The increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts among sexual minority youths have been documented in studies using both convenience samples and representative community samples. However, as most youths do not access social services, these studies do not necessarily represent the sexual minority youths that community-based social workers may…

Claims successful institutionalization of emancipation programs for youths in foster care will depend on a variety of factors, including astute political opposition to the current administration, production of accurate outcome data from the programs, community acceptance, and agency change. Contends independent living is a healthy goal for…

Examines youth services center in People's Republic of China. Notes that, because this type of program must earn its own living in communist state, it offers services that can survive market test rather than those that focus on social welfare goals. Describes program as concerned with preferences of socialist youths rather than with needs of…

Compared homeless and nonhomeless youths who sought help at runaway shelters in eight states. Both groups reported range of personal, family, and school problems, but problems of homeless group were more chronic than those of nonhomeless group. Most homeless youths lacked stable, supportive family to which they could return. (Author/NB)

An adolescent's request for an abortion raises many ethical and practical issues. The social worker must help the girl weigh the various alternatives, resolve the abortion crisis to her own satisfaction, and view the experience as one episode in her growth toward adulthood. (Author)

Suggests an association between negative sexual experiences in adolescents, low self-image, and subsequent deviant adult life styles. Results of a survey of prostitutes and a corresponding sample of female offenders showed that the prostitutes reported significantly more negative sexual experiences in adolescence. (Author/JAC)

Increasing attention is being paid to group homes as an alternative form of residential care for adolescents. In the home described here, young people who had been recommended for hospitalization or long-term residential treatment were helped by nonprofessional counselors to deal with their problems successfully. (Author)

Records of 125 randomly selected status offenders who appeared before Worcester, Massachusetts Juvenile Court (1973) were reviewed; demographic and offense-related data were analyzed. Exposes myths surrounding decriminalization, views decriminalization as effective in removing status offenders from stigmatizing effects of court involvement. (NRB)

Presents a national profile of youth problems and a literature review that focuses on the causes of each of the problem areas. Reviews what is known about preventive measures and the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies. Details the status of youth, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, substance abuse, and delinquency. (RJM)

This article discusses the trend away from large institutional placement toward small residences for troubled youth. The purpose, success, and recommended specifications for urban homes are mentioned. Also discussed are community attitudes and economic factors. (BW)

Cyclic fluctuations in juvenile justice policy and their relationship to policy, practice, and youth crime are examined. This analysis suggests that overall crime rates are independent of prevailing juvenile justice policies. These findings support targeted prevention efforts including policy reforms, public education efforts, and social practice…

Uses lifespan and ecological frameworks to investigate the factors associated with early adolescent sexual activity. Results from 803 African American and Hispanic adolescents suggest a high prevalence of early sexual activity, corresponding to higher rates of childbearing and risky sexual behavior when compared to sexual activity initiated in…

The Cincinnati Children's Hospital treated preadolescent children for symptoms, signs, or complaints of sexual abuse. The alleged abuser was known to the children in 72 percent of the cases. Describes the hospital's procedure for identifying these children and the follow-up services necessary for their protection and emotional adjustment. (Author)

Explores the perceptions of middle-class parents who have placed an adolescent child in residential treatment in a sectarian agency. Identifies two pathways to placement, a long and a short route, and describes psychosocial events, experiences, and family environments that are associated with the pathways. (Author)

Programs of diversion and deinstitutionalization are not nearly as revolutionary as experts in the area of juvenile justice would have us believe. They offer control rather than treatment, and have actually increased the length of time that the youth can expect to be detained. (Author)