Helping Adolescents at Risk

Anthony Biglan, PhD, is Senior Scientist at Oregon Research Institute, where he conducts research on the prevention of child and adolescent problem behavior and on the childrearing practices that affect child and adolescent development. His current work focuses on contextual analyses of childrearing practices in communities. Patricia A. Brennan, PhD, is on the faculty of the Department of Psychology at Emory University. Her research interests include the study of etiological factors of aggression and violence from a biological perspective, and parental psychopathology (depression/schizophrenia) and its effect on child diagnostic, neurological, and behavioral outcomes. Sharon L. Foster, PhD, is Professor in the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Foster is the author of three books as well as numerous articles and book chapters on children's peer relations, assessment and treatment of parent/n-/adolescent conflict, and research methodology.Harold D. Holder, PhD, is Senior Research Scientist at the Prevention Research Center, Berkeley, California. His research has explored two major areas: prevention of alcohol problems and costs and benefits of alcoholism treatment. Dr. Holder was the 1995 recipient of the Jellinek Memorial Award for his research on social and economic factors in alcohol consumption.

Multiproblem Youth summarizes research on the etiology and consequences of multiple problem behaviors and on a wide variety of prevention strategies appropriate for the prenatal through adolescent years. The volume also provides sound advice for translating this wealth of research into practice. The use of nontechnical language makes this work suitable for use by prevention practitioners and policymakers as well as students aspiring to careers in prevention. The book is most appropriate for use in undergraduate classrooms, but will also be useful as a reference in graduate-level courses in prevention.--Denise Gottfredson, PhD, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College ParkThis text provides a comprehensive overview of the most current theory, research, and practice related to working with multiproblem youth. It offers an excellent foundation for students and professionals in a range of disciplines. Describing biological and social influences on youth behavior--and reviewing evidence-based interventions that decrease problem behavior--the book provides a road map for anyone designing statewide or local programs to meet the needs of at-risk youth. Prevention specialists, adolescent health specialists, counselors, and public health professionals will all benefit from the information contained in this text, as will students in courses on prevention, adolescent problems, and family and community intervention.--Barbara Cimaglio, Community Prevention Systems, Oregon Department of Human ServicesThis book makes the strongest case of any that I have read for developing a national focus on youths with multiple problem behaviors. The writing is clear and precise, and is admirably grounded in theory and a rigorous, well-documented literature review. Among the volume's major contributions is its use of economic analysis to underpin the main thesis while recognizing that such analysis is itself an area of research. The kinds of solutions proposed are scientifically based and are not excessively costly--in fact, to ignore the authors' recommendations would ultimately exact a far greater cost.--Sheppard G. Kellam, MD, AIR Center for Integrating Education and Prevention Research in Schools; Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; past president, Society for Prevention ResearchAs the field of prevention science has come of age, there has been a growing recognition of the close association among various forms of problem behavior. This book provides the most comprehensive and systematic look yet at what is currently known about youth with multiple problems and how to intervene to change their life course. The extant literature is viewed from the dual perspective of public health and lifespan development, and the authors identify the most effective programs and policies for prevention and treatment. Lucid, well-written, and authoritative, this is an essential resource for prevention scientists, policymakers, public health professionals, educators, and practitioners.--Gilbert J. Botvin, PhD, Institute for Prevention Research, Weill Medical College of Cornell University- An invaluable resource for the professional designing a youth treatment program, writing a grant for a youth-centered community prevention program, or seeking to expand the current research base. This work synthesizes current knowledge and clarifies the direction we should be taking in our practice and research endeavors to support successful adolescent development....The text is a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the current state of our knowledge about multiproblem youth. The authors neatly conceptualize the scope, etiology, and social impact of the problem. Their assessment of both how youth develop multiple problem behaviors and potential solutions to the challenges they present are theoretically grounded and offer a realistic future agenda for public policy, research, and treatment. --Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 8/3/2005ƒƒ This is a rigorous scholarly text dedicated to a very real social problem. --CounsellingResource.com, 8/3/2005ƒƒ This book is highly recommended as a valuable resource for those seeking to learn about the current state of research and knowledge about preventing risky behaviors and working with adolescents who have already engaged in problem behaviors. The wide array of programs, policies, and strategies discussed provide the reader with a rich understanding of what has been shown to work best to intervene with multi-problem teens. --The Prevention Researcher, 8/3/2005ƒƒ ...does an excellent job of documenting the realities of comorbidity and tracing its implications for the prevention and therapeutic community. This success is attributable in large part to the stellar cast of characters involved in writing the book. --Children and Youth Services Review, 8/3/2005ƒƒ This book is a comprehensive critical review of the research regarding the protective and risk factors, prevention, and treatment of multiple problem behaviors in adolescents....An invaluable resource --Journal of Child and Family Studies, 8/3/2005

• 1. Youth with Multiple Problems2. The Extent and Consequences of Multiple Problems3. The Social Costs of Adolescent Problem Behavior, Ted R. Miller4. Influences on the Development of Multiple Problems5. Prevention of Adolescent Problems through Interventions in the Preteen Years6. Prevention Practices Targeting All Adolescents7. Interventions Targeting Adolescents with Behavior Problems8. Comprehensive Community and Statewide Interventions9. Integrating Science and Practice to Enhance the Well-Being of Children and Adolescents