Public policy, ethics, government, and law.

Contends that public policy reflects doubt about the effectiveness of professional self-regulation. Alternatives to professional self-regulation have come to the fore, as documented by increased governmental (licensing) regulation and escalation of legal (malpractice) actions. Endorsement of actions (e.g., through allocation of resources) and proactive efforts to circumvent the development of problems (e.g., planning and prevention) are preferred to legislative regulation. A recommendation of macrointervention (focusing on the child but accepting that he/she is part of the human system) is outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)