Preventing and Reducing Violence by At-Risk Adolescents

Abstract

Preventing and reducing youth violence, particularly in adolescents who have mental health disorders, is a significant challenge. A review of research-based programs that target at-risk adolescents identified eight common elements that impact effective outcomes (anger management and problem solving; consequences of violence and refuting beliefs supporting violence; prosocial skills and choosing prosocial peers; positive relationships with parents and non-parental adults; effective use of structure and limit setting; focus on strengths and resilience; use of multiple domainsindividual, family, peer, and community; and treatment matching the adolescent's individual needs). This paper describes specific practice interventions based on these elements.

Key Words:

• Violence
• adolescence
• prevention
• intervention