Young people ages 10-24 account for 25 percent of the world's population: a total of 1.8 billion, most of whom are living in low- and middle-income countries. They face significant challenges, including HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adolescent pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and gender-based violence. Youth have the right to lead…

The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC) conducted research on the use of Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Adolescents, and Parents (SITCAP). The use of SITCAP was evaluated in two programs, one working with traumatized children 6-12 years of age called the I Feel Better Now! Program and another called…

Youth who present anti-social behavior need powerful interventions that strengthen empathy, counter negative peer influence, and challenge thinking errors. This article recaps some key points about EQUIP, a Positive Peer Culture (PPC)-based cognitive behavioral intervention program for behaviorally at-risk youth, and notes how the program has…

This case study presents a 10-year-old girl with a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, who killed her 6-month-old sister by throwing her out of a window. Her aggressive-impulsive behavior had a persistent pattern. She had a history of epilepsy, and was frequently exposed to physical abuse. She never attended a structured treatment program. Here, we…

This study documents the initial reliability and validity of the Child Suicide Risk Assessment (CSRA) for children under the age of 13. The revised CSRA retained 18 of 20 original items based on item-specific psychometric data from 140 pre-adolescents in out-of-home treatment programs. The CSRA demonstrated adequate internal consistency (alpha =…

Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) is a randomized, controlled trial of an innovative preventive intervention for preadolescent youth (ages 9-11) placed in out-of-home care. The program is designed to promote child well-being by identifying and addressing mental health issues, preventing adolescent risk behaviors, and promoting competence. This paper…

Reviews statistics on youth gangs and gang violence. Discusses the socioeconomic and psychological causes of gangs and gang membership. Describes "Making the Right Connection," a gang prevention program in inner-city Catholic schools in Los Angeles, utilizing a curriculum focusing on self-esteem, personal responsibility, value formation,…

Describes a model used for implementing middle grade reform in California public schools. Ten regional networks of 8 to 12 schools in geographic proximity were formed. Results of an evaluation indicated that, when supported by colleagues in their regional network, educators working in interdisciplinary teams implemented reforms in curriculum,…

Many young people in the District of Columbia are failing to make a successful transition to adulthood. Their challenges include poor preparation for the high-skills labor market and long-standing health problems. Recent District government efforts have centered around school reform and early childhood, but these areas are not sufficient to…

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Growth and Health Study Research Group's 5-year cohort study provides basic information on the baseline cohort of 1,166 white and 1,213 African-American girls aged 9 through 10 years. Factors associated with development of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors are assessed. (SLD)

In this article, the author discusses the United South End Settlements' (USES) Arts Incentives Program (AIP), a clinically informed, arts-based, youth and community development program working with high-risk girls ages 11 to 19. These girls face a convergence of risk factors, such as trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, substance abuse, and…

Describes the founding and role of the nonprofit organization Udbhas, which promotes literacy among children in the slums of Calcutta while providing a level of food, clothing, and social and educational experiences generally absent from their homes. Discusses the children's background and identifies problems in bringing learning to these…

This resource guide is the outcome of a 1989-1990 survey of school practices and programs that was distributed to all middle-level principals in Wisconsin public schools. The purposes of the survey were to assess the extent of middle-level programming in Wisconsin; highlight some needs in a school improvement effort; and share promising practices.…

This General Accounting Office study, commissioned by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, reflects concerns about rising caseloads and long-term dependence on welfare programs, such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Attention has been focused the United State's welfare system, particularly on the rising number of teenage mothers. The forces…