An informative mix of data and discussion, this text presents conclusions and recommendations for policies that can respond to the new conditions shaping America's working families. Among the family and work trends reviewed are: the growing population of mothers with young children in the workforce; the increasing reliance of nonparental child care; the growing challenges of families on welfare; and the increased understanding of child and adolescent development. Included in this comprehensive review of the research and data on family leave, child care and income support issues are: the effects of early child care and school-age child care on child development; the impacts of family work policies on child and adolescent well-being and family functioning; the changes to federal and state welfare policy; the emergence of a 24/7 economy; the utilization of paid family leave; and an examination of the ways parental employment affects children as they make their way through childhood and adolescence. The text also evaluates the support systems available to working families, including family and medical leave, child care options and tax policies. The committee's conclusions and recommendations should be of interest to anyone concerned with issues affecting the working American family, especially policy makers, programme administrators, social scientists, journalists, private and public sector leaders and family advocates.