In this collection of 20 essays, contributors examine the essential theories, areas of research, and lessons from practice in applied developmental science, following the positive human development perspective. They describe the foundations of applied developmental science, including the role of positive psychology and the social indicators field; enhancing individual context relations in families and ethnicity, parenting, and education; strengthening policies and programs, including those at the federal and state level and other political arenas, including programs in juvenile justice and for children with disabilities; and enhancing the service systems, including early intervention, going back to basics, dealing with child welfare and housing issues, and working effectively with social change. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)