In December 1999, approximately 50 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other specialists in the field of fathers and families convened the Father Poverty and Social Vulnerability Roundtable. This report synthesizes the discussion of the themes of the roundtable and their implications for policymaking, the directions they indicate for…

Although the United States has seen a record influx of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children into the foster care system in the past decade, there has not been an accompanying shift in policy or practice to attend to the developmental issues these younger children bring to child welfare. This textbook addresses the spectrum of child…

Noting that over the last decade, the role of a foster parent has evolved from temporary caregiver to essential part of a professional team in determining the best long-term plan for children in their care, this guide focuses on practical ways in which best child welfare practice can be incorporated into the recruitment, training, and support of…

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services conducted a study to collect information about homeless families in the state who are relying on shelters. Information was obtained from census reports from all shelters in the state, from interviews with a parent from each of the 411 families living at the shelters, and from a review…

This paper discusses the results of a study that examined the mental health needs of 796 adolescents who interacted with four types of service sectors that typically function as gateways to mental health services (education, child welfare, juvenile justice, and primary health). Prevalence estimates collected from the youth themselves were compared…

This Resources for Welfare Decisions highlights publications that offer guidance on developing youth systems under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). An introductory section discusses the changes WIA made to youth services; the opportunities and challenges these changes created for Youth Councils and youth service providers; states' role…

This paper describes the Starting Early Starting Smart (SESS) project, an early intervention program that has been developed in the context of the national, multi-site program and evaluation. The emphasis in SESS is on the integration of behavioral health services into easily accessible, non-threatening settings where caregivers naturally and…

Noting that 182,000 of Wisconsin's children are living below the poverty line, this report documents factors affecting the working poor of Wisconsin, combining labor market and wage data with profiles of families and their children from communities throughout the state. The report documents the surge in poverty-wage jobs in Wisconsin over the past…

Describes New York's Tutorial Outreach Program set up with funds from the Migrant Programs Branch (U.S. Department of Education) to help educate the children of migrant workers. Explains how the program could be used by rural social workers to further their efforts in helping clients. (Author/LC)

Examines different ways the experience of fostering can affect the biological children of foster families. Emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of the whole family when making placements, of addressing the needs of those children at an early stage, and of making sure the children are listened to and always have access to support. (AA)

This study examined the training and services received by kinship and nonkinship family foster caregivers participating in the National Survey of Current and Former Foster Parents conducted in 1991. Findings indicated that levels of training and services received were inadequate for both groups. Few differences were found between kinship and…

Examines the American prototype of proper balance between family and state in terms of their responsibility for the cultivation of potential in children, and contrasts it with an alternative European model. Proposes an agenda of comparative research that explores the relationship between state and kinship systems and the direct or indirect impact…

Literature review addresses the status of farm families; farm stresses and their effects; dysfunctional family relationships; and the unique attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of rural culture toward social service intervention. By implementing coordinated service programs and initiating new legislation that addresses rural health care issues,…

Describes Boston Family Reunification Network's instruments to measure process and clinical outcomes of initiatives designed to help children return to their families, the two-year development process, and the points considered during the instruments' development. Includes suggestions for other social welfare groups planning to create and…

Provides a summary of seven eras reflecting the philosophical perspectives that have influenced the treatment of handicapped individuals in the past. Issues concerning the integration of handicapped people into the community are reviewed. A conceptual framework for examining factors that influence service delivery is provided. (Author/BJV)