Few social programs have attempted to provide high-risk adults--and, particularly, former prisoners--with mentors. And thus there are few resources that offer practical advice and recommendations for mentoring this population, given its distinct needs, assets and challenges. While much remains to be tested and learned, this manual draws on the…

Youth who are involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems face many challenges and barriers to academic and vocational success. Regardless of the reasons for their involvement, youth in these systems are "disproportionately children and youth of color who currently have, or have experienced, a host of risk factors that are…

This article offers guidance for preparing parents of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit to manage their child at home. Topics covered include effective, formal discharge teaching, providing information about child development, continuity of care from the hospital to home (including linkages with professionals, agencies, and other…

This guide was developed to support families, the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program, schools, and community programs in meeting the federal and state requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 for transition of children at age three. It provides guiding principles, recommended practices, and…

Many teens experience a time when keeping up with school work is difficult. Some adolescents are able to get through this time with minimal assistance from their parents or teachers. However, when the difficulties last longer than a single grading period or are linked to a long-term pattern of poor school performance, parents and teachers may need…

This guide outlines hospital-to-home transition guidelines to ensure a successful transition of an at-risk infant. Interagency planning is discussed, with the benefits for families, hospitals, and infant-toddler service providers highlighted. Steps that transition planners should follow to ensure a sound transition plan are provided. Useful…

The Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council for Families, Infants and Toddlers (VICC) was established by federal law to advise the Vermont Department of Education and the Agency of Human Services on the statewide system of early intervention services for families of children with special needs, ages birth to three. In Vermont, the early…