Noting that the strength of society is inextricably linked to the strength of its families, this book examines the evolution of current principles and practices in family support, and discusses future directions in quality services, training, and evaluation. The 20 chapters in this book are: (1) "America's Children and Families: An International Perspective" (Urie Bronfenbrenner and Peter Neville); (2) "The Evolution of the Family Resource Movement" (Bernice Weissbourd); (3) "Home and School: The Unresolved Relationship" (Barbara Bowman); (4) "Strategies for a Family-Supportive Child Health Care System" (Barry Zuckerman and T. Berry Brazelton); (5) "Transforming Social Services: Family-Supportive Strategies" (Ruth Massinga); (6) "Families and Work: The Importance of the Quality of the Work Environment" (Ellen Galinsky); (7) "Family Support Programs in Black Churches: A New Look at Old Functions" (Cleopatra Caldwell and others); (8) "Family Support and Criminal Justice" (Ann Adalist-Estrin); (9) "Supporting the Family Support Worker" (Frances Stott and Judith Musick); (10) "Family Support and Care of the Elderly: Program and Policy Changes" (Benjamin Gottlieb and Monique Gignac); (11) "Addressing the Challenges of Diversity" (Eugene Garcia); (12) "Funding Family Support Programs" (Judy Carter); (13) "Family Support and Community Development" (James Garbarino and Kathleen Kostelny); (14) "Local Initiatives in Support of Families" (Norman Rice); (15) "State Government and Family Support: From Marginal to Mainstream" (Charles Bruner); (16) "Family Support on the Federal Policy Agenda" (Frank Farrow); (17) "Defining and Achieving Quality in Family Support" (Sharon Kagan); (18) "Education for Professionals in Family Support" (Dolores Norton); (19) "Evaluating Family Support Programs: Are We Making Progress?" (Douglas Powell); and (20) "Toward a New Normative System of Family Support" (Sharon Kagan and Bernice Weissbourd). All but one of the chapters include references. (TJQ)