The sad reality of children killed, tortured, imprisoned, and orphaned by war substantiates the need for renewed local, national, and international commitment to these children. This guide examines: (1) the impacts present-day armed conflicts have on children and their families; (2) what special needs of children should be anticipated and monitored; (3) which children in what circumstances are likely to have special needs that may require intervention; (4) what principles of program response might be expected; (5) what program strategies are being adopted around the world to meet children's needs; and (6) what literature and special resources are available to service providers. The first part of the book opens with a discussion of armed conflict, essential to comprehending the needs of children in these situations and to finding ways to assure their well-being. A photo essay then offers a forceful statement of how conflict affects children. The next chapter provides a conceptual framework for addressing war's negative effects on children. Six chapters in the second part of the book consider different impacts of conflict on children and what is being done to counter these impacts. The topics covered are: (1) loss of life; (2) injury, illness, malnutrition, and disability; (3) torture, abuse, imprisonment, and recruitment; (4) unaccompanied children; (5) psychosocial distress; and (6) educational disruption. The guide contains chapter references and a selected bibliography of over 1,000 items related to the provision of services to children in situations of armed conflict. (TJQ)