Health care and other human service programs exhibit disparities and inequalities in services and rising costs. A broader focus in program evaluation is needed. Evaluation studies should determine how well programs work as well as identify and consider alternatives. (JOW)

Neither the scientific nor the humanistic research paradigm is completely appropriate for the education field. Human service situations yield research results that are tentative descriptions or generalizations due to continuous change. An action research paradigm should reflect the ongoing need of the subjects to act without waiting for research…

This model stresses the special needs of professional skills required by the mental health consultant. The Caplanian Model describes case and administrative consultation. Consultee-centered approach aims to enhance the mental health skills of the participants. Consultee-client improvement is desirable but not the primary goal. (Author/MFD)

Clinical applications of statistical process control (SPC) in human service organizations are considered. SPC is seen as providing a standard set of criteria that serves as a common interface for data-based decision making, which may bring decision making under the control of established contingencies rather than the immediate contingencies of…

Evaluation is one method of determining accountability in human service programs. A generic evaluation approach contains several steps: (1) stating a purpose for evaluating the program; (2) identifying evaluation questions; (3) identifying the nature of evaluation information; (4) collecting evaluation information; (5) analyzing evaluation…

The author discusses trends for the future in employment, including (1) wealth creation versus job creation, (2) growth of human services, and (3) growth of entrepreneurship. He states that education for future employment should stress reading, relating, and reasoning. (CH)

The PERFORM acronym is a model designed to help clinical managers by highlighting key concepts of program management. The concepts covered in this model are planning, evaluation, rules and regulations, funding and financing, organizing, relationships, and maintenance. (Author)

The Family Support Act (FSA) of 1988 provides opportunities for educators to form linkages with other agencies to strengthen families and help them move toward self-sufficiency. The FSA affords professionals chances to forge critical interagency connections and expand the range and capacity of programs for learners at risk. A strategy for forming…

An open system model is applied to assess individual experience of community life. It was predicted that the racial composition of the community and the involvement of individuals in the community would affect perceptions of community culture (community strengths, deficits, support, and satisfaction) and community processes (problem solving,…

Defines rurbanization (change process wherein small communities/rural areas build upon their social/cultural heritages in coping with impacts of rapid growth) and rurban practice. Itemizes skills needed for rurban human service work. Offers simulations to enhance rurban practice skills, incorporating sequential use of experiential learning tools…

Investigates the attitudes of 91 human service counseling students toward working with an inner-city gang member. Results reveal qualitative differences in students' self-perceived ability to work with this client. Presents implications for human service education and training. (MKA)

The Elder Abuse Awareness Project was developed to determine the incidence of abuse and neglect of elderly people in several rural counties in central Illinois. A primary purpose of the study was to survey service providers as to their actual encounters with elder abuse and neglect. Each provider was asked about warning signs or cues that were…

The term "burnout" has become popular for describing a condition of workers and administrators in professions with a high degree of people contact. Burnout involves feelings of exhaustion, development of chronic negative attitudes about oneself and/or clientele, and lowered job performance. A review of literature reveals that burnout as…

The demands by applicants for prompt emergency services and by funding sources for greater accountability along with long waiting lists resulted in the formation of a crisis unit offering brief psychotherapy in a problem-solving framework. The services focused on: (1) the presenting problem as it reflected a core conflict or longstanding life…

Notes the evolving definition of mental health "primary prevention," the future of which is currently jeopardized. Describes a study of the effectiveness of primary prevention in relieving some of the signs and symptoms of teacher burnout. Includes the format of a teacher inservice program which addresses teacher burnout. (SB)