Disasters can be defined as catastrophic events that challenge the normal range of human coping ability. The technological/human-caused disaster, a classification of interest in this article, is attributable to human error or misjudgment. Lower socioeconomic status and race intersect in the heightened risk for technological/human-caused disasters…

Studies by many scientists have shown that the fetal period is the most important one for the development of a baby. It has been shown that this is the time when the basis for many diseases of the adult is formed. Among risk factors, the work environment is of considerable importance, as its influence on the woman's organism stands at 25 to 40…

Proceedings are presented of a conference which addressed services to infants and young children with developmental delays and their families in rural areas. Contents include: results of a survey of 42 respondents regarding rural service delivery; excerpts from Magnolia Circle Outreach Project newsletters; views on problems identified by rural…

Information on the prevention of child maltreatment is provided, as well as methods and programs to respond to the maltreatment of children with disabilities, ages birth to 5 years. Challenges to providing effective service delivery are addressed, along with the family perspective and total family needs. Risk factors that affect family functioning…

This journal issue focuses on family service clinical responses to infants and families. In "The Therapeutic Relationship as Human Connectedness," Jeree H. Pawl stresses the importance of caregivers creating in children the sense and experience of human connectedness that arises from the feeling of existing in the mind of someone…

This report presents the findings of a study which examined the service delivery system for adolescents with chronic illness, through a survey of 248 directors of public agencies and programs of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with a 73 percent response rate. The seven programs surveyed within each state were Maternal and Child Health…

Political changes underway at both the federal and state levels will dramatically affect public policies for children and their families in the years ahead. Drawing from over 550 budget line items in 10 state departments from 1990 to 1995, this report looks at spending on Illinois' children and families by program areas, with some specific…

This book examines the stereotypes and superficial categorizations of America's children in crisis, and discusses the nature of childhood disadvantage. Findings from interviews with children and professionals, and a reexamination of past and present research, reveal that most children at risk are not poor. The evidence suggests that factors such…

This report examines the accomplishments of a collaborative project to enhance student learning and motivation in mathematics in a middle school serving a changing population of students, the majority of whom are Latino. The partnership joined together the mathematics teachers and site administrator of the school, university mathematicians and…

This practicum promoted community, school, and agency collaborative relationships to increase the access and affordability of comprehensive, culturally acceptable health care services and health promotion activities. The target population for these services and activities were high-risk, minority adolescents in grades 6 through 8 in two elementary…

Job satisfaction, which can be defined as a feeling of fulfillment or pleasure associated with one's work, comes from many personal sources but can be nourished by supportive agency practices, daily interactions, and long-term goals. Job satisfaction is important for child and youth care workers because (1) job satisfaction and competence are…

This first volume of the Assessment, Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS) test and its associated curriculum describes the AEPS measurement components for the developmental range from birth to 3 years. Section I provides a comprehensive description of the AEPS and how its measurement system functions for children and caregivers. Section II…

This booklet provides data on a series of related measures of child and family well-being in Indiana, following national guidelines established by the Kids Count project to help Americans better understand the problems faced by children and adolescents and to foster greater commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and their…

This paper presents a summary of early care and education policies for young children (ages 3-5) and then offers recommendations on how these efforts might be coordinated at the state and local levels. The policy summary is organized around the components of early care--child care, early childhood education, and early intervention for children at…

Millions of American children and youth, especially low-income and minority children, lack health insurance and access to appropriate health care services. This publication addresses several major public policy topics related to improving children's health, and is designed to serve as a resource for policymakers who want to improve access to…