To develop alternatives to institutionalization, more emphasis needs to be placed on supports permitting care within the family unit. Presents an example of one family that deinstitutionalized an older confused family member. (Author)

Graduates of the University of Florida's early childhood training program for parent education specialists are finding positions in hospitals and children's development service programs and are involved with research projects working with families. (Editor)

Interviews with institutionalized elderly parents and their middle-aged children question the common stereotype that institutionalization reflects a breakdown in family solidarity. Data suggest that institutional care can serve to enhance family relations, particularly when family ties have been strained by needs of the older member. (Author)

Two programs providing diabetic patients and their families with information and instruction on diabetes, including self-care instruction are described. (JMF)

Income maintenance policies are geared to reducing the risks of parental dependence on children. Although such help is extensive, families do not possess unending resources for attending to the complex health and social needs of aging relatives. Discusses present income maintenance strategy as well as alternatives to traditional care. (Author)

Discusses cultural and family factors to consider when evaluating a student with disability for assistive technology devices, and the need to involve families in decisions about the uses of the devices. The need to be sensitive to family needs for acceptance and to be aware of cultural differences is discussed. (CR)

Notes that caregivers need to create an atmosphere that reflects their experiences with children and knowledge of child development. A productive partnership with families improves the quality of care through shared commitment and positive outcomes. Suggests ways caregivers can develop a productive partnership with families, including newsletters,…

Offers suggestions for ways parents can participate in schools. Suggestions include individual activities, such as reflecting on one's assumptions about school, activities with children, such as providing a space and time for homework, cooperation with teachers by asking for needed resources to help in homework supervision, activities at school…

Discusses ways that librarians can help the 15% of all children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability (LD). Highlights include the use of books on tape, watching for signs of possible disabilities in preschool programs, and a family program that is a partnership between public and school libraries. (LRW)

Discusses "partnerships" in child protection as they relate to the families of children subject to these services. Suggests that parents are ignored or deliberately excluded from the process, leading to "learned helplessness." Claims that good intentions of professionals are necessary but insufficient for partnership, which can…

Presents an activity involving the observation of moon phases that can provide a one-on-one learning experience and stimulate interaction between a child and an adult family member. This activity can also be initiated by teachers and outcomes can be integrated into the classroom science curriculum. (JRH)

This paper introduces a special issue focusing on the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Traces the history of the development of the National Agenda, and lists the seven major strategic targets of the Agenda. (PB)

Examined relationships between family leisure involvement and satisfaction with family life. Data on families recruited through middle schools indicated that parents, but not children, considered family leisure involvement the strongest predictor of satisfaction. At the family level, only the block including core and balance family leisure…

The survey of 104 home providers (for the mentally retarded) concerning family involvement found 3 variables contributing unique variance: (1) the participation of family in placement, (2) the provider's encouragement of family involvement, and (3) the living status of the father. Descriptive information on family involvement across the lifespan…

Assessed efficacy of home-based program of cognitive stimulation for functional status of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Compared treated caregiver/patient dyads with nontreated dyads. Results suggest that treated patients exhibited maintenance levels of cognitive and behavioral functioning and improved emotionally while…