Provides adoption statistics for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including the total number of adoptions in 1987, 1988, and 1990, and the number of public agency adoptions as a percentage of total adoptions for 1990. Statistics on adoption are inexact because of the variety of data sources and their changing nature. (MDM)

Analyzes adoption information from courts, social service agencies, and bureaus of vital records for 1991 and 1992. Finds that adoptions by step-parents constitute nearly half of all adoptions, and that individually arranged adoptions are likely to be by relatives. Suggests that the information provided constitutes a baseline for measurement of…

This article presents a discussion of two major problems in analyzing child abuse data: (1) the confusion between reports of abuse and neglect, and (2) the scarcity of data on confirmed reports. (CS)

Discusses the results of a survey of 1,268 adoptive parents in California. Found that postplacement contact with biological parents was common in this sample and that adoptive parents, with some exceptions, seemed cautiously comfortable with such contact. (Author/MDM)

Reports the results of the first large-scale public opinion survey on adoption. Found that 52% of adults surveyed favored open adoption, the arrangement in which an adopted child and the adoptive parents keep in contact with the adopted child's biological parents. (MDM)

The potential to foster successfully starts with developing and supporting competency in 12 domains: (1) providing a safe and secure environment; (2) providing a nurturing environment; (3) promoting educational attainment and success; (4) meeting physical and mental healthcare needs; (5) promoting social and emotional development; (6) supporting…

A brief questionnaire, sent to the adoption specialist in the state public child welfare agency in every state and the District of Columbia, posed the question: "In general, are foster parents given preference to adopt a child who has been in their care as a foster child and who is free for adoption?" (Author/RH)

Surveyed Child Welfare League of America member agencies about the impact of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) on child welfare services delivery. Agencies reported that AOD adversely affected the system by compounding problems, such as personnel shortages and shortages in available foster homes, which existed before AOD was identified as a major…

Presents results of a survey of screening and risk assessment policies in child protective services (CPS) in 100 counties in 8 states. Findings reveal mixed practices and a general lack of evaluation of developed systems. (NH)

Visited a random sample of 2,813 regulated family day-care homes (RFHs) in Texas. The RFHs were examined for compliance with minimum state standards and rated on 21 specific quality aspects. Found that the quality of care at the RFHs was significantly and consistently related to compliance with 116 standards. (MDM)

Presents child care-related work experiences and training, teaching activities, and recurrent problems in the provision of child care as reported in a survey of 266 family day care providers in Texas. Results indicated training needs. Some Texas family day caregiver training programs are briefly described. (NH)

Discusses the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (OIS), which is based on a survey of child protection workers involved in 2,447 abuse and neglect investigations. OIS found an incidence rate of reported maltreatment of 21 per 1,000 children and a 27% substantiation rate. Includes comparisons with incidence rates for the…