Presents the results of a 1988 conference designed to develop and implement a consensus on how to improve child protective services. Offers specific recommendations and describes implementation plans being carried out by dozens of national organizations. (MDM)

Briefly discusses the establishment of a community-based child protection team for working with abused and neglected rural children in a county of 18,000 people. Lists five resources for advocacy groups to contact. (BR)

A brief history of the development of child welfare services in America from indenture to day care is given, together with an account of the changing social attitudes that influenced this history. The negative and positive aspects of present practices are also discussed. (MS)

Examines the composition, case characteristics, team utilization, and growth and development of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Child Protection Team. (BF/JH)

Cites shortcomings of existing centralized state systems for processing child protection case records. Diagnostic, monitoring and statistical functions of these registers are described as severely limited by inaccurate and incomplete reporting. Confidentiality of records, subjects' access to records and problems of verification are discussed. (BF)

Discusses the way in which the legal system perpetuates child abuse and protects parents' rights more than children's rights. Discusses the difficulties social services encounter in dealing with these children and parents. (RJC)

Argues that the greatest impediment to improving the lives of America's children is the myth of a child-oriented society, already doing all that needs to be done. Unmet needs are described in the areas of prenatal care, nutrition, child abuse, juvenile justice, and foster care. Recommendations for ameliorative action are made. (MS)

Presents highlights from the Third International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect. The topic of child sexual abuse dominated the Congress; other topics included malnutrition, research problems, and concerns of Third World countries. Recommendations of the Congress are summarized.

This article describes a 20-hour, eight-week course for experienced foster parents. Goals include understanding the causes of child abuse, understanding the consequences of child abuse, and understanding the interaction patterns which provoke child abuse. (Author/DB)