In Defense of Children: Understanding the Rights, Needs, and Interests of the Child: A Resource for Parents and Professionals

Nazario, a law professor and practicing attorney in San Francisco, and several colleagues here assemble a vital resource guide. They cover seemingly all areas of children's rightsthe right to financial support, to be fed, to health care, etc.from infancy onward, even discussing situations that arise when grown offspring leave and then return to the parental home. Charts, statistics, sample legal forms and the like amplify data provided in the well-organized, accessible sections on infant care, finding a responsible child-care center, helping teenagers in trouble with the law or threatened by drug/alcohol addiction, questionable sexual relations and other problems. Cases of abused minors are documented; lists of organizations that offer aid in a variety of crises are appended. This is an essential book for those involved with the welfare of the young. (Nov.)