A slow rate of growth characterizes the failure-to-thrive syndrome, which usually results among children from simple malnutrition. The juvenile court can often help solve the problem by providing that social service agencies educate parents in proper nutrition. Both this problem and psychosocial dwarfism are usually identified through hospital placement and diagnosis. Psychosocial dwarfism is a condition in which a child fails to grow normally because of a negative or adverse emotional environment. The families of affected children usually deny that a problem exists and bitterly contest such cases in court. Although the immediate termination of parental rights may be the disposition in a child's best interests, the speaker suggests that families be given a chance to rehabilitate themselves with the aid of a social service agency before termination is decided for. A table of contents is included.