Summarizing findings from a forthcoming book, this policy brief examines when and how child welfare agencies rely on kin to care for children who are taken into state custody. The discussion is based on intensive case studies of local kinship care policies and practices; the case studies were conducted in 13 counties in Alabama, California,…

Three-quarters of all U.S. state and jurisdictional governments cut their arts budgets in fiscal year 2003, and more than one-half imposed further cuts in fiscal year 2004. In this first of a series of reports commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, the author argues that these state arts budget cuts reflect more than just a one-time response to…

This booklet, which is intended for individuals seeking jobs in New York State, consists of suggestions for career exploration and job seeking. The booklet begins with a brief discussion of places to begin a job search: New York State Job Service and community service centers; schools and community organizations providing free advice; libraries;…

This document describes how professionals representing the Indianapolis public school system, Goodwill Industries, Indy Reads (a literacy advocacy group), and an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) professional development consultant designed a comprehensive ESL education and social service system in metropolitan Indianapolis. The document…

In this article the author describes how the bureaucratic structure of a large public agency manipulates the professional social workers to preserve the status quo. Struggling on behalf of his clients from a position of powerlessness, the social worker, burdened by large caseloads and structural restraints, is often driven from meaningful contacts…

Extensive presentation and discussion of results of survey designed to provide information on work tasks and traits of both public and private agency counselors. Major instruments were Rehabilitation Counselor Task Inventory (378 counselors) and Abbreviated RC Task Inventory (educators, administrative personnel, and other professional…

Discusses results of a 1978-79 study of accrediting agencies sponsored by professional associations conducted by Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA), highlighting decision making, staff, financial support, accreditation process, and standards documents. Current activities of the COPA concerning the accreditation of professional education…

A United States senator chronicles the history of efforts at the federal level to establish a national academy of peace. Results and recommendations of a recent commission study are summarized and action is urged. (MSE)

Accreditation must resume its status as a voluntary system that responds to, rather than demands response from the institutions and programs it was and is intended to serve. Some suggestions are offered that allow institutions to be active rather than reactive to accreditation. (MLW)

Two positions on the issue of legal education regulation are described: that regulation assures quality and protects the public; and that legal education should be completely deregulated, allowing any school to become a law school and anyone to practice law. A middle ground is advocated, abolishing accreditation but retaining bar examinations.…

Reports the results of a survey of 24 public child welfare agencies in Maryland. The adequacy of health care supervision for children in foster care is assessed. (Author/CM)

Continued effective enforcement of civil rights laws by government agencies depends upon the success of survival strategies aimed at easing the problems of antiregulatory sentiments, economic stagnation, and agency mismanagement. Strategies include staff training and accountability for minimum performance standards, cost efficiency, and…

Presenting an overview of the development of a community-based information and referral system, this article describes procedures designed to teach social service workers how to use the system to provide appropriate referrals and outlines a strategy for disseminating the system to other service agencies within the community. (LRA)

Humanities programs that involve citizens in discovering the relevance of the humanities to contemporary American experience are supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities through its state affiliates. State humanities agencies, catalysts in program design and delivery, and some programs are described. (Author/MLW)

Provides an overview of the trends and changes that are shaping the communities of the 80s and advances an argument that the public sector must involve citizens to cooperate, share, and collectively plan. (Author/MLF)