ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF FAMILIES WITH MULTIPLE RISKS

All families face challenges throughout their lifespan. For a signific ant segment of the population, however, these challenges are multiple and constitute risk for the children and other family members. This ar ticle reviews the changing structures and characteristics of the Ameri can family and discusses the increased influence of several societal c oncerns, including poverty, substance abuse, and exposure to violence. These issues are considered in light of their potentially deleterious effects on child and family development and functioning. Recommendati ons include collaborations among educators, other service providers, a nd families to address the complex needs and challenges presented by f amilies experiencing multiple risks.