Presenting a documentary statement regarding the background of rural youth health needs, this article includes definitions, barriers to health care for the rural poor (poverty, culture, isolation, immobility, and low priority for health services), and some alternatives (self-care, a wider view of health determinants, living patterns, etc.). (JC)

Reviews relevant literature on the subject of rural adolescent mental health. Discusses demographics, unique situations, and problems of rural youth. Presents impact of the rural economic crisis. Suggests treatment strategies to deal with mental health problems of rural adolescents: individual therapy, family therapy, and peer group programs. (NEC)

Pinpoints several problems in youth services in general and in rural areas in particular. Suggests strategies for overcoming these obstacles: packaging services which meet child's total needs, establishing youth service bureaus to coordinate families and human services resources, and using natural helping networks of the community. (Author/AH)

Among 3,907 seventh-twelfth grade students in rural Illinois, ages at first use for alcohol, tobacco, and drugs were lower than national averages. Specific drug and alcohol education programs should be implemented before age of first use for 10 percent of students. Contains 20 references and 3 data tables. (SV)

Based on a records analysis, the rural youth at increased risk for reentering emergency shelters were adolescent females living in a step-family or female-headed household. Older children reentering care were unlikely to return home. Community-based services are needed to prevent the ongoing cycle of children in emergency shelters and subsequent…

Reports results of three gender expectations questions added to the Monitoring the Future Project questionnaires of 1977, 1983, and 1989, which were administered to high school seniors nationally. Findings from white rural teens indicate that their gender role expectations were changing but lagged behind social and economic realities. Males held…

Discusses two primary rural disability issues: employment needs of, and outcomes for, rural youth with disabilities; and employability development and transition methods. Suggests improvements for service delivery through effective case management, parent education and support, and collaboration among educational and rehabilitation agencies. (KS)

Stresses the importance of developing rural education initiatives that address the changing workforce in rural areas and the accompanying need for career preparation beyond high school. Describes a program at Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) that prepares rural high school students for career decision making and builds connections between rural…

Reviews characteristics of rural drug abuse and general considerations for rural service delivery. Describes the Prevention Project, a rural drug abuse program in Florida, and explains its development, philosophy, and teaching techniques, including a basic educational module for use with rural youth. Includes recommendations for similar programs.…