Research has established the dangers of early onset substance use for young adolescents and its links to a host of developmental problems. Because critical developmental detours can begin or be exacerbated during early adolescence, specialized interventions that target known risk and protective factors in this period are needed. This controlled…

The focus of this study was to qualitatively evaluate worker's attitudes about clinical supervision. It is believed that poor attitudes toward clinical supervision can create barriers during supervision sessions. Fifty-one participants within a social services organization completed an open-ended questionnaire regarding their clinical supervision…

This issue of "The Link" newsletter contains the following articles: (1) CWLA National Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice Position Paper; (2) Director's Message; (3) Interview with Ed Kelley, NACJJ Chair; (4) Research on Pathways to Desistance; and (5) The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention "Model Programs Guide." Individual…

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has implemented a program, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), to help establish local community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities for children to: (1) meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects; (2) offer students a broad array of…

Drawing on theories of symbolic interaction, some researchers have suggested that negative reflected appraisal imposes a "delinquent" identity on adolescents whom adults and peers perceive as delinquent, creating ego identity discomfort that these adolescents seek to mitigate through association with drug-using peers for whom the…

Associations of behavioral health risks and healthy behaviors with self-reported health-related quality of life measures were investigated in a Northern Plains American Indian sample. Participants were surveyed in person using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The results showed that regular physical activity was significantly…

This study examined the association between dating violence victimization and psychosocial risk and protective factors among Latino early adolescents. An anonymous, cross-sectional, self-reported survey was administered to a convenience sample of Latino youth (n = 322) aged 11 to 13 residing in suburban Washington, D.C. The dependent variable was…

The author profiles the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of victimization among a group of youths with hearing loss presenting to substance abuse treatment. Intake data on 111 deaf and hard of hearing youths (42% female) were analyzed and compared with data from a weighted, gender-matched sample of hearing youths. After gender is…

Evaluated streamlined admission procedures for adolescents entering outpatient substance abuse treatment, comparing 128 adolescents receiving existing procedures with 149 receiving the new admission and admission tracking procedures. Results show that adolescents were admitted to treatment sooner under the new procedures, but the percentage who…

Inhalant abuse, or "huffing," is disturbingly common among children and adolescents. This article outlines some alarming facts about this form of drug abuse, which often begins at an early age. (Author)

Reviews incidence of substance abuse and implications for practice. Discusses variables that might be altered to prevent abuse among clients. Explores substance abuse theory, school and peer environment, family, the media, community movements, and business and industry in regard to prevention and treatment. (Author/NB)

Most states enroll individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Medicaid managed care plans. The impact of managed care on these individuals, especially those with substance abuse disorders, is not well understood. A review of the literature related to substance abuse, disability, and Medicaid managed care…

This article discusses the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse's CASA Safe Haven, an evidence-based, community-driven intervention program for children and families in child welfare whose lives have been adversely affected by substance abuse, and for staff in the agencies that work with them. CASA Safe Haven builds collaborative…

This practice parameter describes the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with substance use disorders and is based on scientific evidence and clinical consensus regarding diagnosis and effective treatment as well as on the current state of clinical practice. This parameter considers risk factors for substance use and related…

Social justice is a core value to the mission of social work. Older people are among the most vulnerable populations for whom social workers are called on to advocate. Although Medicare prescription drug coverage has been a top legislative issue over the past few years, such a benefit expansion has yet to be implemented. This article examines the…