Notes that the burden of budget reductions enacted by the 104th Congress have fallen disproportionately on programs for low-income families and individuals. Suggests that middle class entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, which comprise more than half of the federal budget, would be a more prudent area in which to reduce spending.…

Review of the research pertaining to reactive attachment disorder (RAD) in the family context considers diagnosis of RAD and family experiences associated with children who have RAD. Focus is on interrelationships among RAD behavioral characteristics and associated challenges to parents and siblings. Relevant literature from different fields is…

Proposes that parents of children attending public elementary schools with high poverty and low achievement profiles be paid to attend school with their children. Parents would also participate in personal development sessions and training sessions meeting individual needs and goals. This approach should improve the community's work force and…

Parents of 36 autistic children were assessed on child functioning and family stress variables in relation to use of respite care services. Results suggest that parents with more difficult children need and use respite care more than others. Nonusers of respite care reported a higher perception of social support than users. (JDD)

This paper operationally defines a set of indicators for the decision to separate the child and family in child abuse cases. Application of the indicators to 152 cases of suspected child abuse in Australia found that severity of abuse, parenting, and the family social system were most predictive of a final separation outcome. (Author/DB)

Compares the effectiveness of videotaped and written instruction in a sample of 35 mother-infant dyads. Results indicate that written instruction is more effective than videotaped instruction in stimulating responsive maternal involvement, especially in families with a large social network. (RJC)

Reviews the book, "Within Our Reach: Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage," which takes a new look at research about and programs for disadvantaged young children and their parents. (BB)

The article examines effects of implementation of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, Part H, Handicapped Infants and Toddlers, including goals and expectations for family support, a comprehensive family support program, and assessment and service options. (DB)

Provides a community perspective of university-community collaborations to develop programs for youth and families. Defines the community and how issues are identified, what universities can do for communities, what communities can do for universities, and how individuals can contribute to collaborative efforts. (HTH)

This paper reviews evaluations of family-centered intervention programs conducted in neonatal intensive care units. Of 10 studies identified, 3 focused on intervention to benefit the family system; 6 involved parents, but the primary focus was the infant; and 1 study combined the 2 approaches. All the studies had substantial limitations.…

Family-Centered Intensive Case Management, a New York State-sponsored research demonstration project, empowers and supports families of children with serious emotional disturbance, by providing respite care, flexible funding, parent support groups, and behavior management skills training. The project found that, given intensive and individualized…

This study attempted to validate the effectiveness of the Intervener Service Model, which provides the services of a paraprofessional (called an intervener) to families of young children who are deaf-blind. The intervener provides auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation and helps the child develop interaction behaviors. Quantitative and…

Based on Oklahoma's experience with a money management program, three principles of successful program for limited-resource families are understanding the audience, expanding education through volunteers, and networking with community agencies. (SK)

Summarizes the beginnings of family support programs for developmentally disabled children and their families; their present workings; and the direction they should be going. (BB)

Discusses the need for a coordinated national policy on family support in the home. Reviews the history of home visiting and gives recommendations for practice, training, and research. Describes the impact of new federal initiatives on family support programs and research demonstration efforts. (DM)