Examines the delayed reactions to the stress of war (posttraumatic stress disorders) of many Vietnam veterans and the problems their families face as a consequence. Presents a number of considerations for social work intervention. (JAC)

Describes the adaptation of social work practice skills to serve black urban youth gangs. Presents a model for practice which respects youths' right to self-determination and community needs. Model stages discussed include contact, rapport, setting goals, assigning roles, procuring resources, and evaluation. Model applicability is suggested. (NRB)

Surveyed 200 female street prostitutes to determine whether they were sexually exploited during childhood. Results showed 60 percent of the subjects were sexually exploited. The few girls who discussed their abuse with others were met with shame and most often inaction. Only 10 percent were abused by strangers. (JAC)

Reviews the development of social work views about the person-environment interface as an evolutionary process. Charges that Fischer's criticism of theory and of pressing for rank empiricism and an emphasis on technique as a basis for practice is a sure way to social work's demise as a knowledge-based profession. (JAC)

Summarizes recent advances in the knowledge and treatment of sleep disorders and examines the interaction of sleep with social work concerns such as aging, depression, sexual dysfunction, alcoholism, and anxiety. Social workers' awareness of the diagnostic signs for sleep disorders and available interventions will improve client care. (JAC)

Designed to aid those investigating reports of incest, the model presented in this article provides guidelines on how to protect the victim while allowing her to remain in her parents' home, prepare the family for treatment, and motivate family members to continue treatment until they are ready for discharge. (Author/MP)

Discusses the medical metaphor that was for many years the basis of casework. Suggests that the medical model has had a detrimental influence on the profession of social work, and offers alternative models. (Author)

Provides a framework for understanding the cultural, social, political, and economic factors that affect decision making when working with ethnically and racially diverse families in the child welfare system. Describes external factors affecting the decision- making process, including community environment, agency structure, and family…

This paper explains why social work practice does not seem to play as strong a role as other professions in enhancing the dignity of lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Social workers are urged to give the same validity to case management of individuals with disabilities as has been given to improving services to poor people.…

The role of the case manager today is explored through interviews with human-services professionals. Identifies eight themes that describe the case manager's work and skills: multiple roles, organizational abilities, communication skills, setting-specific knowledge, ethical decision making, boundaries, objectivity, and personal qualities.…

The authors' reflect on the challenges and rewards of partnering as casework supervisors with bilingual and bicultural newcomer paraprofessionals in resettlement work with refugee youth. Such individuals are generally recruited for their linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge, but they can lack formal clinical training or licensing…

This study evaluated the efficacy of 2 brief interventions for cannabis-dependent adults. A multisite randomized controlled trial compared cannabis use outcomes across 3 study conditions: (a) 2 sessions of motivational enhancement therapy (MET); (b) 9 sessions of multicomponent therapy that included MET, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and case…

For the past five years, the author has participated with several youthworkers in a study of youthwork as an interpersonal process of interaction. Their inquiry includes four general steps. First, they try to be in their work fully so they can know and experience it. Second, they reflect on an experience. Third, they write a story about it. And…

Gay affirmative practice models provide guidelines for behaviors and beliefs in social work practice with gay and lesbian individuals. The aim of this study was to develop a valid rapid assessment instrument to assess the extent to which social work practitioners engage in principles consistent with gay affirmative practice. The Gay Affirmative…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a National Institute of Corrections' cognitive-behavioral program for adult offenders, entitled "Thinking for a Change." One hundred male and 42 female probationers were studied. Probationers assigned to the "Thinking for a Change" program were matched with a comparison group not assigned to the program…