Describes the Family Focus for School Success Project, a model program that provides education and support to language minority families in poverty and their children through comprehensive early intervention for children at risk of academic failure because of their home environments. An evaluation of the first year's efforts with 69 families…

A study assessed how 141 Republic of Palau teachers perceived the severity of potentially abusive incidents and their intervention recommendations. For less-severe parental misconduct, teachers were reluctant to involve nonfamily and outside agencies. Sexual abuse was rated the most serious type of abuse, and intervention was highly recommended.…

A study investigated the effectiveness of the Case Method of Instruction (CMI) on 67 graduate students taking an interdisciplinary course on families. After instruction, students not only possessed important knowledge related to working with families, but could also apply the problem-solving process used in CMI to a novel case. (Author/CR)

Responding to an article (EC 618 445) describing an individualized program for young children with severe disabilities, including autism, and their families, this article notes features of the program such as its individualized nature, its emphasis on building capacity in families and early intervention providers, and its integrative practices…

Discusses the importance of nurturing alliances between specialists and families within the context of developmental assessments. Five axioms with family stories illustrate how specialists and families can collaborate during assessments to ensure that services include families and promote acquisition of knowledge in natural settings. (Author/CR)

Different types of homeless families (N=180) are identified empirically, and variations in outcomes for children are explored. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups of families participating in a comprehensive health-care program for children in homeless families. Results, clinical implications, and directions for more sophisticated…

The Specialized Training of Associates in Rural Alaska (STARS) is a 3-year project providing preparation to early intervention associates in rural Alaska and services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Evaluation methods and results are reported. Appendices describe the 24 training modules and list the program's…

This paper describes Project Assist, a model for developing and implementing a flexible system of social support that can be individualized for families of infants/toddlers with disabilities. The model uses group support, individual support, and follow-up support to meet a variety of family needs and promote family adaptation. (JDD)

Noting that risk assessment models are controversial and vary in definition, purposes, and risk criteria, reviews and contrasts 10 models used to guide decision making concerning the placement of maltreated children in out-of-home care. Found that models varied on pertinent criteria for assessing child risk, and identified six areas for further…

This article reviews goal attainment scaling as an alternative method for evaluating treatments for children with autism. It discusses the use of goal attainment scaling as a way to provide a convergent link between outcome goals and program goals within a framework of family-centered practices. A case study is provided. (Author/CR)

Describes the framework of the Annie E. Casey Foundation for addressing the family and community factors that make family and child success particularly challenging in poor neighborhoods. Discusses the importance of economic opportunities, strong social networks, and formal supports/services. Describes the Neighborhood Transformation/Family…

Argues that collaboration between Head Start and early intervention programs can improve accessibility to high quality child care and supports needed to reach and maintain self-sufficiency for low-income families of children with disabilities. Discusses how these systems can develop trusting collaborative relationships, increase affordability of…

Considers two factors that have influenced the level of parent/family participation in early intervention services: (1) an increased focus on families in both state and federal early intervention legislation and the incorporation of social systems frameworks for better understanding of child, parent, and (2) family functioning. Also summarizes…

Contends that Great Britain's 1989 Children Act has not facilitated a proper understanding of childhood disadvantages or policies to address disadvantage. Discusses prevention in the context of government initiatives such as Sure Start. Advocates analysis of neighborhood disadvantages and neighborhood-based policies, maintaining that the geography…

Conducted a randomized experiment over 5 years to test effects of the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP), a 2-generation program that employed case management and home visiting to ensure education, health, and social services for multi-risk, low-income children and families. Found no statistically significant impact on CCDP families…