The recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health task force on social work research are reviewed and discussed. It is proposed that as a means of forwarding reform and building an infrastructure for research, doctoral education in social work should be expanded and focused in selected institutions. (MSE)

Analyzes data on referenda to build or renovate public libraries that were held between July 1990 and June 1991. Seasonal considerations are discussed, library referenda by authorizing agency are examined, a five-year summary of referenda is provided, and two sidebars describe successful referenda campaigns in Spokane (Washington) and Denver…

Several recent national initiatives by both professional associations and public agencies provide measurable health objectives and suggestions for educational activities in geriatric oral health promotion. These can be used to evaluate current educational programs in geriatric dentistry and to plan programs and health promotion activities to meet…

Foster children and young people who are coming into care are particularly at risk for suicide. The successful prevention of a crisis depends on the ability of foster parents and agency staff members to understand the nature of the situation and work together in dealing with it. (BC)

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)