Examines state variations in use of mediation to resolve domestic relations disputes. Mediation may be optional or mandatory, requested by the parties or the judge. Mediator qualifications vary considerably. Child support is less likely than custody and visitation to be the sole topic for mediation. More states are likely to use mediation in…

This paper identifies themes of the Second African Conference on Child Abuse (1993), notes the importance of the breakdown of family structure, and stresses the importance of prevention. Prerequisites for prevention programs in developing countries are considered and development of a macro campaign and local micro efforts is urged. Examples of…

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of the general public with regard to the acceptability of adoptive parents changing their minds and returning an adopted child who, after placement, had severe behavior problems. Results revealed that only 23% believed parents should be permitted to return an adopted child when the child has…

Reviews research regarding advantages and disadvantages of flextime to both employers and employees; evaluates effects of flextime on resolving work/family conflicts; and establishes future programmatic, research, and policy directions regarding flextime. Claims flextime is beneficial in resolving work/family conflicts but not as beneficial as…

The study examined the stress associated with parenting a handicapped child experienced by parents living in rural Ontario communities. Availability of social support emerged as the major predictor of reduced stress. Family characteristics (e.g. cohesion and adaptability) and child characteristics (e.g. severity of handicap) emerged less often as…

The decline of the family is well documented and probably irreversible. Parents are using more elective time for self-pursuits that compete for the time and energy needed for child rearing. Parents' reduced accountability to children challenges schools to assimilate a new personal form of responsibility. Schools must support, not supplant,…

The Oregon Parenthood Education Curriculum Model is based on the use of practical reasoning to solve the problems of the family. Students are taught to examine the underlying issues and implications for themselves and society in the problem-solving process. (SK)

In a study of 1,000 New Zealand children from birth to 10 years, risks of family breakdown were found to vary inversely to the number of preschool children in the family. These results persisted when many fixed and time-dependent variates were controlled, suggesting that the presence of preschool children reduces risks of family breakdown.…

Presents updated information on recent changes in selected stages of the family life cycle and in social developments that have contributed to these changes. Closes with differing outlooks regarding marital stability in the United States. (Author)

The report describes characteristics of 63 Brazilian families whose children were diagnosed as suffering from child abuse or neglect. Among conclusions were that domestic stress and socioeconomic deprivation in adults with a background of abuse and neglect often resulted in child maltreatment. (DB)

Discusses issues related to families and addictions in the context of family-related helping professions and addictions counseling. Describes family systems approach to addictions and some family-based addiction interventions. Notes research articles that have made significant contributions to families and addictions field. (Author/CM)

Found support for a path-analytic model correlating the child outcomes of child's level of play, negative peer interaction, and physical health. (RH)

The paper discusses differences in familial and out-of-home care investigations in relation to identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect, assessing risk factors in the initial report, evidence gathering, essential components of the investigation, levels of culpability, and corrective action approaches. Specialized investigation units…

A parent talks of his family's experience in choosing to keep a severely retarded epileptic 20-year-old son at home. Costs such as loss of the image of a perfect family and benefits such as increased personal growth are identified. (DB)

A counselor recounts problems of a family with a cerebral palsied child centering on the annual holiday gathering of the extended family. Difficulties with the grandparents on both sides were identified. Open communication by the parents to other family members increased understanding. (DB)