Examines models of integrative delivery services for children and families and the role of the school counselor in the provision of such services. Discusses the importance of structuring the delivery approach and the role of school counseling professional organizations and counseling programs as valuable sources of support. (Contains 17…

This research brief summarizes the latest evidence base on effective involvement for elementary school children--that is, the studies that link family involvement in elementary schools to children's academic achievement and social development. It synthesizes the outcome-based empirical research published between 1999 and 2006 that were cataloged…

Explores the diminishing role of federal government following a series of legislative mandates to maximize equal educational opportunity. Also examines the escalating poverty rate resulting from the economic restructuring of the country. Calls for systemic reform in education, health and human services followed by an integration of these services.…

Examines the evidence base for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention, distinguishing between experimental work identifying a treatment effect and research establishing ecological validity. Asserts that research should address which program components are helpful for which children and families in which contexts. Draws on current…

Describes the general characteristics of family support programs in North America. Summarizes the rationale for such programs. Describes an example of a support program, the family resource centers in Canada. Outlines such key planning considerations as the diversity of today's families, needs assessment, program variety, and cultural relevance.…

Problems experienced by youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) exact enormous toll on themselves, families and communities. Authors discuss three mental health initiatives for EBD youth, consisting of school-based practices, individualized care, stakeholder collaboration, intensive service coordination, and family-centered services.…

This research brief reviews research on why and how family involvement matters for elementary school children's learning and socio-emotional development. Specifically, it summarizes the latest evidence base on effective involvement for elementary school children--that is, the studies that link family involvement in elementary schools to children's…

The field of adventure family therapy has emerged as a means to construct lasting functional change for troubled youth. Seven reasons why adventure therapy can be successful with troubled youth are: (1) therapeutic processes are centered in action-oriented experiences; (2) therapy is conducted in an unfamiliar environment; (3) adventure therapy…

This volume seeks to refine and extend knowledge about approaches to supporting the caregiving roles of families. The chapters in the volume describe and appraise new directions in family support. After an introduction, the two parts of the volume address "New Directions for Family Resource and Support Programs" (six chapters) and…

Experiences with family and intergenerational programs in English Second Language (ESL) literacy are reviewed, and factors that contribute to their success are discussed. It is suggested that as the notion of literacy expands, conceptual boundaries of the population of learners must expand also. While there is much to be learned from existing…

The monograph provides an historical overview of services for families of disabled children and considers strategies for increasing family support. The historical analysis traces factors influencing the lack of priority placed on family services and describes trends in family resource services. Advantages and drawbacks of the continuum and array…

Focuses on recent research examining the relationships between family satisfaction and job satisfaction, the impact of work on family, and the influence of family on work, with special emphasis on job performance and productivity. It concludes by drawing program implications for career development specialists and suggesting needed family support…

Over the past decade, fathering programs of various kinds have proliferated in a number of different contexts. These programs are faced with two critical issues. The first is the need for a practical, inclusive, yet challenging framework to guide effective practice in diverse settings. This review presents a definition of good fathering as…

Critical to the success of initiatives to reform and restructure educational and community services to improve the lives of children is the way in which they are financed. This report explores the movement toward privatization through contracting in managing, financing, and delivering child and family social services and provides a conceptual…

Why are child welfare agencies more hospitable to assessment than family service agencies? What are the implications for other fields of practice? These and other issues are discussed, along with a useful formula for studying practice principles. To illustrate this formula, agency-based demonstration programs are described. (Author)