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The voluntary nature of volunteerism has increasingly been called into question, particularly in situations where people are required to volunteer as part of a class or activity. This study questioned 357 students at a diverse urban university about their experiences with volunteerism, both as part of a class and not part of a class. Results suggest a disconnect between what participants "think" when asked about their hypothetical views about involuntary volunteering, versus their actual attitudes after having engaged in mandated service for a class. Although negative perceptions existed when participants thought about being forced to volunteer, after actually volunteering, the vast majority were very supportive of the experience. Overall, taken together the results suggest that the experience of forced volunteerism did not have a negative impact on future volunteer intentions.

Interviewed private adoption agency staff in 1987-89 and 1993 to examine the impact of open adoption on practices and services. Found that over time, agencies offered a greater range of openness options. Client demand, changes in agency philosophy, and competition from independent or private adoptions were among the most salient reasons for change. (Author)

The underlying process in adoptive kinship networks that experienced increases or decreases in levels of openness during the child's adolescent years is studied. The findings suggest that adoptive mothers tended to be more involved in contact with the birth mother than were adoptive fathers or adopted adolescents.

A profile of the Center for Social Work Research at the University of Texas at Austin is presented. Topics include the center's history, interdisciplinary approach, funding sources, and areas of research.