The quadrupling of the world population in the 20th century has over-burdened the environment and accelerated the depletion of natural resources, whether renewable or not. The effort of the largest nations, China, India, and others, to attain affluence at this time further damages the environment and tax resources. Recently, fertility rates have fallen dramatically, below replacement in much of the world. The number of workers will be declining while the number elderly dependent on their support will be rising. Prospects for affluence are grim for rich and poor nations alike. There is no historical precedent for such a decline in fertility which, except in China, is a voluntary response to urbanisation, education, the liberation of women, and birth control technology. What does the future hold? This book consists of 33 essays on the 21st century problems of overpopulation and low fertility and possible policy choices. The ultimate question is the future of fertility and population; will the decline in fertility, which will help save the planet, be reversed at some time, or will advanced civilisation render humans an endangered species? Will the culture change or will public policy preserve civilisation, affluence, and the planet, or only two of the above? These are the questions and we do not know the answers. In this book about the future, the analysis is supplemented by speculation and a pinch of sarcasm.

Child welfare services are intended to prevent the abuse or neglect of children; ensure that children have safe, permanent homes; and promote the well-being of children and their families. The largest amount of federal child welfare funding is provided to states for assistance to children who have been removed from their homes (due primarily to abuse or neglect). In the past decade, the share of this support provided for children who remain in foster care has been on the decline, while the share provided for those who leave foster care for permanent homes (e.g., via adoption) has increased. This book examines recent and proposed federal funding issues for child welfare with a focus on services authorised under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, and The Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act (P.L.112-34).

This book offers a complete and coherent analysis of the interrelated problems of student achievement at every level, the supply of scientific and technical manpower, its contribution to the nation's economic future, and the diverse policies directed at improving school achievement and the quality of labor supply.