This review of the literature explores studies of the techniques used in behavior modification groups, the stages through which a group goes to solve its problems, and the particular tasks of the group worker in helping the group reach its goals. (Author)

Meaningful employment is often the key to clients' fulfillment of personal and environmental needs, yet few social workers are prepared to help clients find jobs. Social workers should be trained in the skills of vocational intervention. (Author)

Considers some of the issues involved in the debate over codes of ethics regarding the right to effective treatment. Offers suggestions for how ethical codes could be modified to include clients' right to receive effective treatment and social workers' obligation to be educated about and to provide such treatment. (RJM)

Discusses the implications of Jaffee v. Redmond--a case involving privileged communication between counselor and client--for social workers involved in federal and nonfederal cases, for those who practice with Native Americans, and for those who practice in federal prisons. Discusses the positive and the negative implications of the decision. (RJM)

Has the effectiveness of evaluation in interventive work been overlooked? The Practice Outcome Inventory is a treatment technique that involves the client directly in the evaluation process--with benefit to both client and practitioner. (Author)

Homosexual behavior has received little attention from social workers. Starting with the premise that homosexuality is a legitimate variation of life-style, the author suggests a model for social work intervention with the homosexual. (Author)

Analyzing the different perceptions and controversies revealed in the papers prepared for the meeting on conceptual frameworks, the author presents a proposal for a unitary conception of practice with operational definitions of key elements. (Author)

Outlines the social work frame of reference first discussed by the NASW Commission on Social Work Practice and subsequently further developed. They then use it to develop a system of specialization consistent with unique perspectives of social work and adaptable to changing demands to which social work must respond. (Author)

Addresses concept of the therapeutic contract in clinical social work and psychotherapy. Defines "contract," describing legal implications, and implications for the professional relationship and course of treatment. Discusses mutuality, penalty clauses, voluntary participation in contractual process, malpractice and professional negligence,…

Explores child sexual exploitation by outlining the issue and its effects, providing case examples, with the aim of further involving social workers in ameliorating the conditions experienced by this victimized population. (Author/KS)

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…

Discusses the school social worker's conscious use of self in the daily political processes of the school system. The effective worker must identify influential people within and outside the school system and plan strategic interactions and responses to help students gain maximum benefit from their education. (JAC)

Black adolescent parents need counsel from social workers who are able to intervene with a discerning knowledge of concepts, such as neocolonialism, survival, and liberation, that are important to them and to the black community. (Author)

Redefines the advocacy role in social work and demonstrates how a social influence typology can clarify contradictions in the social psychology literature. The typology helps the social worker match the manner in which advocacy is attempted to specific details of the situation. (Author/JAC)

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,…