Discusses the reform of the foster care system in Japan. Considers the reasons for reform, the former problems of the foster care system, the major points of the reform, and the "special adoption" system. (RJC)

Describes Finland's child welfare system, including its general services, income supports, preventive services, foster care services, as well as the role of voluntary child welfare organizations. Also discusses the funding sources for child welfare work. (RJC)

Examines the economic policies that led to the institutionalization of large numbers of children under inhuman conditions during the Ceausescu regime in Romania. Also examines the efforts of the present Romanian government, national and international organizations, and private groups to place such children with adoptive families both in Romania…

Children have been casualties of decades of social deterioration in the Soviet Union. The Soviet Children's Fund has made progress in developing diversified forms of foster care and has enlisted both public and government support of programs to protect children. (BC)

Because of its comprehensive child welfare system, Denmark has a large number of children in out-of-home care. The system is strained under present social conditions. Government-funded efforts are being implemented to improve policies, programs, and use of placement and treatment resources. (BC)

Kenya's traditional rural clan and extended family communal form of foster care is compared with the recent state-sponsored nuclear foster care. Shortcomings of the state plan are discussed. It is maintained that the state plan needs to make use of the African extended family. (BC)