Family policy is a critical area of concern for family professionals. A model of political decision making is presented that includes values, politics, and capability dimensions. Strategies for family professionals to address each dimension are presented, as are guidelines for effective communication with policymakers. (Author)

In response to calls for policies to strengthen families, this article examines policy roles for family professionals. The roles examined here include research for family policy, family evaluation research, family impact analysis, and family policy advocacy. A new role, family policy alternatives education, is illustrated with a case study.…

Argues that expanding the policy infrastructure for resolving family-related disputes provides potential advantages at both the micro- and macrosystemic levels. Mediation, as a collaborative model, has proven effective in resolving family conflicts. Recommends that policies incorporate mediation into family-related disputes and into the…

Presents an ecological systems model and a family perspective framework to explain policies that guide the development of integrated services for persons experiencing multiple interrelated problems. Reviews the history and purposes of integrated services and suggests a role for family professionals in policy development, program implementation,…

This article focuses on homeless families, the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The article summarizes current research on the characteristics of homeless families and provides an overview of government homeless policy. Recommendations are presented for developing future homeless policies that incorporate family principles.…