This study aimed to investigate some challenges female doctoral students experience in their doctoral journey. The study used a qualitative design and structured interviews. The theoretical framework that guided the study was that of Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecosystemic theory. A purposely selected sample of five female doctoral students from the…

The purpose of this review was to examine the literature on parent training for parents of children with autism. Families with a child diagnosed with autism often face a discrepancy between their need for services and the availability of services either because they live in geographically distant areas or because they are on a long wait list for…

Family mediation is described as "helping to find a solution that meets the needs of you, your partner and any children, and that you all feel is fair". There is a growing consensus that, in comparison with court hearings, family mediation improves outcomes for parents and children, in cases of child contact and residence dispute.…

Researchers have identified four common co-occurring parental risk factors--substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and child conduct problems--that lead to child maltreatment. The extent to which maltreatment prevention programs must directly address these risk factors to improve responsiveness to parenting programs or can directly…

The article examines several different approaches to case management practices. An enabling model of case management is proposed as a framework for ensuring that early intervention practices optimally influence child, parent, and family functioning as part of development and implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans. (DB)

This article identifies characteristics and challenges encountered by families that include young children with autism. Emphasis is on three issues in providing needed support services: (1) enhancing family competence and confidence; (2) addressing support from a lifestyle perspective; and (3) arranging for stability and continuity in support…

The document provides summaries of 53 programs from around the country demonstrating innovative approaches to identifying needs and developing and delivering services and materials to families. Chapters are organized according to broad themes which underlie their programs' design. Chapter 1 (10 programs) examines programs which explore informal…

Describes behavioral exchange contracting in which an agreement binds a worker and a client or members of a family to change specific, measurable behaviors. Maintains that behavioral contracting offers a realistic, structured approach to resolving problems in a variety of situations. (CM)

Presents information from interviews for Amish Study, study undertaken to understand, from rural family's perspective, experience of having received in-home family services. Describes barriers to service found by rural families and presents two cases from Amish Study. Considers need for outreach to rural families. (NB)

This article provides a brief overview of basic types of genetic disorders and how they are manifested in children with particular emphasis on facial deformities that early childhood special educators see in the classroom. Service delivery networks for genetic screening are described as well as sources of family support groups. (Author)

The solution to the problems faced in preventing child abuse lies in increasing support for the family unit. Nonaccusatory services for families, such as Parents Anonymous, are needed, rather than continued criminalization of child abuse and reliance on the child protective services system for family services. (Author/PB)

Correlational analyses examined in 81 incarcerated substance abusers revealed significant relationships among parental substance abuse, family dynamics, and exposure to both child and adult maltreatment. These variables were associated with subjects' own later substance abuse. An intergenerational model of these variables is applied to…

This report provides an overview of research findings on major Federal welfare system design issues. The report is based on: a review of 100 major welfare studies completed since 1975; interviews with Federal, State, and local welfare officials; the results of the General Accounting Office's (GAO) welfare work; and an analysis of the Census…

In spite of the growing awareness and development of respite services, many families in need of them have little or no access. This is especially true for families whose children have emotional handicaps. A rationale for respite services supports parents' entitlement to respite care, its importance to all family members, and its help in improving…

Argues that strictly systematic methods of service delivery can lead to the failure of child welfare rather than to its success. Holds that the current system for dealing with child abuse, because of its lack of flexibility and its contradictory roles of helper and prosecutor, breaks down effective, informal helping systems. (Author/GC)