The overwhelming focus of the lives of 43 poor, at-risk Hispanic women was coping with threats to their role as providers for their children. Threats included poverty, potential loss of health, drug addiction, lack of social support, low self-esteem, helplessness, and loss of control. Contains 27 references. (SV)

After briefly reviewing the child policy decade of the 1890s and how it dominated the national social reform agenda, the article describes the current pressures for a children's agenda in the 1990s, what such an agenda might consist of, and the likelihood of success for a social reform agenda now. (BB)

Describes research exploring links between commitment laws and homelessness among mentally ill. Shows treatment differences in rural and metropolitan areas. Suggests narrow urban interpretation of laws leads to homelessness while rural overreaction leads to more unwarranted commitments. Identifies continuum-of-care needs. Suggests topics for…

This supplementary statement, prepared by 10 members of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Health Care for the Homeless, expands upon the Committee's report, "Homelessness, Health and Human Needs." Argues that the only broad, long-term solution to the health problems of the homeless is immediate action to provide decent, affordable…

Written by one of three members of Institute of Medicine's Committee on Health Care for Homeless who did not sign "Health Care for the Homeless," controversial supplementary statement to Committee's report, "Homelessness, Health and Human Needs." Explains reasons for not signing and argues that health care problems of homeless…

Describes the plight of homeless families in the United States, examining the special role that Head Start programs can play in homeless families' lives. Suggests that Head Start programs need to address staff training, family recruitment, health services, transportation, flexible scheduling, home-based options, attendance, parent education,…

Attempting to grade Lamar Alexander's first year in office, this article assigns a "D" for the U.S. Education Secretary's seeming ignorance of funding cuts, teacher layoffs, inappropriate materials and resources, inadequate or unsafe school buildings comprising the "real world of education." Lamar also fares dismally for…

Interviews with 247 homeless families (including 480 children) in 21 rural Ohio counties found that over two-thirds were headed by young single females. The most frequently cited reasons for homelessness were family conflict or dissolution and economic factors. Implications for service provision and policy development are discussed. (LP)

Investigates the socioeconomic and gender equality aspects of the public's use of PEN (Public Electronic Network), a computer-based interactive communication system provided free to residents of Santa Monica (California). Topics discussed include public terminals; use by homeless people and by women; and participation in political communication…

Corporate community involvement programs are described: (1) Days' Inn's efforts to employ homeless persons; (2) Rockwell International's recruitment of its retirees as secondary science and math teachers; (3) Wells Fargo Bank's provision of social service leave time for employees; and (4) IBM's Project A Plus, a business-education collaborative to…

Notes that street life for children and adolescents in India provides few cognitive developmental opportunities that would lead to a better life, but does provide survival and crisis coping skills. Presents findings from a study of 100 street children and adolescents who return home every evening; the subjects work, interact with peers, and have…

Examined factors contributing to depressive symptoms and co-occurring depressions, substance abuse, and conduct problems among runaway and homeless adolescents. Found that although family-of-origin factors contributed to depressive symptoms and comorbidity, experiences and behaviors when adolescents were on their own also had powerful effects.…

Examines policies and processes hindering homeless children's access to appropriate educational provision in the United Kingdom, painting a stark, depressing picture. Case-study research reveals the fruitlessness of blaming homeless children's poor school performance on family inadequacies. From a social-reaction perspective, the education system…

Different types of homeless families (N=180) are identified empirically, and variations in outcomes for children are explored. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups of families participating in a comprehensive health-care program for children in homeless families. Results, clinical implications, and directions for more sophisticated…

Presents a global overview of issues and trends confronting families and family psychologists in the 21st century. Makes linkages to what psychologists can do as clinicians and researchers regarding different problems and issues, each of which is manifested at the individual, family, and societal level. Includes predictions about new and expanding…