There is growing interest in deficit symptoms in studies of the course and treatment response of schizophrenia. However, existing clinical assessment instruments focus primarily on productive symptoms. The authors describe the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), a 21-item scale based on a semistructured interview designed to assess deficit symptoms and thereby fill an important gap in the range of instruments now available. Data regarding reliability and training in the use of the QLS are presented. A factor analysis of the items yields results compatible with the conceptual model on which the scale is based. The factor analysis was also performed separately by sex and was fundamentally similar for men and women.

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This paper reviews research findings on caretaking-related problems associated with the absence of parents from the home following incarceration. It focuses on the impact of incarceration on the welfare and adjustment of urban African American children and on the assumption of caretaking responsibilities by other caretakers, principally maternal grandmothers. Noting the complex situational difficulties involved and the potential burdens associated with surrogate parenting in general, and with this population in particular, the service-provider implications of this parenting arrangement are considered in this review. Findings indicate that problems associated with incarceration of parents tend to be intergenerational and vary considerably in complexity and severity. To the extent that they impact the children involved, these issues should be addressed in coordinated service delivery focusing on prevention. KeywordsVulnerable Youth; African American; Surrogate Parenting; Incarcerated ParentsThe present paper examines research findings regarding the impact of parents' incarceration on urban African American children. Focusing on the incarceration of mothers because their children are less likely to be cared for by their fathers during their incarceration (Mumola, 2000), the paper explores the phenomenon of surrogate caregiving by grandparents including its strengths and weaknesses, along with service-delivery considerations that address intergenerational parenting-related problems within this vulnerable population. The report was prompted by an examination of study results involving incarcerated substance-abusing mothers and their children revealing that the female serving as the mother figure for the longest period of time in the lives of children was often the grandmother, who in many instances was functioning as the primary caregiver during the birth mother's incarceration. Research findings on this issue not only have relevance to the intergenerational transmission of vulnerability to the development of a deviant lifestyle, but also have important service-provider implications with respect to strengthening the integration of the family, promoting the use of readily available community resources, and ultimately, protecting the welfare and safety of children of incarcerated parents.

This article reviews research on the relationship between illicit drug use and crime conducted since 1980. Significant advances are noted in studies of the crime of known drug abusers and in studies of the drug use of individuals processed by the criminal justice system. Major conclusions supported by the results of studies of the criminal activity of narcotic abusers are that both a higher prevalence and higher rates of crime are associated with more frequent use of heroin and/or cocaine, although addicts vary with regard to the type, amount, and severity of crime they commit. Rates of lifetime and recent illicit drug use, particularly the use of cocaine, among prisoners, parolees, probationers, and arrestees are high compared to the general population. Issues discussed include the etiology of drug abuse, the effects of treatment and criminal justice interventions on drug use and crime, and drug-related violence.

This study examined self-report information from a structured interview on the drug use, employment status, drug distribution income, and criminal behavior of 188 drug-abusing offenders in the six months prior to the commission of the offense for which they were incarcerated. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which drug use and income-producing activity was related to the variety, frequency, and severity of criminal behavior during this six-month period. Results revealed that the major predictors of a greater variety of crime were male gender, fewer months employed, and a larger number of different drugs used; the major predictors of a greater frequency of crime were fewer months employed and greater cocaine use and drug distribution income; and the major predictors of a greater severity of crime were younger age and male gender. Interestingly, the use of marijuana in cases that did not involve opioid use was related to the commission of more violent crimes. Subsequent examination of this result revealed that violent activity was associated with the relatively high drug distribution income for those marijuana users who did not use opioids or cocaine. Implications of this and other findings for corrections planning and public policy are discussed.