Volunteer paraprofessional mental health workers' participation in an inner city early intervention program: a dose of reality

Specification of the personal impact of participating as a paraprofessional in mental health programs has become increasingly important. The present study compared seven paraprofessional participants in a school-based program with seven matched controls, pre and post participation. Paraprofessionals, relative to controls, became significantly: (a) warmer, (b) more positive in attitudes about mental health and children, and (c) less optimistic about social systems in general and more negative toward "elementary schools" in particular.

Use of medical information in school planning

Student health information is essential for determining the effect of a health problem on school performance. The sharing of information that is pertinent to a child's individual needs requires judgment on the part of both physicians and school personnel. There must be mechansims for communication and a plan for storage and retrieval of data that is both accurate and accessible. There must be a mutual desire among the professionals to establish a close relationship that is responsive to the needs of the children they serve.

Support services in the school setting: the nursing model

The multiple components of the school-based services for the handicapped are collapsed into a support service/instructional intent matrix which gives visual expression to new dimensions in school health services. Student needs for care and coping skills are addressed by a network of professional joint-practice arrangements built into a nursing service delivery model. A challenge is made to providers for a reciprocal relationship, to improve professional preparedness and thus promote access, excellence and equity in programs for the handicapped.

The role of the pediatrician in the adolescent's school

Whether the setting for medical care delivery is the pediatrician's office or the school itself, successful school health models call for good communication and interaction between educators and physicians. In addition, parents and peers can be influential transmitters of health education to teenagers.

Delivery of child care within the health care system

Child health care is an integral part and practically the most important part of the health care delivery system in today's society. This article discusses the special characteristics of child health care within the total population care effort, with emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of physical and psychological ailments of infancy and childhood.

Clinic expands adolescents' access to care: Health promotion

A Minneapolis health center opened a mini-clinic in a local high school to provide adolescents with better access to care, appropriate referrals, and health education.