Presents a beginning conceptualization of five distinct life-styles of single-parent families. Social workers can help such families anticipate and deal with the psychosocial risks and make maximum use of the unique opportunities of the life-style they adopt. (Author)

Social agencies should discard their negative assumptions about the black male ghetto resident. Agencies can provide positive experiences that support the black man's rightful role as head of his family and responsible member of the community. To illustrate this potential, guidelines that proved effective in work with a black fathers' group in…

Policies aimed at reducing welfare dependency have concentrated on helping heads of families go back to work. This article suggests work and marriage are both significant in determining movement on and off the welfare rolls and also suggests income maintenance proposals should include incentives for work and family stability. (Author)