The special section contains information on federal programs, state programs, independent programs, social/recreational programs and agencies, and supportive organizations and agencies serving the deaf. (SBH)

Instead of increasing institutionalization of the elderly, the author suggests increasing life enhancing programs with preventive health care. She discusses various health and social services in New York City, including outreach projects, day care programs for the elderly, and the value of senior center-hospital cooperative services. (MF)

Prefaces this journal issue on policy-making in early childhood services. Reviews ideas about policy-making processes and policy agendas and what processes shape them, with particular reference to the relationship between research and policies on early childhood services, setting a context for the subsequent articles in the journal. (Author/AA)

Reviews evolution of workfare programs during the past 25 years. Summarizes both positive and negative outcomes of such programs, and identifies some key issues and unanswered questions resulting from these outcomes. Suggests a more viable direction for welfare reform in the areas of child care responsibility, balance of rights and obligations,…

Discusses historic significance of kinship care in preserving African American families, development of kinship care and family preservation programs, and importance of the natural relationship between the two. Presents findings on states' use of kinship care in plans for the Family Preservation and Support Services Act, and explores whether they…

This article provides information about the 44,426 consumers of Commonwealth/State Disability Agreement specialist disability support services in Australia. Most consumers have intellectual disabilities and access accommodation support services. Overall, consumers with intellectual disabilities expressed their highest need for support in…

Discusses research on Catholic pillarization. Argues that some European countries are internally divided into blocks of different religions and political persuasions. Outlines the success of the pillars in the areas of education and healthcare. Stresses that other social sectors which function impersonally are not influenced by the pillars. (CAJ)

A 5-year Canadian study examined community factors that influence child development. Surveys of 13 communities found the most important family factors to be family income and mother's education. The most important community factors were social support, neighborhood safety, residential stability, and use of resources. Efforts should focus on…

Examines transnational legal interventions instituted in response to intimate violence and assesses propriety of the criminal model. Using postmodern social work theory and practice, article promotes the idea of a more workable alternative response--a domestic violence commission that gives more power to battered women. (FC)

Notes that youth agencies and their administrators and practitioners face obstacles in addressing needs of gay and lesbian youths. Explores the experiences of two youth-serving agencies to offer recommendations on agency philosophies concerning the social realities of sexual minority youths and on several ways of creating a safe, welcoming, and…

The New York State Community Schools Program is a State Education Department initiative to build school/community collaborations, promote school change, and organize schools as sites for the delivery of a wide range of services to children and their families. Describes schools' role as brokers of collaborative supports and services. (AF)

Factors associated with the employment status of students with and without handicaps were investigated in a sample of 133 youths who exited Vermont high schools in 1984-85. Information analyzed included current employment status, employment and training history, social service utilization, residential status, educational history, age, sex, and…

Compares parents' knowledge of behavioral capabilities of young children in a sample of low-income Hispanic, Black, and Anglo communities. Results indicate foreign-born Hispanics, more than other groups, perceive children's motor skills and language abilities as developing at later age. Discusses implications for social programs. (Author/TES)

A survey of 483 early childhood educators from Head Start, public school prekindergarten, public school kindergarten, and community preschool/child care programs examined the extent to which representatives from various disciplines were employed. Results indicated that relatively few programs reported having sufficient related service personnel to…

Two public forums addressed educational goals established by the Delaware State Board of Education involving public support for quality education and partnerships between families, communities, and schools. Representatives from rural schools, communities, community organizations, and professional agencies discussed primarily the concept of…