The authors trace the history and evolution of school, family, and community approaches to preventing child and adolescent problem behaviour. Empirical evidence pertaining to the prevention of substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, violence, and school dropout is reviewed. Efficacious programme strategies are identified and characteristics of effective programmes are discussed. Programme implementation, fidelity, and adaptation challenges are noted. Practice, policy, and education efforts necessary to advance prevention in school, family, and community settings are delineated.

This book presents a multilevel intervention and prevention program for at-risk adolescents and their families. Grounded in over 15 years of important clinical and developmental research, the Adolescent Transitions Program (ATP) has been nationally recognized as a best practice for strengthening families and reducing adolescent substance use and antisocial behavior. The major focus is to support parents' skills and motivation to reduce adolescent problem behavior and promote success. Spelling out the why, what, and how of this proactive, culturally informed intervention, the volume provides a solid scientific framework and all of the materials needed to implement the program in school or community settings. Included are illustrative case examples and an appendix featuring reproducible handouts and forms.

This comprehensive volume reviews current knowledge about multiple problem behaviors in adolescence, focusing on "what works" in prevention and treatment. Cutting-edge research is presented on the epidemiology, development, and social costs of four youth problems that frequently co-occur: serious antisocial behavior, drug and alcohol misuse, tobacco smoking, and risky sexual behavior. A framework for reducing these behaviors is outlined, drawing on both clinical and public health perspectives, and empirically supported prevention and treatment programs are identified. Also addressed are ways to promote the development, dissemination, and effective implementation of research-based intervention practices. Authored by an interdisciplinary panel of experts, this is a state-of-the-science sourcebook and text for anyone working with or studying adolescents at risk.

Adolescence is a period characterized by both increased susceptibility to risks and new-found strength to withstand them. Whilst most young people are well equipped to manage the changes associated with growing up, other maladjusted and marginalized adolescents already have, or are at risk of developing, mental health problems. Adolescent Mental Health: Prevention and Intervention is a concise and accessible overview of our current knowledge on effective treatment and prevention programs for young people with mental health problems. Whilst addressing some of the most common mental health issues among young people, such as behavioral problems and drug-related difficulties, it also offers a fuller understanding of the evidence-based treatment and prevention programs that are built upon what we know about how these behavioral and emotional problems develop and are sustained. The volume illustrates contemporary and empirically supported interventions and prevention efforts through a series of case studies. It has been fully updated in line with the latest NICE and DSM-V guidelines, and now includes an added chapter on implementation, and what factors facilitate implementation processes of intervention efforts. Adolescent Mental Health: Prevention and Intervention will be essential reading for students and practitioners in the fields of child welfare and mental health services, and any professional working with adolescents at risk of developing mental health problems.

"The authors conducted a prevention program called Fast Track, consisting of multicomponent, home-school prevention activities carried out with at-risk children from first to 10th grades over a 10-year period, to prevent serious antisocial behavior and youth violence and achieve positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes. They describe the research that informed the design of the program as part of their Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group, how the study was implemented, and outcomes up to 20 years later. They discuss the context for youth violence prevention in the US; the developmental and intervention research that informed the design of the program; the study design and the children and families who participated in it; interventions and impacts in elementary, middle, and high school years; early adult outcomes of the program; implications for developmental theory and research on the prevention of violence; and how communities can address the problem of future violence by focusing on high-risk young children."--Provided by publisher.

How do problem behaviors develop in adolescents? Why is teen crime and suicide on the rise? Are there reliable ways to prevent or treat these problems? A team of experts from research, clinical, and medical settings finds answers to these questions while exploring adolescent dysfunctional behavior. Divided into three informative parts, this book provides in-depth coverage of topics such as teen defiance and hostility, criminal misconduct, substance abuse, depression, eating disorders, suicide, and mental illness. Concluding with a thoughtful comparison of school-based, home-based, and combined/coordinated treatment strategies, Adolescent Dysfunctional Behavior succeeds in introducing its audience to the many facets and treatments of adolescent problems. Especially useful for researchers and students in developmental psychology, psychology, family studies, sociology, education research, social work, and public health. However, this accessible book provides invaluable information for parents, foster parents, group home facilitators, or anyone who works regularly with adolescents.

As we enter the new millennium, promoting sound mental health and positive behavior of adolescents has undeniably taken on greater significance than ever before. To that end, more and more research is confirming what many have suspected for years: environment and community surroundings have a major affect on an adolescent’s well-being and overall mental health. And because no single causal agent triggers teenage pathology—and no one-size-fits-all treatment is available—the Handbook of Adolescent Behavior Problems offers a comprehensive and integrative biopsychosocial approach to effective practice. This volume examines not only the psychological and genetic factors underlying dysfunction, it also explores the critical roles that family members, peers, and the larger community play in an adolescent’s life. It offers current interdisciplinary perspectives on adolescent development, both functional and pathological, and provides coverage that is clear, accessible, and practical on such topics as: Major disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, developmental delays, and conduct disorders. Behavior problems, such as substance abuse, sexual offenses, teen pregnancy, school failure, gambling, and gang violence. Best practices, reviewing what works (i.e., interventions that have been rigorously validated), what might work (i.e., those in need of further study), and what doesn’t work. Residential interventions as well as community treatment. Risk and resiliency factors. Ongoing and emerging pharmaceutical issues. Each chapter focuses on a specific behavior or disorder and is formatted to help readers quickly locate needed information. The Handbook of Adolescent Behavior Problems provides a solid foundation for understanding the adolescent experience and the influence of the family and community as well as much-needed information on the development of evidence-based practices. It is designed to be a one-stop reference for anyone working with adolescents—developmental psychologists, clinical and school psychologists, and education specialists as well as for graduate students in these areas.