Voices In The Family

August 2006

8/07/06
Childcare Challenges
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Almost 12 million children under the age of 6 are in some form of childcare on a regular basis. Quality childcare arrangements are essential in preparing children for school and life, but they are not available to all families. We'll hear excerpts from a recent panel discussion about childcare challenges, which was part of our "In the Spirit of Family" series, presented by WHYY's Children's Service. Our guests were Danielle Ewen, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Marni Sweet. Ewen directs the Child Care and Early Education Policy team at the Center for Law and Social Policy in Washington, DC. Hirsh Pasek is professor of Psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, and specializes in language development and early childhood. Marni Sweet is the executive director of the Parent Infant Center in Philadelphia.

8/14/06
Immigration
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The issue of immigration stirs up intense emotions. In recent weeks, there have been major demonstrations in support of undocumented immigrants. At the same time, armed groups are patrolling the southern border to stop people from coming into the country without visas. Many immigrants report that they have faced increased hostility since the terror attacks of 9/11. Guest host Maiken Scott and her guests will discuss the emotional issues surrounding immigration. We'll be joined by Dr. Denise Michultka and Liza Rodriguez. Denise Michultka is a psychologist and the Director of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture. Liza Rodriguez is Senior Program Officer at the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation. We'll also hear from Dr. Donna Gabaccia, Director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota.

8/21/06
Remembering Hurricane Katrina
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A year ago, Hurricane Katrina struck the North Central Gulf Coast of the United States, causing devastating destruction especially in New Orleans. Many people still continue putting together the pieces of their shattered lives. How are survivors doing a year after the disaster? We'll hear from LeAnne Steen, assistant professor of counseling and education at Loyola University in New Orleans, who is working with children in the ravaged city. Since Katrina, New Orleans has also seen an increase in crime and drug rings, but addiction treatment opportunities have decreased. People suffering from mental illness, drug addiction and alcoholism are not able to get the help they need. Samantha Hope-Atkins, Founder and Executive Director of Hope Networks will discuss what is happening to addicts in New Orleans, and what is being done to help them.

8/28/06
Friendship
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Many songs and stories have been written about the value of true friends, but it takes time to develop these kinds of relationships. So, how are we developing and sustaining friendships in today's busy world? Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss friendship in America. Our guest is Tom Rath, author of a new book called "Vital Friends." We'll also hear from Lynn Smith-Lovin, affiliated Faculty at Duke University, who recently completed a study that suggests that Americans have fewer friends outside of their family today than 20 years ago.