Issues of changing positions and roles for paraprofessionals are considered in the context of the hierarchical structure and process of mental health organizations. Discussion focuses on problems arising when paraprofessionals are promoted in the functional hierarchy while continuing to occupy the lowest level in the professional caste system.…

This article describes highlights and findings of the 1977 National Conference in Mental Health Administration sponsored by The Staff College, National Institute of Mental Health. Over 100 invited experts from the mental health field were assembled to identify changes, trends, and developments most likely to influence mental health services in the…

New, attractive health programs are needed to meet practical health needs in the community with positive results. (JD)

Lack of data on mental health status of Blacks precludes effective prevention programing. Any prevention program must reflect the social, psychological, and physical milieu of the individual, but ideological biases toward preventive health often deny the importance of political factors that create an environment in the Black community that is…

University medical centers must be prepared to produce additional qualified manpower and health care programs to be required by renewed health manpower legislation. (IR)

The purpose, activities, organization, and responsibility of the Prince George's County School Health Council are described. The purposes of the Council include advisement, representation, screening, and the development of new programs. (JN)

As an approach to serving adults with mental illness, the Clubhouse Model, developed during the 1950s and 1960s, is particularly suitable for social workers. Clubhouse communities provide support for a full range of daily needs and a participatory environment designed to promote recovery from social isolation and deprivation. Social workers'…

A methodology is presented for collection of cost data in evaluation of community-level health interventions that coincides with the intervention implementation. The seven discrete steps of the analysis are described, and the Minimal Contact Education for Cholesterol Change study is used as an example of how the strategy is used. (SLD)

This introduction to the evaluation component of the Circles of Care initiative includes background on the nature of the initiative, Center for Mental Health Services support for developing systems of care for youth with emotional disturbances, and an overview of the systems of care approach. The prevalence, unique challenges, and the historical,…

Describes a training program concerned with providing students with knowledge and skills in child advocacy for the treatment of severely disturbed children and for providing services to a black and disadvantaged population. (Editor/PG)

Critical reasons for frustration and circularity in the formulation and implementation of mental health policy are analyzed. The primary reason proposed is the lack of equal, systematic and structurally-reinforced participation of mental health services consumers and their communities in the planning and implementing of policy and programs. This…

The problem of providing adequate health services for rural America is many fold and will require the combined efforts of everyone to approach a satisfactory solution. A broad overview of all facets of the problem is presented. Listed and briefly discussed are goals which must be achieved to insure permanent improvement. Three general directions…

A community mental health clinic designed to function also as an inservice training agent for beginning public school teachers is described. The clinic's philosophy is based on the psychoanalytic model and its educational program was planned to serve parents and teachers, particularly those of young children. Area schools came to welcome and…