The process of reforming human services involves a true understanding of the meaning of child-centered, family-focused, community-based services, and the creation of the system that these concepts demand. The concept of "child-centered services" acknowledges that children are entitled to have their basic needs met in a manner that…

The concept and implementation of direction services, a one step center offering assistance to parents of handicapped children, are traced. Three basic functions of the federally funded direction service centers are noted: to help locate and provide access to the most appropriate resources for handicapped children and youth; to collect and…

Reviews literature stressing the need for rural networking, especially between formal and informal helping systems. Describes seven rural networking situations to explain networking as a means of rural service coordination. Notes four major obstacles to network development and 12 principles that can enhance the use of networking resources. (SB)

An overview is presented of school programs that utilize the resources of the local community as an educational tool. Examples are presented of ways in which successful field trip programs have been organized and administered. Included in this report are citations of articles and documents available from the ERIC information system. (JD)

Today's literacy crusade still emphasizes economic rather than humanistic reasons for literacy education. However, lasting change will come only through breaking the familial cycle of illiteracy, integrating improvement of work-based, family, and generic learning skills. (SK)

As many as 15 million people living in rural areas report one or more long-term impairments that significantly affect their quality of life. In general, disabled people living in rural areas receive fewer services than do people in urban areas. For example, counties in Montana with the largest population centers received significantly more…

Service integration entails the delivery of educational, health, and social services to children, youth, and their families through collaborations that include schools and major health and social service providers. Organized as a series of questions, this monograph provides information and insights on the process of service integration,…

Meeting the needs of disabled college students within the limits of the rural institution's resources is a challenge to all rural educators. Support services which must be provided can be divided into two categories: core services, such as classroom assistance and housing, and comprehensive environmental services, such as admissions, registration,…