NCJ Number
89684
Editor(s)
V L Stewart
Date Published
1982
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This volume presents a profile of the efforts of the Cayman Islands, British West Indies, Costa Rica, the German Democratic Republic, Nigeria, and the People's Republic of China to aid distressed, abused, and delinquent children through health, educational, welfare, and legal services.
Abstract
The Nigerian chapter describes the system by which social services are provided in that country, and the discussion of Costa Rica outlines the national plan to provide education and care through long-range planning and the coordination of services. A picture is given of the contemporary educational, social, and legal programs in the German Democratic Republic, with attention to united action by the home, school, and community. The chapter on the Cayman Islands notes that they have been faced with problems of growth and development arising particularly from the expansion of tourism and international banking. Social problems that have arisen from this change are identified. The portrayal shows how a community committed to help its children, faced with the social disruption precipitated by change, can accomplish much in a short time. The chapter on the People's Republic of China provides the most up-to-date material available from that country. It describes the system of 'blockparents,' the voluntary service of retired persons, the work-study programs in correctional institutions and many innovative forms of community action. The focus is on the family, as parents are held responsible for the actions of their children. Overall, the presentation shows how China is providing modern skills, techniques, and knowledge to meet the needs of children in a changing world. For other volumes in this series, see NCJ 89683, 89685, and 88521-22. (Editor summary modified)