The changing nature of communities necessitates a comprehensive theoretical model for effective delivery of child and family services. This edited volume provides a context for and examples of an emerging paradigm shift in human services toward one in which services for families with young children are provided in their communities. Section 1 of the volume defines community and delineates principles for community-based programs. Section 2 illustrates critical support elements, coalitions of community-based programs, funding models, and the use of evaluation to guide program growth. Section 3 gives examples of a developmental perspective in mental health services, while section 4 provides examples of community support in action. The articles are: (1) "The Meaning of Community" (Phyllis R. Magrab); (2) "Supporting Families Where Children Live: Community Principles in Action" (Richard N. Roberts); (3) "A National Coalition of Communities" (Suzanne M. Bronheim and Nancy Striffler); (4) "Financing Early Intervention Services: Perspectives and Practicalities from the Community Level" (Linda D. Goetze, Susan D. Mackey Andrews, and Maureen Greer); (5) "Participatory Realism: Defining the Role of Nonevaluator Stakeholders in Evaluation" (Mark S. Innocenti and Richard N. Roberts); (6) "Communities Supporting the Mental Health of Young Children and Their Families" (Roxane Kaufmann and Amy Locke Wischmann); (7) "State-Level Supports for Community-Based Services" (Gary J. De Carolis); (8) "Supporting Families with Young Children in the Community: A Parent's Perspective" (Polly Arango); (9) "International Perspectives in Community-Based Services" (Peter Evans); (10) "Service Integration at the Community Level within Early Intervention Systems" (Adrienne L. Akers and Diane D. Behl); (11) "Community Efforts To Counter the Environmental Risks Children Face" (Glenna C. Boyce, Diane D. Behl, and Therese R. Johnson); and (12) "A Community-Based Approach to Preventing Child Maltreatment" (Sharon Carnahan, Carnot E. Nelson, and Thomas R. Gordon). Each article contains references. (KB)