In this article, we argue that policymakers in America should reference a coherent, comprehensive, and child-centered framework for children. That is, based on an extensive review of the empirical literature on the first two decades of life, we conclude that policies should address the needs of young people throughout the first two decades of…

The "social maps" of 89 youngsters as they made the transition from sixth to eighth grades (elementary to junior high school) were explored. Data were gathered through interviews with the youngsters in sixth and again in eighth grade. Subjects' mothers were also interviewed at both times. Interviews focused on the child's social network as…

Social structures of home, school, and community environments that impact the types of peer relationships formed, types of activities friends engage in, and depth of interactions of children and adolescents with behavior disorders are discussed. (DB)