Describes record linkage as a data-generating technique, and presents a method for linking client records to live and stillbirth records, using 32,974 births in the Cleveland (Ohio) area. Biases that can enter the linkage process and general research issues related to record linkage are discussed. (SLD)

A format for organizing case notes is presented that could increase counselor trainees' case conceptualization skills. The STIPS format of case note writing consists of 5 major sections, including documenting clients' current Signs and symptoms, topics discussed in counseling, counseling Interventions used, clients' Progress and counselors'…

Laws of the 12 states which permit access to records of adoption proceedings without a court order are summarized. Statutes on access to adoption records for all 50 states are presented in tabular form and two recent court cases concerning adoption record access are described. (JMB)

Addresses legal and professional responsibilities of mental health counselors to maintain adequate and timely client records. Discusses importance of documentation and recordkeeping, use of client records in court, characteristics of adequate records, recording content of sessions, potentially damaging records, and correcting and storing records.…

Examined the readability of psychoeducational reports and the effectiveness of manipulating report variables to facilitate parental interpretation (N=114). The data indicated that traditional reports are written above the reading level of most parents, but modification of selected report variables facilitates parental interpretation. (JAC)

Provides guidelines for the effective writing of psychoeducational reports based on a literature review and logical analysis. Presents a relatively standard report outline with specific recommendations for each section. The literature reviewed consists of surveys of consumers' opinions, research studies, and books and articles describing the…

Gives a case history of a strange disability called dyslexia, and tells how the person struggled his way into college without knowing how to read. (Editor/GB)

Explores the perceptions of 74 New Jersey child welfare workers pertaining to independent case reviews of children placed outside the home. Workers' understanding of the law, their methods of dealing with placement review in their practice, their relationship with their local board, and their overall assessment of the advantages and disadvantages…

Anonymous reports are routinely accepted for investigation as part of nationwide effort to counteract child abuse and neglect. However, reports pose difficulties for investigators and frequently prove false. Authors discuss results of study of anonymous reporting in one catchment area and implications of study's findings for risk assessment and…

Objective: Cultural and familial ties are crucial for the overall well-being of children. Extant research and permanency planning practices support the reunification of children with their families when possible. In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted to promote cultural and familial preservation for Indian children, but sparse…

This paper discusses work with young people during their stay on an NHS psychiatric inpatient unit, especially focusing on the end of treatment and the appropriate timing of discharge into the community. When approaching the end of an admission, various factors are considered that seem particularly relevant to the decision of when a young person…

When, why, and how clinicians decide to write about clients are ethical concerns. There are risks and potential clinical ramifications as well as responsibilities for how these decisions are made. On the basis of 141 interviews with psychoanalysts who have published in 3 major national and international psychoanalytic journals, the author explores…

Objective: Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) aim to improve child forensic interviewing following allegations of child abuse by coordinating multiple investigations, providing child-friendly interviewing locations, and limiting redundant interviewing. This analysis presents one of the first rigorous evaluations of CACs' implementation of these…