Why, despite society's common understanding of the problems of children, have individuals failed to act decisively and powerfully to bring them security and hope? This report, which includes articles excerpted and adapted from presentations and discussions at a 1996 symposium, addresses this question. After an introduction by Rosalynn Carter, the first article (Charles Bruner) presents the symposium's vision for children, families, and neighborhoods that requires new forms of family supportive front-line practice; reconstructing public systems to embrace new principles; building social capital through collective action; and creating economic opportunity and hope. The second article (John Gates) suggests that "resiliency"--as a concept and goal--may be the easy-to-understand rubric needed to bring programs for children and families to scale. The third article (Frank Farrow) makes the case for neighborhood networks of family support, based on the premise that conditions will not improve for many families unless they receive the help they need closer to home. The fourth article (Bob Friedman) notes the need for "leadership teams," people who can transcend an individual vision and work together over the long term to create and sustain meaningful change. The report concludes with a summary of group discussion at the symposium, particularly the need for cultural sensitivity, and of "next steps" in implementing the symposium's vision. Contains a list of symposium participants and sponsors. (EV)