Describes a group called "Fathering: The First Time" formed to help new fathers cope with stress and to share support and information. Discusses the therapists' role and group process from euphoria to competency. (JAC)

Describes the Employee Services Network (ESN), an employee assistance program developed within the Family and Children's Service of Richmond, Virginia. Demonstrates how a not-for-profit agency can develop, structure, and implement a program of services for the corporate community. (LLL)

Describes a social service position in an urban vision clinic that serves as a practicum site for optometric students and as a field placement site for social work students. Discusses health and financial benefits to patients and opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation of social service positions in holistic health care. (Author/JAC)

Describes the use of the instant camera as a tool for counseling families of infants who fail to thrive. Taking photographs was enjoyable for the family and provided insight into family relationships for the therapist. It also provided continuity of motivation. (JAC)

Describes the problems experienced by social workers working with Soviet emigres in Cincinnati. Excessive demands for services were resolved through a better understanding of the Soviet system of social services and discussion of cultural differences with volunteers attached to the program. (JAC)

Describes the implementation of a collaborative discharge planning program for a chronic psychiatric population. Emphasizes the importance of good communication between patient and professionals. Presents a case example. Findings suggest more substantial involvement of patients in after-care programs is needed. (Author/JAC)

Outlines a theoretical and conceptual framework for neighborhood-based collaboration by nonprofit organizations. Analyzes the main concepts of innovation in the design and implementation of a collaboration to prevent child maltreatment in an undervalued neighborhood and draws implications for social policy, social work practice, and social work…

Describes a hypothetical program called the Helper Bank, which uses time instead of money as the medium of exchange for services. The reciprocal relationship allows older persons to volunteer to help others as well as provide for future needs such as shopping, transportation or housekeeping. (JAC)

Describes a therapy group composed of young adult male schizopaths, or chronic schizophrenics, who often present as character-disordered or sociopathic. Describes formation, accomplishments, and limitations of the group; gives case histories of clients; discusses roles for leaders; and provides recommendations. (NRB)

Reports on an interorganizational collaboration in which a community-based service network of family support programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect was implemented. Presents a theoretical framework for understanding community-based networks and interorganizational collaboration and describes and analyzes how collaboration was used to…

Describes and analyzes an intervention program with social workers living and working in a situation of uncertainty created by political violence, such as war and terrorism. Uses a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical framework, emphasizing the effect of the social and political context in constructing the experience and a…

Proposes that a major constraint of research in child welfare has been the inability to coordinate reforms among various components of foster care reform. Reveals research advances in child welfare that demonstrate effective social work practice and indicate directions for comprehensive foster care reform. (Author)

Describes a therapy group for cancer patients, conducted by cotherapists in an oncology waiting room. Group members provided mutual support and shared concerns and coping methods. Medical staff members became more involved and were more able to address the affective needs of the patients and their families. (JAC)

Describes a pilot program that provides basic communication skills and assertiveness training in a supportive group environment and addressed some of the problems of battered women. The women who participated in the program reported that they had been helped. (RC)

Presents community development as a strategy for achieving goals of prevention in small communities in Appalachia. Emphasizes the organization of social structures and collective efforts in problem and enhancing levels of physical and mental health in these vulnerable communities. (Author)