Keeping Children from Harm's Way

Today, large numbers of America's children, adolescents, and families are at unprecedented risk of social problems. Among these are lack of health care, violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and homelessness. Yet the public's interest in preventive programs is at an all-time low. Drawing on their behind-the-scenes experience as Congressional Fellows, the authors of this book make a case for well-designed, economical prevention programs. In concise, readable language, they discuss the 1990 s era of social policy and its denial of families' needs today; genetic, pre- and perinatal, and environmental risk factors affecting children; model intervention programs, including the Preschool Mental Health Project; special issues for adolescents; and how positive and negative outcomes are transmitted across generations. This book shows why we should care, and how we can make a difference. It will be of interest to policy makers, mental health practitioners involved in family issues, and to all who care about children's well-being.