Evaluates the impact of two health services projects for high-risk mothers and infants in two counties of northwest Mississippi which had shown high infant mortality and morbidity. Reports that one of the ICHP projects did improve prenatal care, but neither program significantly influenced pregnancy outcomes (as measured by low birth weights). (KH)

Case analysis of 426 depressed patients who came into contact with mental health centers showed that patients from low income inner city areas had a significantly higher rate of suicidal attempts and were more severely ill on admission than their middle- and upper-class counterparts in suburban, small urban, and rural areas. Strengthening of…

The Committee on Insular Poverty was charged by the United Neighborhood Houses of New York (UNH) with the responsibility of examining the poor of New York City and the function of human service institutions which are supposed to serve them. Of special concern to the Committee were issues relating to service access and the reported difficulties…

The paper reviews the relevant literature and discusses the nature of Chicano concerns in regard to the implementation of legislation mandating developmental assessment of poor children. (Author/CL)

The Head Start Health Coordinator's Task Force (HCTF) was charged to study and make recommendations to strengthen Head Start's health component, which is a vital part of the child development program. Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has served over 12 million economically disadvantaged children. Through the health component, children have…

Provided are guidelines on administration, diagnosis, and treatment in federally funded EPSDT--Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Programs, a system for providing health care services to Medicaid-eligible children. Detailed in part one are factors involved in developing EPSDT programs. Four chapters consider the need for EPSDT,…

A primary reason for increased government involvement in health care delivery resides in the acknowledged difficulty of the poor in obtaining adequate care. However, in the absence of knowledge about how health, health care, socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, and geographic location are related, policies aimed at implementing right to health…

This report brings together two issues: quality of care measurement and health care for the disadvantaged. The main question that is asked is whether an improvement in the quality of health care delivered to the disadvantaged will contribute to equalizing their health status. A review of the literature points to the following four conclusions: (1)…

Provides an overview of the current state of health services in rural America and examines policy changes being made through Congressional action. Presents suggestions for further research and legislative actions. Discusses the role that individual psychologists can play in improving mental health services in rural areas. (MW)

The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was reauthorized for another two years by the Omnibus McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1988. This report summarizes the nine titles of the McKinney Act, including changes brought about in the 1988 reauthorization. Title I covers general provisions of the Act. Title II establishes the…

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

Describes the Decker Family Development Center (DFDC) in Barberton (Ohio), while relating the difference that the DFDC's services has made to one poor family. Recounts the DFDC's establishment, funding, and current services (adult education, counseling for parents and children, and several types of child care services). (JB)

Comments on "Psychotherapy, classism, and the poor: Conspicuous by their absence" by Laura Smith (see record 2005-11834-002). This article might have improved Smith's argument that prejudice and oppression (classism) are significant obstacles preventing the poor from receiving psychological services if she had presented evidence to…

Describes the Vaughn Street Elementary School in San Fernando (California) plan to become a family services delivery site. Plans include cooperation among agencies; a family center for coordination of services, child care, and educational resources; a social network of mutual assistance; and a parent service exchange bank. (JB)

The authors examined the relationship among trauma, coping, depression, and mental health service seeking in a probability sample of sheltered homeless and low-income housed women. Results highlight the diversity of trauma. In a longitudinal analysis, women who lived in shelters or experienced major violence had a twofold increase in their risk of…