Describes the establishment of a multifamily therapy program within an adult substance abuse treatment facility. Reports on a study in which the effectiveness of multifamily therapy was assessed with regard to women in treatment. Findings indicate that multifamily therapy is an extremely positive intervention for female substance abuse clients.…

Examined how services are provided to families enrolled in Early Head Start (EHS). Surveyed EHS staff from four waves of the programs in six Midwestern states regarding the process of developing goals using documents such as Family Partnership Agreement (FPA). Found that the majority of staff who develop FPAs are family service providers and staff…

This article discusses the increased emphasis on providing early intervention services within natural environments and how to maximize natural learning opportunities by using everyday activities that children experience and embedding intervention in daily routines. Guidelines for deciding the frequency of services, changing services, and the level…

A study examining outcomes of a free camp for low-income families in Oregon surveyed 19 participant families. Enjoying the outdoors, spending time together as a family, and meeting new people from their communities were significant outcomes. A 5-month follow-up survey found positive program outcomes that continued after the experience. (TD)

Studied behavioral problems that 19 Scottish adoptive families experienced with their adopted children. Also studied families' experiences with, views on, and suggestions for postadoption services. Discusses implications for adoption practices. (BG)

Low income families were interviewed to determine the factors related to the number of family food servings per week. More food servings were found to be associated with participation in WIC, household size, and the number of different income sources. The number of food servings decreased the last week of the month, particularly in families with…

Parents (N=229) of young children with handicaps in 10 states evaluated the Family Needs Survey, one instrument sometimes used to develop Individualized Family Service Plans. Overall, parents felt the survey to be useful in communicating useful information to professionals. The survey was equally acceptable to minority and low income parents.…

Analyzes contemporary myths that impede the construction of a compassionate social policy toward the poor, challenges these assumptions, and outlines elements of a political agenda responsive to the needs of impoverished families. (PCB)

This article describes an early childhood special education personnel preparation program designed for family specialists. Specialized family coursework and field-based experiences are provided in addition to training experiences in child-related skills and competencies. (Author/PB)

Discusses the legislation and assistance available for single parents, primarily mothers, who make up an increasing portion of the population in the Federal Republic of Germany. (RJC)

Describes the self-help movement in Britain among parents and relatives of children in public care and considers the achievements, problems, and hopes of local groups. (RJC)

This paper questions the appropriateness of characterizing infants/young children who are handicapped or developmentally delayed as a group in jeopardy for abuse/neglect. It proposes the adoption of a family-focused view, which considers child, family, and environmental variables to determine risk and provide services to abusive and neglectful…

Describes the Bancroft Early Intervention/Parent Project of Spokane County, Washington. This project was designed to help refugee parents of children enrolled in Head Start learn English, adapt to U.S. culture, and become self-sufficient. (RJC)

Describes a process and instrument developed by the Children's Bureau of Los Angeles to evaluate its in-home family support program. The agency has combined case assessment, reporting and recording, evaluation structure, and research data collection in one instrument and one case-long process. (RJC)

Gives an overview of recent changes in legislation and social policy with respect to child welfare in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Discusses the effect of the Children Act 1989 on children's services in England and contrasts England's services with the organization of child welfare services in Scotland and Northern Ireland.…