Considers the necessity for family scientists to review and evaluate public policies and legislation relevant to the family. Suggests that framework for statutory analysis may aid this task and presents an example of a statutory analysis of adolescent pregnancy legislation using such a framework. Discusses the usefulness of statutory analysis for…

Presents history of modern farm legislation and looks at recent legislation and tax policies. Asserts that family scientists attempting to help farm families can benefit from understanding legislation and policies. Discusses family intervention strategies in the larger context of macroeconomic and political forces. (Author/NB)

Includes a summary of research and federal legislative actions concerning working poor families. The nature and extent of the situation of the working poor, the apparent causes, and the probable effects on their families are presented. Using a family ecological systems model, some implications for program and policy development are discussed.…

Whether joint custody should be mandated by state law as the norm for divorcing couples is hotly debated between fathers' and mothers' rights groups and among mental health and legal professionals. This debate is traced, and the public policy implications of recent joint custody research are discussed. Policies for strengthening coparenting after…

Encourages family scientists to participate in legislative activities in their own states. Suggests skills, strategies, and tactics to ensure any foray into legislative arena is of high quality and maximum value. Includes practical tips on how to avoid common mistakes. (Author/ABL)

The no-fault provisions of the California Family Law Act of 1969 recognized the reality of marital breakdown by removing from the substance and language of the law its strong overtones of moral condemnation. The divorce rate itself remained unaffected. The frequency of spousal support awards declined significantly. (Author/JAC)