Proposes a framework for assessing how human service delivery systems function. Identifies factors that influence the ability of agencies to operate as a unified system. Provides an accurate picture of how services are delivered to target populations, and why various systems function as they do. (Author/JAC)

A community-based program was designed to serve as an alternative to traditional short-term hospital treatment and after-care services for the psychiatrically disabled client. Comparisons revealed significant differences in favor of this approach. A rehabilitation counselor worked half-time and was an invaluable member. (Author)

The development of affiliate agreements requires an organized and planned approach with specific goals and strategies, taking into account the complex dynamics that operate in inter-organizational relationships. Successful negotiation leads to decisions in the best interest of each partner, not just preservation of the relationship. (JAC)

In simulated decision-making situations in a community mental health center, three types of information were studied and rated: political; cost-benefit, and statistical. Only cost-benefit information was rated as significantly influencing administrators' decisions. (MH)

The Brief Intervention Program (BIP) is a mental health day program in Melbourne (Australia) for adolescents with severe mental health problems who are at risk for suicide. The 10-week program serves closed groups of 6-8 adolescents aged 13-18 years and has 3 phases: engagement and orientation (week 1), treatment (weeks 2-9), and integration (week…

Out Doors Inc. is a community-managed mental health organization in Victoria (Australia) that provides psychosocial rehabilitation to adults with mental health needs through outdoor adventure and other recreation experiences. This paper focuses on Out Door Inc.'s Going Places Program. The program, which ranges from 1 day to 4 months, is based on…

This report presents results and recommendations of a two-year study and information-gathering effort by the New Hampshire Task Force on Homelessness, in compliance with the charge of the State legislature. The report is comprised of five sections. Section 1, "Introduction," presents an overview of the Task Force and a report on the…

The Southwest Iowa Mental Health Center recently completed a 4-year project to increase use of mental health services by normally reluctant rural populations and to increase coping ability among persons affected by the farm crisis. During the first 2 years, program goals included aggressive outreach to potential patients, mental health education…

Problems of access to health care facing Appalachia mountain communities are confounded by unemployment, poverty, low education, and local religious beliefs that barrier people from receiving medical care. This proceedings addresses the issues related to health access and health needs. It contains 20 papers and 12 synopses of presentation. The…

The Buffalo School Health Demonstration Plan is an innovative model program designed to expand and improve the delivery of health services and health education to school-age children attending Buffalo (New York) schools, with emphasis on lower socioeconomic youth. It seeks to develop a primarily preventive program that attempts to modify attitudes…

This paper presents the approach used by the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) of the University of Minnesota's Refugee Assistance Program in Mental Health for identifying successful and culturally sensitive mental health service delivery models. It divides these into four categories: the psychiatric model; the community mental health model; the…

Issues are presented which concern today's children, even those growing up under the best of environmental, social, and economic conditions. All will face an increased probability of emotional stress accompanying problems of living, undoubtedly resulting in increased demands upon child mental health services. The history of child mental health…

In recognition of the greater needs of low socioeconomic status persons, federal grant policy has favored areas in which 25 percent or more of the population is impoverished. Areas of greater poverty have more resources both in terms of service structure and level of manpower, yet broad inequities are found when the rural-urban status of a mental…

The Public Health Service's problem in personnel recruitment led to the inception of the Career Development in Global Community Health (GCH). The first group of fellows was enrolled in 1968. Component One traces the history and development of the program. It represents a comprehensive program history between 1966-1972, examines the adherence of…

The National Association of Psychiatric Technology (NAPT), a non-profit organization, is the outgrowth of local and state organizations of psychiatric attendants, aides, and technicians who had banded together to improve their knowledge and skills and to demonstrate their competence to assume greater responsibilities in the care and treatment of…