An examination of differences among older families (25 Black, 75 White) regarding permanency planning for their mentally retarded dependents indicated that Black families were less likely to desire outside residential placements, and were also less likely to make future financial arrangements for their mentally retarded relative following their…

Describes family scientists as faced with the challenge of translating empirical work and theory development into useful information for social policy makers, and as playing an increasingly active role in the shaping of social policy. Presents an overview of the linkage between family science and social policy. Addresses issues relating to family…

In a survey of 4 North Dakota communities, 40% of the respondents knew of the area's mental health center. Distance from the center, sex, and educational level were associated with awareness of the center's existence. Respondents sought aid from medical and religious resources more often than from mental health resources. (JHZ)

Discusses various aspects of elder abuse: characteristics of victims, common forms of abuse, categories of abuse, victim-abuser relationship, characteristics of abusers, practical responses to the problem, and policy implications and research needs. (CT)

Even as children, some individuals cope remarkably with stressful situations. They are active and know how to seek adult support. Research suggests that their strong personalities are rooted in part in the treatment they receive as infants, but also that schools can effectively help deprived children to become well-adjusted adults. (KH)

Examines the rate and direction of change in Canada's social problems by developing indexes for major problem areas. These measures show a period of relative stability in the 1950s and early 60s then worrisome inflation accompanied by out-of-control financial costs. Identifies crucial life stages where help is required. (JAC)

Connecticut's Jobs First program was subjected to a rigorous, large-scale evaluation. During the evaluation, nearly 5,000 single-parent welfare applicants and recipients in 2 cities were randomly assigned to Jobs First or to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) group. Each group's progress was compared over a 4-year period. The…

Human Options is a non-profit social service agency in Orange County, California which provides services for battered women and their families. This study: assessed the outcomes for graduates of its programs; obtained consumer evaluations of the agency's services; measured the needs for aftercare services; and assessed how the children of program…

This book provides numerous stories of parents' encounters with their children's addictions and what the parents did to come to terms with the disease. Part 1 offers four separate accounts describing the authors' experience with addiction in their four adult children, followed by each child's interpretation of events. In part 2, addictive diseases…

Sexual assault is a trauma that affects the entire family as well as the individuals involved. It is a social disease that alters human development and the ability to relate to others. Without treatment, the effects of abuse can progressively undermine and overwhelm all areas of both the abused individual's and the family's functioning. This book…

Children and adolescents are prone to develop a range of social problems in family and peer relationships, mental health, substance abuse, and school performance. With a reduction in support available to them in many family environments, peer relationships become increasingly important. A number of the social problems children and adolescents face…

This report details characteristics of 50 family care programs that provide comprehensive, individualized services to families struggling with various problems, as well as services that allow parents and children to continue living together in supervised living arrangements for extended periods. Data were collected through in-depth telephone…

This report presents information on homeless children in the United States to gain the attention of policymakers and the media. Information comes from years of rigorous scientific research. The report presents both findings and solutions, including concrete steps to secure food, shelter, health care, and schooling to help homeless children and…

Pressures that may cause stress in children and adolescents are discussed. Shifting family paterns due to divorce or working parents, stressful situations at day care centers, busy schedules during adolescence, test anxiety at school, and watching violence on television all can increase stress for today's children. (PP)

Past and present family conditions (spousal relations, parental views of children, and child-rearing approaches) are discussed in light of their impact on children's psychological rights. Concern is expressed over the precarious current environment for children's rights and the even more uncertain future. (PP)