Longitudinal 2-year study compared self and family members' reports of physical and functional health among 40 Alzheimer's disease patients and 53 age-matched nondemented healthy older persons. Functional health was consistently rated as more impaired by family caregivers of demented patients than by patients themselves, discrepancy not seen in…

Reviewed child protective services' case records of 639 children placed in out-of-home care due to maltreatment, and systematically evaluated substance abuse by the child's parents or guardian prior to placement. Found that 79% of caregivers met criteria for caregiver substance abuse (CSA); children with and without CSA differed in age, ethnicity,…

Describes a structural family-therapy (SFT) approach combined with the paradigm of acculturation to increase counselors' sensitivity to immigrant families whose members arrive at different times. The focus is on those families in which parents have preceded children in the immigration experience. Provides culturally sensitive counseling strategies…

Compared group and individual interviews to determine views of staff and 40 parents from four Scottish preschool centers. Found that parents' priorities for their children lie in the emotional and social domain and that they want a warm and homelike experience. Argues that staff should harness this parental "force" to resist pressures…

Examines maternal modes of organizing an imminent emotional event, a brief separation from the child. Finds that the mothers displayed two ways of structuring the future event, and these different modes were related statistically to the gender of the child. Investigates how the mother directs the child's mental processes by using augments of…

A veteran child therapist reflects on the distressing problem of adults who sexually violate children and youth in their care. Discusses changes in society that may be the cause of increased child sexual abuse. Offers three "truths" concerning child sexual abuse. Presents the account of an abuser and discusses what happens when an abuser is…

Reviews issues facing adult children and their aging parents: dependency, loneliness, communication, developmental decline, living arrangements, and mental health concerns. (SK)

Reviews the problems that grandparents often experience while raising their grandchildren. Discusses how full-time grandparents often rely on support groups for comfort and advice and examines the advantages and limitations of this approach. Makes recommendations for improving how support groups function so they can achieve their purposes.…

Discusses ways to create partnerships between volunteers and child care programs. Focuses on recruitment and screening, empowering volunteers, and creating a positive climate by facilitating a team spirit. (KB)

Examines the impact of the elder caregiver role on developmental tasks of early adulthood (N=50). Specifically, differentiating from family of origin, establishing intimate relationships, and career development are examined. Results suggest that acquiring the caregiver role before age 40 has a definite impact on family life, intimate…

Caregivers of eight children with severe disabilities were asked to rank order, according to predicted client preference, a standard list of reinforcers and a list generated using a structured interview with caregivers. Systematic choice assessments were then conducted. Results indicated that caregiver predictions of client preferences were…

Introduces refocus of "Beginnings Workshop" section to help administrators bring ideas, strategies, resources, and suggestions to their child care and early education professionals. Identifies four goals of the workshop: honor the mission of supporting directors in creating successful child care environments; reach more teachers; support directors…

Discusses the challenges of creating caregiver-parent partnerships with high-maintenance parents, those who are demanding or who need extra support, focusing on parents who are critical of their children. Among the main points: reasons behind unpleasant behavior may not be obvious, and parents appreciate knowing that their child is noticed and…

Surveys early brain development research. Discusses the importance of attachment, windows of opportunity, and the importance of quality in care. Suggests 6 ways to promote healthy development, lists 10 things every child needs, and poses 12 questions to ask about early brain development. (DLH)

Discusses the historical context for the evolution of the Child Development Associate (CDA). Describes the CDA's contributions to the early childhood profession, and discusses its impact on programs and individuals. Speculates about the future of CDA credentialing, including the need for professionalism and new specializations. Notes that the CDA…