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Abstract: Given the raised profile that parenting support and education is currently receiving on government family policy agendas in many nations, this paper reviews the ways in which parenting support and education policies are embedded within eight OECD countries. Drawing out the similarities and differences of policy and practice, and comparing the financial support each country affords to parenting support, it assesses the effectiveness of parenting support programmes in relation to national expenditure and links parenting policy to child outcomes. The paper concludes with some recommendations for policy makers and programme developers. The countries reviewed are: The UK, Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, the US, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The recent publication of national men's health policies in Ireland and Australia marks the first attempts by state governments anywhere in the world to target men as a specific population group for the strategic planning of health. The impetus for policy action in both countries can be traced to an increasing concern about sex differences in health status between men and women; a growing awareness of the need for a more gender-specific approach to health policy; and an expanding men's health field at a research, advocacy and community/voluntary level. This paper will describe the background to men's health policy development in Ireland and Australia; outline the aims, methodologies and key principles used for policy development; and highlight the principal priorities for policy action. It will pay particular attention to the challenges associated with transitioning from policy development to implementation, and reflect on some of the key lessons learned to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the history, theology and geography of the Christian sect known as the Exclusive Brethren. Sect that emerged as a result of discontent within the Church of England in Ireland during the 1820s and has gradually spread throughout much of the developed world; Belief of the Exclusive Brethren that they should separate from the perceived evils and corruption of the wider world; Social and spiritual separation from those outside of the sect; Reinterpretations of the scriptures and the emergence of a more permissive morality outside the movement that have led members of the Exclusive Brethren in Australia to pursue a more physical separation; Members of the sect who have attempted to achieve this spatial separation by settling in a few small, relatively remote communities in rural Australia; Emerging Brethren geography that has led to significant economic and social changes in those rural communities in which sect members have settled; Paper that demonstrates that the Brethren have contributed to significant local economic activity and employment growth; Sect that is a source of social tension and controversy, largely as a result of their religious practices and beliefs.