In 1997, American Evaluation Association member George Grob, now retired from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and currently President of the Center for Public Program Evaluation, made a testimony on Medicare home health care fraud and abuse before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. The occasion was to announce the…

Proposes a framework for the evaluation of health and human services programs in community settings. Applies this framework to the discussions in this special issue to see how well the chapters advance community-based program evaluation. Concludes that the chapters are valuable for those interested in improving the evaluation of community-based…

Argues for maintaining a discovery capacity (both qualitative and quantitative) in evaluations of community-based health and human service programs. Discovery capacity is defined as a mechanism to detect new insights and developments in programs. Cites reasons this capacity is especially important in community-based programs. (SLD)

Pitfalls of sloppy science are discussed as they relate to the evaluation of human services programs. Differences between trial-and-error methods and the scientific method are discussed; and the requirements for sound research are reviewed, as are the shortcomings of a less rigorous approach. (SLD)

Examines human services in China and reports that they demonstrably are based on the philosophy that the highest end of the individual is selfless service to the people. (DM)

This article reviews recent changes in the mental health system's response to children and adolescents with serious emotional disabilities, emphasizing developments in service delivery and service demonstration research and evaluation efforts. The role of research is examined in terms of its critical importance in improving the system of care for…

A model for program evaluation with pertinent data from a variety of methods applied in six settings is described. The settings include two university clinical psychology programs at Alabama and Kansas; the Memphis Internship Consortium; the University of Arkansas Student Development Center component of the Counseling Unit; and two county social…

Literature review indicates general lack of success of mental health efforts due, in part, to formalized approach, bureaucratic procedures, excessive expectations. Success possible with small team supported by medical center and working closely with school. (CJ)

This special edition summarizes the discussions which proceeded during the Indian Health Service (IHS) Mental Health Plenary Session. Following introductory comments by four session participants are seven discussion topics: mental health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives; history and description of the program; services for children…

This special edition contains the background material prepared for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Mental Health Program Review session of January 17-19, 1984 which reviewed the background of the Mental Health Program, assessed the major current management and programmatic issues, and developed recommendations for improving the program. The Review…

This publication was developed to provide guidelines for persons conducting continuing education programs for community mental health caregivers. (This would include persons primarily involved in the delivery of health, educational, and social welfare services who also are involved in the psychosocial functioning of their clients.) Following a…

There exists the practical possibility of randomly selected control groups for outcome assessments in mental health programs. Ethical considerations for randomization include distinguishing between innovation and "fooling around," and discriminatory implications of a first-come first-served selection procedure. Practical considerations include…

The New York State Governor's Advisory Committee for Black Affairs has published eight policy reports that evaluate State initiatives impacting the lives of black New Yorkers. Special emphasis was placed on the following areas: (1) development of increased opportunities in all aspects of State government; (2) coordination of resources to create…

Fifty-four county mental health authorities in Michigan were surveyed before and after implementation of new policies and funding for support services for disabled individuals and families. Case management assessment, respite care, in-home services, and advisory committees showed significant increases in availability. Length of time that families…

Children with serious emotional disorders receive inadequate and inappropriate services, rather than the comprehensive and coordinated system of care needed. To develop the knowledge needed to provide adequate and appropriate services, an alliance is needed among advocates, practitioners, and researchers. The Mental Health Services Program for…