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1994.
12.05 :  New Commission on Child and Family Welfare 

Contact:  Michael Kharfen  (202) 401-9215
December 5, 1994

    MEMBERS NAMED TO NEW COMMISSION ON CHILD AND FAMILY WELFARE  

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced the formation
ofthe Commission on Child and Family Welfare.  The commission
will study and provide recommendations on the placement of
children, child custody, access and visitation, and domestic
issues such as family relations and abuse.

     "The commission assembles a dynamic group of individuals who
will provide new insight and direction on issues that affect the
safety and well-being of children and families," said Secretary
Shalala.  "We must learn more and act forcefully on our knowledge
to protect our children when there are breakdowns in their family
structures.  I look forward to reviewing the results of the
commission's deliberations."

     The commission is composed of 15 members, three appointed by
the president, four appointed by the president pro tempore of the
Senate, two appointed by the Senate minority leader, four by the
speaker of the House of Representatives, and two appointed by the
House minority leader.  The membership includes representatives
of the legal, child welfare, advocacy, business and other
professions concerned with the well-being of children.        

     The Commission on Child and Family Welfare was established
by the Child Support Recovery Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-521).  The
commission is to compile information, study and provide 
recommendations in the areas of child custody, and access and 
visitation as they relate to child support enforcement; domestic
issues such as abuse, family relations, services and agencies for
children and families; family courts and juvenile courts; and the
child welfare system as it relates to the placement of children
(including child custody and visitation).

     A report from the commission is due to the president and
Congress in 1995.

     Members of the Commission on Child and Family Welfare are --

     Kathryn Monaghan Ainsworth of Maine, an attorney
specializing in family law.  

     Donald Bardill of Florida, dean of the Florida State
University School of Social Work.

     Carol Statuto Bevan of Maryland, director of public policy,
National Council for Adoption.

     Nancy Duff Campbell of the District of Columbia, an attorney
and co-president of the National Women's Law Center.

     Mary Cathcart of Maine, a former education coordinator for
the Spruce Run Association, a battered women's project, and
member of the National Conference of State Legislatures'
Committee on Children and Family Services.

     George Creek of Washington, a retired business leader.

     James C. Dobson of Colorado, founder and president of Focus
on the Family.

     John Guidubaldi of Ohio, director of the Father's
Involvement Project and the Nationwide Impact of Divorce Study at
Kent State and John Carroll universities.

     Bill Harrington of Washington, president of the American
Father's Coalition.

     Judge Robert Robles, district judge for the Third Judicial
District, the highest level trial court in New Mexico.
     
     Barbara J. Sabol, president of University Research
Corporation (URC) in Bethesda, Md.

     James G. Sherman of Illinois, president and chief executive
officer of the Children's Home Association. 

     Kaye Theimer of California, a child psychologist in private
practice and president of Childworks, Inc.
     
     Marna S. Tucker of Maryland, a partner at Feldesman, Tucker,
Leifer, Fidell and Bank and Fellow, American Academy of
Matrimonial Lawyers.

     Cynthia Gulley Wiedemann of Texas, consultant in public
relations and marketing. 
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