The involvement of the Dunham family and their physically disabled son with the Family Challenge Program (Westfield, Massachusetts) is outlined with particular attention to how the family relationships (especially between father and son) have grown closer through improved communication, cooperation, and trust, thereby creating a partnership. (JMM)

Discusses the work of the Cooperative Extension Service, how the extension process works, how the extension model benefits families in developing countries, parameters for an extension program abroad, nonformal extension programs, and the importance of understanding the sociocultural environment of developing nations. (CT)

The authors identify a "crisis in caring" that calls for a reassessment and realignment of both formal and informal systems of family support. A spectrum of helping relationships is introduced as a stimulus to discussion out of which a commitment to the creation of patterns of societal organization supportive of family relationships can evolve.…

Significant evaluation findings for a respite care program include the following: (1) training sessions enhanced workers' knowledge of disabilities, (2) families with recently disabled children received more benefits from respite services than families with long-term disabled children, (3) services provided parents emotional relief, and (4)…

This brief outlines both the national and state environments and summarizes the opportunities and challenges that need to be taken into account as states move forward to develop comprehensive early childhood systems. It is adapted from and summarizes a full report entitled "Planning for the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Initiative…

In compliance with California's Proposition 10 (Children and Families First Act), county commissions are being asked to monitor what differences the family support programs they are funding are making in the lives of the children and families they serve. Each commission has the responsibility of selecting a set of indicators to measure the impact…

Making the case that breastfeeding provides essential and long-lasting benefits for children and should be one of California's first investments in the healthy development of every child, this report assists state and county commissions of Proposition 10 (Families and Children First Act) in the development of effective strategies and integrated…

This guide outlines 10 basic steps for policymakers and practitioners interested in creating Second Chance Homes in their areas. Second Chance Homes provide stable, nurturing environments for teen families with access to child care, education, job training, counseling, and advice on parenting and life skills. The guide is based on interviews with…

Noting that family resource centers (FRC) embody the comprehensive approach needed to respect families and meet their needs for providing their children with a healthy, nurturing beginning, and that financing issues fundamentally affect how responsive family resource centers will be to the needs of the people they serve, this guide was developed…

Many communities are rethinking their ideas of mutual support, social economy, and community economic development and are using "Time Dollars" strategies to build on their existing support networks and create a strong and valued social economy. This book provides an introduction to the social capital strategy of Time Dollars and presents…

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)