Winbush suggests that family caregiving today occurs in a context of changed family composition and devalued attitudes toward families. Cantor highlights trends in family structure that may affect the ability of families to care for impaired members. (SK)

Describes a new organization called LInking Networks for KidS (LINKS). Formed by the National Head Start Association and 13 national early childhood organizations, this national consortium promotes comprehensive services and supports for developmentally vulnerable young children and their families. LINKS goals and member organizations are listed.…

Describes the Livingstone Family Centre in Bedford, United Kingdom, focusing on the characteristics of the local community, staffing considerations, parent involvement, and such center activities as an annual pantomime, keep-fit classes, infant care visits by community health workers, a toy library, and joint activities for parents and children.…

Updates information provided in an earlier issue of this journal which examined the problem of drug-exposed infants. Focuses on three areas discussed in that issue: (1) the response of the courts and the legislatures to the problem; (2) the medical effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine; and (3) the impact of drug-exposed infants on the…

Increasingly, elementary schools are expected to serve as centers in a systematic network of child services. If schools become umbrella social service agencies, their historic educational function may be jeopardized. Perhaps local social service agencies should set up field offices in school buildings with their own staffs and managers. (MLH)

This study assessed child maltreatment group differences in 530 families receiving intensive family preservation services based on the HOMEBUILDERS model. Results indicated that neglectful families, compared to abusive ones, were poorer and more likely to be headed by a single parent, to have mental health and substance abuse problems, and to have…

HOMEBUILDERS, a home-based crisis intervention model, is described. The core beliefs of the program are listed; therapists' availability and caseloads are discussed; and reasons for limiting intervention to a four-week period are indicated. (BC)

Argues that African Americans should join other groups in developing a national family policy that will assist all families. Considers the unique needs of the African American family, and the possible counterproductive effects of singling out their problems to address nationally. Discusses attitudes toward family policy. (JS)

This commentary, by a journalist, addresses the conflict between those who believe there is an "epidemic" of child sexual abuse and those who see a flood of "false allegations." Child protective workers are urged to make their achievements and limitations more visible to journalists. They are urged to not misuse confidentiality laws to protect…

Describes Empire State College, a four-year Arts and Science institution in New York that provides distance education for mainly adult students who need an alternative to traditional higher education. Topics include mentors, student needs, access to libraries, the use of technology, and social services. (LRW)

Increasingly, schools serving large numbers of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are creating a community school that addresses health, social, and recreational needs. Some schools function as health delivery sites, while others provide referrals to caregivers. (MLF)

A study of service-representation patterns of four racial/ethnic groups across five public youth-service sectors in San Diego County found that race/ethnicity affects service-use patterns and that socioeconomic status should be taken into consideration when examining racial/ethnic representation. (Author/CR)

Analyzes tutoring and other educational programs offered for Southeast Asian refugees at a social service site. Data gathered by observers show the importance of the supportive climate and the teaching occurring during tutoring, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, and informal play. (SLD)

Presents a case for using benefit-cost analysis to structure evaluations of child-abuse prevention and intervention programs. Presents the basic concept of benefit-cost analysis, its application in the context of assessing these types of child welfare programs, and limitations on its application to social service programs. (Author)

Describes the rise of the visiting teacher movement from 1906 to 1940, examining the sources of early visiting teacher work, discussing the origins of visiting teachers' work, noting medical and psychiatric discourses surrounding visiting teachers' work, describing the influence on preservice teacher-education programs, and considering the lessons…