Describes Project OPT, an intensive short-term intervention in the homes of families with problems in parent-child interaction. Qualities important in achieving success are: (1) to be accepting; (2) to plan clear objectives; (3) understanding of the family system; and (4) to be skilled in relating to children. (Author)

The 12 states comprising the North Central Region have been affected in similar ways by the farm crisis of the 1980s. Statewide surveys show sizeable proportions of farm operations that are experiencing moderately high levels of financial stress. The problems caused by chronic stress on family structure and functioning, the loss of mainstreet…