Using a questionnaire, this study investigates what representatives of the American English and Mandarin cultures say when they want to refuse a request. Findings stress the differences between the strategies of refusal such as expressing or avoiding an expression of a positive attitude, or giving external or personal reasons for refusing. (18…

Presents an integrative model of family development in cultural context as a framework for supporting the optimal development of Latino children and families. Describes two prevention and early intervention programs for Latino parents and children that work from a multidimensional, risk-reduction, and resource-enhancement approach, and focus on…

Describes characteristics of young gifted or talented children that affect the way they learn and develop. Asserts that teachers and parents should consider each child's unique needs as they plan for their education. Discusses concerns such as uneven development, the need for acceleration or enrichment, appropriate socialization and peer…

Examines three aspects of legal treatment of blood relationships in the adoption process: (1) ability of relatives to participate in adoption proceedings; (2) how courts evaluate blood relationships in determining best interests of the child; and (3) rights of relatives to continued contact when a child is adopted by nonrelatives. (Author)

Argues that a family-centered approach is as important and applicable to early care and education programs as it is to family-friendly work environments. Encourages child care settings to incorporate ideas and participation by families, providers, public sector, and private sector in order to provide high-quality services. (SD)

Literature is reviewed on service delivery to families with adolescent parents of handicapped infants. Stages of adolescence, parenting behaviors, and issues of support are presented. The literature calls for a family focus as a model, case management skills, and a developmental approach as young parents' abilities and needs mature. (Author/JDD)

Child development can be fostered through relationships between older adults and children. Children's social isolation resulting from demographic, economic, and social changes can be addressed by means of intergenerational programs. During four developmental stages from infancy to adolescence, older adults can play a significant role in…

An exploratory study involving 31 families found that chronically ill children and their parents express needs and concerns to their pediatricians in veiled ways. Physicians sometimes provide reassurance too soon rather than attending to the family's underlying pathology. Vignettes describe the families' styles of communication with their…

Although delivery of health and mental health services to American Indian communities is improved by use of community-based paraprofessionals, these workers face conflicts related to kinship obligations. Discusses the role of family networks in Coast Salish community dynamics, and consequent influences on counselor effectiveness and the access of…

Examined whether children of alcoholic mothers were more psychologically damaged than children of nonalcoholic mothers. The subject families' potential for creating a good upbringing environment and subjects' childhoods were studied. Found that children of alcoholic mothers develop social maladjustment problems and addictions, and have a high rate…

This survey of seven hearing families with deaf children examined parent understanding of Signed English and American Sign Language, reasons for choosing Signed English, experiences with professionals and with other deaf adults, challenges of developing fluency in Signed English, and parental evaluation of the results of their use of Signed…

A study exploring friendship relations of homeless, male drug users (aged between 21 and 50 years) through 27 in-depth interviews in Atlanta (Georgia) found that subjects were engaged in friendship networks that offered social support and that there was a relationship between friendships and patterns of crack cocaine use. (JB)

Demonstrates that the educational needs of Black mothers of preadolescent children can be determined by using an instrument that takes into account the way both generations feel about their relationship. The Parental Strengths and Needs Inventory proved a worthwhile tool for making decisions about curriculum content appropriate for mothers. (AF)

Examined association between risk factors and alcohol use among young rural adolescents (n=463). Found family relations, family structure, marks in school, participation in academic activities, frequency of church attendance, and deviant behavior significantly associated with alcohol use two years later. No gender or age differences were found in…

Tested high school seniors and college freshmen (N=183) to examine whether Cohesion and Adaptability Scales on Family Adaptability Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III) relate linearly or curvilinearly with positive family functioning and whether independence, open disagreements, or family satisfaction is responsible for curvilinear finding…