Social networks are the linkages between social units, both persons and groups, with which an individual has contact. The articles in this special issue address the different types of people and their functions that make up the social networks of females and males from infancy into childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. (BJV)

"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" discusses the role of culture in children's development and mental health, disparities, and cultural competence in children's mental health services. Access…

This book for speech and language therapists explains interventions for increasing the communication skills of adolescents and adults who have learning disabilities or mild mental retardation. The book provides a British perspective, noting how speech language therapy can contribute to educational requirements such as the British National…

This doctoral study examined the literacy practices of two rural adolescents as they crossed between the social contexts of their rural community, Winnona Hill, and higher education. Data collected primarily through semi-structured e-mail interviews over a 4-year period indicated that both informants used multiple literacies and a range of…

This collection of papers examines the crisis in public education, focusing on poor and minority children. There are seven chapters in two parts. After "Introduction: Silenced Voices and Extraordinary Conversations" (Michelle Fine and Lois Weis), Part 1, "Scenes of Silencing," includes: (1) "Silencing and Nurturing Voice…

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, is mandated by the U.N. General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet children's basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. This report details the accomplishments and activities of UNICEF for the year 2002. Following statements from…

This paper explores the fatherhood experiences of young Chicanos from the perspective of a social insider, from the same ethnic background and neighborhood. This vantage point places the issue of teenage fatherhood for Chicanos within the context of contemporary urban culture as well as within the structural challenges that many minority and poor…

Achievement in literacy and numeracy by Australian 14-year-olds was examined by analyzing data from the following studies conducted between 1975 and 1998: the Australian Studies in School Performance; the Australian Studies of Student Performance; the Youth in Transition Survey; and the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth. During the study…

Developed in response to requests from a variety of family support professionals, teachers, and parents, this sourcebook offers information on preventing violence in children at different stages of development. The introduction provides a rationale for the development of this sourcebook, discusses parental influence, and describes how parents can…

This collection of papers identifies programs designed to educate and meet the needs of diverse parents. The 16 papers are: (1) "American Families in the 1990s and Beyond" (Dennis H. Karpowitz); (2) "Gender Issues in Parenting: Parenting Teenage Girls" (Lauren Ayers); (3) "Teaching about Sexual Diversity: A New Frontier…

This book explores issues faced by gifted boys and men and the concerns of those around them. Section 1, "Giftedness and Masculinity," explores the relationship of special intellectual ability to the role of males in our society. The findings of a study on the male graduates of the accelerated learning class of 1969 are used as a cautionary tale.…

A study examined unemployment among Australian young people between 1980-94, using data obtained from the four Youth in Transition cohorts born in 1961, 1965, 1970, and 1975. It investigated factors that influenced becoming unemployed and leaving unemployment. Findings indicated that low school achievement in literacy and numeracy was consistently…

Early adolescence can be a challenging time for both children and parents. This booklet is intended to provide parents with the latest research and practical information that can help them support their young teen children at home and in school. Selected subject headings include: (1) Changes; (2) Being an Effective Parent; (3) Communication; (4)…

High school is becoming the next frontier for after-school advocates. The conceptual and practical leaps from programming for elementary and middle school students to high school students are significant, with huge marketing challenges. Arguing persuasively for investments in this population requires revisiting almost every strategic decision,…

Based on personal experiences in organizing and evaluating initiatives designed to improve the management and assessment of learning, these 10 papers provide a critical commentary on current piecemeal education and training of young people in Britain. "Setting the Scene" (Rob Halsall) reviews key steps taken post-1979 to raise the…