We examined effects on child development of a group-based parenting support program ("Educación Inicial" - EI) when combined with Mexico's conditional cash transfer (CCT) program ("Prospera," originally 'Oportunidades" and "Progresa"). This cluster-randomized trial included 204 communities (n = 1,113 children in…

Nearly 7 years into the recovery from the Great Recession, two glaring problems remain in the U.S. economy. One is a significant slowdown in the growth of productivity (the amount of output and income generated in an average hour of work). The other is the destructive rise in income inequality in recent decades due largely to big corporations and…

Within a learning family, every member is a lifelong learner. A family literacy and learning approach is more likely to break the intergenerational cycle of low education and inadequate literacy skills, particularly among disadvantaged families and communities. The selection of case studies presented in this compilation show that for an…

We evaluated the Starting Early Starting Smart (SESS) national initiative to integrate behavioral health services (parenting, mental health, and drug treatment) into the pediatric health care setting for families with young children. Data are presented from five pediatric care (PC) sites, drawing from families at risk due to demographic and…

Describes the trends and objectives in caring for children with special health needs advanced by the U.S. Public Health Service and congressional legislation, especially PL99-457. This national agenda calls for family-centered, community-based services; interagency coordination; and improved insurance coverage. (DM)

Discusses the legislation and assistance available for single parents, primarily mothers, who make up an increasing portion of the population in the Federal Republic of Germany. (RJC)

It is suggested that those championing the growing national family literacy movement in the United States miss the point that society itself, not the families, constructs the conditions of poverty. Implications for meaningful change are discussed. (Contains 13 references.) (LB)

Scholars address the principal issues necessary in deciding whether the United States should have an explicit family policy. Potential costs and what needs to be known before establishing a policy are discussed. Differing views and roles of the social scientist in implementing national policy conclude the symposium. (BEF)

SER's National Hispanic Literacy Initiative, which is implemented through a network of 51 family learning centers (FLCs) that serve economically disadvantaged adults and children, is described. The concept is based on the objective of intergenerational learning, which prescribes that parents and grandparents will desire to learn so that they may…

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)

Examines the following issues raised by recent child care legislation: (1) the status of, and myths about, children in poverty and the historical context of child care policies; (2) the relationships between child care policies and African-American families; and (3) the implications of recent legislation for the future. (JB)

This report represents the testimony of Dr. Mary Ann Hutchison, Project Director of the mental health demonstration and research discretionary grant, "Strengthening Head Start Families: Reducing High Risk Through Mental Health Prevention/Intervention," who discusses the importance of reauthorization of Head Start's mental health…

This collection of conference proceedings contains the opening speeches, committee reports and resource papers on four topics: promoting the integrity of the family; meeting the minimum needs of the family; the role of self-preservation and promotion of the family; and intervention techniques of social workers in favor of rural and urban families.…

This paper is one of several intended to consider early childhood care and education within the context of Canada's National Children's Agenda. The paper takes the position that a blended, coherent system of early childhood development programs incorporating child care, early childhood education, and family support services should be available in…

Designed to help political leaders plan and organize a systematic set of government initiatives and policies to improve the quality of life for American families, this document provides a blueprint for mounting a comprehensive effort in support of America's children and their families. The document begins by outlining the need for a national plan,…