Examined aspects of the family experience of 194 males at age 10 as predictors of police arrest by age 17. Quality of parent-child relations, parental discipline practices, family structure, and family problem solving influenced chances of arrest. Results clarify the timing and indirect nature of family effects on delinquency. (RJM)

Collected data to describe clients who presented with alcohol and other drug problems. Of the 190 students examined, over half of them met the criteria for alcohol abuse. Findings are discussed in relationship to a counseling center's practice of clinical assessment of drug and alcohol use. (RJM)

Describes the author's experience when a student was killed drunk-driving. Outlines six major issues related to youth: alcohol; drugs; risky sexual behavior; music; violence; and values, morals, and ethics. Proposes that these six issues need to be covered more in student newspapers. (PM)

Research consistently correlates early pubertal timing with problem behaviors. Social and biological processes, which differ among ethnic groups, may also explain the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquency. Interviews with 5,000 boys ages 11 to 17 showed that early pubertal timing predicts nonviolent and violent delinquency for Anglo…

Discusses what the Jacksonville (Florida) community is doing for teens to prevent pregnancy, help pregnant adolescents, and help adolescent parents. Discusses whether these activities are sufficient and effective. Suggests specific ways to improve programs and indicates that there are many factors to consider when attempting to deter teen…

Until juvenile records are uniformly shared among professional educators, law enforcers, and social workers, youths will continue to beat (and get beat by) the system. Discussed is the mission, target population, and method of the Juvenile Information Exchange Project approved by the Indianapolis Public School Board. (SI)

Presents data on the extent, nature, and consequences of adolescent substance abuse. Definition of substance abuse is considered. Discusses primary and secondary prevention programs, including programs targeting high-risk youth, school and peer group, families, and communities. Outlines tertiary prevention efforts and emphasizes the need for…

Examines the special characteristics of adolescent parents and reviews a series of field-tested, hands-on parent education workshops for them. Suggests that recognizing the adolescent needs of very young parents and building a parent education program based on concrete, playful experiences with plentiful opportunities to interact with peers appear…

A recent survey found that 90 percent of high school seniors/respondents perceived the world as stressful and the majority of people as phony. These views may partly explain the high suicide, pregnancy, dropout, and drug usage rates among high school seniors. Teachers can help students overcome stress by modeling coping strategies and providing…

Interviewed 145 adolescent street youth in Toronto, Canada, to examine association of depression with alcohol and drug use and related problems, social supports, self-esteem, family background, and alcohol and drug use among family members. Results indicated that best predictors of depression among street youth were self-esteem and length of time…

Unsatisfactory results from 1980s reforms stressing equalized funding, higher standards, and testing have prompted educators to reinvestigate inequality-producing mechanisms and consider program equity and adequacy. However, the problem is not solely within schools. Output goals must be tied to explicit programs and standards to raise up the…

Traditional evaluation approaches assume that consensus can be reached among policymakers, managers, and staff about goals that should guide a program. Evaluations of juvenile detention facilities and a home arrest program illustrate that consensus is not always possible. A constructionist evaluation approach is recommended for such situations.…

Describes studies of two rural programs for diverting status offenders from court system to alternative community programs. Examines communities and programs, suggests rural offender characteristics are similar to urban ones. Recommends development of community-based alternatives to child welfare and juvenile justice systems. (TES)

Presents interview with Rasoul Jackson, psychologist who works with Beech Brook children's mental health programs and with Cleveland (Ohio) City Schools around gang-involved matters, and with Eddie Fields, Acting Director of Youth Services at Collinwood Community Center in Cleveland. Interviewees discuss gang problems in the schools, consider…

Social-historical lineages of adolescent alcohol and other drug use prevention programs are examined, tracing risk factor research from assumptions of deviance regarding the mentally ill and considering patterns that have inhibited advances in prevention. To achieve program success, protective factor and harm reduction approaches must be explored.…