This book brings a social science perspective to bear on family change and family policy; identifies the determinants of change; and analyzes the role that government has played and can play in affecting the course of family life. Trends are examined from the perspective of children, mothers, and fathers. The book is comprised of the following chapters (by the following authors): (1) "The Changing American Family and Public Policy" (Andrew J. Cherlin); (2) "Recent Trends in the Well-Being of Children in the United States and Their Implications for Public Policy" (Nicholas Zill and Carolyn C. Rogers); (3) "Family Change and Adolescent Well-Being: A Reexamination of U.S. Trends" (Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr. and Gretchen A. Condran); (4) "Toward a Family Policy: Changes in Mothers' Lives" (Cynthia Fuchs Epstein); (5) "Good Dads-Bad Dads: Two Faces of Fatherhood" (Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr.); and (6) "The Links between Government Policy and Family Structure: What Matters and What Doesn't" (Mary Jo Bane and Paul A. Jargowsky). Data are illustrated on 55 tables and figures. Each chapter includes a list of references. Information about the authors is appended. (BJV)