Notes that the papers in this issue stress the need for a conceptual framework (historical, social, legal, and developmental) for defining the critical parameters involved in arriving at a sound basis for social policy and child advocacy. (Author/AM)

The formulation of public policy affecting children requires the participation of a wide spectrum of psychological experts. This should include both investigator and practitioner, since each has something important to contribute to the discussion. The psychologist may contribute to policy analysis and debate in the role of expert or as advocate.…

The authors discuss parental punishment practices that do not violate children's physical integrity. Physical punishment is still quite prevalent in the United States and Great Britain. Many studies indicate that not only does physical punishment not prevent the recurrence of undesirable behaviors, but it leads to psychopathology, especially…

This paper discusses the issues involved in achieving a balance between a child's rights to protection and adequate care and a family's rights to privacy and autonomy. The paper advocates a shift from the current norm of privacy concerning parents' child rearing practices towards increased openness and freer community-family communication. In view…

This critical review of literature on punishment practices and child rearing examines the question of children's rights in the context of parent practices, values and prerogatives. Society regards the family unit as a sacrosanct system open to inspection and intervention only when there is tangible evidence of physical child abuse. The recent…