Social justice has become an increasingly controversial topic among members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Specifically, concerns have been raised over what is perceived to be: (a) the liberal political agenda of social justice advocates, (b) the marginalization of conservative counselors, and (c) the inappropriate use of ACA…

Assisting transgender individuals is a concern for career development practitioners because there is a lack of knowledge on this topic. The complexity of gender reassignment surgery brings challenges and unique needs to this population, throughout gender transition, and requires career development practitioners to understand these challenges and…

Because youths often lack the knowledge and skills to constructively address the problems and challenges they encounter in their lives, they often make choices that result in negative outcomes. The various individual, small group, organizational, and systematic youth advocacy services that are described in this paper provide counselors with new…

Encourages family scientists to participate in legislative activities in their own states. Suggests skills, strategies, and tactics to ensure any foray into legislative arena is of high quality and maximum value. Includes practical tips on how to avoid common mistakes. (Author/ABL)

Counseling programs in the California community colleges play a key role in helping students succeed. Over the years, the functions counseling departments perform have increased significantly, further exacerbating the ever-present pressure to serve more students in cost-effective ways. As a result of the expansion of services absent the resources…

Uses participant-observation, key informant interviewing, and document analysis to generate a broad understanding of the ways in which counselors advocate for their profession--the elements of an advocacy effort, the possible strategies for advocating, and the people or organizations counselors target when advocating. Compares research results…

Addresses the advocacy, counseling, and case management skills needed by the rehabilitation counselor in independent living settings. Independent living is a concept expressive of people's desires to be in control of their own lives. One of the critical roles in these programs is that of the rehabilitation counselor. (PAS)

Suggests advocacy and career education are legitimate counselor activities in helping minorities with career planning. Urges career counselors to expand clients' motivation and interest, identify resources, and monitor environmental changes. (KMF)

Provides a historical link between the civil rights movement in the 1960s and the disability rights movement. The origins of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are discussed from the sociopolitical context at the time of their passage. Links are drawn between these laws,…

Marin City Families First (MCFF) is an intervention program providing intensive home-based support and services to at-risk families, through family advocates, to help them stabilize their lives and increase their ability to provide safe, healthy environments for their children. Comprised of case studies of three MCFF families and their family…

This document defines the role and responsibilities of Missouri's vocational special needs counselors as they work with special needs students in vocational programs at the secondary and postsecondary levels and offers advice on how they can fulfill their role and responsibilities. Following the introduction is the questionnaire used in a survey…