Objectives: Children outside of family care face increased risk of threats to their well-being, have lower educational achievement, and experience adverse developmental outcomes. While it is generally accepted that early response and intervention is critical to reducing the risk of harm for children who have been separated from their families, it…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review empirical evidence of the effects of placement in group care compared to other interventions. Method: Two-group empirical studies were identified and effect sizes for all reported outcomes were calculated. Results: Nineteen two-group studies were found that compared group care with family foster…

Ghana is witnessing an increasing number of 2nd generation street children (SGSC) living in the street of Accra, the capital city as a result of many factors including teenage pregnancy among street girls, ethnic conflicts and rural-urban migration. Street presents enormous risks to street children; they are excluded from safe-family environment,…

This study is the second in a series evaluating the effectiveness of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) to address unique deficits inherent in autism spectrum disorders. RDI is a parent-based, cognitive-developmental approach, in which primary caregivers are trained to provide daily opportunities for successful functioning in increasingly…

Examines the mission of a Massachusetts state program responsible for coordinating the placement of children with AIDS in an adoption or foster child program when appropriate. Investigates issues relative to direct care, day care, school attendance and confidentiality in cases with children of AIDS. (RWB)

Explores the history of the "least restrictive environment" concept, particularly in relation to designing and providing educational programs for disabled youth; discusses political and economic issues, curriculum-related arguments, and societal attitudes concerning mainstreaming; and identifies factors that can promote or impede…

A study of 83 children (ages 10-18) with behavior disorders in seven types of programs (parent training programs, outpatient clinic, family preservation programs, treatment foster care, residential group home, acute-care shelter, and inpatient psychiatric hospital) found a high level of correspondence between program restrictiveness and severity…

This document contains witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the living conditions of children in state care. Parents, youth workers, legal advocates, program administrators and state officials discuss the cost effectiveness of community-based services and the effectiveness of various…

This paper presents results of an evaluation study of the Fostering Individualized Assistance Program (FIAP), an effort to provide individualized wraparound supports and services to foster children with emotional/behavioral disturbances and their families (foster, biological, and/or adoptive). The program aims to stabilize child placement and…

In a few years, the United States is going to have the largest number of teenagers it has ever had; at the same time, crime among teenagers is rising, and the recreational and learning activities and jobs that teenagers need for positive development are becoming scarcer in inner city and rural areas. Efforts in youth programs during the past 25…

This paper describes the Tennessee Children's Plan, a program phased in between 1991 and 1993 that implemented a coordinated service system for children, youth, and families. A study involving children and youth (birth through 21 years) who were in the custody of the State of Tennessee investigated the effectiveness of coordinated service systems…

This conference paper discusses the results of a study that investigated the effects of a mentor service on 30 children with severe emotional disturbances and considered to be at extreme risk for out-of-home placement. The mentors provided regular, consistent, face-to-face and telephone contact with each child for five hours per week. The mentors…

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 4-year federal grant to provide statewide planning and improved educational and support services for 150 Louisiana children/youth with deafblindness. Activities and accomplishments are reported for each of six major objectives: (1) organizing project resources; (2) improving early…

Claims that although agencies specializing in adoption of minority children have been successful in achieving same-race adoptive placements for African American children, funding and support for some of these initiatives have been withheld. Describes successful placement practices used by a private agency in California and a public agency in…

Analyzed Chicago Longitudinal Study data to determine correlates of preschool participation. Found that participation was associated with significantly higher levels of school readiness, achievement, and educational attainment, and with lower rates of child maltreatment, juvenile delinquency, special education placement, and grade retention.…