Adolescents at Risk: Prevalence and Prevention [Paperback]

Joy G. Dryfoos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 29, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0195072685 | ISBN-13: 978-0195072686 | Edition: 1

Seven million youngsters--one in four adolescents--have only limited potential for becoming productive adults because they are at high risk for encountering serious problems at home, in school, or in their communities. This is one of the disturbing findings in this unique overview of what is known about young people aged 10 to 17 growing up in the United States today. The book explores four problem areas that are the subject of a great deal of public interest and social concern: delinquency, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and school failure. In examining these problem areas, Dryfoos has three objectives: to present a more cogent picture of adolescents who are at risk of problem behaviors and where they fit in society; to synthesize the experience of programs that have been successful in changing various aspects of these behaviors; and to propose strategies for using this knowledge base to implement more effective approaches to helping youngsters succeed. Among the key concepts emerging from this study are the importance of intense individual attention, social skills training, exposure to the world of work, and packaging components in broad, community-wide interventions. Schools are recognized as the focal institution in prevention, not only in regard to helping children achieve academically, but in giving young people access to social support and health programs. The author also proposes comprehensive youth development initiatives at the local, state and national level, based on programs shown to be effective in real practice. This landmark, state-of-the-art study represents an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the welfare and current problems of youth, including psychologists, sociologists, school administrators, state and federal officials, policymakers, and concerned parents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[This book] provides a roadmap for . . . uncharted territory . . . . [The book] clearly makes the case that categorical, short-term interventions geared only to specific aspects of adolescent risk will not succeed . . . . Dryfoos's highly readable research will greatly contribute to the interdisciplinary learning necessary to plan comprehensive and integrated health, social, educational and community strategies." --Family Life Educator

"Beautifully organized to enable the reader to quickly review . . . The second section . . . contains a marvelous summary of elements of successful programs, beginning with a scheme for classifying and describing the organization of programs. . . .[Dryfoos'] suggestions are practical and doable and could clearly be the basis for a comprehensive plan to be adopted and instituted immediately. After reading this book, one would be hard pressed to continue business as usual. If Joy Dryfoos can cut across lines that have divided research and services for adolescents in her fine book, it's about time for the rest of us to follow suit in planning future prevention and intervention programs for youth. --Journal of the American Medical Association

"Adolescents at Risk: Prevalence and Prevention is the effort of one specialist, Joy Dryfoos, to determine the prevalence of these problems and to examine the extensive literature on strategies to prevent them. The breadth, completeness, and thoughtfulness of her analysis make her book a valuable resource." --The G.A.O. Journal

"Written in uncommonly clear prose with attention to data and common concepts, Adolescents at Risk is a gem. . . .Complements previous, present, and planned bureaucratic studies of the 'youth problem' and should be required reading for all government officials, as well as parents, teachers, and physicians." --The New England Journal of Medicine

"A major piece of work. . . .Clear and lively. . . .Read this excellent volume, a nomothetic triumph. Ms. Dryfoos offers a rich source of information for committed students of this national disaster area, be they sociologists, enlightened professionals, politicos, social activists, or even graduate students lacking time and energy for extensive

"Dryfoos wonderfully organizes the literature on program effectiveness for each category of risk behavior." --Contemporary Psychology

"Written in a clear and accessible style. . . .Scenarios for addressing the problems of at-risk youth such as the one presented in this volume may provide policymakers with a vision of what might be done. Such a vision is a necessary starting place." --Teachers College Record

"This is an important work that focuses attention on the grave social problems that most adversely affect our youth and then raises a plaintive cry for remediation. Dryfoos' solutions are pragmatic solutions to deal with the immediate problem on an individual basis. Program planners could benefit by selectively considering the author's thoughtful recommendations for prevention and intervention." --Criminal Justice Review

"Excellent book addressing a critical area of adolescent development!"--L. Schiamberg, Michigan State University

About the Author

Joy G. Dryfoos is an independent researcher who has written and lectured extrensively on the problems facing youth and families in America today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (August 29, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195072685
• ISBN-13: 978-0195072686
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,508,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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