This article is an adaptation of the authors statement to the U.S. House of Representatives Bipartisan Working Group on Youth Violence on September 15, 1999. Specifically, the Working Group asked Dr. Steinberg, an adolescent behavior researcher, to address issues concerning the role of parents and families in the genesis and prevention of youth…

Childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect have both immediate and long-term effects. Different types of abuse have a range of consequences for a childs later physical and psychological well-being, cognitive development, and behavior. This article discusses what is known about the long-term consequences of childhood victimization and the…

In many urban centers, responding to mentally ill people has become a large part of the police peacekeeping function. This article highlights the police role in handling mentally ill persons. Law enforcement options are discussed, including both formal and informal options. It is noted that officers decisions to hospitalize, arrest, or deal with a…

Reports on the Children at Risk (CAR) program, a program aimed at diverting inner-city youth from involvement in drugs, gangs, and crime through an intensive program of activities. The article describes the CAR program in general and its specific application in Austin (Texas). (GLR)

Describes the Diversion and Drug Treatment program, known as "Drug Court," in Miami (Florida) in which nonviolent drug offenders have prosecution of their cases deferred while they participate in a court-ordered drug-rehabilitation program. Those who successfully complete the program have their cases dismissed. Whereas typical recidivism…

Describes the boot-camp prison program, its goals, and its drug-treatment and drug-education activities, and its development and change. The article presents the results of a multisite study from eight states that examined the variations in the shock-incarceration concept and its effect. (GLR)

Discusses a study on how Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) approached intervening with criminal youth to halt or reduce their criminal activities before these activities become entrenched. This approach emphasizes quick case turnaround and harsh sanctions for youths who are serious habitual offenders. (GLR)

Presents results from the 1992 Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program that measures illicit drug use among persons arrested for criminal behavior. Adult use of specific drugs, male juvenile drug use, and the role of the DUF are explored. (GLR)