The Church as an Agent in Rural Mental Health

Many rural communities lack adequate mental health services. Additionally, there are specific problems associated with the delivery of services to rural citizens. A recent surge of interest in addressing rural concerns is prompting much needed research. This article suggests that the church can be an active agent in the delivery of services to rural populations. Ideas presented include: (a) identification and referral, (b) counseling networks utilizing local churches, (c) Christian counseling centers, (d) education and enrichment activities, (e) support groups, (f) lay counseling, (g) volunteer workers with the chronically mentally ill, and (h) clergy collaboration with local mental health practitioners.

Prevention of Child Maltreatment: What Is Known

There has been increasing awareness of the need to prevent child maltreatment. In this review, prevention programs that have been evaluated are critically assessed. This is based on computer searches of the relevant literature spanning the last decade and final reports regarding prevention programs to state and federal agencies. Although many programs have been implemented, relatively few have been evaluated, and of those that have been, many have serious methodologic flaws. Interventions that do appear promising include home visiting, lay counseling, group and family therapy, and education about sexual abuse. In addition, comprehensive programs that address the multiple contributory factors of child maltreatment appear to be a valuable approach. Suggestions are made as to how the practicing pediatrician might play a preventive role. Finally, there is a need for good evaluation research of prevention programs.

A Proposal for Lay Mobilization in Evangelism Utilizing Behavioral Technology

In response to the church's need for factual and interpretative data for decision-making processes, a specific data-based approach is proposed for the church's task of lay mobilization in evangelism. The use of social-scientific research methods is advocated to develop more optimal patterns of social interaction between parishioners and their surrounding community. Based upon several working hypotheses, a specific set of program operations is proposed, combining the components of inter-church cooperation, communication via mass media, telephone “hotline” features, personal lay counseling, referral mechanisms, training curriculum, and research consultation. The application of several forms of evaluation is proposed in general terms, and sequential phases of implementation are outlined. The techniques of research psychology are viewed as potential tools available to the church in its role of mediating spiritual resources to needy persons in the surrounding community.