Explores issues related to testing and certification of social workers and discusses the National Association of Social Workers' experience in the assessment of competence. Explores formulation of definitions, determination of standards, and construction of quality instruments. (JAC)

Proposes a comprehensive approach for continuing education for social workers. This ecological model takes into account critical staff participation at various levels as well as important phases of the staff development process. (JAC)

Contends that organizational changes depend heavily on the supervisor for successful implementation. Points out that a supervisory climate of trust should be nurtured, and tact should be employed if uncertainty and resistance within the organization's staff are to be kept at tolerable levels. (Author/LLL)

Addresses family's experience of caring for mentally ill family member at home. Proposes model of intervention that allows therapists and families to examine content and context of psychotic material and to intervene in nonthreatening ways. Proposed model is based on psychoeducation and communications theory. Develops effectiveness of content and…

Reviews research on effects of childhood sexual abuse in adulthood. Describes individualizing assessment of adults who have been abused and aspects of treatment illustrated by case studies. Concludes social workers need to expand definition of childhood sexual abuse. (ABL)

Describes how social workers in a family agency were trained to apply single-case evaluation procedures. The staff's assessment points to four factors that influence practice evaluation: (1) perceived relevance to job responsibilities, (2) utility for immediate action of decision makers, (3) involvement of practitioners, and (4) organizational…

Do social workers fail to use research because they think it is separate from practice? An approach to correcting that misimpression is to integrate both research and practice into the field practicum. Describes how this innovation can be implemented in social work education. (Author)

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)

Presents a graphic means of eliciting the life history of an adolescent during an initial interview. The grid summarizes chronological facts about the client, and is useful for both the social agency and the adolescent him/herself. (LAB)

Describes the rationale for and composition of the multiaxial system for evaluation incorporated in the new edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual. The system includes five axes which evalute individuals in psychological, behavioral, and physical areas. (RC)

Presents typology for differential assessment of and intervention with shoplifters. Notes that model identifies five major categories under which client motivation can be classified: entitlement, addictions, peer pressure, stress, and impulsiveness. Addresses requisite social work knowledge and skills for addressing this costly social problems.…

Notes that rural people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have difficulty obtaining support. Describes development, implementation, and evaluation of model to bring support groups into homes of rural residents through six telephone group sessions. Describes goals of psychoeducational group being to increase information and social…