Findings are consistent with previous research which has suggested the therapeutic relevance of empathy across a wide range of clientele and treatment setting. This study demonstrates the relationship of empathy and warmth to attitudes and behaviors observable outside the psychotherapy process. (Author)

Developmental record ratings were obtained for 200 institutionalized mentally retarded children (5-19 years old) over a three-year period. Results indicated that differences in measured intelligence are associated with differences in developmental behavior and that between the ages of 7 and 20 years the relationship is a linear one. (Author/SW)

The author reviews the impact of Youngberg v. Romeo on the standard of treatment for mentally retarded people. The case asserted that involuntarily committed severely retarded students of any state facility have rights to basic types of care and to training. Implications for professionals, including liability, are also noted. (CL)

Argues that some institutional abuse of children is caused by frustrated attempts to treat children who are not treatable due to their extensively damaging life experiences. Suggests that first, the existence of such children should be recognized, and second, that some minimal care facilities should be adapted for housing them. (Author/GC)

Describes numerous tactics that states have undertaken in order to circumvent the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, which prohibits the incarceration of status offenders (children who come within juvenile court jurisdiction for noncriminal behavior). Discusses strategies for combatting these tactics. (GC)

Inmates score significantly lower on the second edition (BETA II) than on the first edition (BETA I), regardless of the order of administration. BETA I score distributions were unaffected by the order of administration. BETA II score distributions depended on whether BETA II was administered first or second. (Author)

The validity of the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) for placement purposes was estimated using as Ss 95 formerly institutionalized retarded persons, 97 institutional residents referred for discharge, and 178 institutional residents. Results suggest that knowledge of an individual's ABS scores would enable a test user to make valid estimates of group…

Gathered data from institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly concerning their satisfaction with various aspects of family relations. While 80 percent of the sample were satisfied, differences were found between the young-old and the old-old, the married and the widowed, as well as between the institutionalized and community-dwelling…

A followup study of 100 profoundly and severely mentally retarded children after a period of institutionalization was conducted. The study consisted of evaluation of institutional records and an assessment of functioning on the Adaptive Behavior Scale. (Author)

Investigates the use of reading activities in the enhancement of the lives of nursing home patients. Two reading groups were formed. Short stories of high interest were read and discussed. Patients appeared to appreciate and enjoy the sessions. (Author)