The author's entry into the Applied Theatre field coincided with "Research in Drama Education" ("RiDE's") inaugural issue in 1996 and, for the ensuing two decades, her practice has been primarily with "vulnerable" children. The purpose of this article is to interrogate a growing concern: that applied theatre's…

Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) find it effortful to learn to talk and these difficulties can be persistent. Given the importance of language to human behaviour, it is not surprising to find that language difficulties are a risk factor for associated difficulties in other aspects of children's development. This article asks…

The death of a child is one of the most tragic events imaginable. Even more gut-wrenching is when a child intentionally chooses to end his or her own life in order to escape from unbearable suffering. Unfortunately, the occurrence of self-harm behaviors increases dramatically and occurs at elevated rates during adolescence (Nock et al., 2008), and…

In 1955, the first longitudinal study of resilience began on the island of Kauai. This research continues to the present. This article presents an interview with Emmy Werner, the principal investigator. In a series of five books published over a period of thirty years, she demonstrated the remarkable ability of children from difficult backgrounds…

An understanding of the close link between federal policy and family homelessness is critical for ensuring that one day no child in the United States is homeless. This article discusses the nature of family homelessness, the national policy framework that exists to help vulnerable families, the homeless assistance system that federal policy has…

There is a growing recognition of the importance of self-concept in the pediatric rehabilitation research literature. There also is confusion and inconsistency in the definitions of and the terminology used to describe self-concept. What is agreed is that self-concept is multidimensional, comprising a child's perception of their personal…

The authors argue for closer collaboration between public schools and the public child welfare system, on behalf of children placed at risk, with respect to whether they will do as well in school as their abilities suggest they might, all else being equal. The need for closer collaboration is tied to two developments affecting schools and the…

This article attempts to replicate how Fritz Redl and David Wineman might have handled an "unmade bed" situation with the youngsters at Pioneer House, the treatment program in Detroit that was the subject of their classic work, "The Aggressive Child" (1957) which encompassed two books, "Children Who Hate" and…

In the UK, the discourse of innocence currently prevails as a major way of understanding children. This article argues that the strength of this discourse lies in its prevalence, its resistance to challenges and the ways in which it connects ideas of innocence and vulnerability. The moral quality of the discourse of innocence works in conjunction…

Discusses the increasing incidence of suicide among adolescents and children. Indicates that children from families with death, divorce, or other forms of disruption are at particular risk, as are male children. Concludes that professionals involved with young people require accurate information and skills with which to identify high risk children…

This article offers the authors' response to E. J. Smith's 2006 article in "Counseling Psychologist" entitled, "The Strength-Based Counseling Model." Smith's (2006) Major Contribution on strength-based counseling with at-risk youth provides counseling psychologists with a blueprint for applying positive psychology in clinical settings. Such a…

A parent with a handicapped child discusses issues in maintaining successful relations between home visitors and client families. The usual goal is to move families out of the at-risk category into a normal lifestyle, or to help parents deal with a child's handicap. (DM)

Describes rhythm and presence, then focuses on roles of rhythm and presence in forming connections with troubled youth. Contends that techniques used to manage behavior and promote growth only work when workers are present (real) and in sync with children's rhythms. Offers six suggestions that are helpful in creating situations in which rhythm and…

Reviews the issues addressed by the eight longitudinal studies in this special section, which considers the continuity of behavior across generations and the processes whereby parental characteristics may place offspring at psychosocial risk. The studies examine predictors of successful adaptation to high-risk environments and emphasize protective…

A sustained political commitment to investment in long-term youth development must consider the environmental (family and community) context of youth today. Home economists can serve as catalysts to financial investment and profamily policies that ensure adequate income, health care, and education for all. (SK)