Summarizes research reports that discuss students' ignorance about U.S. government, document modest progress toward Goals 2000 objectives, suggest changing and/or limiting school boards' roles, enumerate major societal threats to children, and reveal parents' lack of knowledge about charter schools and vouchers. (MLH)

Examined effects of four coping dimensions on conduct problems, depression, and achievement in multiethnic, inner- city sample of early adolescents. Found that for girls, interactions of active coping with family and community stress revealed a classic stress-buffering effect for active coping. Findings for boys did not support this effect.…

This study examined relations between therapist, caregiver, and youth characteristics and therapist adherence to multisystemic therapy (MST). Participants were 405 therapists in 45 organizations and the 1,711 families they treated with MST. Therapist perceptions that the flexible hours required to implement MST are problematic predicted lower…

Jeff Weise, the 16 year old from Red Lake, Minnesota, who in March 2005 killed five students and a teacher at his high school (as well as his grandfather, his grandfather's companion, and himself) bears a striking resemblance to more than two dozen teens who since 1996 have gone on shooting rampages in schools across the country. They, like Jeff,…

This article describes a new training curriculum for educators, youth workers, and mentors which draws from research and best practices in positive youth development and positive behavior support. Response Ability Pathways or RAP focuses on three practical interventions: connect to others for support, clarify challenging problems, and restore…

In this study, the authors examined the role of parental beliefs about the causes of child problems in predicting later mental health service use in a large, diverse population of at-risk youths. Study hypotheses were that parental beliefs consistent with biopsychosocial causes would be associated with later mental health service use;…

The authors question the assertions made by Gregory Hatchett in his article in Volume 19, Number 2, of this "Journal" (2004) and the suggestions that follow. We review the appropriateness of using data from outpatient clinics with adults in contrast to data from surveys of students. We look at average numbers of sessions of students in therapy…

Until a recently perceived surge in delinquency, Asian or Pacific Islander (API) youth appeared to be relatively protected from negative developmental outcomes such as delinquency, school failure, and teen pregnancy. However, the increasing rate of API youth entering the juvenile justice system has sparked more in-depth consideration of…

This report presents a comprehensive picture of how young Australians are faring by bringing together data from a variety of sources and drawing on the comments of young people themselves. Overall the report presents a positive picture, showing how important young people are to this country and why it makes good economic and social sense for…

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the education rights of children and youth in homeless situations. The answers are general responses based on federal statutes, regulations, and guidance; relevant case law; and best practices from across the country. While the National…

Although most of the national concern about violence has focused on major cities, no community is free from violence. Violent acts in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas may not be as severe as in urban areas, yet they exist. The Profiles of Student Life survey of 47,000 students in grades 6-12 included questions about violent behavior. The…

The Indiana juvenile justice system is charged with intervening on behalf of youthful offenders for the purposes of providing care, treatment, protection, or rehabilitation. This report provides an overview of the state's juvenile justice system, which has fallen under widespread criticism for many years. The following issues are identified: data…

Using a specially constructed panel data set on state minimum wage laws and labor market conditions, Neumark and Wascher (1992) presented evidence that countered the claim that minimum wages could be raised with no cost to employment. They concluded that estimates indicating that minimum wages reduced employment on the order of 1-2 percent for a…

For generations American society and educational institutions have considered pregnant and parenting female students as throwaway students. They have been given little consideration or encouragement to stay in school. At times they were not even allowed to attend school. With 80% of teenage mothers never finishing high school, it is vital to look…

This practicum examined ways to improve treatment of hard-to-serve youths at a non-profit residential mental health center. Youthworkers at the center displayed a low rate of individual treatment plan strategy implementation and lacked skills and knowledge in outcome-oriented individualized treatment planning. Recommendations for improving the…