These quick exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact with the local community and to continue research of topics discussed throughout the chapter. 

1. Interview a student who is also a parent. The student can be from your social problems class or any of your other classes. What challenges do student-parents face? How are their challenges different from those of students who are not parents? Does your school support programs or services for parents? Check with your professor about campus policies regarding research involving human subjects.

2. Contact two domestic violence shelters in your community. What is the mission of each organization? Do different shelters serve different groups? If so, how are services tailored to various groups? Does each program promote violence prevention? Domestic shelters often support student internships for a quarter or semester. If you’re interested in learning more about a shelter, ask about its internship program.

3. Identify your school’s family-friendly policies. Does your school provide child care on-site? Has your school provided leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act? You may have to contact the human resources department in your school for more information.

4. Investigate your state’s safe-haven law for abandoned babies. Have there been any recent cases of abandonment?