Despite a significant federal role in permanency planning as evidenced by Public Law 96-272, child welfare remains primarily a state responsibility and the states vary considerably in their approaches to it. In January 1986, a 50-state survey on major child welfare issues was conducted. The project was begun in 1983 as an attempt to ascertain…

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's…

Provides a brief overview and analysis of the legislation of Family Preservation and Support Services. Suggests that the legislation provides the states with the necessary funding to conduct needs assessments and prepare thorough plans to address the problems facing families. Notes that the legislation involves some risks due to lack of strong…

A survey of 47 state child protection services assessed the status of implementation of out-of-home protection programs since 1984. The survey addressed state law and regulations, reporting out-of-home abuse and neglect, properly constituted authority, independent investigative agencies, role of licensing, training, and staff and foster parent…

A detailed ecological model is used to develop a framework for assessing the incidence of child abuse among American Indians. Macro, exo, and micro levels of analysis are extended by the inclusion of mediating and potentiating factors that may either contribute to or ameliorate maltreatment or abuse. Abuse and its consequences are considered in…