To identify and analyze initial responses to the new federal legislation, waivers, regulations, and funding provisions that take advantage of new flexibilities and related opportunities so as to improve big city child and family policies and programs.

To identify and analyze those aspects of the new federal legislation, regulations, and funding provisions that pose serious consequences for families and children, as well as implementation, operational, and budgetary problems for city governments, the voluntary sector, and community groups- and to assess proposed administrative, judicial, legislative, and budgetary remedies.

To make available to cities, voluntary agencies, community groups, and advocacy groups documented information about options and strategies which can be of practical value. Content, form, and place of publication will be guided by these considerations.