Direct practice social workers today are challenged to address the requirements of the complex array of professional, organizational, institutional, and regulatory demands placed on them in the broader socioeconomic context of fewer resources and diminished public support for social welfare services in the United States. The common factors model…

Using his psychobiography of Frederick Douglass as an example, the author describes how such material may be used to teach psychoanalytic developmental theory to parents who are enrolled in social welfare programs. (Author)

Reports on the results of a systematic assessment of the interpersonal difficulties encountered by in-home service providers serving the frail elderly. Presents a typology of problematic interpersonal situations, along with suggestions for training, assessment, and supervision of clients and workers. (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)

Discusses design and use of a model curriculum for latency-aged children in schools located in communities where drug use is pervasive. Results show that children affected by family drug use have workable strategies and skills for coping with aversive environments. Responsiveness of group participants to structure, predictability, and affirmation…

Many professional staff training programs are designed to improve the interpersonal competence of the participants. This article presents a step-by-step description of a role-play test designed to evaluate both the effectiveness of such programs and the improvement in the skills of participants. (Author)

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…

A researcher examines different models of evaluation, and points out that the model should be suited to the needs and priorities of those making decisions about the program's future. (Author)

Discusses the goals and functions of differential supervision and describes and contrasts six supervisory models used by the Chicago Child Care Society. (Author/NJ)

Has the effectiveness of evaluation in interventive work been overlooked? The Practice Outcome Inventory is a treatment technique that involves the client directly in the evaluation process--with benefit to both client and practitioner. (Author)

The issue of short-term versus long-term treatment has been the focus of much controversy. After examining the arguments on both sides, the author concludes that certain short-term treatment strategies can be used effectively in situations usually seen as requiring long-term treatment. (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 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.…