The stated objectives of this document are: to increase awareness of and clarify the risks facing children of substance abusers (COSAs) through a review of recent empirical research literature; and to examine the prevention and intervention issues involved in providing services to these youth in the schools. The literature review deals mainly with children of alcoholics because of the longer history and greater prevalence of alcoholism in this country and the relative lack of research on children of other drug abusers. The similarities and differences between children affected by parents who use different drugs are clarified as much as possible, particularly as much less is known about the effects of their illicit drug use. The focus is specifically on adolescents. Terminology issues centering on COSAs, Children of Alcoholics (COAs), and Children of Other Drug Abusers (CODAs) are discussed. Specific topics discussed include: (1) prevalence; (2) characteristics and problems of COAs and CODAs; and (3) prevention and intervention, including identification and assessment, labeling, program goals and techniques, parental involvement, and program evaluations. Twenty-seven abstracts of research studies involving COSAs are included. An extensive list of references is included, as well as a selected list of some of the main sources on services for children of substance abusers. (ABL)