The traditional service programs are not doing the job of providing the comprehensive services needed for youth. Using the following premises as a foundation, an alternative model of providing services for youth is possible: (1) A person does not have to go to a Mental Health Clinic in order to get service. Services can be provided in a local…

The document presents an analysis of recent literature on the deinstitutionalization of emotionally disturbed persons. Discussed are opposing views with emphasis on the idea of reliance on community resources and the present trend toward the provision of a continuum of treatment alternatives. Brief sections cover issues related to such problems as…

Demonstrates a method for teaching writing to emotionally handicapped children which treats writing as a "fun" activity, using a process writing approach. Shows through two examples that writing is a perfect vehicle for these children to air their emotions nonviolently. (SKC)

When mildly-disabled high school students (9 learning-disabled, 2 educable mentally retarded, and 1 emotionally handicapped) were taught techniques to self-monitor and record on-task performance with audible cues and later independently, a functional relationship was observed between the intervention and increased on-task behavior, wherein changes…

Outlined are behavior management strategies for emotionally disturbed students who are partially mainstreamed. Appropriate behavior outside the classroom earns the child stamps. Inappropriate behavior inside the classroom results in warnings, penalty points, and time-out. On-task behavior is also rewarded with stamps, which may be accumulated for…

Reports on a parent group model available to parents, whether or not their children live at home or in a treatment complex for disturbed adolescents. The group, led by professional leaders, focuses on the needs of the parents rather than those of the child; it is not a replacement for family therapy. Parents provide mutual support for each other.…

Reviews the literature in two areas of research concerned with social development of siblings. Compares and contrasts studies of sibling relationships of handicapped children with the wider literature on nonhandicapped siblings. Focus is on methodological and conceptual features. (RWB)

This study examined the predictive validity of the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory with adolescents relative to each of the criterion measures representing communication satisfaction toward each parent and feelings toward each parent, and the differential validity of the self-esteem, communication satisfaction, and feelings toward each parent…

Examined the role of various psychoeducational assessment devices in contributing to appropriate placement decisions for 30 emotionally handicapped, 30 learning disabled, and 30 educable mentally retarded students. Results showed that standardized tests plus teacher ratings were effective in predicting only the EMR group. (JAC)

A survey of graduates' satisfaction with and perceptions of the effectiveness of off-campus and on-campus master's degree programs in special education revealed differences in attitudes toward service delivery and the importance of program goals in the two programs, but no differences in knowledge of program competencies or overall program…

Filling a tremendous need, this highly practical book adapts the proven techniques of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to treatment of multiproblem adolescents at highest risk for suicidal behavior and self-injury. The authors are master clinicians who take the reader step by step through understanding and assessing severe emotional…

This brief paper summarizes three papers and a response presented at a symposium examining longitudinal comparison studies of federally funded community mental health services (CMHS) for children and their families. Emphasis was on comparing the system of care approach to a more traditional approach. The symposium provided an update on the status…

This brief paper on a topical discussion session held at a conference on children's mental health about implications of the 1999 report, "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General," for children. The discussion focuses primarily on the chapter in the report specifically about children and mental health with comments by four individuals who…

This factsheet discusses the goals and principles that govern the development of culturally competent mental health programs for children and adolescents and their families. Principles include: (1) the family is the consumer and usually the focus of treatment and services; (2) Americans with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds may have a unique set…

This digest describes how teachers can use cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBI) to remediate behavioral deficits and excesses by providing students with the tools necessary to control their own behavior. CBIs involve teaching the use of inner speech ("self-talk" )to modify underlying cognitions that affect overt behavior. CBI…