Examines issues and needs of individuals who are physically disabled and have substance abuse problems. Explores reasons for high rate of substance abuse among individuals who are physically disabled. Addresses treatment considerations for such individuals, including individual, family, and educational counseling. Examines prevention issues and…

Examined effects of training of day caregivers in drug and alcohol abuse prevention skills. Found significant improvement in participant learning and skill application over mere provision of training materials without accompanying training sessions. Act of attending sessions appeared to increase participant feelings of responsibility for…

Summarizes some well-informed suggestions on how to deal with gang problems from variety of sources. Examines what educators and schools can do; how one relates individually to gang members; and what community and parent action can be taken. Provides details on additional useful resources. (Author/NB)

Demonstrates use of action research in project to mobilize youths and adults living in rapidly changing, culturally pluralistic, low-income suburban community to confront impact of drug and alcohol abuse in context of mutual respect and support. Explains how group of youths, in partnership with professionals, surveyed their contemporaries with…

The typical American playground is antiquated, hazardous, and inappropriate for the developmental needs of children. The paper explains how design, installation, maintenance, and supervision are critical in preventing playground injuries and resulting litigation, noting the importance of regular training for everyone who supervises children on the…

This issue's "Voices of Pioneers" segment features the work of Karl Menninger, pre-eminent psychiatrist, and his contributions to prison reform, mental health, and child care systems. Notes many of Menninger's books and writings, including relevant quotes throughout the article. Also describes Menninger's concern over the plight of…

Neither health education nor suspension appears to help tobacco-addicted students cut back or stop smoking completely. This article describes a Long Island high school's efforts to help 27 (volunteer) students develop their own smoke-cessation program. Most participants, who had begun smoking in middle school, reduced their tobacco dependency, and…

Describes various health care initiatives at British Columbia secondary school, including substance-abuse-prevention program staffed by prevention counselor who "hangs out" with 25-75 adolescents daily; a peer counseling program called SHOUT (Students Helping Others Understand Troubles), an alternative education approach for students…

Describes an under-recognized target population for adolescent pregnancy prevention: the younger sisters of childbearing teens. Data from several studies highlight several potential prepregnancy-risk characteristics that are particularly present in this group. These young women have disproportionately higher rates of early pregnancy and…

Reports on a meeting of a national group of college presidents who came together to tackle the problem of student drinking on campus. The presidents concluded that they are in a unique position to mobilize a widespread campaign to curb drinking. Describes the campaign. Includes a list of the group's recommendations and contact information.…

Professional groups identified as "gatekeepers" who might serve as first line of assistance for distressed young people were surveyed (N=219). Low levels of knowledge about suicide risk were found. Educational efforts directed at risk identification and prevention, attitudinal issues, and communication with young suicidal people are…

The relationship of 18 parolee characteristics to outcome of parole was investigated (N=254). Three variables predicted likelihood of parole violation: length of sentence; parole officer's assessment of risk; and previous parole (negative relationship). This study is discussed within labeling theory and its model of deviant career development.…

Results of a survey regarding school violence and gang intervention sent to school psychologists (N=213) indicate that the majority of training programs provided substantial intervention training for more traditional behavioral concerns. Training in school-violence prevention and in particular youth gang prevention and intervention were lower…

Provides guidelines for creating and promoting healthy environments in early-childhood education programs in order to prevent and control the spread of contagious disease. Offers illness-prevention strategies, practical suggestions for health-education curricula, and a self-assessment check list for early-childhood settings. Includes resources for…

Offers techniques to identify classroom bullies and victims, steps for controlling fighting, and ways teachers can protect themselves and their students. (SK)