Millions of school children are currently at risk of academic failure; the potential costs to society are staggering. If the central factors causing a child's poor social adjustment can be addressed, both the rate of school failure and social service costs can be reduced. Attempting to control the school failure issue, the Wisconsin State Legislature passed Chapter 118. This legislation mandates school systems to implement programs that assist children with their school problems. Based on the Chapter 118 imperatives, three Wisconsin counties implemented programs that join parents, the school, and the human service system together to help children at risk. The Marquette County program, begun in 1986, includes early intervention with children at risk, inhome family services, parental support, and coordination between involved adults. Currently 12 families are on the active case load; the average length of treatment is 6 months. The at-risk child's improvement in classroom behavior and in study habits are the main criteria for a successful outcome. Changes, frequently coming only in small doses, are seen as building blocks toward bonding the family, the child, and the school. The bibliography contains four references. (KM)