EDITOR'S NOTE

The Center on Human Policy has studied services for children with severe disabilities for the past two years, and has become even more committed to the idea that children belong with families--that families whose children have severe disabilities should be supported in as many ways as they need, and that children who cannot stay with the families into which they were born deserve to live with other families.

This issue develops this theme. We offer, first, a policy statement on families and their children, a statement that has been endorsed by many individuals, organizations, and states around the country. Readers who would like to endorse the statement may write to Steve Taylor, Director of the Center on Human Policy, to do so.

Other articles in this issue look at family support, taking a parent's perspective and a broad look at family support nationally. We present ways in which family supports are being provided in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Montana.

Some children, no matter what supports are available, cannot remain with the families into which they were born. Should they be placed in group settings with other children with severe disabilities, or in temporary foster homes, where they are moved from home to home throughout their childhood? We present the concept of permanency planning, and describe the experience of one state that has committed itself to this concept. Michigan is developing its services so that all children with disabilities, no matter how severe, can live with families and experience consistent, enduring relationships with adults.