This is a good little puzzle.
Apparently it was an iq test involved at a job interview in japan.
Here are the rules:
1. Only 2 persons on the raft at a time
2. The father can not stay with any of the daughters without their mother's presence
3. The mother can not stay with any of the sons without their father's presence
4. The thief (striped shirt) can not stay with any family member if the Policeman is not there
5. Only the Father, the Mother and the Policeman know how to operate the raft
6. To move the people click on them.
7. To move the raft click on the pole on the opposite side of the river.
http://freeweb.siol.net/danej/riverIQGame.swf
If it doesnt automatically start click on the
Blue Circle to Start
I found the way to do it after few mins. I am sure most of you will to.