New Research Development Fund Established
The Center has established a new Research Development Funding Program (RDFP). Funding is now available to support a limited number of small-scale research studies (under the auspices of the Center) that will lead to subsequent application for external funding. CUSSW faculty and JBFCS staff are eligible to submit applications. Priority will be given to proposed studies involving collaboration between CUSSW faculty and JBFCS staff. Proposed budgets should not exceed $5,000. Priority areas are: research outcomes in social work practice; assessment of practice in a managed care context; examination of ways to use research in practice; and research on family violence and social work practice. The intent of the RDFP is to stimulate research that faculty and staff identify as important. Therefore, applications in other research areas are also welcome.

Center Conference on Outcome Measurement Planned During the past decade considerable attention has been given to development and use of outcome measures in social work practice. Most recently, the emphasis on accountability in the human services and the movement toward managed care in the health and mental health fields, have further added to interest in this topic. The Center has convened a planning committee to consider sponsorship of this topic at a 1995 conference. Conference participants will be asked to consider the implications of outcome measurement for social work practice as the profession enters the next millennium.

Colloquia on Domestic Violence Co-Sponsored

A two-part colloquium series on domestic violence was jointly sponsored by JBFCS and CUSSW staff in April and October 1994 at CUSSW The first part featured Kathryn Conroy CUSSW Assistant Dean/Director of Field Work, "The History of Battered Women," and Janet Geller, JBFCS Director, The Center for the Prevention of Family Violence, "Multi-Modality Approach to Treatment of Partner Abuse." The second part featured CUSSW Professor Randy Magen, "Child Abuse and Woman Abuse: One Problem or Two?" and Dr. Annaclare van Dalen, JBFCS Senior Supervisory/Clinical Social Worker, Madeleine forg Community Services, "Impact of Family Violence on Children." The series was planned by CUSSW Professors Helene Jackson, Neil Guterman and Ada Mui, and JBFCS staff Mr. Morris Black and Ms. Jackie Miller.

Symposium on Multicultural Issues and Practice with Geriatric Clients PlannedA half-day symposium on "Practice with Ethnic Minority Elders" will be held on March 23, 1995 at Columbia University Developed for the Columbia University Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology's 1993-1994 education program, the symposium is specifically designed to focus on multicultural issues JBFCS practitioners face in caring for geriatric clients. CUSSW Professors Denise Burnette, Ada Mui and Abraham Monk are developing and organizing the program to be offered under the sponsorship of the Center for the Study of Social Work Practice.

Helen Rehr and Ruth Fizdale Professorship in Health and Mental Health Announced

Dean Ronald A. Feldman has announced the establishment at CUSSW of the Helen Rehr and Ruth Fizdale Professorship in Health and Mental Health. This endowed professorship honors the contributions of Dr. Rehr and Ms. Fizdale to the fields of social work, health and mental health. Dr. Rehr is a member of the Center's Development Council.

Willma and Albert Musher Professorship Announced

Dean Ronald A. Feldman announced the establishment at CUSSW of the Willma and Albert Musher Professorship. This professorship honors the Willma and Albert Musher family It has been fully endowed by Mr. Albert Musher through a single gift which is the largest such gift received by CUSSW It is the only professorship in the field of social work in the United States exclusively focused on the examination of ways in which science and technology can be used to advance human betterment. Mr. Musher previously funded the development of two Center studies.

Ed Mullen Honored

The Catholic University of America honored Dr. Ed Mullen with The National Catholic School of Social Service 75th Anniversary Award for Distinguished Service on October 21, 1994. Dr. Mullen was recognized "as one of the pioneers in advocating for the practitioner-scholar model... [and] for his contribution to the knowledge development of social practice."