Investigated the role of the forensic social worker in a survey sent to centers of forensic psychiatry. Over 75 percent of the respondents said they function mainly as clinicians. Over half said their agencies provide specialized training on the issue of competence to stand trial. (JAC)

To investigate how social work professionals use lay resources in caregiving and what their professional roles and concerns are when lay resources are used was examined in 96 articles published in "Social Work" (1960-83). Findings are related to reciprocal model of caregiving, and implications of that model for social policy, social work…

Investigates a largely uncharted dynamic in the literature--the incidence of wife abuse among incestuous families--and suggests that professional caregivers reevaluate conventional treatment modalities that are based on certain assumptions regarding the mother's role in incest. (Author)

Cautions that the emergence of industry as an arena for social work practice warrants thoughtful study rather than rhetorical justification. Presents the results of one such study of the need for and nature of social services at the workplace. Discusses questions the study raises for future consideration. (Author/JAC)

Based on clinical interviews with 20 women, describes the experience of giving birth to and mourning a stillborn baby. Issues include pregnancy, delivery, seeing and touching the baby, autopsy, burial, "making memories," and mourning. Discusses the social worker's role in clinical practice and in influencing hospital procedures. (Author)

Assessed conditions under which clinicians might consider breaking patient-therapist confidentiality, using vignettes of clinical situations. Social workers were more likely than their counterparts in psychiatry and psychology to report that they would breach confidences when confronting specified clinical situations, with older social workers…

Results of a survey that questioned police social workers regarding the protection of client confidentiality in police settings revealed several problems related to the unique character of the setting and to the identification of social workers with the goals and practices of police. Results raise questions about the protection of client…

This study examined how consumers and social workers conceptualize empowerment. The findings show that there are important differences in how these groups understand empowerment. Implications for the conceptualization of empowerment, as well as social work education and practice are discussed. (Contains 52 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

Five types of parental partnerships in postdivorce families based on family systems theory were discovered in this study. This differentiated description of postdivorce families, which can help practitioners assess the tasks that must be achieved, expands current professional understanding and has implications for effective intervention.…

To understand the role of the social worker in rural mental heatlh services a survey of mental health staff in one rural area was conducted, examining the interrelationships among education, perceived levels of knowledge, and clinical functions. Results indicate bachelors' level social workers serve generalist functions while masters' level social…

Examines the interaction between caseworker, caretaker, and client in foster care placement of the elderly and offers suggestions for strengthening the worker's role. Interaction between caseworker, caretaker, and client needs strengthening. Caseworkers need a sound understanding of their own role and of the expectations held by agency, caretaker,…

Determined the extent to which social workers participate in self-help groups and examined their role in planning, developing, and supporting the groups continued existence. Results indicated that social workers perform important functions in supporting the growth and continued existence of self-help groups. (RC)

Investigated similarities and differences between agency practitioners and private practitioners in Los Angeles, California. Results indicate many social workers view private practice as incompatible with a commitment to serve the needy, but the gap is narrowing and there are more similarities between the two groups. (Author/JAC)

Contains 15 articles related to discrimination against people of color. Defines minority groups and outlines demographic trends. Addresses issues related to American Indian jurisdiction, minority children in service systems, Blacks, Mexican Americans, Vietnamese refugees, Hispanics, Puerto Ricans, and cultural support systems. Discusses strategies…