Focusing on the United States as a case study, explores the nature of responsibility for children and families in America; attitudes toward responsibility for children and families; issues to be considered when shaping responsibility for children and families; and possible change if strategies for improving services to children and families are…

Describes the Community Systems initiative, a collaborative project underway in Ontario to involve neighborhood residents, broad community networks, government, and nongovernmental organizations in the support of children and families. The initiative's goal is to improve the well-being of children, youth, and their families by finding ways to use…

Parents (n=280) of young children disabled or at risk assessed help-giving practices of early intervention/human services program personnel. Sources of variation in parents' assessment were related to differences in program models and not parent or family characteristics, and differences in parents' personal control appraisals were attributable to…

This article addresses the need for very early identification of hearing loss; summarizes federal and state government involvement in early identification of hearing loss; compares common screening methods; explains the use of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) with newborns; reviews existing TEOAE screening programs; and urges…

This article reviews literature on experiences with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). It identifies IEP problems (such as poorly written objectives) and positive features (such as better teacher-family relations). The article suggests that IEP/IFSP development flaws may indicate problems…

This paper explains the interdisciplinary team concept blended with the family-centered approach in a psychiatric setting and applies the approach in a case study of a family with a child diagnosed with mental retardation, autism, and severe behavior problems. Practical suggestions for implementing such a family-centered/interdisciplinary team…

Provides the historical background and policy framework of child protection and family preservation approaches. Examines the complementarity between these efforts as exemplified by family reunification as a major component of the service delivery system in child welfare. Suggests that family reunification protects children and families to the…

Aware of increasing poverty among his students, a Virginia principal enlisted a retired teacher's assistance to provide direct support for underachieving students' families. After developing trust and rapport with identified families, the home-school consultant visited families to establish mutual goals, ranging from obtaining medical care, food,…

Because of its comprehensive child welfare system, Denmark has a large number of children in out-of-home care. The system is strained under present social conditions. Government-funded efforts are being implemented to improve policies, programs, and use of placement and treatment resources. (BC)

This article offers guidelines for designing inservice education for personnel working with young children with disabilities and their families. Discussion covers definitions, assumptions, support and start up, initial planning, program design, evaluation, implementation, and follow-up. It identifies special considerations and circumstances…

With the 1990s witnessing a unique type of extended family that is always on the run, public park and recreation departments are providing recreational programs to meet the needs of individuals of all ages. The article examines changing demographics and how they affect physical fitness behavior in American families. (SM)

The "Parents Interacting with Infants" program was developed as an interdisciplinary early intervention human services practicum with a family orientation. The practicum's philosophy functions as a framework to support self-reflection with regard to each student's emerging professional orientation toward the delivery of family-centered,…

Examines the following issues raised by recent child care legislation: (1) the status of, and myths about, children in poverty and the historical context of child care policies; (2) the relationships between child care policies and African-American families; and (3) the implications of recent legislation for the future. (JB)

This analysis of federal laws, state-level policies, and providers' and consumers' viewpoints examines the degree to which family-oriented early intervention policies and practices are family centered. Results indicate a movement toward adoption of family-centered policies and practices, but show discrepancies between state-level policymakers and…

Provides descriptive information about visiting services developed by the Family Connection Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, that could serve as a model for the development of similar services in other communities. Describes the center's services to families with children in placement and program variations for divorced parents and their children.…