The Third Lie

"Challenging both sides of the political spectrum, Gelles delivers a compelling case for the limits of government intervention along with a stimulating argument for creating a national program that works for children. A provocative study by one of the nation's leading child welfare scholars, this book should spark a serious debate about how to advance policies that benefit children - required reading for anyone interested in the future course of US social welfare policy." --Neil Gilbert, Chernin Professor of Social Welfare and Co-Director of the Center for Child and Youth Policy, University of California, Berkeley "The title of Richard Gelles' The Third Lie: Why Government Programs Don't Work--and a Blueprint for Change' signals the kind of book this is. It is irreverent, generously sprinkled with catchy phrases and well-told (if sometimes simplified) stories of government underperformance, and serious about challenging us to change. In all, Gelles has written a tough critique of American social policy with substantial amounts of wit, anecdote, and lessons learned from decades of being a leading social scientist. His Futures Account' proposal to invest in universal prevention programs that would genuinely benefit children in all economic groups is bolder and, also, more detailed than many prior proposals. He rightfully predicts that he will take shots from both sides--it could well be that the Futures Account' will remain standing after the smoke clears. If you relish the idea of rethinking most every aspect of children and family services you will be thankful that you picked up this book." --Richard P. Barth, School of Social Work, University of Maryland "This book presents a very original, unorthodox analysis of what ails us and how we might regain our economic, social, and political health." --Amitai Etzioni, professor, George Washington University