A central goal of U.S. social welfare policy is to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential as productive adults. Yet it is increasingly clear that where children live plays a central role in determining their life chances. This paper provides an overview of The Urban Institute's Program on Neighborhoods and…

Theoretical review provides psychologists with stronger etiological explanations for problematic behaviors they encounter in schools. Considers theory of gene-environment correlation to explain how behavior patterns can become more stable over life span and diathesis-stress theory to clarify how environment interacts with behavioral dispositions…

Survey of school counselors revealed that schools with a written suicide policy incorporated more of the recommended components of suicide prevention programs than schools lacking written guidelines. Almost half the schools did not use components that are necessary to ensure a systematic and comprehensive suicide prevention program. (RJM)

Presents brief survey of evolution of drug education programming in United States, then examines recent longitudinal research regarding antecedents of drug abuse among young people. Makes suggestions for new approach to drug education programs which would direct intensive interventions at minority of youth who are identifiable in early childhood…

The Roberts Assistance Program (RAP), a model program for student assistance and suicide prevention established in 1988 by the Owen J. Roberts School District in Chester County, Pennsylvania provides services to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Core teams of school professionals from the high school and middle school have received…

Investigates educational risks among 73 homeless children, 6 to 11 years old. Results indicate that access to school was not a problem, but significant school success problems (i.e., achievement and classroom behavior) were seen among the study's 59 African American children. Findings support the feasibility of studying at-risk children in highly…

This document describes the School-Community Guidance Center (SCGC), a center created by the Austin (Texas) Independent School District to provide support services for students assigned to the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) and the Gardner-Betts House (GBH) because of their contact with the juvenile justice system or their at-risk status. The…

A common misconception about gangs is that they resemble past images of motorcycle riders. Society is now faced with what are called "hybrid" gangs whose members are usually 14 to 16 years of age, who dress conservatively, who display subtle gang identifiers, and who are motivated by a combination of profit and poor family life. This…

Examines how children's literature addresses the problems of bullying and victimization among pre- and early-adolescents. Books are reviewed and analyzed relative to the coping and problem-resolution strategies they portray. Individual and group techniques and strategies are suggested as means of incorporating children's literature into counseling…

Argues that teachers seeking to identify what constitutes a crisis for children must consider the child's response to and feelings about the experience, not just the event itself. Reviews common physical, psychological, and social symptoms of crisis. Discusses ways to help children in crisis while maintaining appropriate boundaries. (PAA)

Describes a study that surveyed undergraduates who were considered at high risk for pathological Internet use. Discusses questions that assessed evidence that Internet use was causing academic, work, or interpersonal problems, distress, tolerance symptoms, and mood-alterations; addresses gender issues; and reports results from the UCLA Loneliness…

Describes innovative school programs for students at risk for alcohol and other drug problems. Describes model programs in Puget Sound school districts as involving school, families, community agencies, and youth in efforts to create school environments free of substance abuse and violence. (Author/NB)

This resource book was created to address many of the areas that place children at risk for educational and social failure. It consists of handouts and fact sheets that educators and psychologists can photocopy and distribute to parents, teachers, and other educators so that they can more broadly understand and address some of the situations that…

Describes techniques for successful behavioral contracting with children, such as positively defining the desired behavior, establishing a behavioral count, and rewarding the behavior. Argues that, in addition to impeding inappropriate or off-task behavior, the contracting system also works with children who are shy and withdrawn. (RJM)

Attempts to clarify the complex relationship between the identification of at-risk students and the ways educators try to retain them in school. Examines student problems from three different perspectives: the idiosyncratic, the sociocultural, and the institutional. Common student problems of learning, inappropriate behavior, depression, and…