Problems in early identification of children with emotional or behavioral disorders in current systems of care are discussed along with current methods for early screening. Use of early detection and ongoing assessment of response as a basis for more focused intervention is suggested. Primary and secondary prevention issues are also discussed.…

Retrospective examination of relationships between independent social system variables and prevalence rates for emotionally disturbed (ED) children revealed that ED Ss are significantly underdetected and underserved in public school systems, social and economic factors affect the type of service provided, and attitudinal variables affect both…

An investigation of service delivery to emotionally disturbed students in rural and urban areas of three midwestern states revealed that in general rural areas had more severe service delivery problems. Recommendations were made, including increased emphasis on early identification, noncategorical approaches, and alterations in teacher education.…

The position paper discusses issues surrounding definition and identification procedures used for students with behavior disorders. Five recommendations address the need for revision of the federal definition, elimination of arbitrary exclusions, focus on sources of data collection, alternative models of service delivery, and priority needs for…

Discussed are practices used in Nevada to differentiate students who are conduct disordered or socially maladjusted from those who are seriously emotionally handicapped. Programs for students with conduct disorders are described, and implications of Nevada's approach to serving the behaviorally disordered are considered. (DB)

Results of a survey of 145 special education administrators in 27 states are presented under 4 headings: student identification practices; service delivery; student exit procedures; and program evaluation practices. Findings indicate student identification procedures are fairly well developed, whereas student exit and evaluation practices are less…

During the implementation of a cross-agency, co-located service delivery system, the number of youths eligible for public mental health services in Santa Barbara County increased from 956 to 1,826 and the number of youths eligible for special education services for students with emotional/behavioral disorders increased from 101 to 204. (Contains…

The survey of 137 community colleges found that individuals with emotional disorders were identified by 77 percent of the colleges and that 83 percent of the colleges provide services for such students. Respondents reported a desire to serve adults with emotional disorders but most were unable to expand services to this population. (Author/DB)

A task force of the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders identified seven goals for educators and mental health professionals providing services to culturally diverse students. The goals address such topics as: misidentification of culturally based behavior as a behavior disorder, culturally and linguistically competent assessment,…

Four papers comment on the work of the National Special Education and Mental Health Coalition, a group attempting to identify and remediate problems of behaviorally disordered/emotionally disturbed children/youth. Specifically discussed are: service-related issues, the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders' role, and the Council for…

Canada is a country composed of 10 provinces and three territories with very limited federal control over the public K-12 education system. This lack of consistent direction has led to a range of diverse educational policies for educating students with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD). This article investigates the current state of policies…

Problem statements were drafted by a coalition of 16 organizations concerned with education or mental health of children and adolescents. Focusing on the needs of children with behavioral or emotional disorders, the statements cover: parent advocacy, identification and assessment, service delivery, ethnic and cultural diversity, interagency…