Discusses drug-exposed infants from the perspective of a juvenile court judge. Experience in Los Angeles County (California) illustrates the following common problems in the juvenile courts: (1) high court caseload; (2) lack of legal representation and overloaded case workers; and (3) lack of resources mandated by law. (SLD)

The domestic health profile, family and community role, and federal efforts to help at-risk children are discussed. Federal efforts center on maternal and child health programs that strengthen the family, but other initiatives are necessary to give each child the security and stability needed for healthy development. (SLD)

Describes a hospital-based Head Start center in Paterson, New Jersey, that exclusively serves children who have AIDS. The only such center in the state, it is a cooperative effort of the local Head Start program and hospital. For most of the students, it is the first opportunity to interact with their peers in a healthy, normal environment. (TJQ)

Describes attempts by agencies to integrate services. Programs that integrate services are innovative and effective, and provide continued support to families and children in crisis. Families and children benefit from accessible and comprehensive programs. Government benefits from elimination of duplication of services and reduction of costly…

Examines New Zealand legislation that allows families greater decision-making power when the safety and welfare of their children are seen to be at risk. Discusses the Family Group Conference intervention model and its efficacy, concerns and criticisms that this model has evoked, and the model's potential applicability to child care and protection…

Describes the Family Focus for School Success Project, a model program that provides education and support to language minority families in poverty and their children through comprehensive early intervention for children at risk of academic failure because of their home environments. An evaluation of the first year's efforts with 69 families…

A study assessed how 141 Republic of Palau teachers perceived the severity of potentially abusive incidents and their intervention recommendations. For less-severe parental misconduct, teachers were reluctant to involve nonfamily and outside agencies. Sexual abuse was rated the most serious type of abuse, and intervention was highly recommended.…

A study investigated the effectiveness of the Case Method of Instruction (CMI) on 67 graduate students taking an interdisciplinary course on families. After instruction, students not only possessed important knowledge related to working with families, but could also apply the problem-solving process used in CMI to a novel case. (Author/CR)

Responding to an article (EC 618 445) describing an individualized program for young children with severe disabilities, including autism, and their families, this article notes features of the program such as its individualized nature, its emphasis on building capacity in families and early intervention providers, and its integrative practices…

Discusses the importance of nurturing alliances between specialists and families within the context of developmental assessments. Five axioms with family stories illustrate how specialists and families can collaborate during assessments to ensure that services include families and promote acquisition of knowledge in natural settings. (Author/CR)

Different types of homeless families (N=180) are identified empirically, and variations in outcomes for children are explored. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups of families participating in a comprehensive health-care program for children in homeless families. Results, clinical implications, and directions for more sophisticated…

The Specialized Training of Associates in Rural Alaska (STARS) is a 3-year project providing preparation to early intervention associates in rural Alaska and services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Evaluation methods and results are reported. Appendices describe the 24 training modules and list the program's…

This paper describes Project Assist, a model for developing and implementing a flexible system of social support that can be individualized for families of infants/toddlers with disabilities. The model uses group support, individual support, and follow-up support to meet a variety of family needs and promote family adaptation. (JDD)

Noting that risk assessment models are controversial and vary in definition, purposes, and risk criteria, reviews and contrasts 10 models used to guide decision making concerning the placement of maltreated children in out-of-home care. Found that models varied on pertinent criteria for assessing child risk, and identified six areas for further…

This article reviews goal attainment scaling as an alternative method for evaluating treatments for children with autism. It discusses the use of goal attainment scaling as a way to provide a convergent link between outcome goals and program goals within a framework of family-centered practices. A case study is provided. (Author/CR)