Describes the concepts and histories of ombudsmen and of case management. Discusses the advocacy role in social work which includes the dimensions of role specificity, client orientation, problem-solving mode, and resources and constraints. Concludes ombudsmen and case managers augment the advocacy function in the human service system. (ABL)

Millions of welfare recipients have entered the labor force in the past decade, but surveys show that many remain in unstable, low-paying jobs that offer few opportunities for advancement. This report presents early evidence on the effectiveness of four diverse programs designed to help current or former welfare recipients work more steadily and…

Representatives from 45 midwestern community-junior colleges met to discuss para-professional human service career programs. After listening to the observations of students and educators involved in some of the programs, the representatives recommended that field experience should be a fundamental part of the curriculum, and concluded that each…

The concept of ideology is discussed. An evaluation design that is based on values and ideologies is advocated so that it can be applied to services in different categories and still produce valid comparisons. (Author/AL)

Presents review of counselors' and psychotherapists' attitudes toward homosexuality. Reports analysis of the patterns emerging from published survey literature which revealed considerable division and contradiction in the attitudes reported. Proposes the source of such inconsistency to be the mixed messages mental health personnel receive from…

Examines current trends in data collection and information use in human services organizations. Describes issues for managers who are planning information systems, including practitioner resistance to automation. Proposes that conceptual integration of agendas for human services automation, practice evaluation, and service effectiveness enables…

Addresses role of case management in care of chronically mentally ill persons. Notes that case management can be effective if designed so that services match client needs and service costs are measured accurately. Contends that profit-maximizing nature of U.S. health care system makes some form of capitation likely in design of case management…

Examined resource data for services in North Carolina's continuum of care for older adults. Qualifies contention that older adults in urban areas receive greater number and more varied services than rural counterparts. Demonstrated that important difference between rural and urban communities was greater variability of services among rural…

Discussion of the relevance of Michel Foucault's ideas in the provision of services to people with mental retardation focuses on the postmodernist thinker's own life including his preoccupation with "limit experiences," transgression against all societal norms, suicide, and death from AIDS. It suggests that the application of discourse…

Presents an interview with the President of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. Discusses DiGiovanni's participation in the development of the human service field on a national level, and involvement with the standardization of human service competencies as well as the credentialing of human service professionals. (Author/GCP)

Discusses interviews with David Maloney, Franklin Rother, and Lynn McKinney concerning the status of human services as an established profession. Summarizes that human services has come a long way in establishing itself as a unique and worthwhile career and that the job market for human service workers well trained and skilled in direct service…

Comprehensive multicultural organizational development (MCOD) is increasingly necessary in human services agencies. This article presents results from an exploratory study that identified challenges and solutions to MCOD, against the backdrop of daily realities of agency life. The author conducted interviews with 20 consultants and 20…

This manual was designed primarily for use by individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It is hoped that it is also useful for families, as well as service coordinators and providers who directly assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The main focus of this manual is to provide easy-to-read…