Ideally, competency assessment is an approach that evaluates performance, judges ability, measures what can be demonstrated, evaluates active participation, and helps us know if the professional can make a positive impact on clients. Models are presented from an inservice training program at Antioch's Institute of Open Education in Cambridge,…

Examines the correctional officer role in relation to possibilities for the delivery of human services to inmates with problems and adjustment crises. Describes aspects of this approach to the correctional officer's role including building resilient prison environments, and a more human community. Discusses implications for officer support and…

Placement and retention data demonstrate that the program has been successful in preparing students for careers in aging. Job mobility has been high within the field. The career line concept appears more applicable to students who complete the long-term care administration concentration. (Author)

Discussing factors that have contributed to the development of Human Services programs in universities and colleges in the U.S., this article describes characteristics of the Human Services major in the context of the School Counselor's role. (JC)

Criticizes Strasser and Deniston's post-planned evaluation (TM 504 253) because of their: (1) emphasis on evaluation research; (2) imposition of experimental rigor; (3) inapplicability to human service projects; (4) inattention to congruity between the program and its environment; (5) distinct characteristics of program evaluation; and (6)…

Describes the need for the use of public relations professionals in advancement units--structures designed to help community colleges meet the increasing demands of image development, enrollment management, and fundraising. Gives suggestions for creating and maintaining a public relations department that protects and promotes the college's…

A survey of 20 health districts in England identified specialist services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors. Great diversity was found in such services as specialized teams, staffed housing, assessment and short-term admission, and respite care facilities. Entitlement to appropriate treatment was more…

This study examined factors contributing to short-term reunification for 235 children placed in South Australian substitute care from 1998 to 1999. Findings indicated that non-Aboriginal children and those placed because of parental incapacity were significantly more likely to go home, than neglected and Aboriginal children. Detailed profile…

Examined relationships among emotional distress, perceived social support, and vocational outcome in serious brain-injured persons (n=36). Found clients' perceptions of available social support related to intensity of emotional distress. Found social support related to clients' vocational outcome one year after evaluation. (Author/CM)

Community gatekeepers (N=53) participated in alcohol education workshop to increase identification, intervention, and referral of women with alcohol problems. Participants completed questionnaires before and after workshop and participated in six-month follow-up. Results suggest the higher the educational level and the more salient the topic of…

Preliminary data were collected on suggestions for reaching White, Black and Hispanic unmarried adolescent fathers. Results suggest that reaching out to these young fathers may be complicated because their needs vary within and across their culture. The data suggest that these fathers need diverse information, practical help, and counseling.…

Tested effects of counselor disability status (hearing, deaf) and communication method (sign language, interpreter, written) on deaf adolescents' (N=106) ratings of counselor social influence, empathy, and willingness to see counselor. Subjects rated videotaped counselors higher on social influence, counselor effectiveness, and empathy if used…

A survey was made of provincial ministries and voluntary associations in nine Canadian provinces and two territories, to assess service provision to mentally retarded citizens with emotional problems. The survey focused on government agencies' involvement in service delivery, settings for short- and long-term care, quality of services available,…

Interviews with 37 individuals in Nicaragua were the basis of this review of the audiology field in that nation. The review covers the prevalence and etiology of hearing impairment, training for audiologists, government services for individuals with hearing impairment, private agencies concerned with hearing impairment, and fitting and use of…

A study with 48 family caregivers of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) examined the relationships of family functioning, stress, and social support. A family adaptational model is suggested, which integrates the concepts of stress, coping, and ecological systems. Service delivery considerations for family support are discussed. (JDD)