Asserts that the strengths perspective, which posits that the strengths and resources of people and their environment should be the central focus of the helping process in social work, can be used to reformulate problem-focused, pathology-centered approaches to social policy development. Discusses methods for initiating this integration. (JPS)

This report provides an overview of the poverty problem and possible solutions. The available statistics and their limitations are summarized. The complementary roles of income-maintenance and employment policies are discussed. Because employment policies are limited to those who can be made employable, the report concludes that liberal changes in…

Ten local communities and their programs for pregnant and parenting adolescents were studied. Only under exceptional circumstances could localities develop and maintain comprehensive service programs. In some cases no services were offered outside of school settings. Federal support through legislation and dollars is necessary to sustain such…

Discusses the development of social policy since 1901, with special emphasis on the War on Poverty. Analyzes the relationships among poverty, social norms, and family structure. Outlines the problems of the new social condition, characterized by drug abuse and welfare dependency. (FMW)

The purpose of this study was to obtain, measure, and evaluate the attitudes of postsecondary students on domestic population issues in order to determine the extent of support for a national government-controlled population stabilization program. A total of 125 students enrolled in either the American government or general sociology course at the…

The following social problems suggest the need for an intergenerational movement in the United States: (1) the social isolation of old and young; (2) the political and social strain resulting from Federal budget allocations; and (3) the labor shortage and its impact on social services. Programs linking elders and the young can address these…

Second in a series of studies examining the patterns of poverty in the South, this report analyses the level of government benefits available to the southern poor from 1980 through 1984. The examination is restricted to four programs: Aid to Families With Dependent Children, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Supplemental Security Income. The states…

A review of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which originated 20 years ago, is presented; and the original political, ideological and social science assumptions for the design of NAEP are examined. The report criticizes the founding principle as hampering NAEP's maximum utility and exploratory power. In examining the form of…

Discussing major policy, management, and program issues facing Congress and the Clinton administration in the area of health and human services, this pamphlet provides recommendations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the social security system, the welfare system, preventing child abuse, and safeguarding the nation's…

Data explain causes of declining well-being among families with small children in terms of demography, economics, inadequate government programs, perverse government programs, family structure, neighborhood and community, and culture. Declining economic prospects for young male workers and accelerated movement toward single-parent families are the…

This federal document offers a comprehensive approach to reduce demand for illegal drugs and decrease their availability. Supported by statistical tables and graphs, the summary is divided into three sections. "Stopping Use Before It Starts: Education and Community Action" highlights the importance of prevention programs and the…

Suggests that children, as the nation's most precious social resource, are the shared responsibility of parents and government. Argues that current efforts to scale back social welfare programs in Canada need to be reversed, so as to provide children, and families with children, a decent minimum standard of living. (MDM)

This federal document offers a comprehensive approach to reduce demand for illegal drugs and decrease their availability. Supported by statistical tables and graphs, the summary is divided into six sections. "The Purpose and Nature of the Strategy" outlines a 10-year plan for drug interdiction and reduction and identifies the elements of…

Day care is an entity unto itself whose values and goals have neigher been proclaimed nor supported. Unless it examines and declares its theoretical base reflecting planning in response to what it views as its purpose and mission, it will continue to be treated as a marginal, residual institution and user capriciously as a political and social…

Examines the income and time deficits facing Canadian families. Describes current government policy responses to these problems, and puts forward several proposals to help reduce these deficits and move toward increased investment in the welfare of Canadian children. (MDM)