Notes crisis in spirit of hope within society, and growing pessimism that there are no workable solutions to massive social problems facing communities. Explains conflict cycle of stress, feelings, behavior, and reactions, then moves beyond theater of punishment with call to action. Recommends fighting three-front war of primary prevention, early…

Explores the extent of the relationship between onset of sexual experiences and onset of substance use in a sample of runaway youth in Alaska. Initiation of sexual activity preceded the onset of drug-taking, and intercourse prior to age 12 was reported by 40%. Implications for those providing care for this group are explored. (JPS)

Presents assessment strategies, preventive methods, and clinical interventions to assist clinicians working with teenagers involved with deviant subcultures: Satanism, the neo-Nazi skinhead movement, and violent street gangs. Considers role of alienation as contributing factor in adolescents' participation in these subcultures. Advises therapists…

Attempts to describe the psychological processes that predispose an individual to adopt a Satanic belief system. Describes processes in terms of child-parent relationships and the developmental tasks of adolescence. Proposes a model called the web of psychic tension to represent the process of Satanic cult adoption. Describes techniques for…

Provides lists of gang identifiers and terminology. Suggests that, to find out names and associated identifiers of local gangs, readers should talk to their local police. Included in listing are descriptions of gang-related symbols, physical signals, graffiti, slogans, right-left rules, colors, clothing, jewelry, hair styles, and fingernails. Also…

Explores adolescent Satanism as a phenomenon of adolescent developmental issues, most frequently occurring in the context of chemical abuse. Explains what a cult is, reviews history of Church of Satan, identifies characteristics of adolescent Satanism, and provides a case study of 16-year-old male with chemical dependency who becomes involved in…

Recommends taking a public health approach to finding a cure for the increasing spread of youth violence. Notes that the Centers for Disease Control are funding demonstration programs to help communities look for an answer. Provides statistical evidence that the problem of youth violence has escalated in recent years. Suggests youth violence…

Presents excerpts from United States Attorney General Janet Reno's address to the Coalition for Juvenile Justice in April of 1993 in which Reno asserts that the juvenile justice system cannot labor by itself to reverse societal damage done to children. Excerpts tell what needs to be done to help prevent youth violence. (Author/NB)

In the 1990s, many incidents revolved around student-on-student violence, usually involving guns. Schools implemented many programs to keep guns and gangs out of schools. In the 21st Century, school violence is taking on a new and more insidious form. New technologies have made it easier for bullies to gain access to their victims. This form of…

In this article, the author reflects on his youth. He recalls many things including his early knowledge that he was not like the other students in his school--he was a dreamer. He states that he became a man much too soon, forced to put aside childhood and assume the roles and responsibilities of "the man of the house." Having a…

This paper presents findings from a study that investigated young people's ICT use and the capacity of service providers to utilise these technologies in their practice. The results suggest that ICT may be an important resource for mental health promotion, particularly in relation to engaging young people. It was found that young people…

In 2005, the Laboratory of Sociological Research of the municipal office of the social service Shans Center for Social and Psychological Assistance for Young People carried out a sociological survey titled "Current Problems of Today's Young Person," for the purpose of studying the most urgent problems affecting the social development of…

Academic participation based on merit can oftentimes frustrate a young person when his/her condition hampers full participation in the process of learning. This study provides detailed sociological description of Hawaii's youth offenders with learning disabilities and the various ways they get involved with the juvenile justice system. This study…

The issue of HIV and AIDS is a serious global issue that affects girls and boys, women and men, from all communities. Girls and women are particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV which can develop into AIDS. This guide for mentoring contains important information about HIV and AIDS related to young women and girls. The guide also provides ideas…

The text of a Senate hearing on juvenile justice is presented in this report. The report opens with testimony by Senator Herbert Kohl. Senator Kohl's testimony focuses on youth violence, prevention, and public policy. A prepared statement by Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr., focuses on providing the necessary resources, leadership, and coordination in…