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The latest casualties in the war on drugs are pregnant, chemically dependent women, who are viewed as the perpetrators of fetal abuse. Recent litigation has elevated the rights of the fetus over the rights of the mother. This article examines the medical and legal basis for the punitive policies directed at pregnant, chemically dependent women and suggests an alternative policy.

Most Americans access the virtual world through the Internet and computer-mediated communication. However, the digital divide, or disparities in access, remains a concern, as does digital literacy, or having the skills necessary for effective use of digital technology. Limited access or skills put clients at a disadvantage, such as restricted life opportunities and increased vulnerabilities. We identify challenges of access, skill, and risk that clients face regarding the virtual world. A virtual ecomap summarizes these challenges and interactions with the virtual world much as the ecomap does for the real world. The task for the social worker is to identify and overcome barriers to this technology, and guide and educate clients about technology use to locate resources, expand opportunities, strengthen support systems, and enhance well-being.

Youth in foster care are at risk for negative educational outcomes, yet child welfare can only indirectly address these outcomes. The educational policies of the No Child Left Behind Act and Blueprint for Reform, President Obama's proposed plan to revise the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reaffirm the positive role for multilevel parental involvement in achieving gains for disadvantaged youth. After reviewing what is known about the educational outcomes for youth in care, we examine both child welfare and educational legislation in terms of the needs of vulnerable youth. The conclusion offers recommendations on how parental involvement may be utilized as a potentially powerful force for change for youth in care, as well as specific actions state agencies and individual schools can take to support foster youth.

On October 7, 2008, President George W. Bush signed Pub. L.110-351 into law. This major legislation changed child welfare practice. Of particular interest are the provisions concerning sibling placement and reasonable efforts. Both research and advocacy groups have pointed to the important role of siblings, and hence the need to place siblings together or to at least facilitate sibling contact while separated. We briefly review the research on the important role of siblings, examine sibling placements in foster care and kinship care in relation to placement disruption and permanency outcomes, and suggest policies and practices (e.g., family group decision making) to support the sibling bond over time.