This paper reports on the evaluation of some elements of a multicomponent program involving more than 20 agencies aimed at improving accessibility of health and social services for the homeless. The case study approach shows how the organizational context, stakeholder characteristics, and methodological features can affect evaluations. (SLD)

Reviews proposals to reform the system by which public agencies receive and respond to reports of abuse and neglect, highlighting and describing one reform approach. The community-based partnership for child protection emphasizes targeting interventions by child protective services toward high-risk families while building collaborative community…

In thriving school communities, members form a culture of reciprocal relationships that meet both school and community needs. The Los Alamitos (California) Unified School District opened a parent-paid preschool and an extended-day-care facility at each elementary-school site. Reciprocal relationships can be created via volunteer projects and…

To address disabled students' troubling outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services identified school-to-work transition as a major priority. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that transition services be part of secondary students' IEPs. Principals' and parents'…

The benefits that accrued to 14 agriculturalists as they performed evaluators' roles on a team examining water quality demonstration projects were studied. Results suggest that collaboration between the agriculturalists and evaluators strengthened study recommendations and were personally and professionally rewarding to the participating…

Describes programs designed to help foster children by expediting and advocating for appropriate school placement, academic tutoring, counseling, coordination of services, and guidance toward independent living. These programs have been found effective in prompt placement, facilitation of academic progress, and successful completion of high…

The experience of Project STAR, an early intervention program for children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and their families in Boston, Massachusetts, has revealed that successful direct service programs must be family centered and community based, must provide a comprehensive range of services, and must coordinate those services across…

Discusses appropriate and effective levels of service in educational, social, mental health, and juvenile systems for children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Notes problems with provision of integrated services are not entirely related to the lack of financial and programmatic resources. Introduces conceptual, practice, and…

Information about the early intervention service systems in 20 states was gathered and organized into dimensions of a framework for describing early intervention systems at the state and local levels. Results indicate considerable variation exists on eligibility criteria, agencies involved in early intervention, and models of intake and service…

Discusses how local churches may be able to work with local agencies to help integrate adults with developmental disabilities into the community. The benefits of church participation and recommendations for accessing the possibility of church involvement are provided. Research needs in this area are also emphasized. (CR)

Four camp directors discuss how the September 11 tragedy and current world events will affect their camps. They describe how they are addressing safety concerns, working with parents, cooperating with outside agencies, hiring and screening international staff, and revising emergency plans. Camps must continue to offer community and support to…

Defines federal consultation with American Indian tribes (including lineal descendants, traditional religious leaders, and interested public) to ensure a tribal voice in federal management of tribal lands and cultural resources as required by the Constitution, treaties, statutes, court decisions, and policy. Cites consultation specifics of 11…

This article describes development and delivery of Pennsylvania's Literary Braille Refresher Course, intended to both refresh literary Braille skills and teach instructional strategies to the 20 teachers enrolled. The article covers the course's goals and objectives, participants, structure, evaluation, and analysis of results. The course's…

Several policy and practice issues impede successful implementation of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. Montgomery County, Maryland devised a blended model of intervention to achieve the dual mandates of county Child Welfare Services and alcohol and drug services. The approach made use of graduated levels of intensity in…

Describes the growth of Early Head Start (EHS) programs, focusing on one EHS partnership with child care providers in Delaware to serve infants, toddlers, and their families. Includes discussion of partnership strategies that promote quality programming, ways the early care and education coordinator supports child development, strategies for…