This article examines the importance of context in evaluative inquiry. Following guidelines from real-world and utilization-focused evaluation frameworks, four projects are described to illustrate one foundation's pragmatic approach to evaluation that values collaboration, methodological appropriateness, and utilization. The authors contend that…

This article summarizes published research regarding the effectiveness of mentor programs in general, and for youth in foster care specifically, as a basis for evidence-based practice in child welfare. It examines the pros and cons of mentor programs and characteristics of programs that are more or less effective for achieving specific social…

A survey of 101 American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) parents in Los Angeles was conducted to explore perceptions of child neglect among urban AIAN parents and factors associated with perceptions. Participants rated substance abuse by parents as the most serious type of neglect. Providing material necessities and providing adequate structure were…

Discusses the armed conflicts in Central America and their influence on civilian populations. Discusses the psychosocial consequences and therapeutic considerations of warfare, displacement and refuge for children. (RJC)

A general look at day care from a developmental viewpoint. Stresses need to mold the preschool experience to the child's natural growth stages and to integrate the worlds of home and nursery school. This paper was presented at the CWLA Eastern Regional Conference at Philadelphia in 1968. (MH)

The importance of dealing immediately with the trauma of the child's separation from natural parents, siblings, and foster parents is stressed. Placement techniques and procedures involving adoptive parents, foster parents and the child are described. (MG)

Describes the demographic characteristics of India's child population. Discusses state care of its destitute and orphaned children and voluntary child welfare organizations. (RJC)

Reports findings of a recent assessment of the health and social needs of children under age 6 in an area of 85,000 people from different racial, ethnic and income groups located in Boston. This assessment documented resource needs, highlighted specific problems and revealed mistaken priorities. (BR)

Discusses a network of child advocacy councils in Israel in relation to child advocacy efforts in the United States. Describes the Jerusalem Children's Council and the work of its Ombudsman for Children. (RJC)

Describes the placement evaluation program developed by Children's Garden, a private nonprofit agency operating a family-model treatment group home for children in kindergarten through seventh grades. (RH)

Describes common separation reactions of children in school settings. Discusses the identification of these reactions and presents suggestions for teachers for preventing or handling separation problems. (BD)

Describes the development, responsibilities, and achievements of the office of the Ombudsman for Children in Norway. (RJC)

Discusses four reasons for maintaining contact between the natural parents and their placed children and presents advantages this contact has for the placed child. (SDH)

Summarizes the strategy used by the Los Angeles Roundtable for Children during its two-year study of child welfare funding and expenditures in Los Angeles County. Looks at: (1) the profile of the county's children; (2) public expenditures in behalf of these children; and (3) publicly funded services targeted for at-risk children. (RWB)

Discusses the topic of reciprocity of needs between children and caregivers and argues that children need to learn dependency before they can securely learn independence. (Author/RH)