Describes social work case illustrations as teaching tools and information-sharing techniques. Presents suggestions for writing case illustrations, discussing information to be included (order of presentation, pseudonyms, efforts of other professionals, and practitioner orientation) or excluded (exclusively masculine pronouns, theory exposition,…

This review of research on the effectiveness of professional casework services reveals that lack of effectiveness seems to be the rule. In fact, in about 50 percent of the studies reviewed, clients receiving casework services tended to deteriorate. (Author)

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)

Addresses cultural and racial issues as they relate to social work practice and describes how an agency's awareness of these issues was increased as a result of a training project for minority students. A case history illustrates the agency's new perspective on service delivery. (Author/JAC)

The task implementation sequence (TIS), a major refinement of task-centered casework, is a powerful technique for accelerating therapeutic change by removing barriers before they arise. The cognitive approach, which has particular promise in surmounting psychological barriers, has been highlighted and illustrated with a case vignette. (Author)

Presents several case accounts of misunderstandings between Blacks and Whites that result from culturally based differences in communication styles. Contends that misperceived verbal messages and nonverbal cues, which lead to estrangement among students and staff members, may be identified and clarified by school social workers. (Author/LLL)

Reviews the results of a shift in the circumstances of the deinstitutionalized mentally ill from care in state hospitals to legal prosecution. Discusses the reasons for this shift and describes a San Francisco program that attempts to deal with the problem. (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)