First published in 1996. For the last three decades, the public income transfer system for families with children in the United States has been criticized for being overly targeted on extremely poor families headed by single mothers. Most criticism has focused on two features of the system: its categorical nature and its reliance on income-tested benefits. Categorical requirements for eligibility, which limit benefits mainly to single-parent families, have been criticized as unfair to two-parent families and as discouraging marriage. Income-tested benefits have been reprimanded because they discourage work in that they reduce benefits by extremely high rates as earnings increase. To remedy these shortcomings of the over-targeted system, the author discusses three policy proposals, all providing universal benefits: (1) a refundable tax credit for children; (2) universal health care coverage; and (3) a child support assurance system.

Hearing on the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, which was first written in 1974 with the goal of supporting states¿ actions to prevent youth crime and to provide core protections for children. The law recognized that clear biological differences between teenagers and adults meant that youth should not be treated in the same manner as adults. Witnesses: Michael Belton, Ramsey County, MN, Dep. Dir. of Juvenile Corrections; Scott Burns, Exec. Dir., National DA¿s Assoc.; A. Hasan Davis, Dep. Commissioner for Operations, Kentucky Dept. of Juvenile Justice; Tracy McClard, Parent; John Solberg, Exec. Dir., Rawhide Boys Ranch, New London, WI; Steven Teske, Judge, Clayton County Juvenile Court, GA. Illus.

Family centres are designed to meet a range of day care needs for individuals, families or wider communities. This text details and evaluates expert research into the developing role of family centres in the light of political and social trends including, the Every Child Matters legislation.

This text examines the latest evidence about the most sucessful forms of intervention when working with children and their families. The book covers a wide range of methods and services with emphasis on helping children with known problems.

This book addresses the most common questions raised by parents regarding the impact of media on children. It offers insights on suitable media choices for children, fostering healthy media usage, determining appropriate age for media consumption, and navigating related technologies. Additionally, practical suggestions are provided on integrating media literacy into everyday situations with children. This book explores theories surrounding the effects of media violence, the importance of teaching online ethics, children's fear toward film characters, shielding children from distressing news, promoting advertisement literacy, exploring media's role in sexual education, and cultivating critical thinking skills to discern media clichés. These topics are thoroughly explored and discussed within the book. By engaging with this book, parents will acquire a practical level of media literacy that empowers them to support their children's growth in critical and creative thinking. It equips parents to navigate the challenges that arise when using both traditional and digital media effectively. Audiences of this book include parents, caregivers of children, educators, and anyone involved in working with children.