Considers four areas requiring attention in any attempt to evaluate the needs of children in families involved in divorce actions: economic problems and child support; custody issues and court involvement; emotional problems and therapeutic intervention; and kinship patterns in "step" relationships and the reconstituted family. (BR)

Describes a supportive program for single, young mothers in need of low-cost housing, job-training or schooling, social services and day care. Most enrollees gained a saleable skill and made progress in personal growth and the development of independent living skills. Techniques included a team approach and use of short-term contracts. (BF)

Formal adoption in the Black community is not readily accepted, perhaps because the social services system is insensitive to Black culture. Informal adoption by relatives with extended family support is prevalent and reflects the Black self-help tradition. But such adoption can perpetuate the cycle of dependency and poverty. (SH)