A Conversation about Problem-Solving Publications

The Church has several publications to help families avoid or solve social and emotional problems. This material is intended to assist priesthood leaders in serving the members in their units. The Ensign recently spoke with Larry L. Whiting, LDS Social Services program manager, about some of these publications.

Q: What types of publications are available through LDS Social Services?

A: LDS Social Services has two main divisions: licensed child care services, which manages different types of child placement such as adoption and foster care; and clinical services, which assists priesthood leaders in helping individuals and families who are suffering from social or emotional problems. Several of the publications deal with these two areas and are available to Church members either through their bishops and other priesthood leaders, or through the distribution centers.

Q: Why is the Church involved in producing these types of materials?

A: Part of the three-fold mission of the Church is to assist in perfecting the saints. One aspect of that effort lies in helping members develop social and emotional well being. These publications serve as tools to aid parents in teaching their children, as well as resources for those already plagued by social or emotional problems.

Q: What are some of the publications that are most helpful to Church members?

A: One Church publication we are very excited about is A Parent’s Guide (stock no. PBIC0507). This booklet has just been published and is available through the Church distribution centers. It is designed to help parents create the best possible atmosphere in which to teach their children to understand doctrine and have faith. (See D&C 68:25.) It is especially useful for parents in teaching their families about intimacy through all stages of development. It will also help parents meet the challenges of these morally troubled times by helping them effectively communicate their love and guidance to their children.

The booklet covers all stages of child rearing, from childhood through courtship and marriage, and includes such topics as creating an emotionally warm, positive, but disciplined, climate in your home; helping adolescents develop spiritual power; and interviewing your daughter and her fiancé before marriage.

Q: What are some of the other publications you mentioned?

A: Facts on Infertility (stock no. PASC0259) may help couples having difficulty conceiving a child, or those considering adoption. Resource Manual for Helping Families with Alcohol Problems (stock no. PGSC6258) is also available. This publication deals with some of the causes of alcoholism, doctrinal issues related to the problem, coping with alcoholism’s devastating effects, and how the problem can best be treated.

Other helpful materials include Services for Unwed Parents (stock no. PASC0179), information on Indian Student Placement Services, a guide for managing family resources, One for the Money (stock no. PXWE0031), and LDS Social Services (stock no. PGSC619A), which describes many of the services we offer.

Q: Are there other publications that are available only through priesthood leaders?

A: Yes. Other materials on homosexuality, a newly released booklet on child abuse, and the identification and prevention of suicidal behavior are available to bishops. Priesthood leaders may choose to use any of these as a resource in counseling with members, or they may share the materials, as appropriate, with those having problems. While members cannot obtain these materials directly, it may help them to know that such resources exist and that they can seek help from priesthood leaders. Of course, the scriptures, family home evening manuals, talks from the General Authorities, and curriculum materials are important resources too, particularly in preventing social and emotional problems.

LDS Social Services, with the assistance of trained volunteers, also offers an excellent course on becoming a better parent, with a very helpful parents’ manual. This course and manual, which are separate from the Parent’s Guide I mentioned earlier, are available only through a bishop’s recommendation.

Photography by Michael M. McConkie