This report examines the social indicators available for monitoring the situation of children and families in the United States. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the indicators for facilitating an informed public and private debate, and it recommends ways in which social indicators can be improved and supplemented to contribute more…

The evolution of online home information systems, the nature and function of such systems, and their potential for wide-scale use are discussed in detail. Different types of home information systems, including one- and two-way interactive television, are described, and the unique technological features of the teletext, viewdata, and videotext…

A review of research focuses on the autistic child's influence on the functioning and interactions of family members. Resources associated with successful family adaptation to the autistic child include degree of cohesion, expressiveness, and active recreational orientation, as well as the mother's perception of adequacy of family support. (JW)

Descriptive and intervention research that includes direct observational measures of social interaction between behaviorally disordered children, their siblings, or parents is reviewed. Topics addressed include degree of deficits in positive interaction exhibited by behavior disordered children (compared with nonhandicapped children), and…

This paper presents an ecological approach to the study of day care, addressing the interaction of such factors as the developmental needs of children, the role of family structure, and the impact of governmental funding and regulatory policies. (Author/LMO)

Examining in particular the impact of fostering on birth children, this article reviews the literature on the needs of birth children of foster parents. Among the findings are that the behavior and emotional difficulties of the foster child, and the difficulties between foster children and birth children in one family are two factors that…

A reprinting of Don D. Jackson's classic 1957 article on family homeostasis, with an homage to the author. Considers certain theoretical aspects of family interactional patterns and how they relate to therapy. (Author/RC)

Discusses the significance of research on the transition to adulthood, examining social-historical changes that may increase the role of individual and familial factors structuring this phase of the life course. Reviews leaving home in regard to its importance as a factor in late adolescence and the transition to adulthood. (HTH)

Considers empirical and theoretical literatures that contribute to an understanding of housing as a factor in child-rearing and socialization. Discusses household environment in its material and symbolic aspects, as both housing and home. Makes the case that housing which limits parents' capacity to exercise control through organization of the…

This review of 10 years (1983-93) of 2 journals on individuals with deafness summarizes research on family influences on child achievement and the influence of educational interventions on families of deaf children. Parental expectations and family communication fluency were most commonly linked to child achievement. Interventions exhibited…

Four African-American and West Indian novels of childhood illustrate relationships and bonding between mothers and sons: (1) "Go Tell It on the Mountain" (James Baldwin); (2) "Not without Laughter" (Langston Hughes); (3) "Amongst Thistles and Thorns" (Austin Clarke); and (4) "In the Castle of My Skin"…

Reviews research regarding the sexual identity, personal development, and social relationships of children of gay and lesbian parents. To date, there is no evidence that the development of children of gay and lesbian parents is compromised relative to the development of children of heterosexual parents. (BC)

This article provides an overview of sociological perspectives and knowledge about social aspects of families coping with visual impairment. Special attention is given to the importance of the social structures and dynamics of families as social networks, the social construction of impairment experiences by families, family social support…

Describes the Children's Television Workshop (CTW) approach toward research and development and provides an overview of this issue that highlights CTW. The CTW model of research and development is explained; formative and summative evaluation are discussed; and changing learning environments at home, at school, and in the community are considered.…

Examines the impact that an older adult's neurological impairment can have on family structure and functioning. A short-term model for psychotherapeutic intervention with families is presented. The model addresses cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of family functioning in light of the neurological impairment. (Author/MKA)