A growing body of research shows that having an involved father enhances a child's well-being. This four-page issue brief, based on Mathematica's evaluation of the Early Head Start Fatherhood Demonstration, delineates lessons for policymakers and practitioners who are embarking on new efforts to increase fathers' involvement in Head Start and…

Attitude change among older and younger participants in intergenerational programs is investigated. While elderly participants in several programs reported positive feelings resulting from their involvement with children, children's attitudes attributed to intergenerational experiences were mixed. Research should consider longitudinal growth and…

The immediate and short-term effects of a preplanned, 10-day overnight respite on 14 mothers of school-age and adult children with multiple disabilities were evaluated. Results indicated that, during respite, mothers experienced increased well-being and less depression, and these changes continued after respite. Mothers also exhibited changes in…

Evidence of public and private interest in programs designed to strengthen the institution of marriage and reduce the number of children growing up without both their parents is growing. Robin Dion addresses the question of whether such programs can be effective, especially among disadvantaged populations. She begins by describing a variety of…

A meta-analysis of 47 studies investigating the relationship between family-centered helpgiving practices and parent, family, and child behavior and functioning is reported. The studies included more than 11,000 participants from seven different countries. Data analysis was guided by a practice-based theory of family-centered helpgiving that…

This paper summarizes the results of the empirical evaluation of the Outward Bound component of the 1987 Career Beginnings Program. Career Beginnings is a national, privately funded program designed to increase the probability that minority high school youth will either attend college or find good jobs following high school graduation. The Outward…

Reported four new studies as continuations in a program designed to increase personal happiness using 14 characteristics incorporated into a course of study for community college students. Collected findings indicated that the program is effective as a tool for short-term happiness enhancement with evidence suggesting long-term gains. (LLL)

This study quantified the benefits to children and parents participating in nine early intervention programs and conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the Perry Preschool and the Elmira Prenatal/Early Infancy Project (PEIP). The findings indicated that early intervention programs led to the following advantages for program participants relative to…

A review of English-as-a-Second-Language programs for Indochinese refugees concludes that the long-term well-being of Indochinese people in the United States depends on programs that contribute to community organization, political action, and a capacity to confront causes of poverty, rather than programs that channel refugees into minimum wage…

Presents an overview of theories, recommendations, and guidelines to consider before beginning a schoolsite health promotion program. Starting programs without understanding the complexity of the task may do more harm than good. The chronological model for schoolsite health promotion projects involves initial assessment, organization,…

How do young people conceptualise "effective" sexuality education? This paper explores 16-year-old to 19-year-old New Zealanders' vision of effective sexuality education as it emerges in answers to a survey question about improving programmes at secondary school. Young people's responses suggest that their view of what makes sexuality…

Research suggests that investing in young children can help build a strong future workforce, improve children's educational success and health, and potentially reduce some of the social ills that drain the nation's resources and will. To have an informed conversation about future investments, it is important to start from an understanding of the…

"KidsCount in Colorado!" is an annual publication of the Colorado Children's Campaign, which provides the best available state- and county-level data to measure and track the education, health and general well-being of the state's children. KidsCount in Colorado! informs policy debates and community discussions, serving as a valuable…

Noting that there is a significant gap between the number of young children eligible for Medicaid and the number actually enrolled, this report describes a year-long effort to promote collaboration between local Head Start grantees and county Medicaid offices in New Jersey. The primary goal of the project was to define and implement policies and…

The Creating Prairie Cronies, Older Women's Network project was designed and implemented to research and address the specific needs of older women living in rural Saskatchewan. Project objectives included the following: promoting networking among and providing support for existing groups working to meet the health, education, and community…