Examines 1992 Suter versus Artist M. decision of U.S. Supreme Court, in which the court ruled that private individuals could not sue to enforce the provisions of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. The act requires that reasonable efforts be made to preserve and strengthen families by preventing placements and reuniting placed…

Several Supreme Court decisions in the last 15 years have demonstrated expanding recognition of the rights of minors and other dependent groups. At the same time, these recent trends have engendered conflicts concerning minors' competence to make judgments, relationships between child and family autonomy, and differing interests in child advocacy.…

Outlines the provisions of The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 (PL99-457), which funds educational and family services programs for three- to five-year-old children with disabilities or substantial developmental delays. Suggests ways that child care advocates can help implement this law. (NH)

The booklet provides information on the early implementation of state protection and advocacy (P and A) systems as provided for and funded by Public Law 94-103 (Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act). The P and A implementing agencies are described in terms of the following characteristics: budget, staffing, use of resources,…

Efforts to locate missing children have expanded from a federal law allowing for entry of information into an F.B.I. computer system to companion bills before Congress for establishing a national missing child clearinghouse and a Justice Department center to help in conducting searches. Private organizations are also involved. (KS)

In his opening statement at this hearing, committee chairman Senator Joseph Biden mentioned the National Child Protection Act of 1991; praised Oprah Winfrey's efforts to support programs and legislation to prevent sexual abuse of children; presented data on the incidence of sexual abuse of children in the home and in day care centers; and…

Suggests three monumental social changes in U.S. history have moved us closer to a viable democracy: the Bill of Rights, the abolition of slavery, and woman's suffrage. Notes children face many types of poverty; a children's rights amendment would focus child advocacy efforts. Discusses the precedent of the Equal Rights Amendment, which failed by…

Examines four key elements of successful advocacy present in states' efforts to improve levels of funding and standards for child care. Strategies used in these legislative campaigns include (1) selection and focus of the issue, (2) development of a core constituency, (3) work with the media, and (4) build-up of legislative support (lobbying). (BB)

The process by which the International School Psychology Committee (ISP) formulated its Declaration of the Psychological Rights of the Child is described. ISP issued a tentative declaration and solicited comment world wide to help draw up a final declaration (included in the text), define variables, and work toward implementation. (Author/PP)

The author reviews Canadian legislation relating to special education with emphasis on what is meant by a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Essential elements are outlined for the concepts of appropriate education, least restrictive alternative, and procedural safeguards. (SB)

This report presents testimony given at a hearing concerning the establishment of a national policy on children and youth, the Young Americans Act. Under this act, there would be an Office for Children, Youth and Families at the federal level and in each of the 50 states. These offices would support local offices, coordinate programs which affect…

This report was developed to highlight some of the most effective state laws that concern child victimization. It is intended for use by state legislators, governors, and state officials as well as by all citizens concerned about protecting children. A sampling of varied legislation from several states is included which demonstrates how the issues…

Schools and courts must act together to provide students with, at least, partial control over their lives and their educational destinies. The status of the students as children and the court's position on the child are discussed in terms of student rights. (CJ)

Discusses background of congressional passage of $22 billion in funding to help low-income families get care for their children while adults work. Bipartisan support for funding increased in 1988. In 1989, debate about finances stalled legislation until Children's Defense Fund and child care advocates across country formed national grassroots…

Heubert's "Law & School Reform Report" is an interdisciplinary exploration of schooling litigation and legislation since 1950. Superficially resembling a primer of successful law-driven reforms, the book actually reveals the great gap between legal victories and educational successes. Child advocacy is needed to redress inequities.…