Although significant numbers of social service clients experience mental health problems, virtually no research has examined the responsiveness of social service agencies to mental disorder. This article examines the extent to which client depression is reflected in records of a public social service agency, community long-term care (CLTC).…

The Problem-Oriented Record can be used as a tool to facilitate accountability by explaining what actions have been taken and why. It allows the social worker to plan and assess interventions in terms of his predefined goals. (Author)

Describes study of representative case findings (N=100) in four social work programs which did not have in-house substance abuse treatment for indications whether the social worker had recognized substance abuse as a problem for the client or had made a referral for treatment. Findings suggest many clients were substance abusers, but few were…

Contends that recording has become an administrative rather than a clinical activity, retroactive rather than proactive, bringing its usefulness to clinical practice in question. Presents suggestions for improving the clinical record and for returning it to its proper place as a vital component of clinical practice. (LLL)

Is it possible for a record-keeping system to improve service delivery? The authors contend that as a tool for treatment, training, and accountability, the Person-Oriented Record can be used to make case recording more specific and client-oriented. (Author)

A critical analysis of a research report which appeared in an earlier journal. A rebuttal by the authors of the original article is also included. (HMV)

Case coordination is an important social work activity with roots in the earliest objectives and functions of the profession. This article outlines the theoretical framework of case coordination and describes the tasks, skills, and knowledge essential to it. (Author)

Records of 125 randomly selected status offenders who appeared before Worcester, Massachusetts Juvenile Court (1973) were reviewed; demographic and offense-related data were analyzed. Exposes myths surrounding decriminalization, views decriminalization as effective in removing status offenders from stigmatizing effects of court involvement. (NRB)

Discusses the medical metaphor that was for many years the basis of casework. Suggests that the medical model has had a detrimental influence on the profession of social work, and offers alternative models. (Author)

Surveyed 94 social organizations to describe and analyze recordkeeping. Results show records typically contain: (1) a social history; (2) worker's assessment; (3) goals; (4) service plan; (5) progress notes; and (6) summary. Records function first to facilitate service delivery. (JAC)

Current pressures affecting American women are cited. In response to growing demand, professionally operated counseling centers for women have multiplied. The Information and Counseling Service for Women at Yale is described, and the results of a study of a sample group of clients given. (EAK)

Only two states have enacted statutes of privileged communications that prevent workers from being compelled to testify in court concerning matters revealed in confidence by clients. The author considers the need for further extension of this privilege and explains how workers and clients can protect themselves. (Author)

This article discusses the issue of accessibility to social service records on the part of attorneys engaged in an adversary process. The bureaucratic, therapeutic and legal foundations of the child protection procedure are discussed in relation to the challenges to the tradition of confidential client records. (SJL)

Suggests social work recording has languished, due to administrative regulations and a decrease in confidentiality. Describes client recording, where the client actively participates in the recording process. Proposes client recording provides structure for the interview, creates continuity between sessions, and serves as a therapeutic tool in the…

Uses case histories to support the need for a framework for social work practice with minorities--one that recognizes the value of being able to identify psychosocial components that affect practice problems. Suggests social workers be especially aware of the harmful effects of stereotyping individuals. (Author)