This publication summarizes recent Arkansas legislation relevant to the well being of Arkansas children in the areas of juvenile justice, education and schools, child health and safety, welfare reform, and child welfare. The report further describes legislative efforts to protect juveniles in state custody and two proposed programs toward that…

Noting that the national, state, and local elections in 2000 provide an important opportunity for child advocates nationwide to make their message known, this kit is designed to assist child advocates in their electoral advocacy efforts. The kit includes questions for candidates, ideas for action within individual communities and states, voter…

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act), provides the legislative basis for programs and activities that assist individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of gainful employment, independence, self-sufficiency and full integration into community life. This report is intended to provide a description of accomplishments and progress…

Discusses research concerns of the 1960s, including the heredity v environment controversy and compensatory strategies. Reviews the response to these concerns, particularly the focuses on child advocacy and ethnic issues, which have dominated research in the 1970s. Outlines an integrated (social, developmental, and applied) approach for the…

Examines ways to strengthen the middle school's relationship with parents of special needs adolescents. Focuses on establishing a transition plan between elementary and middle school, maintaining ongoing communication with families, providing a variety of advisory options, and generating a school climate of acceptance for all students and…

Examines the objections of parents' rights advocates to middle school philosophies and programs. Considers how to address parental concerns about middle level education, including grouping students for learning; integration of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and school climate. Recommends that middle schools focus on academic achievement,…

Two articles deal with educational advocacy for students with disabilities. The first article discusses aspects of the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997). The second article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court decision (1997) to allow Title I services in religious schools, asking whether this decision opens the door to vouchers.…

Results are presented of an advocacy event in Pulaski County, Arkansas, where one school district's efforts to desegregate their gifted program resulted in more black students enrolled. Different phases of a Gifted Program Advocacy Model are used to explain important components of the Pulaski County Special School District's advocacy efforts.…

Describes a longitudinal study of permanency planning for children in kinship foster care in Erie County, New York, focusing on care duration, discharge destinations, and discharge goals. Notes that many children were adopted by or living with kin with the goal of adoption. Describes the "Kinship Options" program which strives for…

Victims of child abuse are at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, not only directly through sexual abuse, but also because they engage in more high-risk behaviors. Because American Indian youth experience higher rates of sexual abuse and have less access to treatment and counseling, they are especially at risk.…

Notes that, despite years of public outcry, children's issues still receive little attention from legislators and others in public policy. Suggests that lack of active commitment and involvement by administrators, teachers, and the public permit this to continue. Offers four key ingredients that together comprise a strategic framework for action…

Reviews two books for experienced teachers and administrators on national issues for care of infants and toddlers: "Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Violent Environments" (Osofsky and Fenichel, editors) and "Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children" (Carnegie Corporation). (JW)

Describes working conditions of female household servants in Colombia. Reviews history of support groups assisting household workers and subsequent expansion into successful movement for workers' legal rights and social security. "Women's work" has gained some respect as household workers strive to participate in ongoing social changes.…

Reviews the worker's theater movement of the 1930s that attempted to unite actors and audience in devising solutions to societal problems. Maintains that re-enacting its dramatic forms is a thought-provoking way to introduce students to the issues of the time. Includes instructions for suggested activities. (MJP)

This chapter discusses the role of student affairs professionals in encouraging the development of racial justice allies through the exploration of whiteness.