This document contains the proceedings of a hearing on April 6, 2000, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform. The hearing addressed the increasing rate of children diagnosed with autism, possible links between autism and childhood vaccinations, and future needs of these children. After opening statements by…

Noting the potential of family support as an effective agent for change, this essay explores family support as community-based services to promote the well-being of children and families designed to increase the strength and stability of families, to increase parents' confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, to afford children a…

Throughout its 79 year history, the Child Welfare League of America has advocated for public policies that benefit America's children and families. This report presents the League's 1999 legislative agenda, focusing on stopping child abuse and strengthening families. The position statement details four issues identified as top legislative…

Emphasis on family medicine has resulted in three problems: definition, discrepancies between objectives and practice, and the lack of a specialized body of knowledge. Training should concentrate on simple but more effective goals, enhanced compassion and empathy, and improved communication skills, understanding of emotional needs, and counseling…

Describes the dynamics and characteristics of families with a chemically abusive member. Suggests that since the family is intricately involved in the addictive system, family therapy is needed to promote clear communication, consistent parenting, and aid in developing independent living skills and attitudes. (Author/JAC)

Through a literature review and a family systems analysis illustrated by four case studies, parricide is shown to be a logical culmination of factors--notably, severe abuse, the presence of guns, and family and community ignorance or denial of abuse. (Author/MP)

Describes a structured group designed for families that include adolescents. The workshop, "Improving Familytalk": (1) assesses communication skills and weaknesses in families, (2) teaches improved communication skills, (3) applies skills by talking about problems and expectations, and (4) teaches how to build positive aspects of family life. (JAC)

Examined adequacy of family functioning related to the health status of its members. Studied 46 heart patients and concluded that families of most patients functioned fairly well. Found family functioning unrelated to health as determined by objective indicators or self-perception, and unrelated to depression but negatively related to anxiety.…

Presents the dynamics, implications and treatment of extramarital sex. Discusses historical and cultural perspectives, various types of infidelity experiences, marital styles as they relate to infidelity, and family therapy implications. Offers recommendations for treatment and a brief consideration of extramarital relationships as a healthy…

Describes the need for comprehensive domestic violence programs that include medical, legal, economic, psychological, and child care services. Although most states have family violence legislation, more work is needed to adequately implement these programs. (Author/JAC)

In an exploration of the hypothesis that there may be important differences between adolescent abuse and child abuse, the author reviews the literature and theories of adolescent abuse, discusses the findings from a review of 25 case studies, and suggests areas for further research. (Author/EB)

Describes two panels of a 1979 conference on the future of the family. Marriage as an Economic Partnership was a panel that included speakers addressing family law, child abuse, marital property reform, and women's rights. After 50--The New Third of Life discussed needs and problems of the aging. (JOW)

The loss of parenting figures often leaves children without consistent parental support and with increased fears of abandonment. Siblings can offer each other a significant support system. Work with sibling groups can help children resolve conflicts and remove interferences to mutually supportive relationships. Two commentaries follow. (Author)

Presents a conceptual framework for the family's reorganization after a divorce, viewed as a crisis of family transition. Social workers must be prepared to help a couple with the complex process of terminating spousal roles but continuing and redefining parental roles, which is central to family redefinition. (Author)

The chronically reconstituting family is a normal and appropriate variation to the traditional pattern. Those processes characteristic of the chronically reconstituting family entail significant psychological and social consequences. Careful evaluation of those norms and values that contribute to this process must be the concern of all clinicians.…