The outcomes of a new universal program aimed at preventing depressive symptoms and disorders in 8- to 9-year-old children are presented. The Positive Thinking Program is a mental health promotion program based on cognitive and behavioural strategies. It is designed to meet the developmental needs of children in the middle primary school Years 4…

Child welfare personnel repeatedly move a lesbian youth from one inappropriate placement to another, subjecting her to constant rejection and discrimination and depriving her of a permanent home or family; Detention facility staff place a gay youth in isolation "for his own protection," depriving him of education, recreation, companionship, or…

School personnel at seven urban elementary schools in a high poverty area were surveyed to determine if a multi-faceted approach to school violence prevention (including a major emphasis on collaboration between community human service agencies and schools) was successful in reducing indicators of violence (bullying, fighting, gang involvement,…

Intended for use on national, state, and local levels, the ideas and data in this reference are organized by means of the Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS). This is a systematic process for evaluating evidence from prevention research and practice, which can then be developed into recommendations for practice. Chapter topics are: (1)…

This paper and community guide is based on the recommendations of a panel of nongovernmental experts who systematically reviewed the current research on the family's role in reducing substance abuse among youth. This booklet answers questions such as: (1) "Why focus on families?"; (2) "How big is the problem? What are the…

This booklet is the first in a series providing practical information about major issues in the promotion of child health. Discussion is grouped into four parts. The first part, on health maintenance, discusses the features and significance of good checkups and addresses the need for parents to discuss menstruation as a normal, healthy part of…

Widowhood must be regarded as an expected stage in the life cycle of most women and some men. Widowed individuals endure much emotional and physical distress, often in conjunction with financial hardship and relative social isolation. Conceptual and practical guidelines for use by professionals in the fields of gerontology and mental health are…

This guide has been prepared to assist the teacher of grades five through eight students in the implementation of health education into the curriculum. The booklet contains student objectives, suggested activities, and pertinent questions which will provide the basic tools to meet program goals. The ten major areas of instruction are: 1) consumer…

The involvement of behaviorists in primary prevention for mental health programs has been limited, to date. Using behavioral researchers offers several advantages, including the need to emphasize prediction and a priori control of maladaptive behavior, increased cost effectiveness, and increased monies for research. Common obstacles to the…

In 1968, a project entitled "Accelerated Training Programs in Underprivileged Environments" attempted to investigate possibilities of preventive mental health techniques through early implementation of behavior modification procedures. The general objects of this project were: to alter the pre-school environment of children aged 0-5 from…

The Boston University Interdisciplinary School Consultation Project was initiated in 1971 and continued until the end of the school year in 1974. Its major objectives were: (1) to improve the skill, capacity and understanding of those who wanted to work in urban areas, and (2) to develop collaborative methods of dealing with children and families…

Recent studies have suggested that anxiety disorders in childhood may be prevented and treated with early intervention programs. It is essential that guidelines are available for health professionals to use in the development of these programs. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 explains the rationale for early intervention. Chapter 3…

This evaluation focuses on the effectiveness of the brief family counseling intervention component of a school-based comprehensive program. Assessment was based upon increased attendance rates; decreased suspension at secondary schools; decreased number of violent incidents; increased number of students receiving mental health services; and…

Noting that most individuals working with young children and their families lack the knowledge and skills to identify early warning signs of significant child distress and that most communities lack resources and expertise to address early social and emotional concerns, this report discusses the importance of healthy social and emotional…

A full service school is one that meets the most basic needs of children and their families. This book discusses how these needs can be met within the school setting in order to produce the key desired outcomes of increased learning and easier teaching. The book maintains that schools must think in nontraditional ways and that the voices of…