Findings suggest there are significant systemic relationships between major demographic trends in the United States and the rate of mental hospitalization. Macrosocial trends and changes can have important impacts on social work practice, and these impacts can make an important contribution to social policy and social work program planning.…

An overview of the theoretical concepts of capitation, a method of paying a provider a fixed price per person served, is presented in conjunction with practical lessons from the literature documenting capitation efforts in public mental health. An analytic framework identifies five major planning concerns in capitation. (SLD)

Examined points of entry into mental health service system for children and adolescents and patterns of movement through five service sectors (specialty mental health services, education, general medicine, juvenile justice, child welfare). Education sector plays central role as point of entry. Interagency collaboration among education, specialty…

Strengthened the theory of change approach to evaluating a complex social initiative by integrating it with a quasi-experimental comparison group design. Used the approach in an evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative. Initial findings support the usefulness of the initiative. (SLD)

This paper reviews recent literature on health issues for adults with developmental disabilities, reflecting on how it informs service provision, future research, and social and health policy. Results suggest future research should focus on interactions among biology, pathology, and behavioral and environmental determinants. More use of…

Evaluation of the Staying Healthy after Fifty program indicated that medical self-care instruction produces substantial improvements in health-related knowledge, skills performance, and actions. It produced no evidence that medical self-care instruction has any effect on health status, use of medical care, or quality of life. (JOW)

International nursing research is essential to an understanding of the nature, constraints, and resources related to the pressing needs facing nursing worldwide. The collaboration of researchers could empower nurses to make a difference in health and health care to those who need it most. (Author/JOW)

A developmental-acquisition model of case management was compared to usual case management services provided for the chronically mentally ill, using a sample of 89 persons referred to a large midwestern mental health center for community support services. The developmental-acquisition model was seemingly successful and deserves further refinement…

Recent research on the causes of hypertension could influence the care given by sports medicine physicians to Black patients in general, and to Black athletes in particular. (JD)

Noting that treatment foster care is a recent and expanding multisystem service, this article summarizes the empirical literature on treatment foster care and offers suggestions for future research directions. Results from program evaluations and experimental research suggest that treatment foster care is an effective alternative to residential…

This issue deals with the future of an age-based public policy. Articles discuss the history of age-based public policy; the competing bases for benefits; population dynamics; Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare; employer policies; and local and state policies. Describes California's Linkages Program. (JOW)

Findings from self-reports of 78 mental health clients revealed clear convergence of narcissistic needs and self-perceptions of interpersonal behaviors. Those with strong grandiose-exhibitionistic needs viewed themselves as having both dominant and friendly behavior, whereas those with strong idealizing needs viewed themselves as being submissive…

Reviews the literature dealing with the role of computers in psychiatric interviewing, and with the role of the computer as a patient or as a therapist. Efforts to develop forms of computer-assisted therapy are described, and implications for the mental health field are suggested. (40 references) (LRW)

School leaders and policymakers are increasingly challenged by vocal, well-organized opponents to progressive practices, curricular approaches, and recommended textbooks used in school classrooms. Two superintendents disclose their strategies for managing lawsuits involving a Michigan school health program and an Ohio district's adoption of the…

Pitfalls of sloppy science are discussed as they relate to the evaluation of human services programs. Differences between trial-and-error methods and the scientific method are discussed; and the requirements for sound research are reviewed, as are the shortcomings of a less rigorous approach. (SLD)