The lack of a firmly established pattern for managing cases in social services seems to be widespread. This creates a need for a unified and standardized procedure at the individual case level of service delivery. This manual represents a basic variation of the general case management model. It is meant to be used as a rationale and motivation for…

Previous reviews of social work research on the outcome of casework and group work services have concluded that these direct practice methods are ineffective. This "study of studies" analyzes the body of research again, but from the standpoint of practice and the practitioner, and discusses the implications. (Author)

Used computerized case simulation program to evaluate clinical problem-solving skills of undergraduate rehabilitation students. Through the use of a microcomputer, students completed a case simulation involving a hypothetical client of a state vocational rehabilitation agency. Results indicated that case management performance of undergraduate…

The authors outline a community organization course that develops a casework approach to social change. The course features a community organizing project. (CH)

Findings from a study of more than 200 families with adopted children yield valuable insights into the reasons why adoptive relationships collapse and what factors agencies should consider in matching children and families to avoid disruption. (Author/BB)

Provides a definition of empirically based practice, both conceptually and operationally. Describes a study of how research and practice were integrated in the graduate social work program at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. (JAC)

Suggests that despite social work's commitment to a person-in-situation framework, the social work literature contains a client-blaming bias. A review of recent reseach on practice effectiveness shows that problems were often defined in person-centered terms and that person-centered measures of outcome were frequently used. (Author/JAC)

Describes the problems experienced by social workers working with Soviet emigres in Cincinnati. Excessive demands for services were resolved through a better understanding of the Soviet system of social services and discussion of cultural differences with volunteers attached to the program. (JAC)

Presents documentation of behavioral contributions to fetal and infant damage, disease, and death. Suggestions are made for interventive strategies for social workers to use at the policy, program, and case levels to help improve the outcome of pregnancy. A review of the literature is also included. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the importance of accurate assessment of the patient's motivations for noncompliance and of wise planning of management to meet these needs. These are essential social work tasks that will enhance patient compliance. (Author/JAC)

Describes bulimia, a disorder involving binge eating and purging increasingly prevalent in young women. Reviews the literature and describes symptoms, etiological factors, and treatment considerations and approaches for the disorder. (Author)

A critical analysis of a research report which appeared in an earlier journal. A rebuttal by the authors of the original article is also included. (HMV)

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)

The unknownness between persons must be challenged by demanding that their feelings, including the rage, fear, and mistrust, must be shared and squarely faced. (Authors/DM)

Understanding and treatment of life stresses comprise a fundamental strategy that must be built into any program to maximize social functioning potential. (DM)