Phillip Fellin

Revisiting Multiculturalism in Social Work

This article examines multiculturalism as an organizing concept about human diversity in social work education in terms of the groups to be included and the significance of multiple cultural identities. The author reformulates the goals of multiculturalism in relation to the attachments people have to their cultural groups and to mainstream U.S. American culture. Attention is given to the future of a multicultural society in light of demographic trends beyond 2000 and the continuing significance of race and racism in the United States. The author concludes by describing four principles for multiculturalism and their application in the social work curriculum.

Is the War on Poverty attacking mental illness

Based on a 2-year study of Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) programs in a large urban center, this paper examines the potential of Community Action Centers for serving low-income clients with emotional problems. The processing, referral and follow-up patterns of the indigenous counseling staff are described. Strategies for mental health agencies are developed for enhancing their links with these programs and increasing the impact of the War on Poverty on mental illness.

Privacy Rights of Adolescent Women: Counseling Dilemmas

A review of legal perspectives on the competence and rights of adolescents points to special counseling dilemmas that arise in serving young women. Attention is directed toward professional social work responses that would enhance the privacy rights of adolescent women.