This book examines practical, cultural, and political implications of placing health service programs in public schools, detailing three cases of Florida school districts, where a controversial statewide initiative for health services in schools recently went into effect. The plan supports programs to promote the health of medically underserved children and reduce teenage pregnancy. Chapter 1 presents an overview of the decline in children's health care. Chapter 2 explores the structure of the program as created by state lawmakers, describing responsibilities given to state agencies for policy direction, program selection, and oversight, and noting relations between state and local providers. The chapter examines the evaluation process and describes how decisions were reached with key stakeholders regarding the scope of evaluation design. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 present three cases (Emerald County, Silver County, and Gold County) and examine implementation issues from the perspective of program providers. Based on field interviews, the chapters explore how the policy structure is fleshed out at the local level and how the intent of program designers is supported or thwarted by realities of local institutions. Chapter 6 discusses discourses of dissent, examining the intersection between school health services and community values. The chapter illustrates how public officials made policy decisions to address a wide spectrum of community concerns without alienating key constituents. Chapter 7 presents a framework for assessing whether this type of program is feasible, effective, and viable for meeting routine primary care needs of children from impoverished communities and who lack other health care resources. (Contains approximately 168 references.) (SM)