Conclusion Some recent observers have noted similarities between the social problems of Brace's day and the current problems of urban America, which are resulting in an increasing reliance on out-of-home care [Cordasco 1971; Lindemann 1990; Mangolin 1978; National Child Welfare Resource Center 1991; Patrick et al. 1990]. Hartman [1990] identifies several problems, including those of an escalating number of low-income and/or homeless families and children, children damaged by alcohol and other drugs, and HIV-affected families. Cordasco [1971], Lindemann [1990], Mangolin [1978], and Patrick et al. [1990] suggest that some past strategies may have implications for contemporary urban poverty and child welfare concerns, including Brace's pragmatic philosophy of reducing poverty through education, work, and change of environment. For example, one recent controversial proposal concerning diminishing adoptive and out-of-home care resources would reestablish an orphanage system in which a child's placement in institutional care would be permanent, regardless of the child's age at the time of placement [Ford & Kroll 1990; Research on effects of orphanages. . . 1990; Shaffer 1990; Stark 1990]. Another proposal surfaced during a 1991 child welfare teleconference on orphan trains held by the National Child Welfare Resource Center [1991]. One participant commented on the likely increase in the number of children worldwide who would be orphaned by AIDS. He suggested that the time might be right to initiate a modernized orphan train placement system for children. Others conclude that current beliefs about poverty and some strategies to address it are not far removed from those of Brace's time. They have noted that the removal of children from mothers deemed to be neglectful or negligent and the existence of modern day orphan planes used to transport children from impoverished families in other countries to the United States for adoption are similar to the historic models [Kitterson 1968; Stansell 1982; Wexler 1990]. The past can be a vital resource by enabling us to measure change, generate policy options, and select policy for the future in light of the context of environment and time period [Mandilbaum 1977]. Historical study gives us a cultural context, including values and beliefs, on which past policies were based [King & Sterns 1981]. In view of current proposals for return to historical arrangements, an examination of these strategies may be particularly critical. 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Cook, Ph.D., LISW, is Policy Specialist, South Carolina Department of Social Services, Columbia, SC, and Part-Time Instructor, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina. [Go To Citation] Copyright of Child Welfare is the property of Child Welfare League of America and its content may not be copied without the copyright holder's express written permission except for the print or download capabilities of the retrieval software used for access. This content is intended solely for the use of the individual user. Source: Child Welfare, Jan/Feb95, Vol. 74 Issue 1, p181, 17p. Item Number: 9501127683 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Susan M. Ryan Associate Director for Public Services Campus Unit 8418 duPont-Ball Library Stetson University DeLand, FL 32720 (904) 822-7185 (904) 822-7199 (fax) sryan@stetson.edu