A review of eight research studies on the question of size in relation to quality of resident life in state institutions is presented. Findings of seven of the studies reviewed showed that there is some advantage to the smaller setting. None showed any advantage to larger institutions. (PHR)

In the Northern Metropolitan Health Region of New South Wales three short-term residential units have opened since 1976. These units cater to clients of all ages with a range of intellectual handicaps. The units provide emergency and holiday relief, plus a variety of assessment and follow-up services. (Author)

This symposium overview examines the outcomes of standards established in Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded to receive Medicaid funding. The argument is made that, although regulations have provided cleaner environments and better documented procedures, they lack in provisions promoting personal, moral, and educational…

This parable is presented in the form of news items and excerpts from jury testimonies in three fictional malpractice suits against physicians and adult care workers in group homes. Key issues at stake are the roles of Interdisciplinary Treatment Teams and Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded regulations. (PB)

This study examined the involvement of families with children and adult family members (n=163) with mental retardation in residential treatment and programs. Multiple regression found three variables that accounted for most of the variance in involvement: (1) distance from the residential facility; (2) expectation that the family member would…

This commentary discusses the structure of residential care in the United States, the aging of caregivers and the growing demand for services, the increased longevity of persons with developmental disabilities, the long waiting lists for services, and state initiatives to address waiting lists. Policy considerations and recommendations are…

Background: This study examined parental involvement in relocation and post-placement care of offspring in residential facilities for adults with intellectual disability, as well as the characteristics of residents, parents, and residential institutions and the effect of those variables on parental perceptions of their offspring's life…

A brief instrument to assess risk of injury was applied retrospectively for 2 years and prospectively for 1 year to all people living in a large ICF/MR. Results suggest that the percentage of people who experienced an injury significantly increased across the levels of increasing risk indicated by the assessment. Furthermore, people who…

The influence of type of residence, institution or community, on the direction and/or realism of vocational interest was investigated using 60 sheltered workshop-employed, mentally retarded young adults. The Picture Interest Inventory was used as the measure of vocational interest. Statistical analysis of cell means indicated that the…

The handbook on residential institutions, for professionals and students in the field of mental retardation, attempts to interpret the institution as a part of the culture which it serves, avoiding emotional responses but suggesting formulas for change. Characteristics of contemporary institutions for the mentally retarded are examined and…

The aims and principles of normalization and integration of the mentally retarded in Sweden are discussed in terms of implications for services and programs. The historical background of the present care for the mentally handicapped notes legislative actions, responsibilities of the Board of Provisions and County Councils, the development of the…

The document briefly explains mental retardation, describes existing community programs for the retarded and their families in Ohio's Cuyahoga County with special attention to changes since 1965, and recommends ways of providing county community services as yet unmet. The following service delivery systems are discussed: clinical services,…

Describes a successful intervention procedure utilizing operant conditioning techniques that reduced the high frequency of inappropriate behavior of a retarded girl in a residential facility. Three teachers, in three different instructional settings, mildly punished each incident of hand-mouthing while concurrently teaching more functional…

This report contains 1922 statistics of schools and classes for feeble-minded and subnormal children. With regard to administration, three types of schools for mentally defective children are represented in this report: (1) State institutions; (2) private institutions; and (3) city day schools. This year (1922) the statistics show a total of 214…