The number of students victimized by violent crimes rose by nearly 25% between 1989-1995. Screening, along with good clinical judgment by counselors, should be the source for identifying children and adolescents at risk. This book is designed as a guidebook to help counselors develop skills in learning about the etiology of violence, identifying individuals at risk, preventing violent episodes when possible, and treating the effects of violence in the survivors. It is divided into six sections, grouped by chapters on similar themes. Section 1, "Defining the Problem," defines the problem from a statistical perspective by describing the nature and extent of violence in schools; discusses psychological and cultural characteristics of violent students; and describes school violence from socioecological perspectives. Section 2, "The Etiology of Violence in Youths," addresses the source of youth violence. Section 3, "School Violence Prevention Strategies," is comprised of nine chapters, and highlights prevention programs that are in place and working. Section 4, "Violence in Special Populations," discusses adolescent suicide; violence against gay, lesbian, and transgender youths; and hate crimes and counselors' role in prevention them. Section 5, "Violence Intervention Strategies: Individual, Family, School, and Counselor Training Programs," addresses the issues and concerns on what to do when violence has already occurred. Section 6, "Summary and Implications for Practice," summarizes how counselors can use this book to learn how to recognize violence-precipitating environments; screen for children at risk for violence; remediate those who have a high violence potential; and work with parents to ensure a consistent response to the problem. (Contains 6 figures, 11 tables, 2 appendixes, and 865 references.) (JDM)