Presents a model that combines patient medical history and physical examination as a risk-assessment model for gang violence risk and as a tool in promoting violence prevention. The paper explains the evaluation methodology and criteria and offers examples of questioning techniques designed to obtain assessment information. (GR)

Examines elements of programs that have been successful at changing long-term outcomes among disadvantaged children and their families: delivering a wide array of services, building relationship of trust and respect, dealing with children as part of a family, and responding to those most at risk. Suggests ways to overcome barriers to multiplying…

The magnitude of societal violence, issues surrounding organizational and scientific approaches to its control, emerging strategies that promise to advance knowledge of its causes, and the relationships between socioeconomic factors and interpersonal violence are reviewed. An agenda for public and science policy, professional practice, and basic…

Presents responses from local health officers in 237 northeastern and midwestern small to medium-sized cities about their priorities for promoting health through prevention. Improving HIV and AIDS prevention, improving maternal and infant health, reducing sexually transmitted diseases, reducing violence and abusive behavior, and increasing…

Describes two ways in which substance abuse is related to violence: trade in drugs and being under the influence of drugs. The paper argues that reducing the demand for drugs by eliminating the market for them will bring about a reciprocal reduction in substance abuse-related violence. (GR)

Discusses a comprehensive, youth-violence-prevention program in New York City called The Door--A Center of Alternatives. This holistic program addresses the root causes of youth violence such as alienation and lack of empowerment. The Door provides life-skills training and services related to the consequences of poverty, unemployment, low levels…

The following essential elements of programs that prepare physicians to care for at-risk children effectively are described: (1) active participation in children's care; (2) effective service programs for learning; (3) comprehensive, multidisciplinary, flexible, and intensive programs; and (4) program evaluation. The policy implications in…

Explores the problem of urban violence, and discusses a research strategy that can help to explain this phenomenon. The author contends that research might best address violence if it was designed to include variables of poverty and racism and was more inclusive of research from a broader range of scientific disciplines. (GR)

The domestic health profile, family and community role, and federal efforts to help at-risk children are discussed. Federal efforts center on maternal and child health programs that strengthen the family, but other initiatives are necessary to give each child the security and stability needed for healthy development. (SLD)

Discusses appropriate care for children affected prenatally or after birth by parental chemical dependence. There is increasing evidence that environmental intervention by professionals and other caring adults can alleviate these children's distress. Maximizing their development also depends on implementation of child welfare protections and the…

This paper discusses how the health care needs of underserved children, particularly urban children, can be met through an ecological model of health care. Ecoprimary care, infant mortality, and the experiences of King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles (California), an example of maximization of resources, are described. (SLD)

Proposes a policy where money currently being spent on subsidies for poor families and on the effects of illnesses resulting from poverty and crime would be spent instead on preventive health care, day care, education, and job training programs. Advocates helping people become self-sufficient as society's most cost-effective option. (CJS)

Describes the National Drug Control Strategy's nine-pronged approach in addressing drug abuse, which includes the formation of partnerships between federal, state, and local governments and the private and public sectors. The strategy includes prevention initiatives, individualized treatment programs for high-risk groups, education aimed at…

Community-based medical education is key to training physicians to work in needy fields such as outpatient care and health care for the medically underserved. Describes the disadvantages of traditional medical school curricula and presents sample community health curricula now being used. Suggests ways to increase medical students' awareness of…

Studies characteristics of 29 pregnant homeless women (18 African Americans, 6 whites, and 5 others). In general, respondents are young, unmarried minority group members with no income other than entitlements, who have been without a home one year or less. These women have more health problems than the average population. (SLD)