Canadian Western
Geographical Series

Produced and published by
The Department of Geography,
University of Victoria

distributed by UBC Press

Accumulated evidence over the past 40 years about the impact of positive childhood development over the entire life course creates a compelling case for doing much more - not less - for our children. Social gradients in health status, found in every developed country in the world, raise important questions about the causes of what appear to be structured inequalities in health. Reviews of studies about childhood development and its re1ationship to health status over one's entire life indicate in the strongest of terms the important window of opportunity childhood provides to develop coping skills and behaviours conducive to social success (high educational attainment, ability to obtain and keep a job, provide nurturing circumstances for one's family, participate civically/civilly in one's community, etc.). Positive stimulation of children, and support of family caregivers within programs aimed at high-risk children, have been demonstrated to offset or minimize the impact of social deprivation and marginality upon the life chances of the disadvantaged.
The purpose of the proposed book is to examine existing and possible public policies for children in light of what is known about the influence of childhood development upon health status and life chances over the life course. Contributors are recognized scholars and policy analysts drawn from BC universities and the public service. The target audience includes policy makers within all levels of government, members of Regional Health Boards and Community Health Councils, educators, social advocates and the interested public. The book will be an important source of information about the current state of well-being of the children of B.C., contemporary social welfare policy, and a source book of policy options to improve and maintain the health of children in the province.

ISBN 0-919838-25-1
Price: $30.00