The squatter settlements in Kuala Lumpur exhibit a high incidence of communicable diseases, teenage pregnancies, and psychological and familial stress. The Sang Kancil Intervention Program responds to this situation by providing preschool education, maternal and child health care clinics, and activities that generate income for low-income…

A psychosocial theoretical perspective creates a rationale for directing alcohol education efforts toward enabling youth to make low-risk lifestyle choices. Meeting students' psychological needs by implementing alcohol abuse prevention curricula to improve social skills is recommended. The article discusses the etiology and treatment of problem…

Describes attempts by agencies to integrate services. Programs that integrate services are innovative and effective, and provide continued support to families and children in crisis. Families and children benefit from accessible and comprehensive programs. Government benefits from elimination of duplication of services and reduction of costly…

Discusses the Clinical Infant Development Program, an intervention project for mothers at extremely high risk of dysfunctional parent-infant interactions. A survey of services staff and clients showed that the staff found that provision of concrete services formed a bridge to abstract services, which the clients ranked as the most helpful…

A wellness program is a formalized approach to preventive health care that can positively affect employee lifestyle and reduce future health-care costs. Describes programs for health education, smoking cessation, early detection, employee assistance, and fitness, citing industry success figures. (eight references) (MLF)

Examines New Zealand legislation that allows families greater decision-making power when the safety and welfare of their children are seen to be at risk. Discusses the Family Group Conference intervention model and its efficacy, concerns and criticisms that this model has evoked, and the model's potential applicability to child care and protection…

This article describes the Pride in Parenting Group Intervention Curriculum, developed as part of a multicomponent intervention with a population of indigent African American women and their infants. Exit interviews with 57 mothers indicated parent satisfaction was high for developmental and parenting information and for the support of the group…

Describes the various programs and goals of St. Monica School, Kansas City, Missouri, and provides individual accounts of student success despite great adversity. Discusses different ways of combating the violence and poverty of urban areas to provide emotional, spiritual, and educational support and guidance. (YKH)

Describes the Pride in Parenting Training Curriculum developed by an interdisciplinary team to reduce infant mortality in minority populations. The program has been used to train lay home visitors to deliver a home-visiting curriculum focused on effective use of health-care services and improved infant development. (Author/CR)

Noting that risk assessment models are controversial and vary in definition, purposes, and risk criteria, reviews and contrasts 10 models used to guide decision making concerning the placement of maltreated children in out-of-home care. Found that models varied on pertinent criteria for assessing child risk, and identified six areas for further…

Introduces three perspectives on the Hawthorne Elementary School (Houston, Texas) reform effort. The case studies indicate that successful restructuring of schools serving highly disadvantaged communities is possible. (GR)

Presents definitions of literacy followed by an overview of selected views of literacy development, and suggests how these constructs inform the teaching of reading. A recent model of reading development is described, along with suggestions for using the model, particularly for learners at risk. The article concludes with a discussion of…

Explores the development of a collaboration between a clinic and an urban middle school in a high-poverty, language minority community in Texas. Considers the need for an adolescent clinic and issues of community support, funding, clinic objectives, and problems. (JPB)

Describes the framework of the Annie E. Casey Foundation for addressing the family and community factors that make family and child success particularly challenging in poor neighborhoods. Discusses the importance of economic opportunities, strong social networks, and formal supports/services. Describes the Neighborhood Transformation/Family…

Discusses recent thinking about broad technological change and examines disturbing implications in the context of students at risk of school failure and school reform. Makes recommendations on teacher training and technology use. (Author)