Integrated data systems are often used to inform decision making at the top tiers of local or state government. Policymakers use analyses based on large numbers of integrated data system (IDS) records (from which personal identifying information has been removed) to understand the overlap between cases that receive services from different systems…

Presents an advocacy practice model which analyzes and interrelates the components of the process. Lists 12 major variables in case advocacy together with 10 key questions which may guide the advocate's decision-making process and shape advocacy activities. (BR)

The use of polarity analysis in child abuse case management provides a way to identify interdependent polar opposites, their positive and negative consequences, and actions to manage them over time, rather than compete for one right solution. An example of polarity analysis is presented with the two poles being parental autonomy and the agency as…

Research of the Child Welfare League of America is reviewed. This research aims to develop guidelines to assist the child welfare agency practitioner in deciding when the needs of children who come to the agency's attention can be better met by service in their own homes or through placement away from home. Initially data were collected from…

Noting that child welfare professionals can improve the quality and integrity of the services they provide if they develop ethical decision making skills, this book provides child welfare administrators and caseworkers with a framework for assessing ethical dilemmas, making sound ethical decisions, and delivering services with integrity to…

Redefines the advocacy role in social work and demonstrates how a social influence typology can clarify contradictions in the social psychology literature. The typology helps the social worker match the manner in which advocacy is attempted to specific details of the situation. (Author/JAC)

Suggests a decision-making model based on case-management procedures for permanency planning in foster care. Permanency planning is offered as an alternative to counter the drift of children in foster care. (CM)

Noting that risk assessment models are controversial and vary in definition, purposes, and risk criteria, reviews and contrasts 10 models used to guide decision making concerning the placement of maltreated children in out-of-home care. Found that models varied on pertinent criteria for assessing child risk, and identified six areas for further…

Despite the increasing popularity of systematic risk assessment models by child protective services agencies, relatively few are empirically based. Reviews the empirical literature on 10 risk assessment models and concludes that although each model contains generally sound psychometric properties, there is still a need for further model…

This guide provides line practitioners, managers, and policy makers with an orientation to the essentials of "client-centered" case management serving young people who require assistance from a variety of service institutions. It focuses on implementation of case management within the context of the federal Job Training Partnership Act…