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…

The articles in this section focus attention on (1) the historical shift in policies that affect the young men of this nation (2) how fatherhood policies and programmatic efforts are expanding and (3) how fatherhood practices and policies could and perhaps should be expanded and elaborated further. These efforts are linked to a growing body of…

Ten papers are presented from a 1979 conference on services for families of developmentally disabled persons. R. Bruininks ("The Needs of Families") addresses aspects of direct and support services to families. "Social and Psychological Factors in Family Care" by C. Horejsi suggests that a family's or individual's ability to deal successfully with…

This article reviews federal policy affecting families who have children or adult members with disabilities, particularly but not exclusively developmental disabilities. It reviews the federal statutes and family-and-disability related decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and the other courts. It then reviews the research on current family support…

This document presents testimony from a congressional hearing examining the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services Act. In response to the General Accounting Office's (GAO's) concerns about the ability of the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) to perform its leadership role in identifying, preventing, and treating…

This commentary on EC 605 926 examines the issue of whether the family or the individual with developmental disabilities should be the unit receiving services and discusses the impact of disability on the family. It concludes that the best interests of the family generally coincide with the best interests of the individual with disabilities. (JDD)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. It is the broadest and largest funding package in American history. The intent of the statute is to stimulate the economy both through direct spending on a range of programs and to create tax relief. The package makes investments…

The text of a hearing on American families is presented in this document. Comments by Representatives Patricia Schroeder, Bob McEwen, Michael Bilirakis, Frank Wolf, and Jim Bacchus, as well as Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, are presented. Testimony and/or prepared statements and materials are included from these persons: (1) Gary L. Bauer,…

The bibliography is aimed at managers of programs forging links between family support and community development. The bibliography begins with a brief explanation of the eight organizing themes: (1) supporting families; (2) focusing on youth; (3) building unity from diversity; (4) thinking in terms of assets; (5) seeing the big picture; (6)…

Analyzes the defeat of the California child care tax credit bill and suggests avenues for parents, child care groups, and professionals to use in future advocation efforts. (BJD)

Presents results of a study comparing attitudes of important groups toward national personal social services policy. Furnishes preliminary data concerning types of individuals who would support a national personal social services policy. (SAK)

Discusses the need to examine effectiveness of services to children and families in central and eastern Europe, focusing on programs in Hungary. Notes that financial considerations and differences in objectives have increased the importance of outcomes measurement. Reports that the pilot implementation of "Looking After Children"…

American families are diverse. While they share many common concerns and problems, some have concerns and problems that are unique. This must be recognized if programs, policies, and services are to be relevant to families in the 80s. (JOW)

State and federal budget cuts make it increasingly important for child welfare organizations to influence policy development. Accurate knowledge of legislators' beliefs about child welfare issues allows agencies and advocacy groups to develop positive means of promoting positive legislation. (SAK)

Discusses child-care legislative reforms in Northern Ireland during economic and political uncertainty and organizational upheaval in the delivery of services to children and families. Explores the impact of new legislation and the implications of the contract culture, and considers ways in which future child-care provision can create…