Critical reflection (CR) is a process by which one may identify the assumptions governing one's actions, question them, and develop alternative behaviors. This article presents two cases that demonstrate the use of CR to raise social workers' awareness of gaps between what Schon and Argryis term social workers' "espoused theories" and the…

Building on the respective strengths of parent-led and professional-led groups, a parent-professional team leadership model for group interventions was developed and evaluated for families of youths with emotional and behavioral problems. The model was developed based on feedback from 26 parents in focus group sessions and recommendations from…

Addresses the problem of how to adapt a "talking treatment" for use with abusive and neglectful families. The concept of a family's "verbal accessibility," or readiness to communicate, can assist workers in understanding these families and designing the most effective plan for treatment. (Author)

For several decades, the relative importance of process as opposed to task has been an issue in the literature. This study of the Model Cities program examines the relationship between program outcomes and the process and task orientations of program planners. (Author)

Notes that since 1970, Volunteer Counseling Service of Rockland County, New York, has pioneered innovative use of community laypeople to do high-level counseling for clients with wide range of serious social problems. Gives the history and an overview of the mechanics and model of work that have made this agency feasible. (Author/NB)

Describes implementation of Professional Review Action Group (PRAG) model for reviewing cases of disrupted family reunification. Notes that model provides for care review, periodic reporting of review findings, and recommendations for and documentation of corrective actions. Explains how, in first 62 cases reviewed, both family and service…

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 model of intervention for meeting human needs through structural rather than individual change is described. The assumptions are that social structures cause social problems, clients are adequate people victimized by inadequate social arrangements, and social workers should act as agents of social change. Principles guiding such practice are…

The author presents these three ground rules for engaging in organizational conflict: (1) take the offensive; (2) take the cue for the second move from the opponent's defensive response; and (3) know when to execute a "strategic retreat." (HMV)

Suggests that strategies and skills commonly used in political processes would help social workers balance the multiplicity of clients' problems. Reviews some deficiencies in current problem-solving theory and discusses a conceptual framework for a political approach. (Author/JAC)

There has been little research on the effectiveness of behavior modification with groups. This controlled study done in an agency setting found the behavioral model to be an effective method of treating groups of clients with a wide variety of problems. (Author)

Presents an innovative model that demonstrates how occupational social workers can make unique and timely contributions to the placement and retention of chronically unemployed persons in competitive employment. Supported work services model described is based on a national demonstration project recently funded by the federal government and…

Discusses concept of the impaired professional; reviews research on various types of impairment (personality disorders, depression and other emotional problems, marital problems, and physical illness), prevalence and causes of impairment, and responses to it; and outlines model assessment and action plan for social workers who encounter an…

Gender is a ubiquitous social construct that wields power over every individual in our society. The traditional dichotomous gender paradigm is oppressive, especially for transgendered people whose sense of themselves as gendered people is incongruent with the gender they were assigned at birth. Transgendered individuals are targeted for…

If social work is to fulfill its central mission of helping individuals, groups, and communities resolve social problems, it must develop problem-oriented theories and intervention strategies. Particularly needed are models of practice that are capable of being tested through scientific methods and that are addressed to specific, well-defined…