A description of the Youth Services Demonstration Project currently being conducted at Alcoholism Services of Cleveland is presented. The family systems approach model used by the project incorporates the following procedures into a multiphase program: (1) assessment and contracting sessions; (2) selection of one of three possible treatment…

The document describes the Family Treatment Unit, a demonstration program to provide a variety of family treatment services to status offenders (11 to 17 years old) and their families. The goals of the program are: (1) to provide family services to families of status offenders; (2) to maintain status offenders in their natural homes by…

A pre-marital assessment method is described which utilizes interviews with the young couple, with both sets of parents and group interviewing with all six key persons involved in the plans for marriage. The use of selected tests and particular methods of examining the couple's relationship are discussed. (Author)

An intervention strategy called comprehensive counseling is presented as a new approach to dealing with adolescents who have major problems in traditional schools and at home. Components of this approach include: (1) a learning environment in which instructional and counseling procedures are closely related through joint planning by a staff of…

This paper discribes a comprehensive juvenile delinquency diversion program serving a poverty community in a large urban center, and attempts to evaluate the problems and effects of the program. The target population was primarily minority-group truants, aged 10-15, who had been in trouble with the authorities. The program included recreational…

The Juvenile Intervention Program utilizes the principles of family involvement and peer pressure throughout the program, while the basis of the program involves the education of the participants in such areas as family architecture, family communication patterns and drug knowledge. (Author)

The Parent-Adolescent Relationship Development (PARD) program teaches fathers and their adolescent sons communication skills. Besides improving communication and relationship the PARD program is seen as meeting individual and family developmental needs and the consequent adjustments in relationship. (Author)

Traditional mental health approaches for serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders often fail to yield successful results. However, one method, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), which represents a departure from traditional treatment strategies, is described. MST was designed to provide communities with affordable and effective remedies for…

Described is an adoption agency for difficult to place handicapped and older children (infancy through 16 years-old). The process involves initial assessment of the child's functioning and of the family's parenting capabilities, and continued support after placement. Placement histories of two handicapped children are presented. Reviewed are the…

At the request of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Research and Education Foundation of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy organized a series of 12 panels that focused on family issues in adolescent treatment. In these workshops, panelists discussed the importance of involving the…

Describes a structured group designed for families that include adolescents. The workshop, "Improving Familytalk": (1) assesses communication skills and weaknesses in families, (2) teaches improved communication skills, (3) applies skills by talking about problems and expectations, and (4) teaches how to build positive aspects of family life. (JAC)

Describes an expanded role for counselors in urban school settings that can improve linkages among families, schools, and communities. Discusses school-based family counseling's (SBFC) role, its specific components, the development of SBFC positions, and practical applications. Provides a case study of SBFC intervention and outlines implications…

This report of a panel discussion focuses on the design, rationale, and evaluation of the Adolescent Crisis Unit for Treatment and Evaluation (ACUTE), a program of crisis intervention for young adolescents. An overview of the structure of ACUTE's clinical program describes the efficiency of the program in seeing referrals at the time of crisis,…

This paper reviews the major elements of the functional family therapy model, i.e., the conceptual underpinnings, empirical foundations, treatment goals, and technology. Topics addressed include: (1) the assumption that deviant behavior is an influence strategy not acceptable to others; (2) the use of intervention strategies; (3) the role of the…

During the 1979-1980 school year, 16 severely emotionally disturbed secondary school students participated in the Youth in Psychoeducational Services (YIPS) program. The program provided intensive academic and behavioral treatment, family counseling, and staff development activities. YIPS was evaluated using a model that required the comparison of…