We examined the association between states' legislative mandates that private insurance cover autism services and the health care-related financial burden reported by families of children with autism. Child and family data were drawn from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (N = 2,082 children with autism). State policy…

This document describes Minnesota statutes and cases that provide rights, responsibilities, and protections for young people different from those applicable to adults. It gives legislators an overview of all laws affecting young people, serving as a reference aid for current state policies toward youth. It is basically a state guide, including…

The literature on the use of corporal punishment with children is reviewed, legal opinions on the issue are cited, and research on the social and behavioral aspects of corporal punishment are discussed. The literature is noted to focus on guidelines for administering corporal punishment, the importance of the relationship between the adult and…

The author investigates the mutual effects that legal and adjustment issues have on the plight of some children. A court-appointed child adversary, who would represent the child in custody and visitation decisions, could lead to improved postdivorce adjustment for many children, she concludes. (Editor)

Child abuse and neglect is a problem of concern to local communities, state legislatures, state agencies and the federal government. In providing protective services, welfare departments encounter legal aspects concerning law enforcement officials, attorneys and the judicial system. This manual can provide practical guidance to those who are…

This Research in Brief report addresses the problem of dealing effectively with the crime of child sexual abuse. It is noted that child sexual abuse often goes unreported and unprosecuted. Problems faced and posed by child victims on the criminal justice system are reviewed. Legislative revisions, local reforms, and new techniques to alleviate…

Examines state variations in use of mediation to resolve domestic relations disputes. Mediation may be optional or mandatory, requested by the parties or the judge. Mediator qualifications vary considerably. Child support is less likely than custody and visitation to be the sole topic for mediation. More states are likely to use mediation in…

Information solicited on categorization practices throughout the United States examined existing educational provisions for chronically ill children. Results indicate that educational agencies are making efforts to meet the special needs of these children. Kinds of services offered, special problems encountered, and major difficulties to be…

The third of five regional fact-finding committee hearings across the United States, this report includes testimony from hearing committee members and social service organizations in Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana. Live and prepared testimony presents information on problems associated with abuse of women, children, and the elderly;…

Although geographically specific, this report is intended to serve as an educational resource for community, agency, and legislative personnel regarding the impacts created by revised legislation about children and the approaches used to improve the quality of justice for young people and their families. It is based on changes made in the juvenile…

Despite economic and social challenges facing California, Children Now advocates that the foundation of state vitality and well-being is a healthy, educated and skilled population, and urges efficient investments in children. State leadership is called upon to: (1) Ensure every child has affordable health insurance coverage; (2) Invest earlier in…

The Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1984 require that every state not qualifying for a waiver appoint a commission to look at the success of the state's child support enforcement program in securing support and parental involvement for all children needing such services, whether they were eligible for public assistance or not. This…

The current approach to dealing with childhood lead poisoning has led to repeated diagnoses of poisoning because such children are treated and then returned to their hazardous environments. This handbook describes in detail the program requirements for effective childhood lead poisoning prevention programs at the local level based on the…

This document consists of three years (12 issues) of a quarterly newsletter that addresses the healthy development of children of divorced and separated parents. The National Council for Children's Rights (NCCR) (now the CRC, the Children's Rights Council, Inc.) advocates reducing divorce by strengthening families through divorce and custody…

This report summarizes data collected in the "most ambitious study of the out-of-state placement of children ever undertaken in America." It reports data gathered for the year 1978 from more than 20,000 public agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and from more than 50 counties, including 60,000 individual contacts. The volume is…