Describes a strategic plan developed at a community mental health center, the Summit Center for Human Development, to deal with its own survival while public demand increases, and federal and state programs are cut back. Examines current and prospective services and outlines directions for enhancing the mandated and optional services provided…

The School Community Involvement System (SCIS) is presented as a model community program that encourages educators, parents and community members to work together to meet the needs of children and society. This model is intended as a comprehensive systematic program for community involvement and communication in the school experience, as well as a…

Efforts to measure the quality of life in cities have emphasized comparisons among different places. This is useful for citizens and businesses but not for communities. The advice of local residents must be sought to develop community-oriented measures which define the quality of life in terms of the local context. (VM)

Reviews the literature on the importance of community involvement in achieving desegregation and other broad social and educational goals; details risks that must be taken into account when planning meaningful involvement; and specifies techniques for fostering community involvement, with attention directed to the strengths and weaknesses of each.…

Discusses components of a consumer feedback system and methods for the systematic collection of information. The system used by the "Teaching-Family Model" approach to residential treatment illustrates the successful implementation of feedback. (Author)

Community Based Consultation, a consultation/education model appropriate for use in CMHC's and mental health departments is described. The model is being implemented by a Community Services Team of a rural mental health department. Appropriate strategies, a conceptualization of the community along power dimensions, a decision-making structure for…

This planning guide is designed to assist those individuals or groups concerned with the removal of children from adult jails, and is intended to provide a methodology for needs assessment and implementation of a flexible network of alternatives at the local community level. The guide includes an overview of the problem and a narrative description…

The undergraduate field placement course is an integral part of the curriculum of many psychology departments today. This presentation provides information on sources and procedures for selecting and evaluating the sites for an undergraduate practicum course. Information includes: familiarization with community resources and potential sites;…

Proposes strategies for development of participatory processes and systems that take into account reality of daily life in barrio for Chicano elderly. Recommends statistical data should be enriched by qualitative information for decision-making purposes: calm rationality of people discussing the problems of others should be balanced by fire of…

Suggests referring and referral sources should work together toward similar goals and objectives to enable students in need to make the best use of help offered. Presents a conceptual framework and hypothetical plan for sharing professional philosophies and operational understandings necessary to providing effective service. (RC)

Models the impact of three domains of environmental variables (ecological/architectural, psychosocial, and personal) on the mental health and well-being of 989 community-based rural elderly. Perceived environmental constriction, satisfaction with dwelling features, and satisfaction with community were the largest predictors of mental health.…

The author uses a simulation model to illustrate how the farm crisis is expected to affect rural businesses and governments. He offers the results and implications for private and public decisions makers as an aid to planning for efficient delivery of services. (Author/CH)

The development of alternatives to institutionally based long-term care requires the creation of greater interdependence among community based agencies and the provision of appropriate interdependence as the foundation for coordinated service delivery. Theoretical models of interorganizational interdependence are examined and assessed for their…

Issues are presented which concern today's children, even those growing up under the best of environmental, social, and economic conditions. All will face an increased probability of emotional stress accompanying problems of living, undoubtedly resulting in increased demands upon child mental health services. The history of child mental health…

Describes a rehabilitation counselor training program, the Independent Living Project, that attempts to meet the needs of a community agency while simultaneously providing students with a paid work experience, direct client contact, and an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills learned in counselor education programs. (Author/RC)