Describes 5 levels of parent involvement in schools (audience, teacher of the child, volunteer, trained worker, and participant in decision making), with details of a follow through program that tries to involve parents at all levels. (Author/SP)

Expresses the view that radical reforms, including reordering of national priorities, are needed to provide a human environment for children. Gives a concrete suggestion to make major institutions become family- and child- oriented. (Author/AJ)

American families are diverse. While they share many common concerns and problems, some have concerns and problems that are unique. This must be recognized if programs, policies, and services are to be relevant to families in the 80s. (JOW)

Initiated in 1974 at Gallaudet College (District of Columbia), the Learning Vacation involves the entire family in learning about, accepting, and dealing with school-aged hearing impaired children. The program is described in terms of staff, parent education, family activities, funding, potential barriers, and benefits. (SB)

Analysis of data from 270 families participating in Michigan's "Early On" (Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) program suggests two paths for empowering families: (1) implementation of program components via a family-centered framework or (2) family-centered delivery to build a family support network. (Author/DB)

This article introduces social workers to policy and practice innovations that address men's roles as fathers. Through a critical review of research and descriptive programmatic material, this article considers the mixed implications of these policy and practice interventions for family well being and recommends future directions for policy and…

Children experiencing the trauma of divorce often feel alone and ashamed. This article describes a Virginia elementary principal's provision of school support groups to give children a chance to acknowledge their problems and discuss their feelings. The project was developed in cooperation with a community family services agency. (MLH)

State and federal budget cuts make it increasingly important for child welfare organizations to influence policy development. Accurate knowledge of legislators' beliefs about child welfare issues allows agencies and advocacy groups to develop positive means of promoting positive legislation. (SAK)

The Salvation Army Emergency Lodge in Chicago, Illinois, provides a playschool and home visitation program for homeless children and families who have recently found homes. The lodge temporarily houses families, and the playschool gives children a protective, supportive environment during their stay. (SKC)

Discusses child-care legislative reforms in Northern Ireland during economic and political uncertainty and organizational upheaval in the delivery of services to children and families. Explores the impact of new legislation and the implications of the contract culture, and considers ways in which future child-care provision can create…

Summarizes a North Carolina study examining 27 homeless parents' experiences and perceptions regarding their children's education. Semistructured interview data showed that parents perceived educational continuity and stability as very important for their children. Parents were generally satisfied with their children's education, particularly…

Reviews history and content of recent U.S. child care and family legislation comparing it to that of four European nations on five policy objectives: increasing supply, supporting maternal employment, easing burdens of child rearing, permitting parental choice, and raising quality of programs. Recent legislation brings United States slightly…

Focuses on the content of adoption disclosure counseling and the perceptions of adult adoptees and relatives about the helpfulness of counseling. Data were gathered from 225 adult adoptees and 143 biological relatives who participated in mandatory counseling services in Ontario, Canada. The majority of subjects indicated counseling was very…

In 1988, the Head Start Bureau envisioned a system fostering collaboration among Head Start, child care, and early childhood community to meet the needs of eligible preschoolers not being served by Head Start. The National Head Start Association encourages the Head Start community to develop such collaborative programs. Programs in Missouri,…

The article details statements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, addressing respect for dignity; the "children first" principle; protection of personal integrity; protection from exploitation; consideration of cultural heritage; and rights to a family environment, to assistance when in the state's care, to…