The Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (ATNAT) is part of a set of three different instruments based on a neuro-maturative framework. By sharing a same methodology and a similar scoring system, the use of these three assessments prevents any rupture in the course of high risk children follow-up from 32 weeks post-conception to 6 years of…

As medical knowledge and treatments improve, pediatricians' role in promoting children's health continues to change. Genetics and early experiences may have long-term effects on health and development. Theoretical models that influence providers' decisions about the use of health-care resources are: the disease model, the neuromaturational model,…

There is an ever present struggle associated with reconciling "primary" care requirements for children and young people living in group care programs with "secondary" organizational demands imposed by external agency expectations and administrative requirements. That struggle finds its expression and potential balance in the daily work of staff.…

There is paucity in both the literature and in the practice of integrated, evidence-based models of residential care for youth. This article describes the assessment and the process that led to the redesign of services at a residential center. The article describes how evidence-based models for each of the four major disciplines (residential…

Inner-city schools face a myriad of problems, including escalating violence and hunger. This paper describes programs that were initiated in predominately black inner-city communities and which fostered parent involvement and collaboration between parents, teachers, school professionals, and the community. Participation, it was learned, can bring…

This program outlines the combined efforts of schools, social service agencies, community agencies, and the juvenile court system to reduce days lost by truancy. Also presented are the services necessary to support long-range remediation of truancy and related risk factors. The program was initiated at an inner-city public school with…

Many stay-in-school programs support some individuals but do not serve the larger school population. This digest describes a project that would integrate an array of interventions for "at-risk" youth with planned organizational and curricular re-structuring activities. The project consists of 8 groups of 55 to 60 students. While the…

A comprehensive strategy targeted to raise student achievement is arguably one of the most important components of any school's vision for improvement. This paper describes a comprehensive intervention program at The San Alejo American School, Honduras (student enrollment: <100). This program was aimed toward raising students' achievement…

This report stresses the importance of creating networks of community support for young adolescents during nonschool hours. It pays special attention to the needs and interests of youth from low-income families and of diverse backgrounds. The first part of the report deals with the risks and opportunities faced by youth today at home and school…

Northland Support Wilderness Experience (NSWE) was a bicultural (White and Maori) wilderness therapy program that operated in New Zealand from 1985 to 1990. NSWE conducted 11 wilderness expeditions per year with approximately 10 participants each, and provided 18-month followups for participants, parents, and significant others. Participants were…

This paper describes and evaluates the Blalock FIRST (Fund for the Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching) project, a 3-year, federally funded project based in an elementary school that serves mainly female-headed, African-American families who receive government assistance and live in public housing. The Blalock FIRST project seeks to…

Community recreation services provide enjoyable, interesting and challenging opportunities that will enhance the well-being and healthy development of participants, enrich community life, and provide life skills training for youth. Leisure skills and interests gained in adolescence contribute significantly to the development of human competence…

This publication presents data and descriptive information on the status of poor children and families in Milwaukee (Wisconsin). The analysis of the information suggests that the children are poor because their families are poor and that only providing their families with adequate employment and family supports will lift these children out of the…

Noting that educational achievement has a social context, this publication advocates the creation of community schools that integrate welfare services and education to ensure that the health and emotional needs of disadvantaged children are met, thereby ensuring a level ground for these children's education. The role of the community and of social…

This publication discusses the effects of the physical environment on the maturation of children in developing nations. Part 1 examines the conceptual framework of a strategy for environmental improvement that includes the social, economic, and political underpinnings necessary for the success of such an approach. Part 2 discusses the quality of…