This book grows out of a five-year research project aimed at understanding the strengths and challenges of urban families who face issues related to young single-parenthood, racial minority status, and poverty in an era of welfare reform. The authors share insights regarding individual, family, community, and program factors that facilitate and/or constrain the effectiveness of intervention programs with these children and their families. The book addresses many important topics (Early Head Start, home visiting, relationships, transition, poverty, welfare reform) and describes a well-designed research project. It offers a strengths-based, reflective, and insightful look at an at-risk population.