This is a report of a governor's task force established to investigate alcohol abuse by youth and young adults in Maryland. Since the task force was informed that young people use whatever drug is readily available including marijuana and cocaine, substance abuse in general is included in the report. The introduction discusses the task force's…

This report presents results of an extensive study undertaken to determine the factors contributing to the high dropout rate in the Los Angeles Unified School District, to review options offered to students, and to make recommendations for addressing the dropout problem. First, a list of the 27 people who formed the study committee is provided. A…

For homeless children, assuming responsibility for their own survival is an act of self-empowerment. However, society tends to see these children as victims to be rescued, delinquents who need to be disciplined, or else they are ignored. These views deny the resourcefulness of children who survive under these conditions. A study was conducted of…

This Congressional report discusses a House bill, the Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Act of 1986. This bill mandates the provision of federal assistance to states for programs of drug abuse education and prevention at the state level, in elementary and secondary schools, through community based organizations, and at institutions of higher…

The pros and cons of sexuality education are discussed in this report from Planned Parenthood. Research on the effectiveness of sexuality education has focused primarily on college students, having little relevance for teenage sexuality education. The Kirby report, two studies of the effects of sexuality education on teenagers' attitudes,…

This paper describes a hot-stamping operation undertaken at Drexel University in an attempt to prevent computer theft on campus. The program was initiated in response to the University's anticipated receipt of up to 3,000 Macintosh microcomputers per year and the consequent publicity the university was receiving. All clusters of computers (e.g.,…

This report reviews, recounts, and assesses the accomplishments and progress made to date by many public health professionals engaged collectively in a nationwide health education-risk reduction program. Papers are presented outlining progress by health agencies, working alone or in collaboration, whose basic goals were: (1) inventory of statewide…

This document provides witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the issue of adolescent pregnancy. Opening statements are given by Congressmen Henry A. Waxman, Robert Carcia, James Scheuer, and James V. Hansen. Witnesses include William Butz and Martin O'Connell from the Bureau of the Census who…

Children's suicidal behavior is surrounded by controversy with no single theory to explain or assess vulnerable children. Since accidents are the leading cause of death among children it is possible that some of these deaths are suicides. Beliefs by parents and professionals that children are not capable of suicidal behavior are being disproved as…

This document is a short summary of teenage suicide issues intended for use by teachers. Possible causes for teenage suicide are discussed, including: (1) chemical abuse; (2) unrealistic view of death; (3) the nuclear threat; (4) societal changes; (5) family changes; (6) lifestyle decisions; (7) academic pressures; and (8) the success code.…

This document contains witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the plight of child victims of exploitation. The opening statement by Congresswoman Boggs outlines federal legislation and Congressional action regarding the exploitation of children. Representative McCain discusses legislation he…

This document is an instructional guide for use by local Boys Clubs of America in promoting delinquency prevention and in designing programs to address the problem of the inappropriate detention of juveniles. The problem of inappropriate youth detention and the need for Boys Clubs to provide alternatives to detention are discussed in the…

The booklet presents basic facts about child abuse. It is intended for the person who knows very little about the problem but wants to get involved in finding some solutions for the future. Initial sections touch on the nature and scope of abuse. Physical, emotional, sexual, social, and educational types of abuse are examined, and myths related to…

Obesity in children is a problem both insidious and acute. Childhood obesity has been indicated as a forerunner of adult obesity; it is also an immediate problem for the child. Given the lack of evidence for long term maintenance of any weight loss, this paper investigates the etiology of the disorder as a prelude to prevention. Upon review of the…

Passage of the Toy Safety Act of 1984 (S.2650) would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to order the immediate recall of toys and children's articles that create a substantial risk of injury to children. The CPSC would no longer be required to issue a final rule banning a hazardous toy or article before it may begin a recall…