Provides background to a forum on psychological mistreatment of children. This forum attempts to stimulate efforts to examine the prevention, treatment, research, and policy aspects of this phenomenon, which many psychologists contend is the core issue in child abuse and neglect. (Author/LHW)

Psychological maltreatment appears to be more prevalent and potentially more destructive than other forms of child abuse and neglect. However, it receives little attention from the public or professional sector. This article reviews the literature and concludes that psychological maltreatment is the core issue in child maltreatment. (Author/LHW)

Identifies several research directions for psychologists interested in studying the psychological maltreatment of children and youth. In order to organize research, two conceptual perspectives are suggested: ecological and developmental. Policy issues are also discussed. (Author/LHW)

Describes the Meaningful Other Person (MOP) program instituted at a North Carolina ninth grade center that reduced the dropout rate by 50 percent. (FL)

To improve school bus safety it is important to improve school bus data collection. Includes discussion of danger potential of older bridges and the importance of school bus drivers. (MD)

Recounts the suicide of Nico Speijer, the "grand old man" of suicidology in the Netherlands. Contends that his case is related to ethical issues in suicide prevention. Offers a set of criteria by which to decide when suicide should not necessarily be prevented, nor its helpers punished by law. (Author/ABB)

Executives at institutions of higher education have become increasingly concerned about serious crimes being committed on their campuses. The liability issue, criminal activity information, physical security and design issues, student patrol escorts, crime prevention training, and task force development are discussed. (MLW)

There are ways to fire an unproductive volunteer and still do minimal damage to both the volunteer and the alumni association, but an ounce of prevention is advocated. Some types of volunteers that might cause problems are identified and advice on what to do when dismissing a volunteer is provided. (MLW)

Describes an evaluation of a self-report questionnaire administered to seventh graders (N=396). Using the test-retest reliability matrix, eight of nine drug-use indices appeared to have acceptable to good reliability. The three measures included in the test-retest reliability matrix provide stronger evidence for good reliability than could any…

Health and safety guidelines for secondary and elementary art classes are outlined. It is the teacher's responsibility to insist upon compliance. (RM)

Dropout statistics for Portland, Oregon, high schools reveal that the schools themselves, and the assignment of students to specific schools, may be more important than previously thought in determining dropout rates. Thus, programs in the high schools and open transfer provisions may be cost-effective means of providing for needs of potential…

A high school in Oregon has had positive results from the development of a dropout prevention program. Students meet together each day, develop goals, and earn credits for successful efforts. Program design and implementation are described. (DF)

A description is presented of a marital program provided couples by a marital and family therapy training center. Included are the goals, topics, techniques, and procedures for conducting a premarital assessment. (Author)

Presents a scenario related to the disposal of potentially dangerous ether. Several suggestions for dealing with peroxide-forming compounds are included. (JN)

To avoid expensive and time-consuming negligence suits, schools everywhere should take thorough precautions against assaults on or near their premises; measures against unauthorized visitors are particulary important. School staff should register and monitor authorized visitors, and strangers in or near the school should be reported immediately.…