Discusses relation of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to problems of unwed motherhood. Shows that extension of AFDC to unwed mothers was unintended development and has been demise of residential homes for unwed mothers. Urges renewed attention be given to public support of maternity homes as means of socializing young mothers and…

This three-year longitudinal study investigated whether low-wage employment was associated with improved psychological and parenting outcomes in a sample of 178 single mothers who were employed and unemployed current and former welfare recipients both before and subsequent to the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity…

In view of the increasing number of single women who adopt children, the social work profession has an obligation to learn more about this group of mothers. This article is based on a research study to identify characteristics of single adoptive mothers and their children and to learn what community supports the mothers believe would be helpful.…

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)

Discusses the emotional impact of divorce on children and adolescents and, after reviewing the literature and findings from a five-year longitudinal study, describes the implications of the spiraling divorce rate for practice, research, and social policy. (Author)

Current demographic data reveal that the form of the American family is undergoing dramatic change. One change is the unprecedented rise in the number of female-headed families. Reviews current demographic trends, examines the factors behind these changes and their implications, and proposes areas for further research. (Author)

As more adolescent unmarried mothers decide to keep their babies, social service agencies need to reevaluate their programs to meet changing needs. This study examines the living situations, educational and employment status, and interpersonal relationships of 30 adolescent unmarried mothers to determine the services they themselves thought they…

The disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minority children in the child welfare system concerns many child welfare professionals. Few studies have investigated how neighborhood processes may contribute to this disparity. This study examined how neighborhood characteristics are associated with rates of child maltreatment for black,…

This longitudinal study of Black children reared in single-parent, transracial, and traditional adoptive homes reveals that most children grow well in these homes. Interest at this reporting is chiefly focused on the transracially adopted children because their pattern of racial identity development differs from that of children in Black homes.…

Discusses child poverty, the causes of high poverty rates among children, and proposals and programs aimed at reforming Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Proposes another approach to providing cash benefits to children in the form of a children's allowance or refundable tax credit similar to programs in other industrialized nations.…

Examines the issues that face child welfare and substance abuse treatment professionals as they attempt to address the needs of chemically-dependent mothers and their children. Addresses these challenges and recommends strategies for forming new alliances and closing gaps in service delivery. (JPS)

Conducted study of rural homelessness in Ohio. Of 919 homeless adults interviewed, 247 were heading family units; 480 children were in these families. More than two-thirds of families were headed by single parents. Found differences in demographic characteristics of rural homeless population as compared to urban counterparts. Findings have…

Established innovative interest-free loan program in midwestern metropolitan area as response to deteriorating economic circumstances of low-wage-earning single parents and their dependent children during 1980s. Interviews with participants revealed personal characteristics and economic circumstances of target population and purposes for which…

Discusses problems peculiar to single fathers. Assesses the status of helping resources for single fathers. Reports helping professionals' perceptions of these clients. Survey results indicated most helping practitioners are aware of single fathers as a client group and want information relative to this group. (RC)

Examined relationship between employment preferences and well-being among 111 black, single, employed mothers with preschool child and low income. Mothers whose employment status was consistent with preference had lower role strain and higher life satisfaction. Having no education past high school and male child predicted significantly higher…