Current suicide prevention strategies often include suicide education based on the premise that education can lead to recognition of those at risk of suicide and others who are prepared can respond and potentially save lives. As suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, it is relevant to explore how suicide education is made available…

Alcoholism is a widespread but neglected problem in the lesbian community. The myths and realities of lesbian experience are described and suggested treatment strategies that address the special problems and needs of lesbian alcoholics are given. The literature is reviewed and the need to overcome homophobia among social workers and in agencies is…

Social workers' awareness of and formal involvement in family-centered early intervention for infants and toddlers who are at risk or who have developmental disabilities is very important. Social workers do not always receive formal preparation in this area. This article provides an overview of the definition and identification of developmental…

Reviews the literature on marijuana use among adolescents which shows that experimentation is commonplace and regular use is not rare. Cited a distinction between marijuana use and abuse. Concluded that promoting abstinence might reduce credibility and suggested a prescription for responsible use. (LLL)

Sound use of hospital social work services is not achieved when workers rely on other health personnel for referrals. A screening mechanism to identify patients at high levels of social risk and to restore the initiative to social work staff is presented. (Author)

Human communication is a complex process. For individuals from different regional, ethnic, or racial backgrounds, communication may be difficult. Focuses on some common ways individuals fail to communicate clearly and the significance of this failure for social work practice. (Author)

This literature review focuses on social group work in the hospital setting. The first section addresses the need for a holistic approach within a typology of illness, and discusses the social work role and intervention tasks required at different stages of illness, i.e., diagnosis, adaptation to long-term illness, and the ending of the illness…

Focuses on the ethical dilemmas surrounding informed consent in court-mandated practice. Examines the principles of informed consent, being informed about legal requirements, coercion and consent, the power that social workers have over clients, and the therapeutic alliance. Discusses the implications of informed consent for social work practice.…

Gives a history of attitudes toward homosexuality and discusses the consequences of homophobia, an irrational fear of homosexuality. Stresses that social workers must understand that feelings and fantasies about same-sex behavior are natural before they can help clients cope with the social problems engendered by homophobia. (Author/JAC)

Presents information about the legal role and powers of the grand jury. Alerts social workers to the possible shift from being an informational witness to being the focus of inquiry. Guidelines for grand jury testimony are offered, and the legal rights of social workers are reviewed. (JAC)

Reviews Kane's "Lessons for Social Work from the Medical Model: A Viewpoint for Practice" (Social Work, July 1982). Three authors offer comments on the article regarding the need for research in social work and the place of social work in the medical field. A rebuttal by Kane is included. (JAC)

Social workers must be part of an interdisciplinary approach to hospital services, particularly ambulatory services. Getting results is the only way social work can maintain its place in the health care system. (JAC)

Presents a view of the domain of social work and its core of expertise from a historical contemporary perspective. Considers three factors: the location of social work within the social structure, its objectives, and the nature of its societal sanction. (JAC)

Describes the dimensions of unemployment and the toll it takes on the unemployed. Discusses the various assumptions about unemployment and the need to develop more social policies related to unemployment, and to improve social work services to the unemployed. (JAC)

Explores how family therapy can allow social workers to engage in social casework and at the same time fulfill the advocate's role and functions. The social casework method attempts to effect better adjustments between individuals and their environments and includes both case advocacy and policy advocacy. (Author/JAC)