Examines what is known regarding Homebuilders-type family preservation programs and identifies gaps in knowledge. Proposes a knowledge development framework for appropriate future research that emphasizes the importance of theory, of focusing on specific problems, and of testing hypotheses that link conceptualization of problems, their causes, and…

Adolescent male sex offenders who assaulted younger siblings (n=32) were compared to those who offended against nonsibling children (n=28). Adolescent sibling-incest offenders reported significantly more marital discord, parental rejection, physical discipline, negative family atmosphere, and general dissatisfaction with family relationships and…

Through art therapy, children express symbolically what they will not or cannot express emotionally to those close to them, and some children have the added stress of family problems that are magnified due to the situation. Presents the case history of a nine-year-old girl in the terminal stages of leukemia whose artwork symbolized family unity.…

Used data from a longitudinal study of 16-year-old girls to test predictions about psychosocial factors in the onset of menarche. Found that family conflict and father's absence in childhood predicted an earlier age of menarche, and these factors in combination with weight showed some evidence of an additive influence on menarche. (Author/GLR)

Analysis of records of dependency and criminal filings in 833 substantiated intrafamilial child abuse and neglect cases in 3 U.S. cities indicated that legal intervention was rare, with dependency filings and prosecutions in just 21% and 4% of the sample, respectively, although treatment plans and out-of-home placements occurred more frequently.…

This investigation of 172 families at risk for child maltreatment examined whether entry-level family functioning and problems had an impact on length of time in treatment and the improvement or deterioration of family functioning over time. Significant differences were found among families either situationally stressed, chronically stressed,…

Presents the first of a series of four articles that offer ideas and activities that can help students see the relevancy of social science in their lives. Focuses on family issues. (SR)

Analysis of questionnaires completed by 257 parents of children with multiple disabilities (of which 25 had previously substantiated maltreatment reports) on perceptions of stress and burden of care found no relationship between a history of child maltreatment and currently perceived stress levels. (DB)

This study of 198 parents of children ages 6 to 48 months found higher perceived levels of stress for parents of chronically ill and handicapped children, compared to parents of non-ill/nonhandicapped children. Parents of chronically ill children, however, scored higher on marital adjustment than parents in other groups. (Author/JDD)

Examined pre- and postdivorce effects on academic functioning of young adolescents (n=58). Boys from subsequently divorcing families had significantly poorer academic functioning prior to parents' divorce than did boys from intact families and girls from divorcing families. Girls from subsequently divorcing families showed decline in academic…

Describes interdisciplinary college course designed to prepare students in psychology and related fields to work with children and families with special needs. Presents techniques for enhancing knowledge about developmental disabilities and chronic illness in childhood, including scope of the problem and legal rights, increasing sensitivity to…

Notes that literature has been found to be creative tool for helping children cope with changes in their lives. Illustrates how bibliotherapy can be used to help adolescents cope with family breakdown, foster care, and adoption placement. Books are presented that can be useful in clinical practice. (Author/NB)

This review of the literature identified eight common assertions, giving a predominantly negative view, concerning the effects on fathers of children with disabilities. However, examination of the research itself found little support for any of the assertions. (Author/DB)

Bridges gap between systems theory, clinical research and clinical practice to address patterns that prevent families with substance-abusing youth from entering treatment. Reviews developments in family systems thinking that provide foundation for working with hard-to-reach families, discusses specific family interactional patterns that present…

A scale developed to assess the burdens of families with a seriously mentally ill member, the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), is described. Use of the scale in two studies involving 188 family members demonstrates its stable factor structure and practicality for program evaluation. (SLD)