Over the last several decades, the remarkable success of science and medical technology has allowed many children with chronic illness and handicapping conditions to live longer and healthier lives. But this suc cess is not without toll. The human cost of chronic illness or a handicap ping condition can be enormous for the child and the family. For the family, there is often the stressful daily burden of care, fatigue, marital stress, low family morale, financial burdens, and reduced career mobili ty. For the child, there are often arduous and painful treatment regimes, frequent school absences, low energy periods, and uncertainties with respect to future education and vocation. The course of many diseases is unpredictable, and the very fact of chronicity implies ongoing coping problems for the family and the child. The impact of a chronic illness or handicapping condition on a family system is usually more disintegrative than integrative, disrupting the lives of all family members and exacerbating the developmental risks to the child. It is not surprising that a recent comprehensive study for establish ing public policies for children with chronic illness at Vanderbilt Univer sity has called attention to these factors and produced, as a primary recommendation, increased attention to the psychological impact of dis ease on the family and the child. In this context there is an important need for adequate assessment of psychological and behavioral problems in these children to plan for appropriate services."

"Where Children Live" is a natural extension of the Advances in Applied Developmental Psychology Series. It extends our coverage and concerns for children and families in their natural habitats. The message of this volume is that effective delivery of child and family services, a comprehensive theoretical model, is needed so that efficient delivery can take place, as well as an evaluation of the quality of those services.

"Where Children Live" is a natural extension of the Advances in Applied Developmental Psychology Series. It extends our coverage and concerns for children and families in their natural habitats. The message of this volume is that effective delivery of child and family services, a comprehensive theoretical model, is needed so that efficient delivery can take place, as well as an evaluation of the quality of those services.

When mental health professionals are promoted into leadership roles, they're often expected to "hit the ground running" with little training or experience. This eye-opening book is the perfect way for new leaders to fill that gap in professional development--and help their organization meet the needs of children and families.

Bringing to book form the principles and practices behind the renowned Georgetown University Leadership Development Program, this essential resource dispels the myths about good leadership and sheds light on the values and actions that steer an individual and an organization toward success. Mental health administrators and program developers will

• learn about five effective leadership styles--and how to choose the right one for different contexts and situations
• master the shift between multiple leadership functions within their organization or system
• develop specific skills and attitudes associated with good leadership, such as being flexible, welcoming diverse perspectives, and knowing when to relinquish some control
• build productive, collaborative relationships with a wide array of providers, consultants, case managers, and community agencies
• overcome personal, organizational, and environmental obstacles to effective leadership
• strengthen resilience by using proven strategies for managing stress and adversity
• ensure that their personal values align with a strengths-based, family-centered, and culturally competent system of care

Throughout the book, the expert contributors distill the best of today's theory and research on leadership and bring key points to life with real-world examples and anecdotes. And practical worksheets help readers address conflict, improve their resiliency, clarify their views of leadership, collaborate effectively during team meetings, and more.

No matter where readers are on their leadership journey--whether they're new to their roles or veterans seeking to renew their passion and commitment--this book will help them master the skills they need to guide and motivate staff, bring about positive systems change, and ensure the best outcomes for children and families.

Learn more about the "Systems of Care for Children's Mental Health" series.