A review of several adolescent suicide prevention procedures and empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness finds that, although research is limited, best practice involves a school-based prevention approach that includes a mixture of primary and secondary prevention components. Seven specific recommendations to schools are offered. (DB)

This paper examines the increased risk for substance abuse faced by students with emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, and learning disabilities. The paper discusses approaches to substance abuse prevention in regular education, application of such programs for special populations, and suggestions for expanding programs to address specific…

A child development team in a children's services unit of a mental health center should: (1) formulate a broad philosophy of treatment for young child clients; (2) evaluate treatment approaches to determine the extent to which they facilitate or conflict with that philosophy; (3) assess inservice training needs to ensure competency-based service…

Problems in early identification of children with emotional or behavioral disorders in current systems of care are discussed along with current methods for early screening. Use of early detection and ongoing assessment of response as a basis for more focused intervention is suggested. Primary and secondary prevention issues are also discussed.…

The article addresses the exclusion of social maladjustment from the federal definition of serious emotional disturbance and proposes a limited interpretation which would prevent the inappropriate exclusion of students with antisocial behavior from special education services. Briefly discussed are related issues of identification and programing.…

Seven papers focus on issues in identification and educational program planning for children with emotional disturbances. "Social Policy Issues in Special Education and Related Services for Emotionally Disturbed Children and Youth" (J. Kauffman), touches on problems with the federal definition of and terminology about the emotionally…

Current economic and political problems and the unclear nature of human services delivery systems create problems for the application of an ecological perspective in planning services for children with emotional disturbances. During conservative periods, the ecological approach, which emphasizes the role of environment, is generally replaced by…

Addresses research-based issues related to preparing teachers and other professionals to work with children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Discussion includes an identification of basic personnel preparation questions to be addressed, components of an effective training program, steps for establishing program effectiveness, and…

This discussion of special education and mental health services for minority severely emotionally disturbed children identifies several issues in service delivery and impediments to service delivery. The identified issues are divided into the following categories: program development, the coordination of services, and service delivery systems;…

Children with serious emotional disorders receive inadequate and inappropriate services, rather than the comprehensive and coordinated system of care needed. To develop the knowledge needed to provide adequate and appropriate services, an alliance is needed among advocates, practitioners, and researchers. The Mental Health Services Program for…

This monograph presents an overview of the current status of programs for students with serious emotional disturbances in California and makes recommendations for program improvements. An introductory chapter summarizes important themes including screening, prevention, and early intervention; definitions; eligibility issues; assessment;…

Charges that the National Agenda for Achieving Better Outcomes for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance is so general and all encompassing that it is an inadequate guide for action, and urges a clearer direction. Commentaries are offered on following articles in the issue that address the agenda's seven targets. (Author/CR)

In spite of the most adverse circumstances, some children manage to survive and even thrive, academically and socially, into adulthood. A complex array of individual, family, and community factors has been identified that best explains resilience and lays the foundation for programs and interventions targeted at fostering the development and…

This document assists with the development of comprehensive, coordinated, school-linked services for students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD). Part 1 provides awareness of issues involved in creating comprehensive flexible programs for students with EBD. It begins with a discussion of specific problems: unserved students, cultural bias,…

This paper examines the current status of U.S. children's mental health and its impact on children's ability to learn. It notes the incidence of mental disorders in children, risk factors predisposing children to mental disorders, and symptoms of children with serious emotional disturbances. It explores the school-based and community-based…