaps and more serious behavior problems. (Author/JDD)

Rehabilitation news items include, among others: a midpoint review of the implementation of the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, an international study on the impact of new technologies on employment of disabled people, and a U.S. project to investigate disability service provision and innovations in other countries. (JDD)

Describes the children's therapeutic program at The Family Place (a shelter for victims of family violence), designed to provide children with positive role models, positive experiences, and healthy alternatives to dealing with frustration and anger. The program has three major components: crisis intervention activities, remedial activities, and…

Reviews literature regarding previous rural mental health studies and regarding attitudes and perceptions about mental illness. Presents results of a study to assess demographic characteristics of clients of a rural Georgia mental health agency. Reviews the implications of the results of the results for rural community mental health practitioners.…

The national security of the United States depends upon its domestic strength and international stability. This strength requires an ability to control national borders, the maintenance of an independent foreign policy, a prosperous economy, and a cohesive domestic political environment. Uncontrolled migration is undermining this strength. (RM)

In an effort to serve a broader spectrum of needs in the community, the New Castle County, Delaware, parks system has moved into new and challenging areas of human services. (SK)

A brief history of the development of child welfare services in America from indenture to day care is given, together with an account of the changing social attitudes that influenced this history. The negative and positive aspects of present practices are also discussed. (MS)

This article explores the value of a group experience designed especially for black clients. An Afro-American group was formed to discuss such subjects as Afro-American history and culture, black experience and self-image. Membership in this group was found to foster greater program involvement by black clients. (SJL)

This policy brief describes the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (SECCS) Initiative, a policy designed to improve early childhood programs to ensure that all children arrive at school healthy and ready to learn. The SECCS is intended to help states build a bridge from birth to school and addresses how states will support children and…

Frontline social services workers are the heart and soul of our nation's publicly funded human services system. Conservatively estimated at about 3 million, these workers have a tremendous impact on the life chances of vulnerable children and families. This vital role prompted Casey Foundation staff to conduct an in-depth exploration of job…

This study assessed the needs of Somali immigrant and refugee groups living in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and determined how those needs could be met. A series of focus groups were conducted with male and female Somalis of various ages. Organizations that served the Somali population completed surveys about their activities and services. Results…