Testimony considers the rapidly growing Hispanic population and the special problems facing it including high rates of unemployment; school dropouts; teenage pregnancy; drug and alcohol abuse; poverty; lack of affordable housing; child physical and sexual abuse; and health problems, such as low-birth-weight infants and the high incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The cultural diversity within the Hispanic community is discussed and its implications for programming are considered. Programs targeted to at-risk Hispanic families and children are described including health, mental health, social, child protective, education, and training and employment services. A private sector economic development organization composed of Puerto Rican/Hispanic businesses is described. Youth action and community development and leadership programs also are discussed. The need for increased initiatives from both the Government and private sectors, in these areas is considered; recommendations for program funding and technical assistance are made.