This "special focus" journal issue consists of 13 individual articles on the theme of rural family programs relating to school, health services, church, and other institutions. It includes: (1) "Towards a Rural Family Policy" (Judith K. Chynoweth and Michael D. Campbell); (2) "Montana: Council for Families Collaborates for Prevention (Jean Kemmis); (3) "Kentucky: School-Based Family and Youth Centers Provide 'Whatever's Needed'" (Christine Vogel); (4) "Oklahoma: Public Health Initiatives To Support Rural Families" (Linda C. Passmark); (5) "Kids Place - A Successful Family Center in a Rural Indiana" (Carolyn King); (6) "Natural Helping Networks: Using Local Human Resources To Support Families" (Judith A. Myers-Walls); (7) "Children's Defense Fund Reports on Children in Rural America" (Arloc Sherman); (8) "The West Hawaii Family Center: Centralizing Services to Combat Isolation" (Jan Marrrack); (9) (Mid-Iowa Community Action) MICA: Mobilizing Churches" (Lana Ross); (10) "Cary Christian Health Center: Touching Lives in the Mississippi Delta" (Amy Martz); (11) "Listening Partners: Helping Rural Mothers Find Voice" (Lynne A. Bond and Others); (12) "Technology Expands the Reach of Family Services in Rural South Dakota" (Anne Floden Fallis); and (13) "Finding Family Support Programs: Charging Fees for Services" (Christine Vogel) (TES)