This report discusses the nature of homelessness and the homeless in America, recent programs that have been implemented to help the homeless, and issues concerning the Federal government's role in helping these people. The following topics concerning the characteristics of the homeless and the causes of homelessness are covered: (1) "Mental…

This instructor's manual contains 21 lesson plans to teach advanced skills to cope with emergency outdoor living situations and emphasizes being prepared, rather than survival. Written for the classroom teacher, but adaptable for other youth groups, the module contains subject information, lesson plans with activities, student handouts, a written…

This survey assesses the status of homelessness among families in cities. The data were collected from city officials during April 1987. The findings include the following: (1) the number of homeless families increased by 31 percent during the last two years; (2) families represented one-third of the homeless and a single parent headed two-thirds…

The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was reauthorized for another two years by the Omnibus McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1988. This report summarizes the nine titles of the McKinney Act, including changes brought about in the 1988 reauthorization. Title I covers general provisions of the Act. Title II establishes the…

This booklet presents guidelines for the development of various types of 24-hour crisis nurseries designed to counter or prevent child abuse by providing parents with emergency relief from child care. Such centers accommodate small groups of children for a limited maximum time, ranging from 72 hours to six months. Topics covered are: types of…

This paper summarizes a project undertaken to examine the interaction between those who work in responsive-service systems, such as fire departments, the police, and the public utilities, and the urban citizens they serve. Briefly outlined are the project's sponsoring organizations, objectives, participating cities (Cincinnati, Kansas City, Miami,…

The underground school offers several advantages. Preliminary studies in Oklahoma have shown that these schools perform exceptionally well as learning environments. The lack of noise and distractions helps teachers keep the attention of their students. Underground structures can protect people against a broad range of natural and man-made…

This is the 1934 Annual Report of the Department of the Interior, includes the annual report from the Acting Commissioner of Education. The Commissioner's portion of this report begins with two parts. Part I, the General Statement, includes: (1) Changes in the Administrative Organization (The Commissionership and Union of Two Federal Education…

The University of South Florida's emergency plans were found inadequate when its campus newspaper received a letter threatening extensive destruction. A group of 31 representatives of 20 areas of the institution created 11 subplans for an emergency preparedness center, personnel, events and activities, faculty/student relations, communications,…

The president of California State University, Northridge, at the time of the 1994 earthquake reflects on the decisions she made following the disaster, concluding that leadership in such a crisis is dependent on an individual's value system and that leadership is seen in performance, not position. Specific examples are discussed, including…

Hurricane Katrina resulted in a disaster of proportions not previously known in the United States. The traumatic experiences of children and families during Hurricane Katrina, the flooding that resulted from the breach of the levees, the evacuation, and the aftermath are unprecedented. In responding to the enormous mental health needs of children…

The terror and severe stress most children feel after a disaster such as an earthquake or bombing manifest themselves in a number of ways. This book provides a tool for parents and others responsible for children's well-being to prepare for a disaster experience. The book's introductory chapter examines the nature of disasters--natural and…

A crisis can occur at any time, whether or not a school's staff plans for it. This resource guide is a compilation of user-friendly examples of policies, procedures, guidelines, checklists, and forms to help Virginia schools develop and implement a systematic crisis-management plan. Chapter 1 provides an introductory overview of the essential…

This document reports on 13 pilot projects of the Flexible Services Development Project (FSDP), which was initiated in Ontario, Canada, in 1988 to improve child care services for rural families, families with unusual work schedules, families facing short-term emergencies, and families with children who have short-term illnesses. The data and…

This report describes efforts made during 1990 by UNICEF and other organizations on behalf of the world's children. Nations attending the World Summit for Children in September committed themselves to achieving objectives to enhance the development of children by the year 2000. Efforts to benefit children in 1990 included programs dealing with…