One of the difficulties in reuniting families that have been separated by drug-related arrests, says Nick Honey, is creating a new environment where pre-existing dangers to the children have been removed.

Nick Honey explains that almost as soon as a child is placed in temporary foster care, a process to develop a long-term plan for his or her future gets under way.

To report known or suspected child abuse in Sonoma County, call:

1-800-870-7064

or the hotline number: (707) 565-430.

Marilee Eckert, Executive Director of the newly renamed Conservation Corps North Bay, says it is well-positioned to grow into a regional service agency.

Eckert anticipates bringing many of the programs the organization has already established in Marin into Sonoma County under their new banner, such as their youth recycling crew, which is already at work at some Sonoma County parks and schools.

The best way to fight poverty, says Paul Polak, is to talk to and learn from the people who know the most about it-the poor themselves.

Paul Polack detailed his ideas for combatting poverty worldwide in an article in the Smithsonian earlier this year. You can read it here.   Or find out more about his book on the subject, Out of Poverty , by clicking on the cover below.

One important difference between urban poverty in America and the third world, is the presence of government programs to assist the poor. But they can also pose a significant obstacle to climbing out of poverty, as Paul Polack explains.