Provides a brief history of Federal agency involvement in programs for children and their families, examines factors that affect the development of Federal social policy, and suggests future trends. Includes a brief summary of the existing 93 programs operated by various agencies of the Federal government. (Author/BJV)

Outlines actual and potential uses in the United States of international children's rights standards, comparing the content and intent of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child with current U.S. policy and jurisdiction. The analysis underscores the differences between the international and U.S. approaches to children's rights. (SLD)

Notes that not the least of conditions contributing to the bond of researcher producer cooperation is the challenge of calling into question widely held beliefs about children and how they learn, particularly where the possibilities for using television are concerned. (Author/AM)

Errors in the planning, procedures, and logistics of the babylift are discussed, including the problems of the childrens health and physical safety, and whether many of them are actually orphans. Frequent criticisms raised by the babylift effort are also analyzed. (Author/AM)

Although the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child has been criticized as antifamily because of its emphasis on family function rather than form, careful reading shows that it is not only supportive of strong families but offers a creative and conceptually coherent foundation for government action to promote and protect family life. (SLD)

Notes that to succeed in television both the audience and what is trying to be achieved with them must be known. Also important is a knowledge of what appeals to the audience, what their needs and interests are, and how the educational objectives planned for them can connect with these characteristics. (Author/AM)

Reviews challenges to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the General Assembly in 1989, and ratified by 167 countries, although not the United States. The article gives an overview of six articles in this special section that explore the policy challenges the Convention poses. (SLD)

Presents an overview of changes in childbearing and fertility-regulating behavior that relate to policy issues concerned with child development and well-being. Discusses developmental consequences of "unwantedness" and adolescent childbearing. Also considers special needs of children in developing countries. (Author/GC)

Reviews the constitutional and political issues that are likely to be considered as the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child moves toward ratification by the U.S. Senate. A review of juvenile justice, education, religious freedom, and definitional concerns concludes that political issues are the real stumbling block. (SLD)

Proposes a national family policy that would acknowledge the diversity of families, protect their economic well-being, and provide flexible ways to meet economic and social needs. Discusses the following major issues: (1) family and medical leaves; (2) child care; and (3) child support enforcement. Reviews proposed Federal family legislation. (FMW)

Much research has been done on the negative effects of divorce on children. Future research should focus on how positive family functioning and support systems can facilitate the development of social, emotional, and intellectual competence in children in single parent families. (Author/GC)

Psychologists must help to create a national atmosphere that would facilitate progress on critical issues affecting children and families by monitoring the quality and outreach of child services and serving as advocates for children in the political arena. (Author/GC)

Reviews community-based research on the effects of homelessness on children. Homeless children face threats to their future well-being resulting from health problems, hunger, poor nutrition, developmental delays, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and educational underachievement. Contributing factors may include inadequate shelter,…