Childhood exposure to traumatic events is a major public health problem in the United States. Traumatic events can include witnessing or experiencing physical or sexual abuse, violence in families and communities, loss of a loved one, refugee and war experiences, living with a family member whose caregiving ability is impaired, and having a…

Provides an overview of substance-abuse prevention strategies targeting children and adolescents in the United States. Discusses the effectiveness of several major prevention approaches and programs and their implications for service providers. (Author)

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a scientifically-supported program for family members who are desperate to get a treatment-refusing substance abuser to enter treatment (Meyers & Wolfe, 2004; Sisson & Azrin, 1986; Smith & Meyers, 2004). CRAFT teaches these family members how to apply behavioral principles at home so that…

Drug abuse and crime rates in the United States have surged to alarming levels in the 1990s and could increase to epidemic proportions if not addressed appropriately. The identification and evaluation of the programs that Idaho utilizes in fighting crime and reducing drug use are covered in this booklet. The report focuses on two different…

This report details characteristics of 50 family care programs that provide comprehensive, individualized services to families struggling with various problems, as well as services that allow parents and children to continue living together in supervised living arrangements for extended periods. Data were collected through in-depth telephone…

In 1993, "Signs of Effectiveness in Preventing Alcohol and Other Drug Problems" appeared. It addressed alcohol and other drug use as a health problem influenced by risk factors in five life spheres or domains: individual, family, school, peer group, and community. Like its predecessor, "Signs of Effectiveness II" reports on…

History shows that humankind has always had an appetite for psychoactive substances. Since young people are especially vulnerable to drug abuse, the etiology, epidemiology, and prevention literature on substance use by school-aged children are examined in this booklet. It gives information on, and examples of, preventive approaches and programs in…

This publication discusses the effects of the physical environment on the maturation of children in developing nations. Part 1 examines the conceptual framework of a strategy for environmental improvement that includes the social, economic, and political underpinnings necessary for the success of such an approach. Part 2 discusses the quality of…

This manual presents information about major causes of developmental disabilities, discusses strategies to prevent development disabilities, and identifies relevant resources and reference material. Introductory information defines developmental disabilities and prevention (under Virginia statutes). The first section considers causes prior to and…

Behavioral problems are the most common mental health problem in children and adolescents worldwide. For several decades there has been a growing body of scientific knowledge of the factors influencing the development of antisocial behavior. There are several intervention and prevention programs, the most effective of which activate parents,…

This book argues that many U.S. children are at risk because of poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, poor health, illiteracy, racial prejudice, and the eruption of unprecedented levels of violence both in inner cities and across the country. It provides a comprehensive overview of the crises young children and adolescents face and the decisions that…

As states respond to major welfare legislation in providing assistance and other interventions to help adults on welfare become ready to work, the challenge of helping these adults in their parenting skills and in promoting resilience in their children has often been ignored. This issue brief addresses the challenge of promoting resilience in…

This handbook analyzes current problems related to the health, early child care and education, and availability of resources and supports for children, youth, and families in Pennsylvania; discusses current efforts to address these problems; and suggests short- and long-term objectives for state activities. Part 1, "Child Health,"…

Developed to assist policymakers and family service providers, this document is an inventory of programs for Nebraska children and families, focusing on service programs and excluding basic elementary and secondary education. The programs described fall into 16 areas: (1) abuse and neglect, including prevention and protection; (2) adoption; (3)…