A brief review of systems theory provides a rationale for an underlying theoretical model within which systems theory can be more completely understood. The essence of the model is that persons are the major unit of study because the available means of satisfying "basic needs" define and shape interaction patterns in the family as in other human…

Data from the first year's operation (August 1, 1977 - July 31, 1978) of the Vernon Transition House, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada indicate that wife battering is a serious problem. Wife battering is not related to age or cultural background, but spans all ages, cultures, and income levels. Use and abuse of alcohol play major roles in family…

This quarterly publication, issued by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), contains articles dealing with family violence and alcohol abuse, children of alcoholic parents, training programs for counselors, and confidentiality of client records. The three articles on alcohol abuse suggest that: (1) there is a clear…

Two models of family treatment are presented in which the child's nonverbal communication is as important as the adult's verbal communication, and the child is accorded equal respect with adult family members by the therapist. In the integrated conjoint family therapy model, children are present at family sessions, and the therapist responds to…

This paper reviews the scope of the problem of runaway children and presents treatment approaches currently in use. Several findings on runaway children are discussed: (1) the multiple social and psychological difficulties faced by parents; (2) the high degree of family strain; and (3) the runaways' dissatisfactions with peer and adult…

Family conservation is a new approach for strengthening nuclear families on a system level. The family communiversity is an agency developed to effect that approach. A discussion of family conservation on the systems level concerns the need for coping with those forces detrimental to families. The objective of family conservation is to maximize…

The increasing divorce rate, along with other circumstances resulting in one-parent families, makes the study of the effects of living in a one-parent situation for children of crucial importance. Children of divorced parents have been characterized as having lower I.Q. scores, more behavior problems, and academic handicaps than children from…

The aims of this workbook for delegates to the White House Conference on Families are (1) to focus attention on the themes of the conference, (2) to provide brief background information on the issues to be discussed in the conference workgroups, and (3) to summarize recommendations which were part of the state issue reports. The workbook is…

Two papers, one on child abuse and the other on effects of preinstitutional history and institutionalization on the behavior of the retarded, are presented. In the first paper the author stresses the need to document the scope and nature of child abuse in American society and discusses the difficulties in defining where on the continuum discipline…

This study examines Soviet family policies since 1944 concerning family allowances, abortion and contraception, divorce and illegitimacy, child care facilities and maternity benefits, and motherhood awards. The problems of Soviet society which brought about these policies are discussed and their use in encouraging fertility and promoting female…

This report describes various aspects of an inservice training program for human service professionals concerned with family sexual abuse. Covered in the report are the content, objectives and phases of the training program, demographic information on the trainees, and a description of the types of evaluation conducted. The overall purpose of the…

Family sexual abuse is now being recognized as a reality that requires professional intervention. This manual covers the entire intervention process from case identification and reporting of suspected abuse, through the investigation and treatment phases. The central focus is on the abused child and the victim's need for protection. Among the…

Child abuse and neglect is a problem of concern to local communities, state legislatures, state agencies and the federal government. In providing protective services, welfare departments encounter legal aspects concerning law enforcement officials, attorneys and the judicial system. This manual can provide practical guidance to those who are…

Several characteristics have been identified as permeating the lives of a great many dropouts. The potential dropout may be several years retarded in reading and mathematics, and is usually plagued by personal, social, and familial problems. Suggestions for stemming the alarming rate of school dropouts include community provision for treatment and…

The final report of a child abuse/neglect program involving 46 white families in urban Philadelphia reviews differences found between neglectful and control parents in parental personalities, life histories, and in styles of adaptation associated with child neglect. Four papers are appended, comprising the bulk of the report. Appendixes focus on…