Presents an exploratory, descriptive study on family-centered, home-based services, involving a secondary analysis of an existing database. Suggests that both these services are effective in the prevention of placement for both high- and low-risk clients. Notes, however, that home-based services seemed to be more effective with multi-problem…

Examines family-centered care and prevention, two concepts central for the development of child welfare services for children infected with HIV. Explores implications of HIV infection for foster care of infected children. Reviews the training of foster care personnel and foster parents to provide competent services. (BC)

Calling for a systematic reappraisal of the way children are prepared for school, a Committee for Economic Development report recommends the combination of a wide range of public and private resources that will address all aspects of children's early development and simultaneously improve the nation's public schools. (BB)

Disadvantaged children's problems receive little if no attention by intellectuals and policymakers because of broad forces such as racial conflict, feminism, and the culture of individual rights. Personal responsibility and social and economic policies that support the family are strategies for helping economically, educationally, and emotionally…

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

Describes the Decker Family Development Center (DFDC) in Barberton (Ohio), while relating the difference that the DFDC's services has made to one poor family. Recounts the DFDC's establishment, funding, and current services (adult education, counseling for parents and children, and several types of child care services). (JB)

Discusses a school model for the next century which would build child care and family support into the school system by using school buildings for early childhood services and afterschool programs. Proposes a family support system involving three outreach programs in which parental involvement is a key factor. Discusses concerns about costs and…

This follow-up study examined effects (in grades two through five) of a two-year parent-child education program for low-income Mexican-American families of children ages one through three. There were no program effects on school grades, retention, or referrals, but program children achieved significantly higher on tests of reading, language, and…

Argues that much can be done to solve the problems of U.S. children by building on the lessons from past successes. Removing the risk factors we know how to remove can bring about improvements. Strategies are offered to build responsive programs that deal with children as part of families. (SLD)

This article provides some basic foundation of family systems concepts for school professionals who work with students with disabilities. It addresses communication skills and psychological issues that can result in barriers to implementation of family systems concepts and describes a five-step process leading to conflict resolution. (Contains…

A study of an innovative home-school preventative project in Britain designed to work with families with children seen to be at risk of developing long-term behavior problems concluded that the project has potential for wider development, although short-term funding and inappropriate referrals inhibit its capacity to produce sustainable outcomes.…

Describes the implementation of a pilot program for proactive inclusion at East Tennessee State University Child Study Center. Focuses on program characteristics critical to inclusion such as effective consultation strategies related to transitions, assessment and curriculum, and professional development; and family-centered services. (KB)

A study investigated why some of the low-income single caregivers of 104 children (ages 7-40 months) with disabilities were more involved in early intervention services than others. Difficulties in family functioning and lower levels of knowledge about child development were directly related to caregiver involvement. (Contains references.)…

This article reports on research funded as a "Best Practice" project by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) designed to use action research to progress the government agenda for healthy schools. The project involved teachers working with university researcher. The outcome is five small research reports consisting of two…

As part of a commitment to eliminate child poverty, the British government has established Sure Start programs across the country. Sure Start programs are very similar to U.S. Early Head Start initiatives; their stated aim is to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged families and children before and from birth. The article describes…