Focuses on the importance of lullabies in the bonding process, the development of the infant's brain and the fostering of enjoyment in a healthy parent-infant relationship. (CM)

Discusses the decline in infant mortality rates over the past 20 years among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Describes efforts by the Indian Health Service to work with communities and federal and state agencies to further reduce mortality rates. (PCB)

The role of public health nurses in the health care of infants and children prenatally exposed to drugs is discussed. Such nurses work in the family setting to promote health and prevent disease. Concepts of Kathryn Barnard have been used to develop policies and protocols for services to families with infants exposed to controlled substances. (GH)

Cites research studies suggesting the importance of early mother-infant, father-infant interaction, and gives several examples of the varied new approaches in hospitals and medical centers which encourage early prenatal contact both for normal and premature infants. (BR)

A hospital-based transitional care medical program for infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit is described. Family involvement is emphasized, as is interdisciplinary teamwork. Concerns that the program would encourage unnecessary hospitalization and increase vulnerability to infection have been proven unjustified. (Author/DB)

Discusses some of the legal questions raised when infants and children of drug-abusing mothers are exposed to crack. Courts have generally moved in a punitive direction against these mothers although some critics warn against intervention that is too fast. Foster care system has been overwhelmed by these difficult cases, and many child welfare…

Describes the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, which is used to assess infants' competence in organizing their states of consciousness, interactive capacities, physiological responses, and environmental responsiveness. Various projects which have used the scale are reported. The predictive value and clinical uses of the scale are…

The lack of agreement on the nature and extent of the problem of prenatal exposure to substances is discussed. Comprehensive coordination of services is called for. The 14 programs in the Los Angeles County Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) are discussed. (GH)

Increase in number of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and consequential developmental disabilities of these children are discussed. Families caring for HIV-infected children express four recurrent themes: psychological stress, grief and mourning, guilt and self-blame, and isolation and fear of discrimination. Flexible…

Discusses the effect that fetal exposure to cocaine and other drugs is having on infants and small children. Disputes the most widely cited estimate of the numbers of crack babies. Calls for restructuring foster care, group home placement, adoption, and general social welfare provision. Termination of parental rights is difficult but probably…

Discusses the alarming rise in numbers of infants perinatally exposed to illegal drugs, including crack and cocaine. Schools must provide more services for these babies. Service delivery systems should be developed and coordinated to help these babies. (GH)

Discusses legislation aimed at prevention, identification, and treatment of prenatal exposure to controlled substances and the consequences of such exposure. Coercive state intervention can include involuntary civil commitment, child protection; and criminal prosecution. Such intervention raises constitutional issues of privacy and…