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.…

In response to soaring divorce rates and liberalized divorce laws, the author proposes a new role for social workers--divorce mediator. Social work skills can be used to lessen the pain couples who are dissolving marriage at the same time that husband and wife are helped to face the future. (Author)

Because feelings workers experience as part of counter-transference may affect attitudes toward clients and their performance of casework, such feelings are the concern of supervisors and workers. An exercise which has been used successfully in the exploration by worker and supervisor of feelings that are nontherapeutic is presented. (Author)

Focuses on the various social work skills, roles, and tasks that are useful for shock-trauma service. Discusses strategies and techniques that social workers who are beginners in trauma work can call on to enter this medically oriented system. (Author/ABB)

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)

Social workers are currently pressing to have the profession granted privileged communication. It is assumed that this special legal status will assure protection of clients' confidence. This article questions this assumption and points out that the profession must first adopt effective measures to ensure confidentiality. (Author)

If social work is to fulfill its central mission of helping individuals, groups, and communities resolve social problems, it must develop problem-oriented theories and intervention strategies. Particularly needed are models of practice that are capable of being tested through scientific methods and that are addressed to specific, well-defined…

The reactor sees a growing gulf between what social work states its mission is and what it is actually doing. Poor communities need a social worker with the knowledge and skills to do clinical work and who is able as well to intervene via social action on larger community systems. (Author)

Addresses the issue of educational interventions for families of the chronically mentally ill. Advocates that, because of their psychosocial orientation and case management expertise, social workers are best qualified as family educators. Recommends covering diagnostic and medication issues, information on social service networks, an overview of…

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)

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)

Whether the union is jeopardized by disappointment, fear of not achieving satisfaction in life, or other problems, the couple in crisis may turn to divorce as the lesser evil. The mediation process is of potential value to those couples who may want to avoid protracted, painful lawsuits. (Author)

Only two states have enacted statutes of privileged communications that prevent workers from being compelled to testify in court concerning matters revealed in confidence by clients. The author considers the need for further extension of this privilege and explains how workers and clients can protect themselves. (Author)

This paper suggests that the major problems facing social work are not those related to public misunderstanding or structural position within the "welfare system," but to the profession's acquiescent posture in the "ill-fare nonsystem." The scant attention paid to minority issues in the papers is challenged. (Author)

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)