All families have values and beliefs that guide them in their parenting journey. As an important adult in a child's life, and an influencer of a generation of compassionate people, a parent can have a positive impact on society as a whole. This booklet supports a vision of communities where children feel nurtured, safe, connected to their culture,…

The health and well-being of children and youth in care is the shared responsibility of many community partners. In addition to family and community involvement, two significant means of support for children and youth in care are the education system and the child welfare system. The Ministry of Education (EDUC), through public and independent…

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Ministry of Education (MEd), in consultation with regional representatives and public and independent school representatives, created these cross-ministry guidelines to improve information sharing, strengthen practice and joint planning, and promote effective communication among…

Divorce is often a contentious process with multiple issues to decide, especially in cases in which there are children involved. Divorce raises several legal issues when considering the well-being of children, including those who are gifted. In this article, the authors discuss these issues which include school choice, child support, and custody…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Education Debate: Obama and Romney Highlight Education Positions During First Presidential Debate; (2)…

The impact of parental mental health difficulties on the developing child is well evidenced and documented. In this article Kate Olliver-Kneafsey, Ev Thornton and Wendy Williamson suggest that despite the difficulties young people face when parental mental illness is a feature of family life, it is not all gloom and doom, and give some important…

Presents suggestions to help parents feel at ease when they leave their children with a babysitter, offering tips on: how to find a sitter, scheduling the sitter, paying fairly, laying down the rules, ensuring safety, preparing a list, and providing food. (SM)

Youth sports can be a positive and enjoyable experience for children if sports are seen in the right perspective. This article presents guidelines for youth sports, based on the National Standards for Youth Sports, and describes a national campaign called Say Yes to Better Sports for Kids. (IAH)

This manual was developed for use in foster parents' day-to-day life with the children in their care. It gives them practical information on topics like medical care, payments, and the role of the court, and also provides guidance on areas like welcoming a child, discipline, and parent visits. The manual emphasizes the role of foster parents in…

Tips for childcare and babysitting with special needs children are divided into the categories of physical handicaps, epilepsy, mental impairment, general safety, and general babysitting suggestions. Also provided is an information sheet that parents of special needs children should complete to alert the babysitter to special needs and emergency…

Presents four things that fathers can do to secure the home front and protect their children in light of the September 11th attacks: take great care to respect and support the children's mother; make an extra effort to spend time with the children; model an appropriate response to the September 11th events; and go to great lengths to continually…

Working parents must assess their own children's needs and explore the various child care options available. Tips for parent whose children stay home alone and alternatives to leaving children alone are offered. (DF)

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)

This book provides an accessible introduction to laws that affect children and families, and the dominant public debates that surround and drive these laws. Using real-world examples, the book exposes the tension between reliance on the private, autonomous family and the public's desire to secure child wellbeing. A look at some public systems,…

A 1980 federal law made adopting and raising special needs children affordable even for persons with limited means. However, many prospective adopters never complete the adoption process because of red tape, regulations, and institutional lethargy; among the adults who complete a home study or placement, lack of support services and advocacy…