Explored types of support black churches and families provide and how support relates to the well-being of elderly blacks (n=98). Findings indicated that family networks were perceived as more supportive than the church network but that church support contributed to feelings of well-being. (ABL)

Contextual and essential explorations of how couples' interactions are gendered were compared by examining the relationship between demanding and withdrawing within couples and the partners' involvements outside the couple. Results showed that wives were more often in the demanding/pursuing role than their husbands and that this pattern was…

Presents a research and exhibit development aimed at increasing the understanding of family learning in science museums and identifying the characteristics of successful family learning exhibits. Concludes that using the seven characteristics of successful family exhibits as a guide to exhibit development proved to be an effective strategy for…

Discusses the role curriculum can play in systemic reform. Focuses on elementary mathematics curriculum for grades K-5 and examines the experiences of several school systems as they implement new curriculum materials. Emphasizes history, the role of professional development, and parents. (ASK)

Explores a semi-formal intervention in the public learning and understanding of science (PLUS) by involving school children and their family adults in project work in astronomy. Considers outcomes at three levels: general evaluative comments, gains for the family teams involved, and gains in the general public understanding of science. (Contains…

This article focuses on the PlayParty family event held by the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. Through PlayParties, families immersed themselves in singing and playing what became traditional singing games. PlayParty songs that are frequently use include Skip to My Lou, Paw Paw Patch and Punchinella.

Social capital has recently become a guiding theoretical framework for family interventions in low-income neighborhoods. In the context of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Making Connections initiative, this research uses hierarchical linear modeling to examine how neighborhood characteristics and resident participation affect bonding social…

This paper examines four challenges facing residential treatment programs: Providing short-term treatment, increasing family involvement, preparing children for life in the community, and offering a "hospital level of care." It shows that past problems in these areas have arisen from the social conditions and historical circumstances in which…

This study examined the influence of aspects of the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery environment (i.e., discrimination, social support) and coping behaviors on children's posttraumatic stress reactions (symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety, and depression). Data corresponding to 46 youth (M = 11.43 years; 39% girls; 33% African…

In this study we examined the relationships between family demographics and level of satisfaction with school contact as possible determinants of multiple dimensions of family involvement in early childhood education. Participants included 171 urban, Head Start parents (108 mothers and 63 fathers). Results revealed that for mothers, having less…

Family-school collaboration related to children's physical development has become increasingly important as childhood obesity rates continue to rise. The present study described the development and implementation of a literacy-based, family component of a school-based health education program and investigated its viability, acceptability, and…

This paper describes an innovative service delivery model to reduce the number of children entering the child welfare system. Point of Engagement (POE) is a collaborative family- and community-centered approach initiated in Compton, a regional office in Los Angeles County that serves south Los Angeles, a predominantly African American and…

Government policy in England has for many years encouraged parental involvement in their children's education. In response, most primary schools have developed a range of strategies designed to assist parents in supporting their children's learning at home, particularly in learning to read. However, it is a common assumption that parents from some…

Research has long shown that parents' positive involvement with their children's schooling is related to many positive outcomes. However, less research has been done on the involvement of parents and families in out-of-school time programs. Nevertheless, the research that does exist suggests that family involvement can be an important component of…

Studies indicate that the impact of family involvement may be the most important predictor of successful psychiatric hospitalization of adolescents. Yet the ability to engage both an adolescent and his or her family in family therapy in the context of what is often an involuntary hospitalization is a major challenge. A number of promising…