Discusses findings from two studies of coping and adaptation in families who adopted children with developmental disabilities. Focuses on two sets of factors that emerged from both studies as central influences on parents' management of their children and adoption outcomes, specifically, the availability of resources and supports, and…

Explains how simple daily events can be pivotal for youth and children in therapeutic care, noting that the relationship between caregiver and child begins with the first step of "saying hello." Emphasizes that this relationship is a tool to help the child reach goals and that it is never easy to know how to begin. (BGC)

In the rush to use technology for instructional delivery, the support and guidance needs of adult students, especially those with low levels of education, can be neglected. A student-centered approach should start where people are and technology should be used when appropriate. (SK)

Contends that hopeful attitudes about learning for high-risk students can be rediscovered when students believe they are competent; tasks are not too easy; subjects are important to students; students are involved in learning; teachers demonstrate love of subjects; students perceive activities/goals as real; lessons are fun; students feel welcome;…

Examined how obligation, reciprocity, and quality of personal relationships affect whether siblings (n=108) provide social support to seriously mentally ill (n=85). Reciprocity was important predictor: more help respondent siblings received from ill siblings, more willingness to help they showed in return. Availability of parental and other…

Describes a kindergarten class project in which five-year-old children became community helpers by producing joke books and distributing these joke books to waiting rooms of medical facilities to be used by child patients. (BB)

This study found that, in the early stages of joint participation in community recreation activities, 19 nondisabled adults expressed cautious yet optimistic attitudes toward developing "friendships" with people with mental retardation. Such friendships are often perceived to be based partly on obligation and/or altruism. (DB)

Investigated high school students' (n=325) knowledge of suicidal peers. Found 68 percent of females and 42.5 percent of males knew peer who had committed or attempted suicide. Ninety-seven students reported having talked to a peer who was definitely considering suicide; of these, 63 percent talked to their peer, 24.7 percent told adults, and 12…

Disabled persons may receive needed personal assistance from spouse, parents, other family, or a hired assistant (possibly shared) who is compensated by cash or barter. Disabled persons in rural areas rely heavily on family members and face overwhelming locational, financial, and attitudinal barriers to independent living. (SV)

Because of changes in the family and other institutions, schools must fill the void created by students' lack of affective development before genuine learning can occur. This article provides guidelines for developing and implementing an advisory program for middle school students that successfully combines the elementary school's child-centered…

Describes the Healing Web project, which brings together nursing educators and nursing leaders to manage the transition from the present to the future of nursing education and service. The goal of the Healing Web is to create a values-based curriculum that could generate the support of all. (JOW)

Argues the need for schools to provide learning environments, educational practices, and encouragement to enhance academic achievement in each student within the system. New teacher roles are examined, and some examples are provided of successful efforts in schools that effectively concentrate on the individual student's academic success. (GLR)

A Cambridge, Massachusetts, alternative public school has devised a Student Support Team to assist families in trouble or in crisis situations. Close connections with the state's Department of Social Services, the city hospital's Haitian Mental Health Unit, the Cambridge School Volunteers Program, and Harvard University student volunteer programs…

Maintains that adults can improve the quality of their lives by working to help meet children's needs. This can be done by advocating and legislating for children, and by donating time, energy, and financial resources to children. (BB)

The Open University course on roles and relationships enables people engaged in helping others to strengthen theoretical understanding of what they do and why and to reflect on ways to improve practice. (SK)