https://www.blender.org/manual/modeling/curves/editing/deform.html
"The Stretch curve option allows you to let the mesh object stretch, or squeeze, over the entire curve. This option is in Object Data properties, for the “parent” curve. See (Curve and Surface panel)."
I tried to parent(curve deform) Suzanne to a curve and it does work
But I dont see a "stretch" option, bounds clamps, radius, or offset children options.
But I do have the "follow" option in the
[properties editor->object Data->path animation]
of the Bezier curve.