This book examines the relationship between adolescent risk-taking behaviors and health. The health-related problems of adolescents frequently are manifestations of social, economic, or behavioral factors. Following an overview (Siegal), the chapters in the first section of the book explore general and conceptual issues: (1) "Epidemiology of…

A variety of approaches to preventing antisocial behavior in children have ranged from infant schools to residential treatment centers, from social training to psychological therapies, with evaluations that have typically been little more than testimonials to current fashions. By introducing experimental approaches to the study of intervention…

The perception that violence is on the rise is supported by data showing a sharp increase in violent crime among juveniles since the mid-1980s. Although the overall national homicide rate has not increased, homicides by youth under the age of 24 have grown significantly in recent years. The rate of arrest of nonwhite juveniles for drug offenses…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize information on the sexual abuse of people with mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: what sexual abuse is; the incidence of sexual abuse of people with mental retardation; why sexual abuse is so common among people with mental retardation; effects of…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize what is known about shaken baby syndrome, brain damage resulting from forceful shaking of an infant or young child. Questions and answers address the following topics: what shaken baby syndrome is and other names for the condition; the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome; the incidence…

Because of the threat of gangs, drugs and violence in their community, in the fall of 1990 16 African-American men started the Positive Impact Program (PIP) in Wynne, Arkansas for at-risk African-American boys. The program was originally developed to serve boys in kindergarten through eighth grade, but it has recently been made available to all…

The arts enrich the culture and individual lives immeasurably, but what impact do arts-based programs have in preventing juvenile delinquency? To address this question, the YouthARTS Development Project, with the technical assistance of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), brought together Federal agencies, national…

Each issue in the year 2000 edition of the Australian Transcultural Mental Health Network (ATMHN) newsletter represents a theme crucial to mental health practitioners. The articles in Winter 2000 are the result of the national Suicide Prevention in Immigrant Populations Conference and include detailed analyses on suicide trends in diverse cultural…

This paper examines the prevalence of domestic violence directed against pregnant women of Mexican origin. About 18 percent of Hispanic women experience abuse by a partner. Over half of abused women incur injuries during pregnancy, which subjects the fetus to significant risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, injury, or death. Interviews and…

Ninth grade students (n=298) participated in a study to examine the influence source credibility, message, quality, and personal relevance on HIV prevention message efficacy. A pilot study with adolescent focus groups created the high and low quality messages, as well as the high (HIV+) and low (worried parent) credibility sources. Participants…

In the wake of increasing concern regarding school safety, state lawmakers will be faced with difficult decisions regarding statewide policies and the funding of local programs. To assist lawmakers with this process, this report provides an overview of the most prominent issues legislators may face, as well as a framework within which to address…

The linkage between conjugal violence and substance abuse is well established. The evidence suggests that little coordination exists among the therapeutic communities positioned to treat co-existing problems. A survey was conducted in Quebec with professionals representing 57 substance abuse treatment centers, 38 of which were public. Questions…

This book, a comprehensive and interactive introductory text on criminal justice, consists of six units: (1) Crime: covers victims' rights, gangs, violent crime, white-collar crime, elements of crimes, legal defenses, methods for measuring crime, hate crime, computer crime, and a history of crime in the United States; (2) Police: explores local…

Large, multiyear, state-managed clinical administrative databases provide important tools to inform decision makers about emerging trends in the nation's substance abuse treatment system. Such data can equip decision makers to monitor the responsiveness and efficiency of substance abuse treatment services and identify opportunities for…

The abuse of addictive substances in Germany is a growing concern. Three strategies have been taken against drug abuse. They include: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment and rehabilitation; and (3) criminal prosecution of drugs production and trade. Germany also cooperates in the fight against drugs in all leading international bodies.…