Those who formulate, implement, and assess family policy are not always able to obtain research data because researchers have not developed a systematic approach to this new area of study. The author identifies five types of family policy research and focuses on approaches directed at nonacademic policymakers. (Author)

Describes behavioral exchange contracting in which an agreement binds a worker and a client or members of a family to change specific, measurable behaviors. Maintains that behavioral contracting offers a realistic, structured approach to resolving problems in a variety of situations. (CM)

The article presents a personal profile of the many adjustment problems facing a physically handicapped seventh-grader who had spent the previous six years in a special school and was now being mainstreamed into a regular junior high, and how it affected his family. (DLS)

An integrated team approach to early identification and intervention with children of alcoholics, in a familiar setting such as school, will be helpful in arresting further pathological development. It remains to devise methods for involving parents who, typical of alcoholics, deny their problem and its effect on their children. (Author/PC)

It is argued that a first step in treating a dysfunctional family unit is the reduction of the family's resistance to therapy. A range of approaches is available for this task. (MS)

Argues that the family crisis that ineviably follows the adoptive placement of an older child can be surmounted if the social worker applies techniques based on crisis theory and family systems theory. (MS)

Identifies a previously unexamined group of sexual abuse survivors (those from functional families) and addresses methodological flaws in previous research. Results indicate that women in the abused-dysfunctional group reported the highest level of psychological distress. Psychological distress reported by abused-functional women paralleled that…

Offers advice on dealing with parenting differences between divorced spouses. Provides three scenarios to support discussion of the importance of avoiding blame, letting go, and respecting alternate choices; anticipating the need for readjustment when children go from one home to the other; making a home for the child at both places; and…

Describes the initiative taken by an organization to address the lack of appropriate therapeutic resources for adoptive children or members of their adoptive families who seek mental health treatment. Categorizes knowledge and expertise needed by therapists to assist adoptive families. (SKC)

Explored suicidal behavior in 291 adolescents using runaway shelters in St. Louis. Found 30 percent of runaways reported having attempted suicide in past. Suicide attempters had significantly more behavioral and mental health problems, and reported having more family members and more friends with problems, than nonattempters. Substance use,…

The impact of geographic relocation on a married couple and their son with cerebral palsy is discussed. Counseling helped the family to adjust to their new community and resolve such problems as lack of family or friends nearby and the boy's acceptance in a more competitive school where he initially had no friends. (JDD)

Examines the assumptions, potential contributions, and limitations of the empirical/analytical approach to knowledge construction. Three broad goals are suggested for critical thinking research in home economics education: (1) development of appropriate definitions; (2) development of generalizations about the use of thinking skills in home…

The study of 154 cases of intrafamilial sexual abuse found that a third of the offenders and about half of the mothers had experienced or been exposed to sexual abuse as children. Offenders are analyzed in terms of being the biological father in an intact family, stepfather/mother's live-in partner, or noncustodial father. (DB)

Describes new form of homeless persons, a growing population of homeless individuals and families who are not mentally ill, not wanderers, and may be employed. Examines changing character of homelessness and makes recommendations for a public policy response to the problem. (Author/NB)

Focuses on child abuse and neglect within the United States. An etiology of child maltreatment is presented. Discusses areas that need to be explored with advanced research designs. (BB)