Experiences in prenatal life and early childhood that may cause personality disorders or criminal behavior in later life are examined in these proceedings of the Subcommittee on Childhood Experience as Causes of Criminal Behavior of the Standing Committee on Health, Welfare and Science. This issue, the sixteenth in a series of 19 hearings dating from November 1977 to July 1978, presents the testimony of Yude M. Henteleff concerning the reorientation of Canadian national educational and social policy for youth at risk. His thesis is that past government policy has led to the gradual destruction of the family in society through inappropriate attempts to replace it. His recommendations, which are extensively discussed, promote policy which supports the family unit in society. Concern for the reformation of policy grows out of the sense that the quality of life in Canada is declining, even within the context of growing affluence. Efforts to reverse the fragmentation and incoherence in the structure and operation of existing services are reviewed. Indications that failure in public schools is a cause of delinquency are discussed. Guidelines for the adjudication of juvenile offenders are provided. Six major factors which prevent courts from establishing realistic diagnostic and treatment services for the child with learning disabilities are listed. Educational policy assumptions thought to be foundations for collective efforts to change policy and intervene in programs are stated. Questions of committee members probe related issues. Both English and French texts are provided. (Author/RH)